Star Pupil
Chapter 12
Tom could tell Mike and Christine were desperate to find their oldest daughter. He also knew if they didn't, the couple would never recover. Lucas' death had been hard enough and they both blamed themselves. If Katelyn died, the death would be harder for them, and Tom was worried that they would end up blaming one another. Mike was already pouring over the investigation and Christine needed her husband's attention. It was a lose lose situation.
Deputy Maxwell, for being so young, was running a good investigation. He couldn't be very experienced, and while he listened to Mike's demands, he was very much his own man. He also was very gentle, asking Christine pertinent questions. Mike tended to push her for answers, which Christine didn't handle well. He was not as patient with her. Tom was starting to see the cracks in their marriage. Things had been going so well, but suddenly they were at each other's throats.
"C'mon; Christine, there has to be something you remember. You spent nearly six years with the man." Mike said. His whole tone was wrong, and he was standing over Christine and intimidating her.
"I don't. I swear." Christine said.
"It seems like you are protecting him and sacrificing Katelyn." Mike told her. Tom could tell Christine was upset but thankfully, Deputy Maxwell stepped in.
"I'm sure that's not the case. There was some paint transfer on Katelyn's bumper. Red. So, we've been pouring over traffic cams, and two blocks away from the accident site, there was a red in color van that ran a red light. We were able to obtain an image with two men in the driver and passenger seats, as well as the license plate. We are doing some back tracing on the information for the registered owner of the vehicle. A Trey Baker. Mrs. Slattery, does that name ring a bell.
"Yes, but I didn't know him well. I think I only met him once." Christine said.
"Do you know where he lived? Worked? Hung out?" Mike questioned. He was still standing over Christine and had a hand on her shoulder. It was not a supportive or gentle hand and Christine was shaking.
"Mike?" Tom warned.
"No, I don't. I wish I did, but I really didn't know him that well." Christine answered. She was now shaking in fear.
"Its alright. We have a lead and that's the important thing. It'll take some backtracing, but it's a start." Deputy Maxwell assured her.
"Meanwhile, my daughter is likely being beaten and raped." Mike said and Christine burst into tears.
"Mike, enough. Take a breather." Tom demanded. Mike threw his hands up and walked out of the room. All Tom could do was pray they would figure things out quickly before Mike and Christine's marriage unraveled completely. If they found Katelyn in time, she would need both of her parents together.