Murder in the Forest, Chapter Six
The BAU team breakfasted at an International House of Pancakes (IHOP) coffee shop, finding friendly service and good food. They were seeing a little more of the town and were gradually becoming aware that it was actually a rather affluent area, numbering among its citizens a considerable group who had fled California's liberal attitudes, frequent earthquakes, urban pollution, and racial strife. A number of landowners raised cattle and crops and many owned prosperous businesses. True, some business was seasonal, like hunting and fishing, with limited skiing in winter. But outdoorsmen spent a lot when there and there was enough trade from the area to sustain most stores and other businesses remaining open year-round.
Motels and the two hotels were often crowded in season, but had enough trade to cope all year. Many tourists and those commuting from the drier eastern part of the state to the big coastal cities often stopped off in Elk Pass for food and sleep.
The group agreed that their rooms were clean and comfortable, with cable TV for basic networks; others for a premium fee. Hotchner talked with his crew and agreed to see if there was enough room at the inn for individual rooms.
"Reid keeps me up late reading," complained Morgan.
"I'd share my books with you, but most don't have enough pictures to interest you," retorted Reid, to general amusement. Jareau said that she didn't want to change roommates, in case they still had to share, and that, too, got a laugh.
By the time they got to the sheriff's office, they were more sober. The case was not one that left anyone in a sparkling mood, after all. And it rapidly grew worse.
Sheriff Ford came in soon after they'd set up and were comparing notes with three deputies assigned to guide them around town. "I'm afraid that I have some bad news," he related. "Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn Cassidy called this morning to report their daughter Courtney missing. She didn't come home for supper and didn't call after saying that she was headed for the library to research a college assignment. That was at about 3:00PM, and she was due home by six. I'll spare you asking about the usual possibilities, like if she got a date, went to a friend's house, etc. The parents called everyone they know and called hospitals and the jail. Not that Courtney is likely to have been arrested. She's got a fine background. Was a cheerleader in high school and made mostly 'A' grades and has continued that at the junior college, where she's a sophomore; she's 19. And she looks a lot like the other missing girl, Melissa. Both are blondes about the same height. Attended the same high school, too.
"Now, I know this family from church and the dad called me today. They're plenty worried and I agree. We usually don't fool with missing persons reports unless at least two days have elapsed. But in this case, Courtney is so responsible and I know the family… Now, here is where it gets worse. I put out a BOLO (Be On the Look Out bulletin) for her car and Sgt. Thomas just called in that it's parked at the library. Looks like it was there all night. We're going to send a team over with some lab people and check it out; dust for prints, that sort of thing. "
Rossi interrupted. "I guess you've asked about her cell phone and tried to access call records?"
Ford nodded. "Doing that now. The phone company is supposed to call back after they pull up her account. And they're tracking the phone. Unless the batteries were removed, we should get a fix on it even if it's turned off. A lot of folks don't realize that we have that capability. We catch several fugitives a year who think they're invisible to us electronically just because they turned off their phones. But you guys know that. Anyway, this may be a lead to worsening developments in the case. Aaron, do you want to join me at her car and maybe send agents to the medical examiner and to interview the families of the victims? That'd include the parents of Melissa Winters. They're calling us a lot, although I assured them that we'll notify them if we find anything. I guess that if it was my daughter missing, I'd be worried sick, too. Hell, I know I would. That girl, her brother, and my wife are pretty much my life, beyond the job and a hobby or two. I feel sure that any of us here who're parents know the feeling."
"All right," said Hotchner. "I'll go with you to the car. That way, we can stay in touch best and I can tell my team what we find. Morgan, you go with me. When we're done there, we'll see the medical examiner. JJ, you and Dave visit the college and see which classes the missing students may have had together and see who they may have been friends with. Reid, you and Ashley go with Deputy Blacklaws and see the Cassidy girl's family. Try to question any siblings away from the parents, of course. Teens often tell one another things that they don't tell the parents. Sheriff, is Courtney a single child?"
"Nope. Got a sister who's 16. Pretty close, too, I think. But she went to school today. You can catch her there away from the parents after you talk to them. She attends Beaver Dam High School. Peter can show you the way."
"Okay, everyone: I'll call you later about when to meet back here or at the motel. And I'll see about getting us separate rooms. They're cheaper than expected, so per diem should cover the expense. Call me as you learn things, or don't." Hotchner shoved his coffee cup away and rose, donning his suit jacket.