Page 82 of Chasing Creed

“Don’t you go apologizing for something that’s not your fault.”

“I’m just glad Issac and Thomas are with their grandparents.”

“Even if they weren’t, they know what to do if scary men come around.”

Brodie was surprised by this. “You all made this place sound so safe and secure and welcoming. Now, you’re telling me everyone expects bad people except me?”

“Bad people are everywhere, Sweet Pea.” Hannah smiled. “There’s not a place on earth you can go to stay away from them.”

“So, you just bake cookies and wait?”

“Oh, my shotgun is loaded and ready.”

56

Friday, February 20

Nebraska

Maggie felt like she hadn’t slept at all. She’d left several voice messages for Ryder and a text message that simply said she hoped everything was okay. The only response was a thumbs-up emoji. Which should have been enough, except she knew how much Ryder hated emojis as a substitution for communication.

Today Pakula had other business to cover, and Maggie was on her own. As she waited for information from Alonzo, she decided she’d try again with the only other person who might know Iris Malone.

Maggie called ahead this time and spoke with the director of Eleanor Dunn’s care facility. She had decided to be upfront with Eleanor, as well. Maybe the woman wouldn’t even remember her. Maybe she’d refuse to talk at all.

The drive seemed to refresh Maggie. It felt so much different being behind the wheel and in control. Sunlight streaked the snow-covered rolling hills and made them glitter. Layers of clouds moved and gathered overhead. She could see the entire horizon in front of her, and the deep blue roiling mass at the bottom suggested the sunshine wouldn’t last long.

Pakula had provided an unmarked SUV from his department, despite her objection.

“I’ve seen the rental cars you’ve had in the past,” he’d told her. “I know your boss is cheap. Besides, there’s more snow predicted, and you’re out here doing me a solid, so I’ll feel better if you have some decent traction underneath you.”

That was classic Pakula: tough as nails but genuine, sincere. Always taking care of the people around him even as he convinced them it was only so he didn't have to worry.

When Maggie arrived, the young woman from her previous visit to the facility was nowhere in sight. Neither was the director she had spoken to earlier. But the man behind the desk was expecting her.

“Agent O’Dell?” He swirled his chair away from the computer and stood up. “I can take you back to Mrs. Dunn’s room.”

“Thanks, but that’s not necessary. I remember the way.”

“Certainly. That’s fine.” But he didn’t sit back down.

She felt his eyes on her the entire way until she rounded the corner to Eleanor’s room. The door was open, but she stopped to knock before filling the frame.

“Hello, Mrs. Dunn.”

The old woman looked the same. She was lying in the same position. A couple of thin pillows behind her head. Her hands clasped together over her lap. She barely gave Maggie a glance.

“Do you remember me from yesterday?”

She shrugged, showing no interest at all. Her eyes still focused straight ahead at if watching the same black screen of the television.

Maggie walked in and brought the hardback chair to the side of the bed.

“My name’s Maggie O’Dell.”

“I know,” she said without a glance.

“I’m with the FBI. I’d like to talk to you about your daughter, Iris.”