Page 171 of Justice II

“Anything serious?”

“I already told y’all about the issues we were having. She was getting help.” They were well aware of the horse and dog attacks. At this point I was sure she killed Monica but I had no proof of that. They even spoke to her doctors so they knew what she was capable of.

His partner moved closer to the desk.

“Could this be related to what happened at the Banks Grand?”

I looked at him.

“I don’t know.”

“Your family was targeted. Now your daughter’s missing.”

“I don’t know. Maybe ask the men you have in prison,” I replied.

“Did anyone threaten your children?”

“I would’ve told you.”

He studied me for a moment before looking at his partner. I stayed where I was. They could look at me all afternoon, but I had no answers. I was just as stumped as they were. But I didn’t want them too deep into my business.

There were plenty of things I didn’t want these men finding out. Right now, I needed them to find something I couldn’t.

“Has anybody contacted you asking for money?” the first detective asked.

“No.”

“Has she contacted anybody in the family?”

“Not that we know of.”

“You’re certain?”

“We would’ve called you.”

He closed his notebook, although neither of them moved to leave.

“If she reaches out, even if she asks you not to tell us, we need to know immediately.”

“I got you,” I replied.

Storie had run away or she was kidnapped.

“And if there’s anything about the casino you haven’t mentioned, now is the time.”

“I’ve been answering questions about that building since the night it happened. Right now, I need y’all to find my daughter.”

They left me a card I didn’t need and headed out. I walked them to the door, waiting until their car pulled away before turning back inside.

I pulled out my phone and called Priest before I made it back to my office.

“Talk to me,” he answered.

“Have you heard from your cousin?”

“Tavares? Nah. I was about to call you about that. He ain’t checked in with his parole officer. My auntie said he came by her house the day he got out, ate up all her food and left. Ain’t nobody seen him since.”

“How long ago was that?”