He was heartbroken, devastated, and emotionally distraught just as Grace’s family was.
He nearly lost his job with the amount of time he took off from work even after Clara’s body was found and Stew Parker was arrested.
Stew Parker. Grace said his name to herself. That had been a shocker.
Then she thought once again about Clara and how she and her would play in the woods and fields around their house all the time.
As a matter of fact, Clara went on some pretty dangerous hiking trips in college that were planned through the university. Which now made Grace wonder.
She didn’t know why she hadn’t thought of it before.
Clara knew that woods inside and out and she was very resourceful.
Plus she would have put up a fight, struggled with the killer especially if he was a stranger. Grace recalled a conversation her brothers were having about the crime scene. The police said she was stabbed to death. The thoughts disgusted her but she had to face this situation head-on. She needed to see the report, ask Sandman questions because she was now thinking that Clara knew her killer. There was no other explanation for it. Clara had to have known who her killer was. She needed to find Sandman.
When she walked into the dining area, she saw Sandman sitting at the large wooden table looking at some pictures and reading a file. Big Jay was leaning against the wall staring at a pile of papers and Duke was scrolling with the mouse as he stared at the computer screen
“Sandman.”
They all looked at her.
“Hey, gorgeous. How are you doing?” Big Jay said then placed his palm against her cheek. She leaned into it and allowed him to hug her. She looked back at Sandman.
“I’m sorry about before. I was upset and angry and I’m used to being alone. Dealing with things on my own. I know you care and you want to help me. I’m going to need your help. It’s going to be hard for me. I know this so please bear with me, okay?” she said. She would always be amazed at these three men’s height and superior appearance. Even now as Sandman approached, she felt her belly quiver and the anticipation of his big strong arms embracing her and taking away her fear.
“I understand that, baby. Just remember that you’re not alone and that we can do this together, okay?”
He smiled before he pulled her into his arms. He held her close and she loved having all three of them there with her.
Big Jay caressed her hair and s
he turned to look up toward him.
“We’re here for you, baby.”
She smiled. “I know.”
Sandman released her and Duke took her hand and brought her fingers up to his lips. He kissed them softly.
“We’ll get through this.”
“I know and I need all three of you to help me.” She took a deep breath then released it.
“I was thinking about my sister and I was wondering about the crime scene. I need to see her file.”
Sandman crossed his arms in front of his wide chest and showed no emotion when he said no.
“Please hear me out, Sandman. I was thinking about her and a part of her disappearance that I ignored, or blocked out, or maybe simply didn’t want to face.”
“What is it, Grace?” Big Jay asked.
Grace took in a deep breath and looked into Sandman’s eyes.
“I want to see her file. I need to know how the killer got her to the woods. What was the cause of death? Everything.”
“That isn’t necessary. Leave it to us, baby. It’s our job and it’s something we’re used to viewing,” Duke said very firmly but also with compassion and empathy.
“I need to see it. I know I can help. I can’t just sit around and do nothing but wait for him to strike again.”