“Are you aware of the protocol when dealing with a victim of a crime? Isn’t Mrs. McClintock the victim here?”
“We just had a few questions…”
“As I understand it, you wanted to take her down to the station with you because of an anonymous call.”
“Maybe we were too hasty in our approach.”
“I’ll say. Let’s have it. What’s this tip you received?”
“The caller said that Mrs. McClintock killed and buried her children…” Zandi’s gasp was loud in the deathly silent room and I was halfway out of my seat before Gavin raised a hand to stop me.
“Where’s your proof?”
“I admit it sounds a bit far fetched but we must follow up on every lead.”
“In other words you came here and scared an already terrified woman for absolutely no reason. We’ve been here before gentlemen, let’s not have a repeat of last time. Unless you have solid evidence against my client I suggest we not do this today.”
“Everyone knows anonymous tips aren’t worth shit half the time and the story you told wouldn’t make sense to a rookie on his first walk. So what’s the real story here?”
Anderson squirmed in his seat and it was obvious from the look Borelli threw him that he hadn’t been on board with this.
“We have to follow up on every lead. So far nothing she’s given us has panned out and we need answers. It’s obvious from the medical report that she gave birth sometime after she left. Our only concern is finding those children.”
“And you don’t think she wants that? That they both do? From your actions today I’m more inclined to believe that you’re on some sort of personal witch hunt.”
Now that’s why he’s my lawyer. Not only do we think alike, but there’re some things he can get away with that I can’t. Putting this asshole in his place, I can go only so far. A lawyer, someone who knows the ropes can hang his dumb ass with them.
Anderson once again turned red in the face but didn’t have a ready comeback because it was true. Before I was the one who came under fire because of his suspicions. But there’s no way I will allow her to go through what I had back then.
“Now if you gentlemen are finished I’d like some time alone with my clients.” He pulled one of his fancy embossed cards from his wallet and passed it to Borelli, a very telling slight to Anderson who was the lead on the case.
“Anything else you can contact me directly. As of now my client is off limits. Understood?” Borelli got to his feet with the card in hand while Anderson stayed sitting like he wanted to force the issue.
I needed them to leave so that I could take care of her. Her hand was still shaking in mine and I wasn’t sure if it was fear or anger that was making her vibrate. I’m hoping for the latter.
After they left Gavin approached her with his hand out. “It’s good to have you back home Zandi. How’re you feeling?” His warm smile relaxed her and from the way he spoke to her it was obvious that he had no doubt that she was innocent.
He was the first person who didn’t look at her with suspicion since she came back, including me. “Thanks Gavin, how’re Amy and the kids?” They had a little reunion that seemed to put her even more at ease and by the time he left she was pretty much over her angst.
“I wonder who made that call? It’s probably the person behind all this.
“My thoughts exactly. Come here baby.” She seemed a bit hesitant and I raised my brow at her.
“What is it?” I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her hair.
“Do you believe them?” Her voice was low and filled with worry. I guess I deserved that for the way I first reacted in the hospital.
“Of course not. What kind of question is that? Look at me.” I lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “I believe in you. Whatever you tell me I believe okay. Don’t ever doubt that again.”
She nodded but her eyes welled up. “Come ‘ere.” I pulled her in and wrapped her up tight. “No one’s going to hurt you again baby. Don’t be afraid of the cops they can’t touch you. They did the same thing to me when you were gone. It’s their job to be suspicious I guess.”
“I’m more worried about the person who made the call. Are they gonna come after me again? And what about our babies? Will they hurt them because I got away? We’ve got to find that cabin.”
“I know, I’ll have the guys come in and we’ll all go together.” Her question made me nervous. It was my first thought as well, the children. I still had no answers for her disappearance, why she was taken.