Stolen Daughters (Detective Amanda Steele)

Hannah planned to use Amanda’s dad’s character in her mother’s defense. Amanda wasn’t entirely sure if that would work. While she had faith in her father, she also knew that he wasn’t perfect and above reproach. Many years ago, rumors had circulated that called his integrity into question, but they likely had their origins in the murmurings of ungrateful underlings who wanted to smudge his name. But she couldn’t just dismiss everything that was whispered about him either. While she preferred to believe the best of her father, she also didn’t view him through rose-colored glasses.

She finished her sandwich and drove to Central deep in thought.

Five

Central was one of Prince William County PD’s three stations, and one of two located in Woodbridge. The Homicide Unit was housed at Central, along with some other specialized departments and administration.

Once inside, Amanda headed to the warren of cubicles where Homicide was located. She and Trent had their own office spaces next to each other. The dividers were high enough to afford some privacy and dampen sound, but low enough to talk over.

Homicide was currently down one detective. She glanced over at where Detective Bishop, a.k.a. Cud, used to sit and wondered who would take his place and what they’d be like. She typically played well with others—unless they were partnered with her. Trent had been the only one to stick for this long, and there were still days she was amazed at how he’d wormed his way in. But he’d shown loyalty on several occasions—even when the circumstances wouldn’t have made it easy.

She found Trent at his desk and handed him his coffee and sandwich.

“Thanks,” he said, his gaze taking in her cup, but otherwise empty hands. “You’re not eating?”

“I couldn’t wait. Have you pulled the property records on five thirty-two Bill Drive yet?” she asked, switching tracks from the mindless banter.

“Just about to.”

“Okay, good. I have a feeling a bank owns it, but just find out. If so, then get us someone to talk to.”

“Sure.”

“I’m going to follow up with the sergeant and see if he has an update on the status of the nine-one-one recording.” She set off down the hall toward Malone’s office. His door was shut, but she could see him through the window in the door. He waved her in.

She entered but didn’t bother to close the door or make herself comfortable. She wasn’t plan

ning to be there for long.

“Why don’t you sit.” The way he presented the offer made it more a command. There was no doubt when he added, “Close the door first.”

She did, then dropped into the chair across from his desk. “What’s up?”

He pointed to the coffee in her hand. “Where’s mine?”

“Next time.”

“All right. You came to me, so you start.”

“Just following up on the nine-one-one recording.” She sipped her coffee.

“It should be in your inbox soon.” He leaned forward, clasped his hands on the desk, and let out a loud sigh.

“What’s going on?” Given his body language, she wasn’t sure she wanted to press him.

He let out another sigh and shuffled some papers around on his desk. She held out a hand to stop him.

“Whatever it is, I can handle it.” She appreciated that he seemed to be trying to protect her from something, but she’d been through hell in this life and survived. “Sergeant?” Maybe using his title would jar him to speak.

“The lieutenant is moving to have you demoted.”

Amanda came close to jumping out of the chair. “What? Why?” She was aware the woman hated her, but as far as she knew she hadn’t given her any fresh reason to go after her. In fact, the last time she had an audience with the woman, Hill had thanked her for her work.

“She’s been keeping a close eye on your performance…”

“Then she’ll notice my close rate has been a hundred percent.”

He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar. “She’s more concerned with—or should I say interested in—the fact your mother has been charged with murder.”