Recluse Protection

Chapter 42

Sitting in Church my stomach churns violently as I stare at the table. It's been close to five days... nothing. There hasn't been any word on or about Casey, nothing has popped up. Patriot's been keeping close to his informants in the department, listening in on the discussions of their meetings about the Kayla house. She wasn't found inside, but Hunter and Welder were. "I need updates." I finally clear my throat looking around the room, met with solemn faces. This is a nightmare.

"We don't have any." Kado sighs, frustratedly rubbing his features as Patriot nods, his features grim.

"Hell the cops have nothing, nothing that they're sharing anyway. The most I've been able to get outta them is that it wasn't an accident. The fires were started with accelerants, a powerful one too." I stare at him and sigh. No evidence to collect.

"Was there anything useful they could share?" Patriot shook his head with a sigh.

"No, he said the same things we knew, there were some footprints, signs of a struggle in front of the steps. The dirt was too turned up to get any real matches, one pair of boots left the house, from the front. The door was locked, likely from the outside. The house wasn't in great condition before." I nod with a grunt, rubbing my chin as I scan their faces. This would be a hell of a lot easier if this fucker just confessed.

"Do any of you know Kayla Marcy? About her or personally." I glanced around, and Forger gave a shrug.

"Shelly knew the woman, used to be friends back in highschool. I can call her down to see if she remembers anything. Maybe she talked to her before she died?" I nod slowly with a sigh.

"It's better than nothing. Call her down, the worst that happens is that she doesn't remember anything." I heave a sigh and stare at the table. No leads, no evidence, nothing... She's vanished. I guess it's what happens when that's all you know. I hate that she's good at disappearing. Shaking my head, I force the thought out of my head and stare at the Patriot. "Keep an eye on the radio's see what the blue's have to say on the matter." Patriot nods and salute's, a normal habit for the man.

"On it, I'm already watching it closely. Nothing's popped up over the radio." I have to nod with a heavy sigh.

"Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of." I grunt and lean back in my chair staring at the table.

"Where's Susan been?" Rubble asks, making me turn to look at him and give a shrug.

"I don't know where she's at, I haven't heard much of anything from her since... since the house fire." I groan as I rub my face, fighting a curse.

"Wait, you guys don't think Susan is behind this?" Kado asked as he looked between Rubble and myself. Cueball glances at Shovelhead, earning him a nod as Cueball looks forward.

"Cobra... The other day I heard her talking to someone on the phone, it sounded weird." He offered as he glanced around with a nervous swallow. I stare at him, my gut churning as I stare at him. Mom wouldn't, she wouldn't betray Dad, never in a million years.

"What was she talking about Q?" I ask quietly, my voice gruff as I watch him. I can't rule anything out, I have to look at everything. He swallowed harshly and took a shaky breath.

"She was talking about the hunt for the traitor, saying she doesn't believe we know who it is..." I stare at him astonished.

"That's it?" He shakes his head a pinch expression, Shovel sighs heavily and shakes his head.

"She was saying that no one was asking her questions, no one was looking at her any different, she was in the clear and flying under the radar." The room falls silent, you could hear a pin drop, no one moves.