In the Name of Revenge

Chapter Nine

Detective Wolters received the forensic report back. There were no fingerprints on the bassinet or anywhere. In fact, the tests showed the blanket and sweater had recently been laundered. Wolters assumed it was the kidnapper attempting to erase any evidence. Needless to say he did a good job. Other than the baby’s pink blanket, no evidence was found in the park and no one saw anything or anyone suspicious.

Even though the picture of Rita Grace was distributed to all the local stations in the county and surrounding areas, no one saw her nor did anyone come forward with any information. He questioned the babysitter, Bellicini and Thornton and interviewed those who worked for Thornton, as well as the fellow coworkers of Bellicini. No one could shed any light on who would have done such a thing. Each of them told Detective Wolters that as far as they knew neither Thornton nor Bellicini even had any enemies. He had their cell phones and home phone checked to see what calls were placed. They called one another, the babysitter, each of their respective jobs and a few friends. Nothing out of the ordinary. The father didn’t call, nor did they call him. They were like a perfect family, but apparently, there were skeletons in someone’s closet.

He was still trying to locate Pavel Ivanovich. He was waiting to get the DMV records. If he lived locally, the Department of Motor Vehicles would have him on file.

His telephone rang at his desk. He was hoping it was the DMV.

“Wolters.”

“Brandon?”

It was his wife, Monica.

“Hi, honey. What’s up?”

“I just received a strange telephone call. I was instructed to tell you about it.”

“What do you mean? Who called?”

“I don’t know who it was,” she said. “When I answered, they told me to not speak, to just listen. They said to tell you that you are putting your nose in business that you don’t belong in and it would be best for you to get his man out of jail.”

He was quiet.

“Brandon? What is going on? Is this part of some investigation you’re involved in?” this part of some investigation you'not speak, to just listen. They said to tell you that you were putting your”””

“One I thought was over. We arrested a member of the local crime family. I handed in my report and the district attorney has the case.”

“Well, it’s not over. They’re calling the house, Brandon. You need to do something.”

“Monica, please don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”

“I’m worried.”

“Okay, maybe you should go to your mother’s house for a while.”

“Are you sure? Are we in danger?”

“No, I’m sure everything is fine, but I just want to err on the side of caution.”

“I see. You wouldn’t tell me if you did think so, would you? In any case, I think going to mother’s is a good idea, at least for a little while. Brandon?”

“Yes?”

“Please be careful. I want you home safe. I love you.”

“I love you too, and I will be careful. Call me when you get there.”

After hanging up, he grabbed the Mancini file and walked into his Sergeant’s office, completely forgetting about the DMV reports he was waiting for.

“Got a minute?” he asked.

“Sure. What’s up?”

Sergeant Roger Palazzio was going through paperwork, but set it aside when Brandon came in.