Chapter 9: Beneath the House Where I Grew Up
Evelyn's disappearance changed the investigation's direction.
Within an hour, federal agents had secured the facility, reviewed the available footage, and confirmed that no authorized officer had removed her.
The footage showed a staff member entering the corridor with a maintenance badge.
The staff member never appeared on a roster.
The badge had been created that afternoon.
The face was hidden behind a medical mask.
Whoever had taken Evelyn had not needed a weapon.
They had needed access.
Again.
I sat in my hospital bed while Donovan explained the findings.
"The person entered through the service corridor and disabled the camera covering the witness room for four minutes. During that period, Evelyn left the room. We can't yet determine whether she was taken against her will.""
"She wouldn't leave without telling us.""
"We believe that too.""
"Then find her.""
"We are.""
I reached for the tablet.
Donovan held it out of reach.
"Captain, you need to understand that the person responsible may have access to the same systems we're using to protect witnesses.""
"That's precisely why we need to move.""
"Move where?""
I looked at her.
"The house.""
She was silent.
"The original documents are there," I continued.
"Evelyn told us herself. If somebody took her, they may already know about the compartment. We can't assume the evidence will still be there tomorrow.""
Donovan rubbed her forehead.
"We'll need a warrant, a controlled entry team, and confirmation of the property's current ownership.""
"How long?""
"I can't give you an exact time.""
"Then start now.""
She looked at me for a long moment.
Finally, she turned to Kim.
"Coordinate with the team. We are conducting a lawful search of the property as soon as the paperwork and security arrangements are in place.""
Kim nodded and left.
Donovan turned back to me.
"You are not going.""
I said nothing.
"Captain, you cannot walk unaided. The last thing I need is for you to collapse in a cellar while we're trying to secure evidence.""
"I'm the only person on the team who knows the layout of that house.""
"Then you can provide instructions.""
"I know where the entrance is. I know the cellar's layout. I know which wall was renovated before the sale.""
"That's useful information.""
"So let me come.""
"No.""
I stared at her.
She stared back.
Then she lowered her voice.
"If Charles or someone working with him believes you are the final link to those documents, bringing you into an uncontrolled environment could give them exactly what they want.""
"What if they come here instead?""
"We've increased security.""
"That didn't stop Hales from getting inside.""
Donovan's jaw tightened.
It was the argument neither of us could dismiss.
Finally, she said, "You will remain in the secure transport vehicle. You will not enter the house unless the field commander determines it is safe and medically appropriate.""
"Agreed.""
Kim returned to the room.
She gave me a look that suggested she knew exactly how much I intended to obey.
"We leave in forty minutes," she said.
The house stood at the end of a narrow road lined with bare trees and aging streetlights.
I had not seen it in seven years.
May you like
From the outside, it looked smaller than I remembered.
The white paint had peeled around the windows. The
