Wyatt didn’t waver.
“What did Jessica tell you?” Elliott asked.
Though Adeline hadn’t mentioned Jessica Huff’s name, the two had arrived at the same time for the interview. Deputy Womack had promptly separated the two, but not until after they had seen each other—which was the point, Wyatt realized. Elliott knew Huff was being questioned, as well. No doubt Adeline was wagering the two had gotten their stories straight before coming in this morning. But neither one had likely thought to have a plan B just in case the police attempted to trip them up.
Wyatt could see how this routine would work, particularly with those who’d never been a part of an investigation before.
“I’m afraid I can’t discuss her statement with you, but,” Adeline said, nodding knowingly, “if we can confirm the details she shared, we might have a chance at cracking this case and finding your friend.”
A beat of silence had Wyatt jumping in.
“That’s the thing,” he said, his voice low, but firm, “I don’t think you understand that Cherry’s life could be at stake here. What you’re withholding could make the difference in whether we find her in time or not.”
Cassie Elliott visibly trembled. Her wide-with-worry eyes filled with emotion—the kind that would roll down her cheeks any second. “I don’t know what was going on. All I know is that something was wrong. It started about three months ago when her little girl turned four.” Elliott licked her lips and tried again to get comfortable in her chair.
“What started?” Adeline pressed. “We’d like to hear your version. The absolute truth is critical.”
Elliott’s face scrunched with confusion. “Some kind of nightmares. Cherry kept talking about being afraid to take a bath. The water scared her to death. It was bizarre. She reacted so strongly ... as if the dreams were real somehow.”
Tension visibly claimed Adeline’s posture. Wyatt had never forgotten the nightmares she had ... especially when it rained.
“Had she been uncomfortable with water events in the past?” Adeline asked. “You know, swimming, skiing, that kind of thing?”
Elliott swung her head side to side. “That’s what’s so crazy. She was a great swimmer. Good diver, too. It was weird. Like she was going through some kind of crisis. I’ve never seen anything affect her like this. But she stopped talking to me when I suggested she see someone.” She shrugged. “You know, a counselor. It was just so strange. I guess she opened up to Jessica. They’ve been friends the longest. Makes sense, I suppose.”
Adeline stood abruptly. “I ... have a ... call ...” She walked out of the room without a backward glance.
Wyatt stared after her, then grappled for what to say to the woman seated on the other side of the table. He finally settled on, “Thank you, Ms. Elliott, for your cooperation.”
10
Every muscle in Adeline’s body quivered. She walked straight to the ladies’ room. Wanted to run but didn’t dare. Didn’t make it to the toilet. Barfed in the sink.
The dreams Elliott had spoken of had haunted Adeline her entire life ... for as long as she could remember. She had forced herself to learn to swim. But she had never been a water sports fan. Every time she drove over a body of water she told herself she wasn’t actually afraid of the water ... it was the stupid dreams that made her feel uncomfortable.
But that had always been a lie.
She was afraid of the water.
No. Not afraid . . . terrified.
Adeline rinsed her mouth and the sink, then stared at her reflection. What the hell was going on with her?
She washed her hands, leaned down and rinsed her mouth again under the tap, then snatched a couple of paper towels.
“To hell with this.” She banished the fear, tossed the wad of damp paper, and stormed back into the corridor.
Wyatt waited for her. “You okay?”
She wasn’t talking about it. “Huff in the other interview room?”
“She is. But, Addy—”
Adeline held up a hand to stop him. “Don’t.”
Wyatt conceded, gestured for her to lead the way. Adeline walked past interview room 1 where Elliott had opened up enough to confirmthere was something she and her friend weren’t telling, took a breath, and entered room 2.
Jessica Huff looked up, then past Adeline. “Sheriff Henderson, can you please tell me what’s going on?” She glanced at her watch. “I really don’t have a lot of time today. I’ve already been waiting here for over an hour.”