Ron dropped his head, stared at his hands. “We talked about it.” He lifted his gaze back to Wyatt’s. “Patricia, Howard, and I. We were terrified that if the police thought Cherry was having some sort of midlife crisis or issues with motherhood, you wouldn’t treat the case as seriously. Please understand,” he said, looking from Wyatt to Adeline and back, “we’re desperate. We weren’t trying to hide anything or lie to you ... we’re just desperate.”
Sadly, this was exactly the sort of miscommunication that stalled far too many investigations. Not to mention that it sent the cops looking in the wrong direction way too often. Wyatt stifled the frustration. This family was, as the husband said, desperate.
“I’d like all three of you to revise your statements,” Wyatt urged, trying not to let his impatience show, “we need every detail, no matter how seemingly insignificant. And you have my word that we will continue to work hard, no matter the circumstances, to find Cherry.”
“Any additional information,” Adeline put in, “could make all the difference. The slightest detail could be the one that makes or breaks the case.”
Prescott nodded. “You have my word, Detective. All we want is Cherry back home safe and sound.”
Adeline stood as if she’d heard all she needed to hear. Wyatt wasn’t quite finished, but before he could ask the question related to Huff’s revelations that nagged at him, Adeline spoke up again. “One last question, Ms. Bowden.” Cherry’s mother stared expectantly at Adeline.
“Is Cherry your biological child?”
Prescott appeared completely stunned by the question. His mother-in-law, on the other hand, looked downright offended.
“Why on earth would you ask such a thing?” Patricia Bowden dabbed at her eyes, her hand shaking. “This is exactly the sort of thing we’re trying to protect Cherry from. If the press were to get wind of such a ridiculous suggestion ...”
“Ms. Bowden,” Wyatt prompted, “we’re not trying to make this any more difficult than it already is. But,” he pressed, “we do need you to answer the question.”
“Cherry is my daughter,” Bowden stated firmly, anger clearly having overtaken the weaker emotions. “In every way. I have her birth records as well as family photos if you need proof.”
Adeline studied Bowden long enough to make even Wyatt feel uncomfortable. “That may not be necessary, ma’am. We’ll see where this goes. If the need arises, we’ll pay you a visit at home.”
The tension in the room followed them out the door. Wyatt couldn’t shake the guilt that settled on his shoulders. He hated what these kinds of investigations did to the families.
Outside, Adeline suggested, “Let’s check the public library.”
“If Prescott was looking for something in her past and didn’t want anyone at home or at the office to know,” he said, following her reasoning, “she might use the internet at a public place, like the library.”
“That’s what people do,” Adeline said as they reached his SUV, “when they have something to hide.”
12
Hattiesburg Public Library; 4:50 p.m.
“You’re sure she was always alone,” Adeline pressed. The librarian on duty was a little reluctant to talk about Cherry Prescott at first, but eventually opened up.
“Yes, ma’am,” the young woman said with a pointed look. “She came during her lunch hour several times. Never checked out any books, just used the computers.” She nodded toward the rear of the library. “Right over there. Station one. She always used station one.”
“Do you recall the last time she was here?”
“The same day she,” the woman glanced around, “disappeared,” she whispered. “I remember because I couldn’t believe it. I’d just seen her at lunchtime. When I watched the news the next morning, I was shocked.”
The answer to the next question was essential. “Do you know how often your servers are updated?”
“Every Thursday night.”
Damn it. “Thank you, Ms. Vincent.” Adeline pulled a business card from her pocket. “I’d like you to call me if you remember anything else. Anything at all.”
Vincent nodded.
Adeline headed for the front entrance. Damn it. Damn it. That would make finding what Cherry Prescott had been researching a hell of a lot more difficult.
Wyatt caught up with her on the front steps. “I can check with the state lab. They have a cyber division. It would take a warrant, but I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”
That could take days. They didn’t have days.
Adeline climbed into the passenger seat. “You should do another press conference.” She had watched footage of his previous two press conferences. He hadn’t mentioned the princess letters in either.