Page 119 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

“Yes, it is, ma’am.”

“Why is the sheriff’s department in Massachusetts looking for information when the girl was found in Hartford, Connecticut? Are you the press?”

“No, ma’am, I’m Sheriff Nathan Carter. I’m looking into some new leads and I’m hoping you might be willing to meet with me to discuss your memories of the case.” There was a long pause on the line. “We can meet somewhere public, and I’ll be more than happy to verify my credentials before we speak.” He rubbed at his jaw when the line stayed silent.

“I’m sorry. I’m busy,” she finally answered.

“I understand. I would be willing to work around your schedule—any time that’s best for you.”

“I work all this week and most of next week too.”

“Whenever you think you could fit me in. I’m hoping your memories of that night might help us finally find the answers we need to close the case.”

Ms. Battleman sighed. “All right. How about next Friday? I’m catching a plane that evening—going on vacation, but I can probably talk for a few minutes in the afternoon.”

“That sounds great.”

“I assume you have my address since you say you’re the sheriff.”

This woman didn’t trust him, and he couldn’t necessarily blame her. “I do.”

“My son will be with me. Just go ahead and come to my home. At one o’clock.”

“All right. I’ll see you then. Thank you for your time.”

“Goodbye.”

“Bye.” He hung up as someone gave a quiet knock on the door. “Come on in.”

Callie popped her head inside, wearing jeans and a fleece over one of her Carter Island Deli and Bakery T-shirts with her hair in a French braid.

He grinned. “Hey, you.”

She smiled. “Hi. Am I interrupting?”

“Nope.” He held out his hand to her. “Come on in.”

She closed the door and walked over to him.

He pulled her down in his lap and kissed her. “This is an excellent surprise.”

She locked her wrists at the back of his neck. “Things are a little slow at the bakery, so I thought I would stop by before the lunch rush.”

He smiled. “You wanna know how things are going?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Sort of.”

He unzipped her purple fleece. “I haven’t had much luck with anyone on the island, but I’ve found a couple of other things.”

She tensed as her spine snapped straight. “You did?”

He nodded. “I know you’re not crazy about the idea, but I put in a call to Hartford PD—”

“Oh.” She looked down.

“I have to follow the steps, Callie. If you want the answers, I need all of the pieces.”

She nodded, meeting his gaze again. “What did they say?”