Page 75 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

Field allowed himself a hint of a smile. “A few things,” he said. “Woodworking mostly. How to measure properly and how to correct mistakes instead of hiding them. He took to it.”

“How long did he stay around?”

“Almost a year, but then his mom moved and he had to go as well.”

“I bet you hated to see him go.”

“I got kinda used to having him around, but life goes on.”

“He ever come back?”

“When he turned eighteen, August came back in uniform.”

“Army?”

A bit of pride crossed Field’s face. “Yes, sir.”

Time to get back on track. “Do you think Gates had anything to do with Hannah?”

“I don’t know, but I think he should’ve been given a closer look. And it’s fishy that he moved away shortly after her abduction.”

They sat in silence for a moment, both looking out at the street. Kids still passed by, fewer now.

JP stood. “I appreciate your time.”

“You’re not done with this, are you?”

“No,” JP said. “I’m not.”

“Good to know.”

Chapter 27

Friday late afternoon

Even though it was getting late, the Stanbridge University campus in San Marcos still had a steady quiet rhythm. Nursing students crossed between buildings in conversations that started and ended in passing.

JP stood just outside the classroom, where he had tracked Alana Ruiz and waited. She had agreed to meet with him after her classes.

When the door opened, he watched faces as they exited. Most people didn’t look up. One did. She slowed when she saw him.

“Alana Ruiz?” he asked.

“Yes.”

JP handed her his card. “JP Torn. I spoke with you earlier about Hannah Caldwell. Thank you for meeting me.”

“I’m glad to help, but I don’t know how I can.”

“I just need you to tell me everything you remember, whether you think it’s important or not. Sometimes, the littlest thing leads us somewhere.”

Outside, they found a bench under a tree that gave just enough shade to make it private.

Alana sat with her hands folded in her lap. JP took the other end of the bench.

“Where should I start?”

“Were you waiting for Hannah after school that day?”