Page 99 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

The room was quiet for a moment.

“You think this will lead somewhere?” Field asked.

JP looked down at the address he’d written. “I think it’s one more opportunity.”

Field nodded. “I hope you find something for August’s sake.”

JP slipped the notebook back into his pocket. “Me too.”

Chapter 37

Monday late afternoon

The place sat on the edge of Fallbrook, far enough out to feel removed but still within reach of town. A small, weathered house with a chain-link fence and a yard that had gone to dirt, and no decorations or any attempt to make it inviting.

Before JP could even knock, Yvonne Caldwell yanked open the door like someone who didn’t want whatever was on the other side.

“What do you want?”

“Yvonne Caldwell?” JP asked.

She just stared at him.

“I’m JP Torn. I’m looking into your daughter’s case.”

Something tightened behind her eyes. “That was a long time ago.”

“It was, but I’m still working it.”

She stared at him for another second, then stepped back just enough to let him in. The inside matched the exterior. Clean, but bare and functional. Nothing suggested someone had built a life there, just that they were staying.

Yvonne didn’t offer him a seat. JP took the cue and stayed standing.

“What do you mean by working it?” she asked. “Do you think something was missed?”

“I think there are things that weren’t followed up on,” JP said.

“There were a lot of those.” Yvonne gave a short, humorless breath. “Why now, after all these years?”

“Her name came up in another case. That re-opened this one.”

“So, what do you want from me?”

“I want to talk about that day.”

Yvonne’s jaw set. “I’ve talked about that day.”

“I know,” JP replied. “I’m asking you to do it again.”

She crossed her arms. “For what?”

“Because sometimes what didn’t seem important then is exactly what matters now.”

Yvonne looked at him for a long moment, said, “You’ve got five minutes,” then turned and walked into the kitchen.

JP followed.

She leaned against the counter, her arms crossed. “Have you read Victor’s statement?”