A Silent Fury by Lynette Eason Read Free Book Online Page B

turned into the parking lot of the high school and she gave him a half grin. “At least you haven’t lost your sense of direction.”
    For a moment he blanked, then the memory rushed forward. The day they’d gone hiking in the North Carolina woods, searching for a specific waterfall.
    â€œThis way,” he’d insisted, pointing toward a path that branched to the left.
    â€œNo Joseph, it’s this way. I have it right...
    â€œCatie, I know exactly where I’m going. Now be quiet so I can concentrate.”
    They’d wandered around for the next two hours in silence. Finally, he’d stopped and told her he was going to have to call and get directions.
    She’d silently handed him her BlackBerry and suggested he follow the map she’d found online two hours ago.
    At his stunned expression, she’d laughed herself silly. Humiliated, he’d sat beside her, fuming. But then her infectious giggles eventually got to him, the ability to laugh at himself making its way to the surface, and he’d found himself chuckling along with her.
    They’d found the waterfall in a matter of minutes and shared the sweetest kiss he’d ever experienced.
    Now, he spotted the glint in her eye. So, she still thought about their times together, too. Interesting. Heartening. Hope rose within him, but instead of making a big deal about it, he gave her a mock glare and said, “Cute.”
    She laughed and exited the car, leading the way to the front door of the school.
    Their mood turned serious as they entered the building. Joseph watched her shutters come back down. All cop now, she was back to business. Flashing her badge at the receptionist, she said, “Did Billy Franklin’s mother call to let you know we were coming?”
    â€œYes, she did.”
    â€œIs there a room where we could speak with him privately?”
    â€œOf course.”
    They walked down a short hall to a conference room. She said, “I’ll just page Billy for you.”
    She left, and Joseph paced.
    A few minutes later, the door opened once again and a young man who Joseph knew to be seventeen years old, entered. He had on baggy jeans and a light sweatshirt with the school logo emblazoned across his chest. He looked scared and tired, like he hadn’t had much sleep lately.
    Probably hadn’t. Not with his kid sister missing.
    Following Billy was Coach Dillard. “I’m sorry,” Joseph stopped his advancement into the room, “You can’t be here.”
    â€œBilly asked me to join him. Is it all right?”
    Joseph looked at Billy then over at Catelyn. She shrugged. “If he wants him here, I guess.”
    Alan sat next to Billy at the table. “I assume this is about Kelly.”
    â€œYou assume right,” Catelyn said.
    Joseph turned his attention back to the boy. “Do you know if Kelly and Tracy were together at the school Tuesday night?”
    Billy licked his lips, his eyes darting around the room stopping when he came to Catelyn. “She already questioned me the day Tracy died. Why do I have to answer more?”
    â€œBecause Kelly’s still missing, Billy, and we’re running out of options to help find her. So, if some of our questions seem repetitive, will you just humor us?” Catelyn frowned at Billy’s evasiveness. Joseph didn’t blame her. He eyed the kid and started to speak when the door opened.
    Another man in his early sixties stepped through the door. “I’m Carlton Bowles, principal here. Do you mind if I sit in on this?”
    He held out a hand and Joseph and Catelyn stood once again. Joseph said, “Have a seat.”
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    Catelyn decided it was time for a woman’s touch. “Billy, I know we talked right after Tracy was found and I appreciate your cooperation. The only reason Special Agent Santino and I are here is because we’re hoping you might have remembered something since I last talked to you.