When I’m sure the chess club has no more hidden pages, I wait for my ride outside and take deep breaths of cleansing air. I have one more stop before I head back to the hotel.
I call Jason for intel on the email address but of course it’s registered under a fake name. Frustrated, I send a request to Dr. Jones asking for permission to go beyond what some might consider legal. The underage girls are what finally convince her to turn a blind eye.
After waiting for an hour at the police station, I’m met by a harried young uniform who looks younger than Akash. I show her the website and she seems unconcerned. “There’s not much we can do. It’s like whack-a-mole. We take one down and another pops up.”
“You could arrest some.” I hate when people take the path of least resistance.
“Their rich daddies would have them out in a heartbeat. Buffalo has a lot more pressing crimes.”
“But they are prostituting underage girls.”
“Miss? For some, this is the only way they can earn money. If you shut these sites down, how will they eat?”
“Fine, but if someone gets killed, it’s on you.” Giving up, I sigh, pick up my phone, and scroll to Chrissy’s picture. “Can you at least tell me if any progress has been made on finding this girl. I reported her missing yesterday.”
“That’s another department. Sit here and I’ll see if I can find someone to help.” She leaves me in interrogation where I pay my bills, beat my best score of Candy Crush, and read a short story.
“Miss Sutcliff?” A balding officer with a round belly cracks open the door and I nod.
“I’m Detective Guppy. Can I see your PI license?”
“Did you know her guardian is senile?” I speak as I open my wallet.
He studies it like I’m a criminal, then glances through the notes. “Nope. I don’t see that written here.”
“Jesus H. Christ.”If you use a middle initial, it technically isn’t swearing but in case I’m wrong, I apologize for using His name in vain and increment the sin count for my next confession.
Pissed at his lack of concern, I blast his ass with sarcasm. “Thanks for your help. With those amazing policing skills, I’m sure she’ll be found soon. We’re done here.”Fucking fish head.
The older gent pierces me with his blue eyes. “Approximately forty-thousand youths run away annually in New York State. What makes this one so special?”
I don’t have a good answer other than I was paid to find her and I will, with or without his help. “Can I at least see her file?”
He shoves a low-tech manila folder across the table and as I read the report, one thing stands out. “She filed for emancipation?”
“Yeah. After her next court appearance, she won’t even be considered a runaway.”
“Right. She’ll find a great job, rent an apartment, and continue with high school with zero income.”
“I don’t make the laws, lady. I just enforce them.”
Shit, if he does that much, I’d be surprised.Disheartened and with all my leads coming to a dead end, I call Suds from the backseat of my car. “Hi.”
“What’s wrong?” It’s never fails to amaze me how he can detect my mood in one syllable.
I share a short synopsis of my day then add, “It’s not right. She’s seventeen, about to start a life of prostitution, and no one in law enforcement seems to care.”
“I know, Sugar, but you can’t save the world.”
“I feel like I’m back to square one. Have you guys left for DC yet?” The PI part of me wants to join them, the mom aches to spend more time with my son.
“We’re leaving around noon. Wheels is antsy to get back. We’re waiting on Selena. She insisted on keeping all her Manhattan appointments. I’ll be texting you the addresses. We’ll start a list of clients who might want her killed.”
“You might need to add me to the potential suspects.”
“Chrissy’s situation is not Selena’s fault. She’s never been her legal guardian.”Why is he always sticking up for her?
“A mother should put her child first, no matter what!” A righteous anger bursts out, surprising both me and my husband.
