“Walters has written up the warrant request for tower pings on the Mayfields’ cell phones,” Freddie said. “We hope to be able to put them in the vicinity of where the kids were when they went missing. That has to go to the cell phone company, though, so after we get the warrant, it’s apt to take a few days.”
“Right, but that’ll be helpful in cementing our case against them.”
Gonzo came to the door. “Brecken Mayfield is asking to speak to us.”
Sam desperately wanted to leave so she could see Luna’s family and then go home to her own.
“We can take it,” Gonzo said, sensing her hesitation.
“No, I want to hear what he has to say. Let’s get him into interrogation and ask Charity to come in, too.”
Waiting for her to get there would require another delay, but it was important for the prosecutor to witness whatever the kid had to say.
She sat in her desk chair, exhaustion tugging at every cell in her body.
“You should let Gonzo take over,” Freddie said. “He can fully brief you afterward. Cam’s here, too. The two of them can handle it.”
“I know they can, but I want to be there.”
“I’m afraid you’re going to keel over on me.”
“I won’t. I promise but do me a favor if you would.”
“What’s that?”
“Will you see about getting phones back to Tracy, Mike and the other families?”
“Yeah, I’ll take care of that right away.”
“Thank you.” While she waited for all the players to arrive, she tipped her head back and closed her eyes.
“Sam.”
Freddie’s voice roused her.
She opened her eyes. “Did I fall asleep?”
“Yeah, for half an hour. Charity’s here, and Brecken is in interrogation.”
“Don’t tell anyone I corked off.”
He gave her a look that said, What do you take me for? “I’m going to watch from observation, and I’ll be here when you’re ready to go see the Aherns. Also, phones are on the way back to the families with Patrol.”
“Thank you.”
Sam and Freddie found Charity and Gonzo outside the door to interview two. “Are we ready?”
“Let’s see what he wants,” Gonzo said.
Sam and Gonzo went into the room, where a noticeably rattled Brecken Mayfield awaited them.
He lunged to his feet.
“Sit down,” Gonzo said.
He collapsed into the chair and buried his face in his hands as his composure seemed to break.
They waited him out.
