“We’re hoping the same.” Casey followed Maureen’s gaze, a sympathetic look on her face. “How is she, especially after the funeral?”
A deep sigh. “Not good. She wept half the night. The idea that Shane is gone, much less murdered, is eating away at her. The funeral was a horrifying reminder that she’ll never see her daddy again. As for Caitlin’s disappearance—that she can’t accept at all.”
“The poor little girl,” Casey murmured. “My heart breaks for her.” For the time being, that was all she said.
Claire picked up from there, leaning forward and placing her hand over Maureen’s. “We’ll be as gentle as possible when we talk to Kennedy. We just want to figure out what, if anything, she either picked up or overheard between her parents that might make her a threat to the person who shot Shane.”
“I want the same thing,” Maureen replied, her lips drawn into a grim line. “After reading that text…” A hard shudder. “Kennedy must be kept safe.”
The team had uniformly decided not to say a word to Maureen about their suspicions where it came to Caitlin. It was too unfair a burden to place on her. The less she knew, the less obstruction of justice she’d be guilty of. Also, she wouldn’t have to agonize over what to tell not only the FBI, but Kennedy. For now, all the FI team’s research and suspicions would remain with them.
“We assigned extra security for her,” Casey said. “Trust me, no one will get past Patrick’s team.”
“Thank you.” Maureen put down her teacup and shifted nervously in her chair. “Now ask me anything you want to know, and then please prepare me for the FBI.”
Casey and Claire exchanged a quick look. Clearly, Maureen was unnerved about the Bureau’s interview.
Claire took the lead on this one. “Talking to the FBI is an anxiety-producing experience for everyone who goes through it,” she said. “Especially given the bigger-than-life images portrayed of them on TV. Honestly, they’re just regular people, doing their jobs.”
“Yes, but you’re not regular people doing your jobs,” Maureen stated in return. “And I don’t want to hurt your investigation.”
“You won’t,” Casey assured her, impressed by Ryan’s mom’s candor and insight. Nevertheless, years of behavioral experience had taught her that eliminating someone’s fears and putting them at ease before they tackled a separate task would yield far better results over the long haul.
To that end, she said, “Why don’t we start this discussion by prepping you for your FBI interview. Then, we’ll ask our own questions.”
“I’d very much appreciate that.”
“Speaking of the FBI…” Claire reached into her purse and pulled out Maureen’s cell phone. “Here. This needs to be back with you.” She handed the device to Ryan’s mom. “Once Casey and I leave, feel free to contact SA Barkley about the text. That will flow nicely into scheduling a time for his visit.”
Maureen placed the phone on the end table beside her. “I will. And I’ll tell him exactly what Ryan instructed—that this is the first I’m seeing of the text; that I haven’t so much as glanced at my phone until now. The funeral consumed me and my day.”
“Perfect,” Casey said. “They can now run with the text message as they see fit.”
“Because Ryan already did just that.” It was a statement not a question. “I know my son. Did he get answers?”
“He has suspicions,” Casey replied. “He’s probing them.”
“Understood.” Clearly, Maureen realized Casey was hedging in her response, but she was smart enough not to press the issue.
“Back to the Bureau.” Casey sat back in a relaxed stance and proceeded to clearly delineate what Maureen should expect: the points Barkley would touch on, where and in what ways he’d apply subtle pressure, and what his objective would be coming away from the meeting.
“Remember,” she concluded. “He’s not coming after you as the enemy. He doesn’t assume you’re lying. He might think you’re holding back a few details because of Ryan’s and FI’s involvement. But mostly, he’ll think it’s possible you know something you don’t realize you do. The same applies to Kennedy, when he talks to her. From what I understand, he’s a good man and a good agent. He’s not going to twist your words or act accusatory. He’ll be frank, but kind. Don’t be afraid to show how broken up you are, and how devastated your family is. And go with your instincts. Anything Ryan has advised you or anything your gut tells you should be kept between you and FI, refrain from mentioning it. Remember that silence is not the same thing as lying.”
“Most of the time,” Maureen qualified. “But in this case, that’s true.” She drew a sharp inward breath. “It’s going to be hard for me to stay calm when Detective Barkley alludes to Caitlin as anything but a victim.”
“I know. And it’s natural to be indignant, even offended. Just don’t lose your temper. Not only will that be counterproductive, it’ll make you more likely to say something you’ll wish you hadn’t. State the truth. Caitlin and Shane had a strong, solid relationship. By all means, emphasize that—without sounding defensive.” Casey leaned forward and squeezed Maureen’s hand. “You’re more than ready. You were ready before this talk. You’re a very intelligent woman. Trust your instincts.”
A nod of relief, followed by a new tension. “I will. But Kennedy… How will this affect her? How will she hold up under this kind of pressure?”
“The tenor of that interview will be entirely different,” Claire spoke up. “Much softer and less probing. We’ll prepare Kennedy. We’ll tell her that Agent Barkley just wants to know if she recalls anything she might have forgotten. As Casey said, he’s a kind man. He doesn’t want to further traumatize a nine-year-old whose father was just killed and whose mother is missing. He’s not expecting any great revelations from Kennedy. I’d be surprised if the interview lasted more than ten minutes.”
Given Claire’s explanation, Maureen’s tension ebbed. “Hearing that, I think my little lovey will be okay. Especially if she hears all that from you.” A quick glance at Casey. “I mean no offense, Casey. But Claire has a lovely rapport with Kennedy. I felt it from the start. Regardless of how short a time they’ve spent together, I know she trusts her.”
“No offense taken.” Casey smiled. “Claire has a quality about her that draws everyone in, particularly a child. I think letting Claire take the lead with her is an excellent idea.” A pause, during which time Casey glanced at her Apple Watch. “Do you feel ready to go over a few things with us now?”
Maureen picked up her teacup. “Yes. Go ahead. I’ll help in any way I can.”
“Great.” Casey flipped open her iPad. “I’ll begin by filling you in on Ryan’s recap of his memories of the Walshes. See if there’s anything you want to add or change.” Concisely, she told Maureen everything Ryan had said.
