He laughed out loud, and it was a warm, genuine sound. “I didn’t make it.” He took a seat the other side of Olivia, his expression sobering. “I’m really sorry for the way you have been treated by the Mercy Police Department.”
“Are you trying to talk us out of suing you?” Erica asked pointedly.
“No.” Mac chuckled. “You want to sue the pants off Walcott, be my guest. As far as I’m concerned, the bastard deserves what he gets.”
Olivia continued to stare at him.
“You don’t remember me, do you?” Mac asked her.
She frowned. “We’ve met?”
He nodded. “A long time ago. The night your father fled with you to Philadelphia.”
She cast her mind back to that night, studying his face. “I do remember.” Her eyes narrowed in thought. “You were the officer who sat with me after they took my dad away. You wrapped me in your jacket and gave me a soda and waited with me until child services arrived.”
“That’s right.” He smiled softly. “I kept an eye on you, but once you left Philly, I lost track of you.”
“You did?” she replied in surprise.
He nodded. “Look, Olivia, I’ve read the files, both the current ones and the ones from before, and I don’t believe you had anything to do with the murders. But your father is another matter entirely. There are just too many red flags going up. When we finally manage to catch him, we will want to question him in relation to these murders.”
“I know.” She sighed.
“Do you know where he is?”
She shook her head. “No,” she replied reluctantly. “But I know he’s been watching me. He’ll be somewhere close by.”
“Thank you. I know this isn’t easy for you, but we do need to take your statement with regards to Chief Walcott.”
“Captain McCallister, I just want to go home. I’ve had about as much as I can take for one day,” she answered tiredly.
“I appreciate that it has been a difficult day, but we really do need to ask you some questions. If you would be more comfortable, we could interview you at your home instead of the station.”
“I’m not comfortable having cops in my house after the way I have been treated lately.” Olivia frowned.
“I understand, but if it helps, it will just be me, and of course you are welcome to have your lawyer present.” He glanced at Erica. “I can promise you that you will be treated with the utmost respect and consideration.”
“Fine.” Olivia blew out her breath.
“Thank you.” He nodded as he stood. “I’ll drive you home personally.”
“I’ll let Jake and Theo know to meet us back at your place.” Erica pulled her phone out of her purse.
“Ladies.” Mac indicated for them to follow him.
They barely made it down the corridor to the stairwell when a younger officer, who Olivia had never seen before, rushed toward them, calling for Mac. “Captain McCallister,” he breathed out heavily.
“Yes?” He stopped and turned toward him.
“Sir, I was sent to find you. You’re needed immediately.”
“Why? What is it?”
“Sir.” He glanced warily at the two women behind him, his voice dropping low. “They’ve found another body.”
“Christ.” Mac blew out a breath. “Alright, I’ll be right there.”
The younger man scurried off and Mac turned back to Olivia and Erica, his expression contrite.
