Maren spoke up. “The desire for a child sometimes can just be so strong that people don’t see the red flags to think to do a little research about who they’re dealing with.”
“True,” said Eva. “I’ve infiltrated a private online group on the dark web of parents seeking to adopt. We are looking at one couple in particular: Erin and Edward McGrath. They put an announcement in the Canyon Creek paper when they adopted their baby.”
Autumn leaned closer to the screen. “Canyon Creek is where Jenny’s body was found.”
“Exactly,” said Emmett. “We began the process of investigating them when they disappeared with their baby. We think they may have fled the country.”
“That seems suspicious.” Eli shifted in his chair. “Do you think the baby they adopted might be Jenny’s?”
“It’s a possibility. The birthdate corresponds.”
“I interviewed a few of Erin and Edward’s relatives, neighbors and coworkers,” Melody interjected. “They all said the same thing. That the adoptive parents were very vague about how and where they had adopted the baby boy from.”
“Maybe they knew or suspected the adoption agency wasn’t legit,” said River.
“I agree,” said Emmett. “It makes them look guilty. We’re going to try to track them down. In the meantime, our focus is on these clinics and the homes where the girls may have stayed. Eva will continue to snoop around the dark web adoption site. We may set up some sort of sting operation in the future with a fake couple wanting to adopt.”
“River, how are things going with finding Elsie?” Autumn queried.
Eva’s expression grew grim.
River could feel the heaviness in the room as Lydia sat next to him, out of sight from the people on the screen. She’d been taking small bites of chili but mostly staring off into space.
“Eva’s been helping me quite a lot. I know that’s a drain on our resources,” said River.
“Elsie life matters, too,” said Eli. “As much as Mia’s. We all feel the weight of what Elsie’s mom must be going through.”
“We got a guy from the school whose alibi still needs to be confirmed.” He reached over and cupped his hand over Lydia’s. “We’re not giving up.”
“Let us know any way we can help,” said Autumn.
Several other task force members offered similar sentiments. River appreciated the show of support.
“River, when you have time, Eva dug up several more names of people who knew Gayle,” said Emmett.
Tension threaded through River’s torso. He wasn’t carrying his weight in this investigation. Just as with Elsie’s case, every lead could reveal where Mia was. “Sure. Eva, can you text me the names, addresses and relationship to Gayle?”
He watched Eva nodding on camera.
“River, I’ll be in the area for a while if you need help.” Maren offered him a smile that showed her dimples.
“Thanks,” said River.
Emmett signed off and the faces disappeared from the screen one by one. Feeling torn, River stared at the black screen.
“Your chili’s cold. Do you want me to reheat it for you?”
He’d only taken a few bites. “I can finish it this way, that’s fine.” The look on Lydia’s face was so sweet, so trusting.
She picked up her empty bowl and took it over to the sink. She rested her hands on the counter with her back to him. “You have to get back to your job, don’t you?”
He rose and came to stand beside her. She turned to face him, green eyes filled with pain. “You saw how the team is. They want to find Elsie as bad as I do, but yes, a young woman’s life is at stake.”
“I appreciate everything that you’ve done for me, for Elsie.” She reached up and pressed her hand against his forearm.
Her touch warmed him to the bone as guilt washed through him. He couldn’t be in two places at once. “I won’t leave for those interviews until an officer is parked outside.”
“Thank you.” Her expression softened and he found himself leaning closer to her, searching the depths of her eyes. He really wanted to kiss her.
