“Anyway, what we’re starting to believe is that these young women are not being kept at one particular place.” Emmett’s head shifted slightly on the screen. “It would just be too easy for them to be caught. We believe that several locations are being used. Locations that probably aren’t connected with medical facilities or pregnancy homes.”
“So that means,” said River, “that an OB doctor and probably a nurse with delivery experience must go to wherever these locations are when it’s time for the baby to be born.”
“Exactly,” said Emmett. “We need to shift from locations to who might be involved in the delivery, maybe a doctor or nurse who lost his or her license.”
“Or even someone with a lot of debt who needs to create income on the side and is willing to do it in a shady way,” Maren added.
“I’m checking legal filings and news stories for any leads,” said Eva.
“We still need to keep questioning staff at clinics, just alter your line of inquiry. As you interact with people at these places, find out if there are any former employees who may be disgruntled,” said Emmett. “That might be a way to root out some suspects who would have motive beyond what Eva can do on her end.”
“Got it,” said Lizzie.
River shifted in his seat. Lydia had come back into the living room and sat down on the sofa to read a book. He found himself being extremely aware of her presence and her movements. It divided his attention from the meeting.
“River? You look like you were thinking about something.”
“No, I just…” He glanced toward the sofa where Lydia sat out of view. “I was just wondering if we’ve located the clinic that Gayle went to in Denver.”
“Still poking around,” said Lizzie.
On the screen, Maren looked to the side and shook her head. “I just keep thinking about Mia out there somewhere afraid. She probably doesn’t realize that once the baby is born, her life will be over.”
A hushed silence fell between the members of the task force. It felt like a weight lay on River’s chest. Somewhere in Colorado, Mia Andrews was alone in a room, feeling her baby move around as she got closer to her due date in October. The image made him shiver. “We have to find her,” he whispered.
The others nodded.
“I spoke to Dodger and his wife yesterday,” said Emmett. “Just to give them an update. He and Clara are still praying and remaining hopeful, but I can tell you that this is tearing them up after losing their daughter and now their granddaughter is missing.”
“Dodger has done so much to support K-9 programs. We have to do this for him. For Mia,” said River.
Eli tugged on his beard and nodded. “And for the three other babies that have already been born.”
“I just hope they were adopted by people who love them,” said River.
“That’s all for now. I’ll be in touch with each of you individually if I have stronger directives,” said Emmett. “River, how is the investigation into Elsie’s disappearance going?”
He glanced over at Lydia, who put her book down and sat up straighter.
“We still don’t have any strong leads as to who would do this. Or where the child might be. We’re looking into the grandparents as a possibility. But Lydia doesn’t think the man who abducted her was her father-in-law.”
“I’m trying to help on that end,” said Eva. “River, if you could stay on for a few minutes after the meeting adjourns, I have something to share with you.”
“Sure,” he said.
“Stay safe out there and let’s be praying for Mia’s return.” Emmett leaned a little closer to the screen. “And for Elsie too.”
* * *
One by one, the faces disappeared from the screen until it was just Eva.
“River, I know you want to resolve Elsie’s disappearance. I’m trying to help as much as I can. The workload on Mia’s case just keeps expanding.”
“I feel bad that I can’t help more with the footwork for that case. I’ll be a hundred percent if can just get Elsie back safe in her mother’s arms.”
From the sofa where she sat, Lydia had turned toward him, listening to the conversation.
“Anyway, I did a quick scan of the digital file from that convenience store. There were several vehicles that came up as matches when I put in search parameters. The grandparents’ car is kind of generic. I’m wondering if there is a way to identify it.”
