The family exchanged glances, concerned and dubious frowns on all of their faces.
“Windows left cracked you don’t remember opening? Strange trash in the yard? Trampled flowers under windows?” he prompted.
More head shakes.
“Not that I recall,” Mr. Rogers said. “I mean, we’ve always thought this neighborhood, this town was so safe. We lock our doors at night, of course, and we’ve made sure windows were locked since you told us this man followed Zoey. But…”
When Zoey’s father let his words trail off, Cal said, “Generally speaking, Red Groveisa very safe town. And I’m not trying to alarm you.”
“I heard there was a murder out on the Enchanted Highway a few days ago. Is that true?” Zoey asked.
Cal cut a quick sharp look at Jules to stop her from saying too much, then said calmly, “A man was found along the highway, yes, and the proper authorities are investigating the cause of his death.”
“Zoey?” Jules said, before any more could be said about the alleged murder. “Has anything gone missing from your bedroom? Even something small and impersonal. A comb or pillow or article of clothing?”
Cal sent Jules a look meant to warn her she was breaking their agreement when Zoey said, “Well…not recently. But a few weeks ago, I couldn’t find my favorite scrunchie.”
“Scrunchie?” Cal asked, knitting his brow.
“A cloth-covered band to hold back her hair in a ponytail,” Jules clarified, then arching an eyebrow, added under her breath, “Come on, Colton. You have sisters, for Pete’s sake. Don’t tell me you don’t know about scrunchies.”
He returned a wry look. “I didn’t get any more familiar with my sisters’ personal business than I had to. Separate bathrooms and the works.”
“Is that significant?” Mrs. Rogers asked. “That she lost her scrunchie last month?”
“Are you sure—” Jules began, but Cal cut her off.
“Thank you, Jules. I’ll take it from here.” He turned to Zoey. “Can you describe the…scrunchie?”
Zoey wrinkled her nose and shrugged. “It’s just a regular scrunchie. Green and yellow. Our team colors.”
Cal wrote this information in his notebook, then asked more questions about when she last saw the hair tie and where.
“Last I remember having it was after our game against Butler. I think I left it in our car, but… I don’t know.” Zoey glanced to her parents for reassurance then back to Jules. “Why is that important?”
“My sister lost things from time to time, and I believe Chase took them as sort of trophies.”
Seeing the horror that filled Zoey’s and Mrs. Rogers’ faces, Cal gritted his back teeth. “We don’t know that’s what happened.”
Jules glared at him. “Maybe the police couldn’t prove it, but I know that’s what happened.”
“Trophies?” Mrs. Rogers repeated, her voice trembling. “Like a serial killer?”
Cal saw the moment Jules realized how her comments had upset the family. Color drained from her face, and her mouth opened silently, as if she was searching for words.
“I don’t want you to be unnecessarily alarmed. As I’ve said, we have patrols watching your house and Zoey’s practices. We also have no reason to believe Mr. Hamilton is violent.”
Zoey’s parents exchanged dubious looks.
“Zoey, do you have another scrunchie that I could borrow for a few days?” Cal asked, and the teen gave him a puzzled frown.
“I guess. Why?”
“I want something with your scent for my SAR dog.”
Zoey nibbled her bottom lip, then removed the hair band she was wearing and handed it to him.
“Don’t worry. I’ll bring it back,” he said with a smile for the girl. Cal stood then and sent Jules a look that said,We’re done here. “I believe that’s all for today. If you find anythingelse missing, or see him around your property, or have any questions, please contact me immediately. All right?”
