Page 97 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

“Anyone around here might know?”

The man shrugged. “Maybe some of the older neighbors, but it’s been a while.”

JP thanked him and stepped back. Then, he asked a couple of nearby neighbors, got the same kind of answers, vague recollections, nothing useful, nothing recent. Yvonne Caldwell had been there, and then she wasn’t.

JP stood on the sidewalk for a moment, then turned back toward his truck. If the mother was gone, the next best place to look was the brother.

He headed back to Charles Field’s house.

Field answered quickly. “Welcome back. What can I do for you?”

“I’ve been trying to find Yvonne Caldwell, but no luck. I checked the last known address I have on her, but she’s been gone from there for years.”

Field nodded, like he expected that. “She wouldn’t stay put.”

“I was wondering if you know where August is. If he’s still in the military, he could be anywhere I suppose.”

Field stepped aside. “Come in.”

The house was neat, organized, everything in its place. Field moved toward a small desk and opened a drawer, pulling out a worn address book.

“I only saw him once after he joined the army.” Field motioned to a chair. “Have a seat.”

“Thanks.” JP sat down.

Field sat across from him. “After our talk the other day, I got to thinking about August. I figured at some point, he might be helpful to you. So, I tracked him down through the military. He’s stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado Springs.”

“Have you talked to him?”

“Not yet, but I have his number. We can give him a call. I’d love to see how he’s doing.”

JP nodded. “Do you think he’ll talk?”

“He always did.”

The call took a few minutes to connect. Field put it on speaker. “August. It’s Charlie Field.”

“What the heck? How are you doing, Charlie?” The young man sounded genuinely excited to hear from him.

“I’m good.”

August’s tone changed. “Is there something wrong?”

“No. Everything is good. How is life in the Army? Do you have a family?”

“I got married to a nurse a couple years back. She’s the best part of me.”

“Any kids?” Field asked.

“Not yet, but someday, I hope.”

“I don’t mean to ambush you, but I’ve got someone with me. He’s a private investigator. He’s looking into your sister’s case.”

A moment of silence. “Why? Is there something new?”

“Hannah’s name came up in another case he’s working on. He’s hoping to find out what happened to Hannah. It’s a long shot, but if you don’t mind talking to him, it might help.”

“Sure. I don’t know what I have to offer, but you’ve got my attention.”