According to Anne, Mercy had a small amount of cash saved up. She even knew where she kept it: at the bottom of her sock drawer. We checked and there was about three hundred dollars hidden there. That actually goes against her leaving on her own because she would have taken that money, right? However, the last thing put on Mercys credit card was a full tank of gas. She got it about two or three hours before her parents bodies were found. Before that, two days prior, she purchased a few travel-sized cosmetics at a Target in Harrisonburg: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant. We have that in her credit card history as well as confirmation from Anne Pettus, who went shopping with her that day.

Did she happen to ask Mercy why she needed travel-sized cosmetics? Kate asked.

She did. Mercy said she was just low on stuff at home and hated to feel like a child asking her parents to buy her stuff.

And no known boyfriend? Kate asked.

Not according to Anne. And she seemed to know just about everything about Mercy.

Id like to speak with Anne, Kate said. Do you think shed be open to it or are we going to get pushback?

Shed be very open to it, Foster said.

Hes right, Barnes added. Shes even called us a few times in between questioning to see if we have any new information. Shes been very helpful. So have her folks, letting us talk to her. If you want, I can call and set something up.

That would be fantastic, Kate said.

Shes a strong girl, Foster said. But between you and me…I think she might be hiding something. Maybe nothing big. I think she just wants to make sure she doesnt convey anything bad about her missing best friend.

Thats understandable, Kate thought.

But she also knew that the fact that they were best friends would be more than enough reason to hide something.

***

Annes parents had understandably allowed her to stay home from school. When Kate and DeMarco arrived at the Pettus residencelocated down a road very similar to the one the Fullers had lived onthe parents were standing at the front door, waiting. Kate could see them both through the glass screen door even as she parked the car in their U-shaped driveway.

Mr. and Mrs. Pettus stepped out onto their porch to meet the agents. The father kept his arms crossed, a sad look on his face. The mother looked tired, her eyes bloodshot and her posture worn down.

After a quick round of introductions, Mr. and Mrs. Pettus cut right to the chase. They were not rude or insisting, but simply concerned parents who did not intend to put their daughter through any unnecessary hell.