Not personally. I hear rumors, though. And one of those rumors is that Randy has these pretty raunchy parties. Orgies, I guess, I dont know. And he doesnt let Jeremy hang around. So from what I hear, the weekends he has these parties, Jeremy stays with his old man. He paused here and then, almost skeptically, added: You dont think it was Mercy?

You do?

He shrugged. I dont want to believe it, but its starting to look like it. If Im being honest, its a conclusion I started to consider even before you showed up.

Lets hold Jeremy here for a bit longer, Kate said. In the meantime, do you think you could have someone trace down the address and contact information of Jeremys father?

Yeah, Ill get Foster on it, he said, reaching for his phone. Hell be glad to be able to add a little more information to his case files.

Kate and DeMarco stepped outside of the office, walking back toward the bullpen area. Speaking under her breath, DeMarco asked: Do you think Jeremy Branch is telling the truth?

I just dont know. His story certainly adds up and connects a lot of dots. But I also know that with all the drugs I found in that house, he has every reason in the world to cover his ass and get the attention off of him.

I cant help but wonder if he was in on the deaths himself, DeMarco said. An older guy, wanting to keep a younger girl under lock and key. If she truly hated her parents and he was crazy enough, wouldnt he be a suspect?

It was a promising train of thought, one that Kate had considered herself. She had not ruled it out, hoping that a visit to Jeremys fathers house would give them some more information.

Agents?

They both turned to see Barnes coming out of his office. He handed a slip of paper to Kate and nodded. Thats the address for Floyd Branch. Fair warning, though…he can be a bit of a bastard. Badges and all that dont really bother him.

Its the middle of the day, Kate said. Are you even sure hell be home?

Yeah. He works on small engines and stuff like that out of his garage. Barnes checked his watched and smiled. Its just about three thirty, so I bet you just about anything that hes already started drinking. If I were you, Id head out that way soon…before he gets hammered. Want some backup? Hes kind of a hillbilly. I dont know how else to put that. Hes going to see two women he doesnt know and not take you seriously.

Sounds lovely, Kate said. Sure. Come on along, Sheriff. The more, the merrier.