I dont even know that it matters, Kate said. Its doubtful that whatever crimes he has hiding on that laptop is linked to the Fuller case. In terms of priorities, Id say its low.

Ive got a piece of software running on it right now that should be able to crack it open, DeMarco said. But that can be running in the background.

What else can we assist with? Murphy asked.

I think that covers it, Kate said. This case has essentially become a manhunt. The hope, as far as I can see it, is that we find Mercy Fuller alive and she will know who abducted her and killed her parents.

So its just scouring the forests for any signs of herdead or alive? Murphy asked.

Seems that way for now. With her parents dead and no next of kin in town, there arent any further resources. Edgar Lee was our last one and, as Ive said, I honestly dont think he had any hand in the disappearance.

Murphy shrugged and looked around the table. Agents Wise and DeMarco…this is your show so long as youre here in Deton. Give us the orders and well jump.

Let your canine units know were on the way. Find out where they feel we would best be used in terms of searching the forest on foot.

Murphy gave a polite nod and headed out to do just that. Kate and DeMarco also got up, a feeling of urgency pushing them. Kate had been on five different cases over her career where the entirety of a case had all come down to an on-foot manhunt. Four of those five cases had turned up a dead body; the fifth had resulted in them just barely getting to the victim in time, ushering her on to a three-week hospital stay but, ultimately, a full life afterward. She knew the urgency of the situation and did her best to remain upbeat.

On the way toward the front door, Kate paused at the door to the interrogation room. She figured shed leave instruction with someone to release Edgar Lee in the next hour or so. They could keep his laptop a while longer and if anything came out of it, they could simply arrest him again. For now, though, she didnt see the sense in keeping him around when the PD had already become a miniature madhouse.

She reached for the door handle as her eyes fell on DeMarco. She was sitting back behind the desk she had been using while shed been trying to get into Lees laptop. She was hunched over with a shocked look on her face. She then looked up, saw Kate, and waved her over with a subtle little motion.

Kate made her way through the small throng of officers and troopers, heading over to the desk. What is it? she asked.

I got in, DeMarco said. And look at this…