The Fuller residence lay about three miles off of the main stretch of town, on one of the secondary roads. It was a simple two-story house in need of new siding and roofing. Its rustic look betrayed the other things that Kate and DeMarco noticed as Kate pulled into the driveway.

There was a news van parked in the driveway. A good-looking female reporter and a cameraman were talking something over by the front of the van. A single police car also sat in the driveway, an officer simply sitting inside. He saw Kate and DeMarco arrive and slowly started to get out of his car.

The reporter looked up as Kate and DeMarco got out of the car. Like some dedicated bloodhound, the reporter instantly came rushing over. The cameraman jostled his equipment, trying to follow behind, but fell a few steps short.

Are you detectives? the reporter asked.

No comment, Kate barked.

Do you have the authority to be here?

Do you? Kate asked, biting back fast.

I have a responsibility to report the news, the reporter said, giving a canned answer.

Kate knew the reporter would be able to find out the FBI had been called in within an hour or so. Therefore, she was fine with showing the reporter her badge as she and DeMarco walked toward the house.

Were with the FBI, Kate said. Keep that in mind if you get any ideas about following us inside.

The reporter stopped in her tracks, the cameraman nearly colliding with her. Behind them, the officer approached. Kate saw by the name tag and badge pinned to his uniform that this was the Deton sheriff. He grinned at the reporter as he passed them.

See, he told the reporter rather gruffly. Its not just me. No one wants you around.

He stepped in front of Kate and DeMarco, leading them to the front door. Under his breath, he added: You know the laws as well as I do. I cant boot them because theyre technically doing nothing wrong. Damned vultures are hoping a relative or someone will come by.

How long have they been parked there? DeMarco asked.

Theres been at least one news van parked there every day since this happened two days ago. At one point yesterday, there were three. This whole thing has made pretty big news around here. There have been news vans and crews located all around the county police station, too. Its pretty infuriating.

He unlocked the front door and ushered them in. Im Sheriff Randall Barnes, by the way. I have the displeasure of being the lead on this thing. The Staties found out the bureau was on the way and decided to step aside. Theyre still pursuing the manhunt for the daughter, but are leaving the murder part of the whole thing on my doorstep.