The same Katherine Sanders that went by the Waynesboro police station eight days ago to ask for contact information on the Fuller family? Kate asked.

The girl stepped into the room and sat down on the dingy couch against the back wall. She looked at both of the Crabtrees before she spoke. Kate studied the girl and within five seconds could determine that she was either high or jonesing for her next one. From the looks of the girls lips, her frail state, and the overall tired look about her, Kate assumed meth was her drug of choice.

Yeah. Ive been trying to find them for a year or so now.

Why is that?

Katherine looked to Pam Crabtree, apparently expecting for some backup. Pam, though, didnt seem very comfortable with the way things were going.

At the risk of seeming pushy, Kate said, Im going to need to know what in the hell is going on.

Well, Pam said, like the Fullers, we once knew Katherine pretty well, too. But her parents also ended up leaving town.

Why? DeMarco said.

Because my father couldnt keep his stupid ass out of jail, Katherine said.

And whats the link to the Fullers?

My parents and the Fullers got to know each other, I think, Katherine said. I was young when everything happened. Like maybe five or six years old.

What do you mean by everything? Kate asked.

Katherine took a breath. She was visibly shakingfrom emotion or drug withdrawal, Kate wasnt sureand looking around the room like she was expecting someone to attack her at any moment. She finally answered, and when she did, it came out in a grumbling sort of whine, like a woman desperate to tell a secret but afraid of what it could mean.

My dad was a criminal and my mom was a druggie, Katherine said. But somehow, they had another baby after me. A little girl. My sister. And even though I have absolutely no proof...

What is it? Kate asked, taking a step toward Katherine.

The Fullers took her. They took my sister away and my parents never did a fucking thing about it!

***

The atmosphere in the Crabtree living room was absolutely chilled after the comment came out of Katherines mouth. Again, Kate and DeMarco looked uneasily at one another, shocked by the accusation.

Im sure you understand, Kate said, that such an accusation is very serious. Especially when you yourself said you dont have proof.

I know. But I remember it. Not clearly, exactly, but I do remember the Fullers being there on the day Kim was taken.

Kim? Thats your sister?

Yes. Kim Sanders. She couldnt have been any older than three months or so when they took her.

How do you know they took her? Kate asked. Did you actually see it?