Look, I dont need you reminding me how much of a terrible parent I was. I fucked up. I was stupid and selfish. Im still all those things. But a man can only live with regret so long.

A knock at the door silenced him. Sheriff Jennings stepped in, quickly handed Kate a thick folder and headed back out. Kate opened it up and saw Nicks criminal record. There were several entries, most of them distributing and manufacturing crystal meth. There were also a few for assault and battery. Hed never stayed in jail for more than two months at a time, but the records went back almost twenty yearslong before his second daughter had been born.

When did you and your wife leave Waynesboro? Kate asked.

Not too long after Kim got taken. Helen started hitting the drugs harder then. She didnt want Kim back but she was mad at herself because of it, you know? She stiffed a few dealers, so we hit the road. Never really stayed in one place or very long. Ive been in Duck Branch for about four years now and thats the longest Ive stayed put since we left Waynesboro.

Were going to need to know where you were every night for the past week or so, Kate said. Are you prepared to give us those answers?

I was around, you know? Out drinking, just doing my thing, you know?

No. I dont know. Id also like to know how you got Mercy Fullers phone number.

I paid this private eye. A guy up in Lynchburg.

Whats his name? DeMarco asked.

I cant tell you that. He asked me not to tell people he was getting involved.

Mr. Sanders, Kate said, doing her best to keep her anger in check. Based on this folder I now have in my hands, I have no reason to believe you. And quite frankly, until you come clean and tell me where youve been the last few nights or supply me with the real source of Mercy Fullers phone number, you will remain under arrest for the murder of Alvin and Wendy Fuller as well as the abduction of Mercy Fuller.

How the hell do you abduct something that was yours in the first place? he spat.

Why dont you tell me? Kate said.

Her rage was growing quickly. She needed a break. The more certain she became that Nick Sanders had something to do with the Fuller case, the more she wanted to lash out at him. How could he be so flippant about the welfare of both of his daughters? She had seen negligent parenting in her line of work before, sure, but this was taking things to an entirely different level.