“That’s what Kara and I were talking about this morning.”

“Who has Emma?” A.L. yelled.

“Kara’s sister,” Steven said.

“She doesn’t have a sister,” Rena said.

“She does,” Steven said. “Listen, I want a lawyer. I’m done talking to you.”

Kara Wiese had been read her rights and she’d immediately requested an attorney. One was coming. And A.L. was about to climb the walls. He’d had numerous cups of coffee, no food and no sleep. And they were so fucking close.

Emma was alive. Or at least had been when Steven had talked to Kara Wiese this morning. And supposedly the plan was to return Emma. All that was good, but things like this could go south in a hurry when people got nervous. And with the arrests of both Steven Hanzel and Kara Wiese, there was no telling what the sister, whoever that was, might do. If they lost Emma now, it would break people.

Kara’s attorney arrived. He didn’t recognize the woman. Salina St. John. It sounded like a made-up name. He quite frankly didn’t even care if she was a real attorney. He gave Ms. St. John five minutes with her client. Then he and Rena knocked on the door.

“Time is of the essence here, Counselor,” he said.

“I understand,” she said. “My client has had an opportunity to reflect on previous conversations that she may have had with you and recognizes that she might not have been absolutely forthcoming. Should she provide a more detailed and accurate statement, would there be consideration of that when charges are filed?”

“If we are able to locate Emma and she’s safe, then I will tell whoever is interested that there was no further delay. That’s the best I can do right now.”

Attorney and client exchanged a glance. Kara leaned forward. “There was never any intention for Emma to be hurt. She has not been hurt. She’s been cared for and comforted.”

“Where is she?” A.L. asked, his voice hard. “I want an address.”

“317 Brookline Drive. It’s a house that my sister rented a month ago. That’s who she’s with.”

He sent the address to the task force members. Felt his chest ease up a little.

“You don’t have a sister,” he said. “We checked.”