“We could get in trouble for this—big trouble. We’re defying an order that came straight from the top by following leads to Richmond.”

Matt thought about that for a full minute. “Does the LT know where we’re going and why?”

“She does.”

After another long pause, he said, “Then I guess she’s out on whatever limb we’re on with us. Right?”

“I’ve been advised to proceed with extreme caution. This is a fact-finding mission. Once I know for sure I’ve found the person I’m looking for, then she and I are going to consult on next steps.”

“Isn’t she at Camp David?”

“She’s aware of what’s going on and is expecting my call later today. If, or when, this blows up in our faces, it would be better for you if you could say you were asked to come along but weren’t told where we were going or why.”

“And you think people will believe I did what I was told, got in the car and asked no questions?”

“Isn’t that what you did?”

“I was expecting you to fill me in on the details.”

Jeannie wanted to believe him when he said she could trust him. What choice did she have? He was her partner for better or worse, and in months of working together, he’d given her no reason to question his loyalty. “It’s up to you, Matt. I can tell you, or you can choose not to know. The latter would be better for you if this goes bad, which it’s apt to.”

“I’ll take my chances. Lay it on me.”

Jeannie told him everything she knew about the disappearance of Carisma Deasly—and Daniella Brown—and how former Detective Stahl had failed to do even the most rudimentary investigation despite filing reports to the contrary. “I met with Carisma’s mother, LaToya, this morning.”

“I would’ve gone with you.”

“I know, but I decided it would be better if I went by myself. I thought she might be more forthcoming one-on-one.”

“Was she?”

“She had a lot to say, and none of it good for us or the other law enforcement agencies that failed her so profoundly. No one did anything, Matt. Like at all. A thirteen-year-old girl goes missing, her mother has a pretty good idea who took her, and no one cared.”

“That’s unbelievable.”

“I’m so angry about it. It’s why I couldn’t stop this, even when I was told to.”

“Why did they tell you to stop? I don’t get it.”

“You know how Sam solved the Calvin Worthington case in an afternoon after fifteen years?”

“Of course. That was incredible.”