Was that judgmental tone real or imagined? She eyed Christian. He didn’t seem to notice. “I thought I could fix things with Ash. We were doing so well. Or at least that’s how it seemed. We’d just gotten word that we could proceed with Ash’s adoption. It meant so much to the both of us. I didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize it.”

“So you put the adoption above everything, including Ashley’s safety and mental health?”

Becca flinched. Now she knew she wasn’t imagining this woman’s disdain. Even Christian seemed surprised. “Come on, Joanne, that’s not necessary,” Christian said.

“I screwed up. I should have allowed the officer to process Ash’s arrest and then called her social worker. I know that now,” Becca said.

Wishard nodded dismissively. “Let’s talk about Ash’s boyfriend, Nate Sutton. Christian said you know him.” This was sounding more and more like an interrogation.

“I met him a few years ago. I didn’t know that he was back in Ash’s life,” Becca said, her frustration bubbling over. Why was she sitting here grilling Becca when she should be out there hunting for Ash? She fought the urge to lash out. She needed this woman on her side.

“What about the tattoo? Ash and Nate both have one. So does the victim. There’s a connection there. There has to be.”

Wishard’s face revealed nothing. Becca continued. “I also spoke to a man who knows Ash. His name is Hopper Jenkins.”

“Ah, yes, the man from your show on Hollywood Boulevard,” Wishard said dismissively. Becca forced herself to ignore what seemed liked pointed attacks.

“Hopper said Ash might be caught up with some bad people. He called them the Tribe.”

Becca clocked the flicker of recognition on Wishard’s face at the mention of the Tribe. “You know something about them, don’t you?”

“I’m afraid I can’t discuss case specifics,” Wishard said regretfully.

“I’m part of this department. I’ve dedicated the last eight years of my life to the LAPD. Aren’t I owed a little professional courtesy?” Becca demanded.

Christian gave Wishard a pointed look. “Joanne, it’s going to come out sooner or later. Becca deserves to know.”

Joanne shot Christian an annoyed look. She sighed and closed her notebook, her words careful and measured. “What I’m about to tell you is confidential.”

What did this woman think Becca was going to do? Instagram their convo? Snapchat it out to her followers? She bit back her sarcastic response. “I understand. I won’t say a word.”