First, I check Angela’s call log. The last two dialed are 911 and Jamal’s number; after those are several missed calls from Jamal. The most recent answered call, however, is from Chris. One minute and twenty seconds, another, two minutes and five seconds. All around ten in the evening Tuesday. My stomach sinks because this is the kind of evidence the police need. I hope that her phone bill can provide it for them, too. If they think to look.

Then I go through her text messages, finding a thread between her and Jamal. They texted multiple times a day. A surge in my stomach pulls; I feel betrayed I didn’t know this was happening between Jamal and Angela.

JAMAL 4/26:

I thought about what Tracy asked. Talking about my dad’s case on air isn’t the right place.

ANGELA 4/26:

But you said Tracy was right? This could get national attention.

JAMAL 4/26:

It’ll just make my moms mad. Chris’ll shut you out. He’s already angry.

If he thinks you helped get me on the show.

He’ll never tell you more about the Pike. Let’s wait it out.

ANGELA 4/26:

Chris won’t be much help anyway. He’s clammed up after talking to Scott.

It’s a dead end. This might be your shot.

I skip through more messages.

ANGELA 4/30:

He came to see me! Just showed up at my work.

JAMAL 4/30:

What!

What did he want?

ANGELA 4/30:

IDK. Chris must have told him I was asking about him.

JAMAL 4/30:

Are you okay?

I don’t want you seeing Chris anymore.

ANGELA 4/30:

Another week.

I promise. I just need to look through more photos.

Keep the memory card safe for me.

JAMAL 4/30:

All right. I’ll keep it in the production room so you can get to it.

ANGELA 5/1:

Chris is pissed. That’s why he showed up at the studio. I promise it’s over.

Where are you?

JAMAL 5/1:

Walking. Don’t wanna go home. Interview went to hell.

My sister goes too hard. This wasn’t her deal.

ANGELA 5/1:

Meet me at Herron?

JAMAL 5/1:

OK

ANGELA 5/4:

Chris is pissed at me. Scott told him I’ve been going around his back.

Using him for information.

He also knows I took it. I covered, though.

JAMAL 5/4

Return it. I’m tired of getting caught up in drama.

Let it go. You don’t need to do this. It’s a school paper.

Either end it with him for real or don’t deal with me.

ANGELA 5/4:

I’ll end it. No more. I promise.

Gotta go, your sister’s here.