a loner. Who would she be working with?”
“I’m not sure.”
“We’re looking into her records and trying to get in touch with her boss,” Jim said. “The number she gave us keeps on coming up as disconnected.”
“I’ll keep all of that in mind,” Mark muttered. That was another strike against her. They continued to add up. “Thanks.”
Mark hung up and turned to Laney. Her eyes were wide with anticipation, as if she knew something was wrong. He wasn’t letting her off the hook this time.
“You want to rethink your story?”
She stared a moment before shaking her head. She rolled back her shoulders, as if finding some kind of internal courage. “No, I don’t. I told you the truth.”
“Then explain why your in-laws know nothing about that money you supposedly sent to them.”
Her eyes became even wider. “I did send it to them. Just two days ago. Ten thousand dollars. My father-in-law has been out of work and dealing with multiple health issues. It seemed the least I could do. Nate would have wanted me to do it. I used part of his life insurance policy that I’d been saving for a rainy day.”
“The money never got to them.”
Her forehead wrinkled with confusion. “I was going to surprise them. I had a cashier’s check cut and sent out. I have no idea why they haven’t received it.”
“Can you explain why another bank account was opened in your name and the money was deposited there?”
Her lips parted. “You can’t be telling the truth. I didn’t do that. It doesn’t make any sense.”
“Computer records say you did.”
“Computer records are wrong.” She crossed her arms. “They can be manipulated.”
“How do you know that?”
“I have my PhD in computer science. I’m a software engineer, in simple terms. That’s why.”
Mark shifted, determined not to let this go. “Why isn’t your boss answering his phone?”
She tilted her head. “He hasn’t answered for me, either. Maybe something came up. It’s the only thing I can think of.”
“Maybe that’s because the company doesn’t exist.”
Her eyes widened with something close to panic. “Of course it exists. I’ve worked there for three years. Can’t you see that I’m being set up? I know you probably don’t believe me, but I’m telling you the truth.”
“Who would have had access to your information to do something like this?”
She shook her head. “I feel like a broken record, but I truly have no idea. Someone who’s better at computers than I am...” Her voice trailed and her eyes got a faraway look.
“What are you thinking?”
She fidgeted. “I work with computers and programming. If I could access my computer—”
“Then you could potentially delete more evidence against you.”
“I didn’t.”
“Maybe you’re working with someone?”
She shook her head more adamantly now. “No! I’m not. At least give me the chance to prove myself.”
“As soon as my partner is able to go before a judge, we’ll have a warrant for your arrest.”
Panic quelled in her gaze, and she gripped the wall again, as if she needed it to hold her steady. “No! Please. I just need time. I want to find Sarah just as much as you. Maybe even more.”
“There’s something you’re not telling me, Laney, and I intend to figure out what that is.”
She raised her chin. “If I’m not under arrest, then I need to ask you to leave.”
He stared back. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
“You’re violating my rights. Unless you’re arresting me, then leave.”
He considered his words carefully. His hands were tied there. The woman was right: he couldn’t force her to let him stay. But his boss had ordered him to keep an eye on her. “You’re making a mistake if you send me away.”
She stared back, a fire igniting in her gaze. “No, you’re the one making a mistake here. And I’m going to prove it.”
Just as he stepped out of her house, an explosion rattled windows.
Laney rushed out her door and gasped when she saw the flames burning from the center of her yard. “What...?”
A vehicle squealed away. Mark quickly called for backup before grabbing Laney’s arm. “Stay back.”
“But what...?”
“Molotov cocktail,” he explained. “It’s a type of homemade bomb. Maybe someone wants to let you know you’re not welcome in the neighborhood anymore. It’s not all that unusual in situations like these.”
She narrowed her eyes at Mark. No one would think she was guilty if the police hadn’t taken her in. They were wasting so much time on her when the real kidnapper was getting away.
Mark paused for long enough to respond to someone on his phone. The flames had quickly died down—the explosion more for a surprise effect than to cause damage. Well, it had worked. Laney was more shaken than ever.
She had to be proactive here. Sarah’s life was on the line, but so was Laney’s. She’d learned a long time ago she couldn’t wait around for other people to save the day. If she was going to prove her innocence and help Sarah, she had to make the most of her time.
Laney stormed toward the back of the house.
“What are you doing?” Mark called, following after her.
“I’m looking for evidence that your guys aren’t searching for.”
“If you’re innocent, then you won’t mind if I tag along.”
She turned toward him, her eyes blazing. “Be my guest.”
She was all too aware that he was on her heels as she went into her backyard. She desperately longed to get on her computer, to do what she did best: researching. Maybe she could contact Nicholas through her email. Maybe the agency would hire a lawyer for her or give her advice on how to manage this situation.
That computer was like an appendage. It was her work, her livelihood, her fun, her connection with the outside world. While other girls had been doing their hair and makeup, she’d been writing code. The odd quirk hadn’t gained her many friends, but eventually she’d gotten a full-ride scholarship to MIT. She’d been sought after by the biggest and best companies.
None of her professors would have predicted this.
“What exactly are you looking for?” Mark asked.
“I have no idea. But somewhere here, there’s evidence that tells a different story than the one you guys have put together. I intended to find out what it is.”
“Go for it.”
She turned her flashlight app on her phone and shone the beam along the ground. No doubt the police had trampled any evidence in their effort to nab her. But maybe there was something they’d missed.
Common sense sometimes eluded her, but she was book smart and had attention to details. Her brain, it seemed, sometimes worked like a computer. She was always processing facts but not always great at interpreting them.
Where