Stolen(21)

Spense narrowed his eyes. “But an autopsy was done. Tox screen would’ve been part of that.”

“Yes. But GHB isn’t included in a routine serum screen. We could’ve specifically requested it, but we didn’t. We knew pretty quickly that Angelina’s cause of death was asphyxiation due to strangulation.” Hatcher’s shoulders hunched defensively. “Besides, we knew the ransom note was consistent with Angelina’s handwriting. We believed she was the one who drugged Laura. Still do.”

“Handwriting analysis isn’t an exact science,” Spense said.

“Someone could’ve deliberately copied both Angelina’s handwriting and her phrasing if they wanted to make her look guilty,” Caitlin put in.

“But what would they have to gain from that?” Hatcher asked.

“Misdirection?” Spense turned his palms up.

“Look, we can walk this path later if you like, but we’re wasting Dr. Webber’s time.” Hatcher seemed eager to shut down the conversation. Probably because it highlighted oversights on the part of the original investigators. He redirected back to Grady. “If Laura never accepted the idea that Angelina was in on the kidnapping, how does that impact her current state of mind? No figure of speeches, please. Just plain English.”

“It’s the penthouse suite in Laura’s high-rise tower of guilt.” Grady ignored Hatcher’s admonition.

Thankfully, Hatcher didn’t take the bait other than to arch a graying eyebrow.

“It means, best-case scenario, she’s indirectly responsible for Angelina’s death. In Laura’s head, either she murdered Angelina or Angelina was collateral damage because she was caring for Laura. Either way, she believed it was all her fault. That is, until recently.” Grady shifted his glance to Caitlin.

The look in his eyes seemed imploring. Like he wanted something from her. Approval? Acceptance? She couldn’t quite get a handle on it.

“You’ll be glad to know, Caitlin, that of late, at least according to Whit, Laura’s changed her tune. She’s ceased saying she thinks she killed Angelina. She’s begun saying someone else must’ve done it.”

“After she started seeing this new therapist. Dr. Duncan?”

“Yes. What’s your point?”

“You tell me.”

“My point is Laura is gaining—or was gaining more independence. I’d think you’d be happy to hear that report.”

“Are you?”

“Frankly, I’m not sure she was ready to stop taking psychotropic medications.”

“Yet after she stopped them, she began to think more rationally. Maybe the meds did her more harm than good.” Maybe Grady had done her more harm than good.

“She moved out of her parents’ house, returned to the Denver area and enrolled in college. Whit worried, but hoped she was finally ready to put the past behind her. I was hoping so, too. But now she’s gone missing. A girl who once tried to cut her own throat.”

A prior suicide attempt. Grady had dropped it in like an afterthought. “And you think she’s attempted suicide again?” Caitlin asked.

“I’m not on the task force. That’s for you to determine.”

Spense leaned forward. “That’s what you said the last time we called you out on talking in circles. You’re waffling more than a politician. Maybe you’ve spent too much time with the senator and his cronies.”

“I’ve got Laura’s records for you—from my sessions with her.” He slid an envelope across to Hatcher, ignoring Spense. “And there is one more thing. I—I hesitate to bring it up, because the Chaucers are like family.”

“Family who keeps you on the payroll,” Spense said.

“I just think you should know . . . Laura has a history of violence. She once tried to strangle her mother, Tracy, and on a separate occasion she was found standing over her parents’ bed with a knife.”

“Before or after the kidnapping?”

“Before,” Grady said gravely. “Surely you can understand my concerns.” He hesitated. Looked toward the door. He was still holding something back. Or at least he wanted it to appear that way.

“What else aren’t you telling us?” Spense asked.

“I—I don’t know that it would help you find her. It may have significance, but I’m struggling because I—I don’t know how it figures into all of this. But . . .” He heaved a sigh. “I feel obligated to tell you.”

“If you withhold anything, and something happens to that girl, I’m going to make sure you’re brought up on charges,” Hatcher said.