“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” The excitement in the podcaster’s voice is palpable.
“That there’s a proven history of criminals involving themselves in their cases? Yes indeed,” says Steve. “We’ve often seen these sorts of people insert themselves into an investigation to enable them to feel important and clever. While allowing them to relive some of the thrill they experience when killing, of course, by talking about what happened with detectives.”
“Kemper used to hang out at a cop bar. Bundy liked to pose as one!”
“Not to forget the Golden State Killer actually worked as one for several years. These sorts of people are often attractedto officials and the power they wield. What an amazing development. And dare I say another strong indicator that Sidney was far more involved in the death of Briana Petersen than she’s admitted. Just as we suspected.” Steve’s voice is as excited as can be. “Or is she researching how investigators might find the hidden bodies?”
The second podcaster oohs and ahhs. “You could very well be right.”
“Or it could mean she’s trying to help,” says Grace, sounding perturbed by their spin. “By trying to find the bodies of the other missing women. Which is what someone caught up in this horrible situation might do, right?”
“But we know that Ryan didn’t have anything to do with those other women going missing,” says Steve. “The local police have said he’s not a person of interest.”
“What if they’re wrong?” asks Grace. “I know there’s at least one online true crime community trying to find a connection.”
Which is not what the podcasters want to hear. “What else can you tell us about your cousin, Grace?”
Guess she sees dollar signs flash before her eyes. Because it takes her a moment, but she comes up with more. “I also sensed that Sidney had a lot of animosity toward Ryan’s mom. She said she still does therapy once a month when she needs it. But she seemed to have a lot of unresolved negative feelings around his family.”
“That doesn’t surprise us. Dianne has been a bastion of strength to her son over the years. Her righteous anger and dedication to seeking justice for Ryan remains fierce and undaunted. The access she’s given us during the making of this podcast and the upcoming documentary are just…I don’t know how we would have done it without her.”
“That’s right, Mike,” says the other dude.
“Yeah. But she thinks he’s innocent because a psychic told her, right?” asks Grace. “It’s not exactly scientific evidence. Next you’ll be judging Sidney based on her aura or birthstone or something.”
“The case is extremely complex and involved,” answers Steve in a rush. “We don’t want to diminish other people’s spiritual beliefs. Thank you so much for coming in today, Grace. Your insights on your cousin have been invaluable and we sure appreciate the access you granted us.”
They move on to telling listeners where they can buy Team Ryan and Team Sidney tees. Then they announce they’ll be interviewing my old hairdresser. She has a lot to say, apparently. Give me strength. The voices cut off as Hana stops the podcast and silence fills the vehicle.
“Wonder if they’ll talk to the person who does your waxing,” says Muriel in her usual dry tone.
“Of course, it was the repeated pain of getting my pubic hair ripped out that tipped me over the edge. You know that, right?”
Hana snorts. “Something had to send you to the dark side.”
“What absolute baloney.” Muriel shakes her head. “Balanced reporting my ass. They’re a pair of hacks.”
“Your cousin sucks, by the way. Hey, Rodney? Stanley? Walter?” Hana shakes her head. “The doggo isn’t reacting to any of them. We’ll figure out your name eventually. Don’t worry.”
“He might not be staying,” I remind her. And as for Grace… “I knew the timing was weird. Her turning up like that. Never should have offered to let her stay. At least if she’d been at a motel, I would have had some distance and time to think about the things she was asking and maybe piece it together.”
Hana winces. “Not really sure you should drag yourself for not being paranoid enough.”
“I completely forgot the stuff about cadaver dogs was on the table. There was a bunch of bills and stuff and…yeah.”
“So people know we’re searching,” says Hana. “There’s no reason it necessarily changes anything.”
“I feel like such an idiot.”
“Let me know when she moves on from the self-pitying stage,” says Muriel. “I always find that boring.”
Hana smiles. “Calling yourself an idiot seems harsh.”
“Idiot adjacent?” I ask.
“Yeah. I’ll let you have that one.”
“Thanks. You’re probably right about it not changing anything,” I say after some thought. “My reputation was already shitty. Maybe it won’t make much of a difference.”
