“Two ideas.” Chuck’s voice was heavy. “I don’t like one.”
“Corrupt law enforcement?”
“It’s possible. Like Deputy Daniels in Tyler, it’s possible the drug ring has gotten to someone close to the case, and that’s how they knew where the Brandenbergs would be.”
Caleb took some notes. “The other option?”
“Someone from the drug ring. Cleaning up the mess.” Chuck sighed. “I hope it’s that one, but then how did they find the family?”
“Eliza was texting with a friend from Wayne.” Todd let the words fall to see what kind of reaction they generated.
The marshal swore. “What? How?”
“She had a phone. I’m not sure her parents knew. They never talked, but she would text about once a day to let her friend know she was okay.”
“Maybe that’s how they found her.” He groaned. “Why don’t people believe us when we tell them the only way that people get caught is when they don’t do what we tell them?”
Todd rubbed his forehead, pressing against the building pressure. “She’s thirteen… she was lonely and scared.”
“And she might have gotten her parents killed.”
Caleb stepped back into the conversation. “Did you know she was adopted?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know who her birth parents are?”
“We found one.”
Caleb’s head jerked up. “Who? Did she know that?”
“I don’t know if she knew. And her dad.” The man shifted the phone, causing more noise. “Look, that’s about all I can tell you.”
“There have been two attempts made on Eliza in the hospital.”
“Now that I know where she is, I can get marshals there to protect her.”
Todd shook his head. “If you think a leak came from inside, I’m not sure that’s a good idea. We’ll keep a close watch on her.”
“Doesn’t sound like that’s working since there have been two attempts, in what, a day?”
Todd snorted. “But she’s still alive. Unlike her parents.” He leaned back, but didn’t apologize for speaking.
“I don’t appreciate that.” Chuck did not sound excited to hear Todd interject again.
“My partner is the one who found Eliza.” Caleb leaned forward on the desk. “He feels invested.”
“I’ve kept her alive for six months.” Chuck sounded spitting mad. “I’m invested, too.”
“I’ve got an armed, off-duty officer assigned to her door.” Todd crossed his arms and tried to keep the fight from his voice. “She’ll always be guarded.”
“Is she right now?” The man sounded intense. “You’re on the phone with me.”
“She’s in surgery, but the officer is still at her room.”
“I’d have someone watch the surgery, too.”
Todd looked at Caleb and shrugged, then started texting more friends who were off duty.
