“You’re certain it’s hers?” Tucker asked.
“It has her name. Her handwriting. Dates match,” Burke replied. “Found in his coat pocket.”
A pause.
“That’s possession of a victim’s personal writings during an active disappearance,” Tucker said. “Bring him in.”
Burke ended the call and keyed his radio.
“Baker, do not approach Raines until backup arrives. Hale is en route.”
“Copy.”
Scout sealed the journal in evidence.
Burke nodded once. “We finally have something solid.”
Scout didn’t answer.
Because nothing about this felt solid.
They had probable cause.
They had procedure.
But Tessa was still missing.
Sheriff’s Department — Interview Room 1
The clock read 5:48 PM.
Raines had been inside two hours with SBI. Questions. Silence. Pressure.
Scout stood behind the glass, arms crossed, eyes fixed on him.
Burke joined him. “They’re wrapping. We’ll hit it again in the morning.”
“We don’t have until morning,” Scout said.
“We’ve got him,” Burke replied. “He’s not going anywhere.”
Scout’s gaze never moved. “I want one crack at him.”
“No.”
“I’m not asking.”
Burke held his stare. “You do something stupid, you blow the case.”
“I’m not gonna hit him.”
Burke didn’t look convinced.
Scout stepped toward the door.
“One minute,” Burke said. “And you keep it clean. You’re on camera.”
Scout didn’t answer.
