Page 84 of Bring Them Home

Amanda was prepared to lay into the marshal before Trent intercepted. What the hell was Russell’s response supposed to mean?

“The judge said it sounded like nothing more than a fishing expedition. If we bring him solid evidence Hernandez was involved in murder and abduction, he will reconsider.”

“The fact Abigail McGee’s body was on Hernandez’s property wasn’t enough to get clearance to search his residence?” Has everyone lost their minds?

Russell shook his head. “The body wasn’t found at his residence, where he lives.”

“And you told this judge about the history between McGee and Hernandez?” Amanda was trying to make sense of the rejection, but she couldn’t see how she could.

“I did.”

“Is it the same judge who dismissed…?” She started asking her earlier question again and stopped when Russell shook his head. “Regardless, we go to another judge.”

“Amanda,” Trent said, drawing her gaze to him. “You know it’s not that simple.”

She did. If they approached another judge, they were obliged to disclose the prior denial. They’d be right back to where they were already—in need of indisputable evidence against Hernandez. “Shit.” She ran a hand through her hair. What were they supposed to do now? Just wait around for Valerie’s and Brooke’s bodies to turn up? “Listen, I’ve got to clear my head a bit, take a break.” She brushed past Russell. Stopped. Faced him. “Did you notify Lloyd McGee about his wife’s death?”

“Not yet, but I was going to do that next.”

Amanda opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She was shaking with anger.

“We were focused on finding the Archers,” Russell added in his defense.

“Right. Well, since that’s at a dead end…” She moved past him, and Trent caught up with her.

“I’m coming with you.”

“I can come along too,” Russell said.

Amanda held up her hand. “We’ve got it. Not to worry.” It was for his own good to sit this out. She couldn’t stand the sight of him right now.

Amanda knocked on Lloyd’s front door, and it opened before she’d lowered her hand. Had he been waiting on the other side expecting bad news about Abigail? She couldn’t imagine what he’d suffered the last eight years and how the wound was made fresh this past week. And it’s about to get a lot worse…

Lloyd stepped back and motioned them inside. They just crossed the threshold when he said, “She’s dead, isn’t she?”

“Let’s sit down before we talk.” Amanda eyed the living room to the right of the entry.

Lloyd dipped his head and retreated into his home.

He knows… In his heart, he knows…

They all took a seat, and Amanda wasn’t going to make him wait any longer. “Abigail’s body was found earlier today. She was shot.”

“When did she die?”

“It’s uncertain,” Trent told him. “An autopsy will confirm.”

“I knew she was out there alive all these years. I just knew it.” Lloyd bit his bottom lip and sniffled. “She never would have left me if she had any choice in the matter. Did the person who took her years ago kill her?”

Amanda felt for this poor man, but at least she had some answers to give him. “Abigail was never taken, but she overheard something eight years ago that could have gone a long way to putting a very dangerous man behind bars.”

His eyes met hers, seeking out an explanation.

“She was put into WITSEC.”

“Then, they failed her.” He swiped his cheeks and jutted out his jaw. “Who is this ‘dangerous man’?”

“I don’t think it would be a good idea to⁠—”