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CHAPTER SEVEN
"What did you make of what Mrs. Darlington said about Miles Taylor?" May asked Owen, as they climbed into the car, wondering if he was thinking along the same lines as her.
"It sounds like that situation could have contributed to what happened last night. And he sounds like the kind of guy we should be speaking to. Violent tendencies."
“Yes. That definitely seemed to be an issue. In fact, I was wondering if we should check his history. It definitely seems that he might have a past. If he was very abusive, he might have gotten into trouble with the law."
"Would the school tell us if he had?" Owen asked.
May made a face. "There might be confidentiality issues. And, at seven a.m. on a Sunday, we might lose time finding that out. How about we go and look it up? We’re close to the Sevenfields police department. We could stop in there and ask if we can access the database."
"Good idea," Owen said.
The police department was just a few streets ahead, and May personally thought it was the prettiest one in the whole of Tamarack County. It was a tiny, cottage-like building, set across the road from a garden center and coffee shop. Being across the road from a garden center, grateful residents had donated plants, as well as time, to creating the most beautiful mini-garden, with pot plants, small hedges, and flower beds surrounding the entrance.
May parked outside, walked in, and greeted the mustached sergeant at the desk, who was drinking coffee.
“Morning, Anthony.”
“Morning, May and Owen. Are you here about this prom party murder? We’ve had quite a few people calling in and asking about it. People are already feeling unsafe.”
May nodded. “We have just interviewed her mother.”
Anthony made a face. “That must have been difficult.”
“It was. We do have a lead, and want to do some research before we go further. Can we go into your back office and have a seat for a minute to access the database?”
“Sure. The deputy’s not here, so the office is free. Please, go through and use the spare desk on the right. I hope it helps you.”
Quickly, May and Owen walked down the short passage, and into the sunny back office. They sat down at the desk and wasted no time logging in to access the records they needed.
It seemed like eons, but was probably just a few seconds, before the right database opened and they could search for the name they needed.
"Well, that’s interesting. Miles Taylor does have a record," Owen said.
May narrowed her eyes. "But it's from last year. And he was a juvenile at that stage so it's sealed."
“Any chance we can get a warrant and have the records unsealed?" Owen asked.
"Doubtful."
"Maybe we don’t really need to read it," Owen suggested. "I mean, any crime is relevant, right? It shows he was a lawbreaker."
"Well, some crimes might be more relevant to this case than others. For example, shoplifting would be less relevant. Assault would be more relevant," May argued. There was an important distinction between crimes, and knowing what he’d done would help them, but she didn't see any way of finding out more.
Unless she could ask her sister.
The thought occurred to her, unwelcome and uncomfortable. The FBI could access some of the juvenile records. Kerry might be able to tell her more.
But was it right to do that?
May thought about that for a while.
She didn't have the ability to access sealed records. That was not within her jurisdiction as a county deputy. Was she going to break the rules and put herself in debt to her sister - especially with the upcoming wedding, and all the ‘small favors’ and the unspoken threat of being asked to be maid of honor?
May decided it would be unwise. This was not the time to get into debt with Kerry. Especially when there was another way to get the information. After all, this was a small town.
She picked up the phone and called Sheriff Jack, hoping that the police network in this community might end up being as effective as the FBI.
