What She Found (Tracy Crosswhite #9)(80)

“It isn’t about helping us,” Tracy said. “It was about helping a daughter and a mother find some closure. When I took cold cases I was told that I would have latitude which cases I pursued.”

“Not by me,” Weber said. “I understand you called in sick on Monday.”

The statement caught Tracy out of the blue. “That’s right.”

“Tell me you did not fly to Escondido and speak to the chief of police with Lisa Childress or Melissa Childs, or whatever her name is?”

Again, the question sounded rhetorical. “I took a sick day. I didn’t use police resources.”

“You deliberately went behind my back.”

In a way, Tracy had, and she could understand why Chief Weber was not happy about it, but she wished Weber could see the flip side, that despite Larry Childress’s negativity and hostility, this was a rare success, a woman missing twenty-four years found alive.

This was a moment to be celebrated, if she spun it correctly. “I have three active files with DNA that Mike Melton is processing. Just as you asked,” Tracy said. “And this . . . this is a positive outcome. We can get a statement to Bennett Lee highlighting how rare these circumstances are.”

“Is that how you see it?”

“I had an open file. I had a lead. I pursued that lead, and I achieved a positive result for the family and for this department.”

“The husband—”

“Is a bitter, angry, little man,” Tracy said, feeling herself getting defensive. “Are we going to let him and people like him dictate how we do our jobs?”

Weber paused. “No. I will dictate how you do your job.” She moved back to her desk. “Why did you take a sick day?”

“To not use police resources.”

“Don’t bullshit me. You took a sick day to do an end run around a direct order I gave you to set this case aside and pursue cases with DNA evidence that had a reasonable chance of success.”

“I did pursue cases with DNA evidence, and Mike Melton told me he will have DNA available in all three cases shortly. I had a strong lead after you and I spoke that Lisa Childress was alive, and I pursued that lead.”

“Bennett Lee says the phones are ringing off the hook. The media would like a statement about this case.”

“I spoke to Bennett and told him the family has asked for privacy, and I’m going to honor that request.”

“Apparently not.” Weber gestured to the television. Then she picked up a sheet of paper from her desk and handed it to Tracy. “I asked Lee to put together a statement that will cast you and this department in the best light possible given the circumstances.”

Tracy read the statement, which gave details on Melissa Childs’s life in Escondido and her allegation that she had suffered from amnesia. The intimation was that Lisa Childress had simply walked away from her responsibilities to start a new life, thereby absolving the police department.

“You want me to sign this?”

“No. I want you to make a statement to the media in time for the ten o’clock news.”

“I told Lisa Childress and her daughter that I would respect their privacy. I also told them that I would not reveal her life in Escondido.

And this statement is not accurate. She did not walk away.”

“That cat has been let out of the bag.”

“Not by me.”

“But because of your actions.”

That was no doubt true. But Tracy would not go back on her word. Honoring her word was more important than pleasing her chief, though it certainly would not be without consequences. It might not be the smartest decision Tracy ever made, but it was the honorable one. “I won’t read this statement without the family’s permission. It’s a violation of the promise I made to them, and it gives in to the husband. Why draw more attention to him and the situation? Why not just let this be for a bit?”

“I’m giving you a direct order, Detective Crosswhite.”

Tracy held her breath. She knew where this was headed. “Then I’m going to have to respectfully refuse that order.”

“Then you’re suspended pending an internal investigation by a unit sergeant. I’d suggest you get in contact with the union. You’ll need legal defense.”

As Tracy started for the office door, Chief Weber said, “I’m disappointed, Detective Crosswhite.”

Tracy stopped and turned back. “Not nearly as disappointed as I am.”





C H A P T E R 3 1

Tracy cleared her desk of her personal effects, and though she believed she had done the right thing, it had not been without some regret and some anger. When she arrived at home, Dan was in the backyard sitting beneath the pergola. He had put up a flat-screen television and heaters, a suggestion by Tim, who helped him run electrical wiring and installed the outlets. It was pleasant beneath the shade.

“Hey,” Dan said. “I wanted to surprise you. Comcast just extended the cables out here and apparently just in time. Your name is all over the local and national media with the story of Lisa Childress’s return to Seattle.”

“It’s big news. Just not for the police department.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Chief Weber just suspended me.”