Secrets Never Die (Morgan Dane #5)(57)

Rylee did a slow turn on the balls of her feet, her face still pale. She walked to her brother’s side. He took her hand and squeezed it.

She looked down at Trevor. “Really?”

He nodded.

“We’ll get to the bottom of the complaint,” Morgan assured them.

Now that she’d seen the siblings together, she wanted to protect them even more. Rylee showed no fear or hesitation with her bother. They had a strong bond, and she clearly trusted him. Maybe the neighbor had been convincing. The CPS worker could be trying to do her best.

Social workers were just like any other group of people—a mix of good, bad, and lazy. Some were dedicated to protecting children. Some were average and simply showed up, and a few abused their power. Unfortunately, one bully in a position of authority could do irreparable harm.

“Ms. Dane and Mr. Kruger want to ask you about a boy named Evan,” Trevor said to his sister.

She tried to move away, but he held on to her hand.

“Have you seen him?” he asked.

“No.” Rylee didn’t fidget or look away. Her posture had relaxed once she accepted that Morgan and Lance were on her side. A lock of short purple hair fell into her eyes, and she brushed it away.

“Why didn’t you tell me about him?” Trevor asked.

“He’s been arrested a few times.” Her eyes brightened with anger. “I knew you wouldn’t want me to see him.”

“That’s right!” Trevor’s voice rose. “I can’t have you dating a juvenile delinquent with all the CPS stuff going on.”

“See?” Rylee jerked her hand from his grip.

Trevor jumped to his feet. “Rylee, this kid is wanted by the police for murder.”

Her chin snapped up. “This is why I didn’t tell you about him. I knew you’d be mad.”

Trevor fought for control. “I’m not mad. I’m terrified.”

“Evan is innocent.” Rylee started to cry. “I’m sorry. I screw everything up.”

Trevor put an arm around her shoulders. “It’s OK. We’ll deal with it.”

She sobbed into his shirt.

“Rylee, I’m only trying to protect you.” Frustration underscored Trevor’s tone. “I’m trying to keep us together.”

Tears wet her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I just—” Her breath hitched. “Most of the kids around here have perfect lives. They don’t get what it’s like to have your whole life disintegrate. Evan has his own shit to deal with. He understands. Mostly, we just talk.”

“You can always talk to me.” Trevor looked hurt.

“It’s not the same.” Rylee’s purple hair swayed as she shook her head. “You act like a parent now.”

Trevor couldn’t win.

“It’s important that we find Evan,” Lance said. “He’s been hurt, and he’s in danger.”

“We want to help him,” Morgan added. “He’s in a situation he can’t manage by himself.”

“I haven’t seen him.” Rylee chewed on her lip. “But I wish I had. I’m worried about him too.” Her eyes turned angry. “The police are stupid. Evan would never have hurt Paul.”

“You sound sure,” Morgan said.

Rylee nodded. “I never met Paul, but I know that Evan liked him. His real father is a jerk. Evan knows the difference.”

“Do you have any idea where Evan might go if he wanted to hide?” Morgan asked.

“No.” Rylee shook her head.

Morgan’s years as a prosecutor had made her adept at spotting a liar, except for the occasional sociopath. Rylee seemed to be telling the truth. So no one had seen Evan. Morgan wished the kids were lying. At least that would be a lead she and Lance could follow. But now they had nothing.

They left the house and returned to the Jeep.

“Now what?” Morgan asked. “We seem to have hit a wall. Evan has to be somewhere.”

Lance’s phone beeped. He pulled it from his pocket and answered the call. “Hi, Mom. You’re on speaker. Morgan is here too.”

“Hi, Jenny,” Morgan said.

“Hello, Morgan dear,” Jenny began.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been over.” Lance set the phone on the console. “I didn’t want to give you the kids’ germs. And now we’re caught up in this case.”

“Honey, you’re doing exactly what you should be doing. I’m fine,” Jenny assured him. “Now, I have some good news and some bad news for you.”

“Tell us the bad news first,” Morgan said.

“Sam Jones, the man who filed the excessive force complaint against Deputy Springer, was a transient. One of the reasons the complaint was dismissed was because Sam disappeared. I spoke to his lawyer. He has no idea where Sam might be.”

Could Sam be holding a grudge?

“What’s the good news?” Lance asked.

“I found a piece of land at Lake George owned by Robert Springer.” Jenny gave them the details on the property.

“Thanks, Mom.” Lance pulled away from the curb. “I’ll be over to visit as soon as I can.”

“Lance, you do what you need to do. I’m not going anywhere.” Jenny ended the call.