Chapter 77
SEVENTY-SEVEN
Mystic Attorneys at Law
Derrick hated child abduction cases, especially ones that went unsolved. His family had certainly suffered for it.
Hopefully Dana Jo wouldn’t meet the same fate as Minnie, but at this point they had no idea of the killer’s timeline, identity or how long he kept his victims before killing them. Did he murder the mothers before or after he handed off the child to another party?
Kidnapping a toddler was risky. But if they were dealing with an adoption ring, hopefully they catered to couples who would take care of the children.
The question was—had they been deceived into thinking the adoptions were legal?
The other option turned his stomach. But… he was too seasoned of an agent to be na?ve. Those evil people existed.
He charged into Whittaker’s office, prepared for a confrontation, and immediately identified himself and flashed his credentials.
Whittaker sat behind his desk, looking smug in his custom-tailored suit obviously designed for a man of five-eight stature. His skin was bronzed, his hair a dark black, a five-o’clock shadow adding to his masculinity, probably by choice. He wanted to appear in charge.
Cliched, but Derrick had met men like him before. Arrogant. Narcissistic. They had a God complex and could plow someone over with their machine gun mouths.
No one was spared. Spouses, partners and their children often suffered the most.
“Excuse me,” Whittaker said. “I don’t know what’s going on or why you barged into my office, but this is a legal firm and there’s protocol.”
“I don’t give a damn about your protocol.” Derrick gave him a level stare, skeptical and cynical. “I need to talk to you about Minnie Benton.”
The attorney’s brows furrowed. “Ahh, Claude’s daughter. I heard she was murdered, and her daughter’s missing. What a shame. But I don’t understand how I can help you.”
“You represented her DUI and driving without a license charge, didn’t you?” Derrick asked, taking the direct approach.
Whittaker gave a quick nod. “As a favor to Claude. Minnie was a sweet kid but took a wrong turn like many teenagers. Claude didn’t want those charges to ruin her future.”
“From what I’ve learned about Benton, he doesn’t seem too concerned about his daughter or her child at all.”
Whittaker scrubbed his hand over his chin.
“Hearsay is dangerous and so are assumptions,” he warned.
“Besides, Claude tried to save Minnie, so I took care of her legal issues. Still after that, she ran away, and he and his wife were devastated. Benton’s tough exterior is just a facade to protect himself and hide his pain and disappointment. ”
Bullshit. Derrick wasn’t buying it. “Do you typically represent DUIs?” Derrick asked.
The man seemed to be thrown off by Derrick’s question, and he glanced at his computer. “No, I focus on criminal defense cases and am very much in demand. But occasionally I accept a few pro bono cases just for goodwill.”
Goodwill, his ass. Derrick would bet neither Whittaker nor Benton had ever done anything out of goodwill in their lives. Not unless it benefited them. “Did Benton pay for your service?”
“He works for me. Lawyers trade favors all the time.” Whittaker leaned back in his chair. “Why does any of that matter?”
“I’m trying to understand the dynamics in Benton’s family. Someone murdered his daughter and kidnapped his grandchild, and I intend to find out who and locate the little girl.” Derrick saw a flicker of something that looked like animosity or panic in the man’s eyes before he masked it.
“Of course,” Whittaker said calmly.
Derrick switched tactics. “Do you know a young girl named Dana Jo Glasser?”
Whittaker shook his head. “No, who is she?”
“She and her daughter disappeared last night. We believe the same person who killed Minnie and took her little girl abducted Dana Jo and her daughter.” Derrick paused. “Two other teenagers were also murdered by the same man.”
Whittaker’s eyes widened slightly. “You think you’re dealing with a serial killer?”
“Yes,” Derrick said. “If there’s anything you can tell me that would help, please do.”
Whittaker exhaled loudly, his attorney persona in full mode.
“I certainly hope you’re not implying that Claude was involved.
He’s a clever attorney and an asset to this firm, certainly not a killer.
” He shot up from his chair, sending it rocking backward.
“Now, if you need to speak to me again, you can go through my attorney.”
Of course Whittaker would lawyer up. Derrick strongly suspected Benton was involved somehow in all this mess.
Would his senior partner cover for him to protect the firm’s reputation?