Chapter 81
EIGHTY-ONE
Crooked Creek Police Station
Ellie handed off the evidence bags to be sent to the lab, requesting they be analyzed stat. Once the chain of custody document was signed, she met Angelica Gomez in the press room.
“Captain Hale said another teenager and child are missing,” Angelica said.
“Sadly, yes,” Ellie said. “We need to post their photos on the news ASAP.”
Angelica gestured to her cameraman, who had already set up. “Okay, let’s roll.”
Ellie stood beside Angelica, anxiety riddling her at having to announce to the public that a dangerous killer was still on the loose.
The cameraman gave the signal and Angelica introduced herself to lead into the segment. “Following the story of the missing child Iris Benton, Detective Ellie Reeves is here to add an update.”
Ellie took the microphone, breathing in to steady her nerves.
“We are still searching for Iris Benton, so please call in if you have any information on her whereabouts.” She paused for a beat.
“Unfortunately, another young mother and her child are now missing. Late last night, Dana Jo Glasser and her two-year-old daughter, Lou Lou, disappeared from their home in what we believe is an abduction. Evidence suggests that this kidnapping is connected to the Benton case and that we are dealing with a serial predator. In child abduction cases, time is of utmost importance, so we implore everyone to be alert for these faces.” Ellie shifted slightly to offer time for Dana Jo’s and Lou Lou’s photographs to be displayed.
“The FBI is coordinating with statewide law enforcement agencies. Please help us find Ms. Glasser and the two children, Iris Benton and Lou Lou Glasser. Thank you.”
Stomach rolling and palms sweating, she stepped away from the mic and let Angelica tie up the segment while she hurried to her office.
Ellie had to stay busy. Shondra was looking into the counselor at the hospital where Jordan delivered, but Ellie had the name of the woman who’d convinced Jordan to agree to adoption.
She’d start there.