THE PERFECT TEN (Boxed Set)

Scott led Von into the room next to the interrogation room.
    “She has the same color hair as Jeremy,” Von said, shrugging, “but then half the world has brown hair. I guess she could be his sister.” He held up the sketch artist’s picture. “This is not Libby Braddock, though. A different woman sent Kasey the pictures from Nashville.”
    “Partners?”
    “Maybe,” Von said.
    “I’ll ask her about it.” Scott took the sketch from Von. “I have to tell you what she said.” Scott rolled his shoulders. “She said Jake is with his dad.”
    Von whistled and stepped back. “That can’t be what she means. Not with Nick.”
    “I know. I sure hope not.” Scott scrubbed his hands on his face. “That was before we made this connection to Jeremy. How about observing—listening—while I go back in and see if I can get more out of her.”
    Von clapped Scott’s shoulder.
     
    Scott stood in front of the door of the interrogation room. He flexed and unflexed his hands, then opened the door and went inside.
    “Let’s try this again.” He sat in the chair across from Libby Braddock. He slid the sketch artist’s rendering in front of her. “Know her?”
    Her eyes widened. “Yes.”
    “Who is she? What’s she got to do with this?”
    Anger flashed in her eyes. “She’s my half-sister. And I have no idea what she’s got to do with anything. We haven’t spoken in over ten years. She’s nothing but bad news, that one. She travels around like a gypsy, pretending to tell the future.” Her face pinched as if she smelled something rotten.
    Scott pulled the picture in front of him, and turned it over. “The police spoke to your neighbor the night you left town. She said you’ve been caring for your nephew.”
    She nodded.
    “How long has he been with you?”
    “Since the end of the summer.” Her face had softened, and so did her tone. “He’s a good boy. An angel.”
    The word ‘angel’ twisted in Scott’s gut. “Why is he staying with you? Why isn’t he with his mother?”
    “I had to help him.”
    “Who? Jake?”
    “No. Well, yes. Him too, but that woman....” “I told my brother that woman was out of his league. He was so smitten with her. When he told me they were married, I couldn’t even believe it.”
    “What’s your brother’s name?”
    “I don’t know why he wanted to marry that rich girl. He was a servant to them. He slaved away for her and that wicked grandmother of hers, too. I told him it wouldn’t last. I warned him.”
    “What happened?”
    “She left him, and then she wouldn’t let him see his little boy. I had to help him.”
    Scott pulled the photo album out of his back pocket. “Is this your brother?”
    Her lips pressed together. “Yes. That’s Jeremy. Stupid fool. He still wants that woman back.” She reached for the book. “That’s my personal property.”
    He moved the book out of her reach. “Not while you’re in my custody.”
    “So you see, I didn’t kidnap anyone. I was helping my brother. He was so upset the day he brought Jake to my house. Desperate. He was crying. I’d never seen Jeremy cry. Never.”
    Scott let her keep talking, welcoming the flood of information.
    “The little boy was filthy and had scrapes on his arms and cheek.”
    Her eyes softened. “It was the first time I’d ever even met my nephew. He was scared. When I held Jake in my arms that day, he cried.”
    Her breathing became heavy. “That woman is a terrible mother. She’d do anything to keep Jake from Jeremy. It’s not fair. I had to help him. He has rights.”
    “Where is Jake now?”
    “I can’t tell you.”
    “Libby, your brother lied to you.”
    She shook her head. “No. He wouldn’t do that. You’re the one lying. You’re trying to take him away from Jeremy.”
    “No, Libby, listen to me. Kasey wasn’t married to your brother. She was married to Nick Rolly. You said it yourself: your half-sister is trouble. She’s involved here, too.”
    “I have the picture. You saw it.” She blinked. “You’re trying to confuse me.”
    “Nick Rolly died in a car accident in August. We found Jake’s car seat at the scene, but not Jake. I think it’s because Jeremy took him that day. I think Jeremy was desperate, and he took Jake to you looking for help. Think about it.”
    “I don’t understand how...”
    “I’m telling you the truth. He lied to you, and that little boy is not his child.”
    “That can’t be true,” her voice wobbled and her face