different perspective

A minute after the detectives left the Kendricks’ house, Jake said. “You know. I’ve been thinking, maybe we need to widen our focus.”

“What do you mean?” Sally replied.

“Well, we’ve been assuming that Mike was the target.”

“Okaaaaay.” Sally said in a slow dramatic manner.

“Listen,” Jake said defensively. He paused and continued. “ He was wearing that ghost costume when he answered the door. But there are two other people living there.”

“Wait,” Sally loudly exclaimed. “I see where you’re going. You think that Camille or Cassandra might have been the target.”

Jake raised his hand and waved his finger. “Bingo.”

“Do you think that’s why Cassandra is missing? Do you think the killer found her?”

“That’s a possibility. I think we need to talk more with Camille and_”

Jake’s phone ringing cut him off. He had it in the cradled in the dashboard. He hit the accept button and put it on speaker. Detective Stone.”

“Yes.” The women excitedly responded. “Detective. This is Camille. I just wanted you to know that Cassandra finally came home.”

The detectives looked at one another. Then Jake said. “I am glad to hear that. Is she_”

“She’s fine.” Camille responded, still excited.” Apparently, she was drinking at the park with her friends. Or so called friends. I guess she had a little too much. She woke up this morning on a picnic table in the park.”

“You mean her friends left her there?” Jake said with a hint of anger.

“Yes. That’s why I said so-called friends.”

So she’s okay?”

“She seems to be.” Camille’s excitement was wearing off. “I mean, she lost her phone.”

“So she’s not hurt?”

‘She doesn’t seem to be. I asked her if she felt like she had been_”

When she didn’t finish her thought, Jake said. Raped?”

Camille didn’t reply.

.
Mike continued. “Mrs. Witemoore. Are you okay?”

‘Sorry.” Her voice was trembling. “I’m just a little emotional right now. But yes, that awful word. She says she doesn’t believe so.”

Mike thought a moment. “Would you like us to get a rape kit and_”

No.” Camille replied sharply. “She’s actually in the shower right now.”

Alright.” Mike shook his head. “I had to ask.” By the way, since I have you on the phone, I was wondering if you could stop by the station tomorrow morning?”

“Why?” Camille abruptly replied.

“Because we have a new angle on the case. And would like to ask you a few questions.”

“It took a moment before Camille finally said. “Sure. I have to take my son to school. I can stop by afterwards. Say around nine.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you then.” Jake ended the call. “Well, now we know why Carol didn’t was to talk about Cassandra.”

“Tell me about it,” Sally let out a dramatic sigh. “I can’t believe how cruel some people could be.”

“Well. Now that we know she's okay, we can concentrate on finding her dad’s killer.” He paused a moment. “ What do you say when we get to the station, we wrap things up for the day and start fresh tomorrow?”

“Sounds good,” Sally replied. “I’m exhausted, and hungry.”

“ How about we stop at Carl’s Junior before we get to the station?”

Sounds go_”

Jake’s phone rang caused Sally to stop mid-sentence.

Jake hit accept and put it on speaker phone. “Detective Stone.”

“Detective Stone. I’m Detective Leemings. I’m currently at the Norwoods home. I understand you stopped by earlier to talk to Jeremy.”

“That’s correct. We asked him some questions about a missing student. Which actually is now home safe and sound.”

“That’s great,” Leemings said curtly, then continusd in a somber tone. “Look, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but he just committed suicide.”

The detectives looked at one another with wide eyes. Both, speechless.

“Detective.” Lemmings said loudly.

“Sorry. I’m still here. When?”

Apparently, after you left, his mom waited for him to come out of his room. When he didn’t appear after about half an hour, she went to check on him.”

He paused a moment before continuing. “He apparently got into her Amidrone pills, there for high blood pressure. He emptied the bottle. She found him lying on the bed next to a note that said Tell Camille I’m sorry.”

“Christ.” Jake softly exclaimed. “Would you like me to come by and talk with Ms. Norwood?”

“No. I think it’s best to stay away from her for now. we got it covered here.”

“Well, thanks for the call.”

NoPr_” Jake ended the call before Lemming finished talking.

D****t.” Jake made a fist with his right hand and banged it on the steering wheel while his left kept the wheels straight. He looked at Sally. “Well, I just lost my appetite.”

Sally tapped the back of her head on the back of the seat and looked straight ahead. “Me too.” She dryly said.