Page 38 of Night Hawk
“Look at our visit here as positive,” Clay said. “We captured the cockatoo and put it in the cage. You’ll find blood on its beak and talons. Blood I suspect is from Rader’s killer.”
Trent chewed on the side of his cheek. “Thanks for corralling the bird and saving that evidence.”
“See, we’re not all bad.” Clay grinned.
Trent didn’t crack a smile.
“Bird needs water and food,” Toni said.
“I’ll have someone see to it after we collect the sample.” Trent rested his hands on his hips. “I know the bird wasn’t the only thing you touched.”
“Speaking of that.” Toni quickly told him about the boxes in the garage but left out her clothing and picture. “I assume you’ll be running the photos against the database for missing girls, but I have no idea what the other items mean.”
She took a long breath and shared about the personal items. “I’ve never heard of this man before today. I have no idea how my father knew him or why there’s a picture of me or why the outfit I was wearing is in one of the boxes.”
Trent’s eyes flashed wide for a moment before he controlled his surprise. “I’m sure you’ll dig into the connection. You might be able to locate information about your past that I don’t have access to. I would appreciate updates.”
“Information exchange goes both ways,” Clay said.
“I’ve already told you I can’t share.” Trent tightened his hands on his hips. “But I’ll keep you updated on anything I learn before we release it to the public.”
“Fair enough,” Clay said and meant it. “What do you know about Rader?”
Trent raised an eyebrow and didn’t speak for a moment, then shifted his stance. “It’s common knowledge that his wife took off in ‘95. After that, he headed into a downward spiral. The year after she left him, he was arrested for public drunkenness and lewd behavior. It was way before my time. Blake’s too. He was just a kid then, but he keeps in touch with Sheriff Ziegler, so Blake might have at least a passing knowledge of what happened.”
“From what Loraine said, it sounds like people thought he’d killed his wife,” Clay said.
Trent frowned. “Loraine likes to gossip, but as far as I know, the wife just got tired of living in a small town and took off.”
“We were wondering if maybe she was buried in the back yard,” Toni said.
Trent’s frown deepened.
This was where Clay could help and maybe gain some information along the way too. “Dr. Dunbar, the anthropologist at the Veritas Center, has a drone program that locates graves without digging. If you want to bring her in to scan this property, I’d be glad to foot the bill.”
Trent tilted his head, his gaze roaming the property. “She’d report only to me?”
Clay nodded. “And she won’t say a word to us, if that’s what you want.”
Trent’s eyebrow lifted. “Then why are you doing this?”
“We’re hoping it will lead to the girls in the photographs.”
Trent gave a firm nod. “Get her out here, but make sure she’s clear on who she reports to.”
Clay wished he could be privy to her findings, but he had to respect Kelsey’s position. Still, maybe he could accompany her back here and glean some info by simply being present.
“If there’s nothing else, we should get going,” Clay said.
“I’ll call if I need anything else.” He eyed Clay. “Just be sure you take my call.”
“Will do.” Clay and Toni got back in the vehicle, and he called Kelsey.
“I can’t share my findings at the school,” she said by way of answer.
“I know. I have another job for you.” He explained. “Could you do that today?”
“I’m already back at the lab and would have to clear my whole day for travel back there.” She let out a long breath.
