Page 46 of Fatal Strike
“I requested an FBI follow-up for both lists. Hard to believe none of them were acquainted with Dylan.”
She worked through reports on her laptop during the ride to Galveston. Nothing substantial to give an indication the case would unravel soon.
On the island, Jon pulled through a Chick-fil-A for more coffee and breakfast biscuits. He drove to the far eastern tip of the island and parked. Sort of a breakfast picnic while working. Once she stepped from the truck, a light breeze bathed her face.
“This is perfect.” She breathed in the salty air.
“You mean being alone with me?”
She tossed him her best frown. “I mean our temporary office.”
He held up a blanket. “I brought this.”
She helped him spread out the blanket and then laid her laptop case and shoulder bag down. “Do we have an update on Elena?”
“Haven’t heard a thing.”
They opened their laptops and each grabbed a biscuit. “Jon, if the Jameses receive a ransom notice, they’d most likely be warned not to contact law enforcement.”
“The Venenos haven’t used kidnapping in the past. But if our theory is correct and we’re not actually dealing with the real Veneno gang ... anything’s possible.” He took a generous bite of his breakfast.
“I think we need another face-to-face with Olivia James.”
He agreed and polished off one biscuit before she unwrapped hers.
Within forty-five minutes, she and Jon were standing in front of the Jameses’ door. Olivia James answered the doorbell. At the sight of them, she paled. “Have you heard from Elena?”
“No, ma’am,” Leah said. “Can we talk for a few minutes?”
“Yes. I’d hoped for better news. This isn’t like Elena.” Olivia motioned for them to come inside. Weariness etched lines at the corners of her eyes, and her face was puffy.
“We won’t be long,” Leah said. “Have you received a ransom call or note?”
Olivia startled. “No, not at all. Richard is filing a missing person report at the police station. Thank goodness Texas doesn’t have a twenty-four-hour waiting period.”
That meant Elena’s name and photograph would be enteredinto the National Crime Information Center, available to all law enforcement.
“Give Elena time. She’s of age and may be with friends.”
“I keep telling myself that, but I’ve called every person I can think of.”
A knot twisted in Leah’s stomach. The likelihood of finding the young girl alive dwindled by the hour. “You shouldn’t be alone.”
Olivia nodded. “This is the most difficult trial of my life.”
Jon’s phone chimed and he turned away to check it.
Leah reached out to lay a sympathetic hand on Olivia. “We’ll stay in touch.”
As Jon drove them back into Galveston, Leah downloaded the latest reports from the FIG. “We have Silvia Ortega’s phone records.”
“Two mothers grieving over their kids. Sad situation.” Jon shook his head.
She shivered. Focusing on the data would be a welcome diversion. She pulled up the report listing numbers, dates, times, and if the call had been inbound or outbound. The FIG had matched up numbers with names and indicated three were burner phones. “Father Gabriel is listed. Rachel Mendez, Elena James, Silvia’s work number, and a man by the name of Warren Livingston. His name is on the list of St. Peter’s members.”
“What’s the point of sale for the burner phones?”
She read from her phone’s screen. “A Walmart in Galveston. They were activated there too. One purchased in March, the second in May, and a third in July. Paid cash, so no credit card trail. Inbound and outbound calls and texts.” She peered into the screen. “A call was made to Silvia at 12:10 this morning, lasting six minutes.”
