Read Cache a Predator for Free Online Page B

let’s not get carried away. But an investigation needs to be done. The child said she was locked in her bedroom. The fact that her mother put her there, and then couldn’t answer the door, is disturbing.” He paused. “I sent Officer Hudson to the house too. She rang the bell, but couldn’t get a response either.”
    Brett stared at the floor and exhaled. “I agree it looks bad. I don’t know why Ali locked Quinn in her room. It makes me sick right here.” He slammed his fist into his stomach. “But this is what I’ve been battling for six years. The woman has problems. I’m hoping now the courts will decide that she’s an unfit mother.” He exhaled loudly. “I want custody. It’s the only chance Quinn has.” His voice trailed as he rose from his chair and went to the window, where he stared out at the street.
    The chief said, “I understand and agree, but you’re going to have to play this out. You aren’t supposed to be going near her. Don’t screw up your chances. Let’s take this one step at a time.”
    “I had to go. Quinn called. I couldn’t ignore her.”
    Chief shook his head. “I’m sure this is difficult. I figured Ali had started using again. Your tardiness, black circles under your eyes—it’s putting a toll on you. Most of us here have had domestic problems, but putting a kid at risk is different. Hopefully this will settle soon, and you’ll get Quinn. Why don’t you stay home for a few days … just until this gets worked out?” He stood and crossed the room. Just before he opened his door, he squeezed Brett’s shoulder.
    “Thanks.” Brett met the chief’s eyes. “I appreciate that, but I need this job. I have bills to pay.”
    “I understand.” He paused. “But this is your kid we’re talking about. For what it’s worth, I believe you’re a good father. I hope the courts see that soon.”
    A lump lodged in Brett’s throat. Great! He hadn’t cried since he was a teenager. He swallowed but didn’t trust himself to speak. Thankfully, the department secretary buzzed the chief’s office intercom.
    “Excuse me, sir, but there are a couple of boy scouts here with something to show you.” She lowered her voice to just about a whisper. “I think it might be that guy’s, uh, chicken.”
    “What are you talking about?” the chief bellowed.
    “You know”—she cleared her throat—“that guy who had his ding-a-ling whacked off … well that thing is here. These boys found it.”
    #
    I reached into the backseat for my computer and opened it. Slowly, the machine came to life, whirring and dinging. Courthouse Coffee had great coffee and free wireless. It was one of my favorite spots to do research. Today, like several days a week, I parked in their parking lot facing the lake while Google-searching and eating lunch. The cloudless sky reflected off the water, making the waves look navy blue. I slipped on my sunglasses, and in between bites of my ham sandwich, I researched sex offenders.
    To find them, I typed “sex offenders in Stark County” in the search box. Up popped a map and a list with their names, age, eye color, weight, and what they were charged with. There were 108 in our county. They had to register their addresses. It was the law.
    I scanned the map, looking for new offenders. There hadn’t been any new ones added. I’d already memorized the location of the six on my target list. They were the ones who hurt children. And they lived closest to me. I didn’t want to go too far from home.
    Next, I typed in the address geocache.com to check for new cache listings. There weren’t any. I’d memorized the location of those sites I planned to use several days ago. There were ten within four miles of where I lived. It was fun to find them. I went late at night when people were sleeping. I wore night goggles.

Chapter Six
    Dr. Sarah Grinwald, a psychologist and a part-time caseworker for Child Protective Services, waited in her new office overlooking Hursey Lake