Read Online Hybrid by Greg Ballan - Free Book Online Page A

this normally, but you said you wanted to be informed if I found anything.” Erik paused as the officer responded.
    “Yeah, it's physical evidence, bagged and tagged according to procedure. Listen, I'm meeting my client at noon tomorrow in my office for a positive I.D. on this. I'd like for one of you to be here to take this if the I.D. is positive.” Erik's face turned sour as he was listening to the voice on the other end. “Yeah, I'm starting to get that ‘otherwise’ feeling as well,” Erik commented dismally into the phone receiver.
    “Steve,” Erik began in a serious tone. “I know it's asking a lot, but can you handle this one? It's probably going to get a little uncomfortable emotionally, and you seem to be one of the better officers in that kind of situation.”
    Shanda could hear the voice on the other line but was unable to make out what was being said.
    “Thanks, I'll see you at 11:30 sharp.” Erik looked relieved as he hung up the telephone.
    Shanda was staring at some photographs on his table in an open album. Erik placed his hand gently on her shoulder and she rubbed her cheek against his forearm.
    “How did it go?” she asked.
    “Steve said he'd come by himself tomorrow after his shift. He's done this for me before, so he's familiar with the drill. This case isn't going to go away. The Reynolds family has money and influence. They could keep this ongoing for quite a long time if they wanted, at least until....”
    Shanda had known Erik for many years. She knew he had seen things and done things that would cause most people to soil themselves. She knew that he didn't know the meaning of the word fear, but it was always difficult for him when he was dealing with a child. Children were innocent, completely undeserving of the terrible things often done to them in modern society. She knew that if this were an adult missing person there would be less intensity and less emotion. A question popped into her head.
    “Erik, don't take this the wrong way, but why do you think they hired you for this investigation? If this family is as wealthy as you say, and has as much influence, why hire a small agency with one man? Why not hire a team of investigators with unlimited resources? Don't get me wrong; I mean, you're good, but you're only one man with limited assets and very limited resources.” Shanda regretted the question as soon as she said it. She could read the hurt and offense in his eyes. He turned away from her and walked toward the other sofa in his office and plopped down on it.
    “I really don't know, Shanda, but I'll be sure and ask tomorrow,” he said with all the contempt he could muster.
    She rose from the couch and walked over to where Erik sat. She put her hand over his and smiled. “You know that's not what I mean. You're probably the most dedicated professional I know. I'm simply saying there are a lot of big guns out there. What possessed them to hire a small independent operator? I mean, think about it. If Brianna were kidnapped, wouldn't Margaret and Richard hire dozens of investigators to look for her?”
    “Yeah, I'm sure they would, but they wouldn't hire me.” Erik looked at her and knew she was confused. “My darling ex-wife and her husband are serving me papers to sign over paternal custody of Brianna to Richard so he can adopt her. They want to become a real family. Richard has already threatened me with high-powered attorneys and court costs I never could afford.” When he looked at her, there was a deep tortured agony in his eyes. “I'm going to lose my baby, Shanda. That bastard is going to see to it that I can never see her again. What kills me is that I brought this about. I caused this, my stupid need to be my own man.”
    She tenderly embraced him, allowing him to pull her close. They held each other in silence for several minutes.
    The telephone rang, breaking their moment. They both looked toward the machine. Shanda tried to get up to hand him the phone, but Erik