Read Online The Chase by DiAnn Mills - Free Book Online

for. She filled her lungs with hope and determination.
    “Where will it be held?” she finally said.
    “Right here. Our media coordinator is making the arrangements.”
    Tigo explained how he’d talked to Linc about convincing HPD to enlist the public’s help. “Finding what happened to that child is important to every law enforcement official who’s ever worked the case. Fresh eyes could make the critical difference.” He walked away then turned to face her. “Your interest surfaced a need to try one more time. Thanks.”
    His gratitude nearly sent her over an emotional edge. “Thanks. I’ve never heard of reaching out to the media in this manner. And I’ve been there.”
    “If it works, then we’re onto something for the future.”
    “I hope so. My fear is the one responsible has slipped back across the border. That may be a wrong assumption, though — profiling the killer because the child was Hispanic.”
    “It’s a good reason to include the Spanish networks. The law enforcement agencies involved are offering a reward for information leading to an arrest.”
    “Is there anything I can do?”
    “Linc thinks that your attendance at the press conference will show a viable connection with the past and present. Some of the reporters will be your peers.”
    “Oh, I’ll be there.” An image of the past, when she’d first reported Cherished Doe, intensified the longing to bring closure to all who were involved. “But I don’t want anyone to know about my book project. That sounds self-seeking.”
    Approval swept across his face. “All right. You might have an ending to your story, and we might have an arrest.”
    Detective Montoya hadn’t returned her call. But she’d probably see him on Thursday. For the first time this week, she felt positive about the case.

    By Thursday morning, Kariss’s anticipation about the press conference had swung into high gear. She hadn’t tweeted, posted information on Facebook, or informed any of her friends or family about the press conference. But with those self-imposed restraints came two sleepless nights while she waited for Thursday morning. Too many scenarios of what might have happened to the nameless child kept her thoughts spinning.
    Last night she’d dreamed about the autopsy picture. In her suspended state, she walked along the pine trees at Pine Grove Apartments.
    “Help me,” a child’s voice whispered.
    Kariss ventured toward the sound, and into the canopy of thick trees any semblance of light vanished.
    “Help me,” the whisper came again, and a faint breeze bathed Kariss’s face.
    Brush crackled beneath her feet, and she struggled without a path. All she heard was the haunting cry for help. Ahead in a clearing, a faint light poured through from the treetops onto a small form wrapped in a pink blanket. The body moved and frail arms reached out to her.
    “I have you,” Kariss said, bending to the hard earth. “Hold on tight.”
    As she reached for the child, a burst of fire erupted from the woods. Hot flames burned her face and hands, beating her back from the child.
    The cries for help grew louder. Then they stopped, and all she heard was the crackle of fire.
    Kariss had awakened terrified and found it impossible to go back to sleep. Must the past stalk her forever? Would she ever find redemption?
    She had no idea what it felt like to be a mother, but she’d seen her own mother protect and care for two boys and four girls. Kariss’s parents had placed their children’s needs above their own. Wasn’t that what parents were supposed to do? Nurture and grow their children into responsible members of society. Teach them the difference between right and wrong, and instill the value of education. Love them, not hurt them. Feed them, not watch them starve to death.
    At nine forty-five, Kariss and many agents made their way ceremoniously to the enclosed area outside of the FBI building. The early June temps were pleasant. The blue sky looked