Little Lost Things

by Eleanor Chance

  Michaels studied Wes while he mulled over his suggestion. “Agreed. I’ll get public affairs to arrange it as soon as humanly possible. I’ll leave it to you to convince Grace. She has an aversion to getting in front of the camera.”

  “Given the dire circumstances, it won’t take much convincing.”

  Michaels rubbed his forehead. “Do you have any good news to share? God knows I could use some.”

  “Just bad and worse.” Wes looked down at his phone when it buzzed.

  He looked at Michaels, who said, “Take the call. Maybe it’s that good news we’re dying for.”

  Wes nodded and answered. “This is Special Agent Reid.”

  The color drained from his face as he listened to the caller.

  “Oh, God no, not that. Anything but that. Text the location. I’m on my way,” he said and hung up.

  “So, not good news,” Michaels said.

  “The worst possible. You may want to hold off on contacting public affairs. That was the police chief. They’ve found a body.”

  * * *

  Wes arrived with Prince, Elliott, and Cameron at the location the sheriff had given him thirty minutes later. It was a littered, weed-covered lot on the south side of the city. The scene was crawling with Richmond PD and sheriff’s deputies. One of the deputies that Wes had met at the Walkers’ on the day he arrived in Richmond approached him and extended his hand.

  “What do we have?” Wes asked, dreading the answer.

  He pointed at two African American men of about nineteen or twenty, standing by their bikes at the edge of the crime scene. Another deputy was questioning them. “Those two were on the way to work when they spotted the body and call 911. They’re pretty shaken up. Neither has even seen a dead body.”

  “The first one’s always the worst. Hope it will be their last. How long ago did they find him?” Elliott asked.

  “Approximately an hour and forty-five minutes ago. The Medical Examiner beat you here by a few minutes.”

  “Prince, get forensics down here and guard the crime scene,” Wes said. “Do you think it’s our boy?” he asked the deputy.

  He led Wes to the body without answering. What Wes saw made his breakfast churn in his stomach. He’d seen more dead bodies than he could count, and it never got easier. It was so much worse when it was a child. The body was fresh, and the boy looked to be about Johnny’s age and height. There were no crutches at the scene that Wes could see. The corpse's fingertips had been removed and the face was disfigured, so it was impossible to tell if it was Johnny. Even if it wasn’t, Wes was sick with grief for the dead boy's parents, whoever they were.

  Wes took a breath and knelt to make a closer inspection.

  After Wes completed his inspection, the deputy introduced him to the ME, who extended his hand. “Dr. William Forest.”

  Wes glanced at him as he shook his hand. He was a sturdy, middle-aged man with close-cropped, graying hair. Wes decided he liked him on sight. “Special Agent Reid. Is there anything you can tell me?”

  “No bullet or stab wounds that I can see. It appears the body was dumped here post-mortem. Did you see the face? I’d say someone beat this poor soul to death with a baseball bat, but you didn’t hear that from me. We’re preparing the body for removal now. I’ve been instructed to make this case a top priority, so I’ll begin my examination as soon as we have the body in the lab. May I have your card so I can contact you the instant I have test results?”

  Wes took out a card and handed it to Dr. Forest. “I appreciate that. We’re facing a firestorm today. The sooner we can put this situation to rest, the better.”

  Wes asked the deputy who’d interviewed the two witnesses to forward his report to the field office before rounding up his agents. They peppered him with questions on the way back to the office, but he had no answers. The best they could do was wait for the ME’s report and hope the corpse was unrelated to their case.

  * * *

  Grace sat in her car in the hospital guest parking lot facing the main entrance. She’d been to five other hospitals desperate to find anyone with news of Mara or Johnny. Her friends had been sympathetic, but none had anything useful to tell her. Most of her acquaintances in the medical field had been supportive, but a few eyed her with skepticism. Grace wished she had gone on her quest to the hospitals before Alec’s disastrous interview, but she wasn’t going to let a little suspicion deter her.

  She summoned her courage and forced herself out of the car. The walk to the entrance seemed to fly further away the closer she got, but eventually, she made it through the doors. She bypassed the lobby and went directly to the internal-medicine floor to look for her friend, Amelia, who she’d worked with at Brad Carter’s office years earlier. Amelia had left the medical office to take a job at the hospital in the hope of becoming a charge nurse. She and Grace had kept in touch at first and met for the occasional lunch, but Grace hadn’t seen her for more than two years. She wasn’t sure what kind of reception to expect.

  Grace had donned her nurse’s uniform and clipped on her ID badge before leaving the house. She didn’t have privileges at this hospital, but she hoped to not be too conspicuous. She walked to the nurses’ station like she belonged there and asked for Amelia. One of the nurse assistants pointed her to the breakroom and went back to the computer without so much as raising an eyebrow. Grace let out her breath as she made her way down the hallway.

  Amelia jumped up and hugged Grace as soon as she walked into the lounge.

  “I’m so sorry about what’s happened, Grace. I’ve been thinking about you every minute since I heard about Johnny on the news.” She took Grace’s hand and led her to a small couch in the corner. “How are you managing? Is there any news?”

  All Grace could think was that Amelia had been too busy on her shift to have time to watch the news or check her phone. She was the first person Grace had met with that hadn’t seen Alec’s interview.

  “It’s been beyond horrific,” Grace said, “but we keep moving forward hoping Johnny will be found any minute. It’s all we can do.”

  Amelia took her hand. “Why are you here? What can I do?”

  Grace pulled her hand free and pulled the pictures she had of Mara from her purse. She gave Amelia time to study them before asking if she’d seen Mara working there. Amelia ran out of the room without a word and came back thirty-seconds later with another nurse.

  “This is Candice, the charge nurse. Candice, you’re probably aware who Grace is,” Amelia said.

  Grace stood and shook her hand.

  “Amelia told me why you’re here and showed me the pictures. I think this woman worked here for about two months. She showed up the other day when she wasn’t on duty and was acting strangely. I think she was trying to steal drugs. She took off when I confronted her and hasn’t shown up for her shifts since.”

  Grace moved closer to Candice. “Did you report this to the FBI? Didn’t you see her photos on the news?”

  “Honey, I never have time to watch the news. I’ve practically been living here. We were short-staffed as it was before Mara bailed. You can’t imagine.”

  “She can, actually,” Amelia said. “Grace was the Internal Medicine charge nurse at Richmond City.”

  Candance nodded. “You understand then?”

  “Did Mara ever mention a son? Can you tell me anything else about her?”

  “She was an odd one but a hard worker who knew her stuff. She kept to herself most of the time,” Candice said. “I never had anything more than job-related conversations with her. Did you, Amelia?”

  Amelia shook her head. “I only worked with her a few times. We never spoke much.”

  “Would you be willing to talk to the FBI and share her records with them? There might be something there that can help us find her,” Grace said.

  “I’d be honored to do whatever I can to help them capture her and rescue your son.”

  Tears welled up in Grace’s eyes. “You can’t imagine how much tha
t means to me after the day, no, the week, I’ve had.” She handed Candice a copy of Wes’ business card. “This is the direct line to the commander of the task force looking for Johnny. He’ll be thrilled to hear from you.” Grace hugged her and Amelia. “I’ll let you both get back to work. Amelia, I promise to call if I hear anything. We need to keep in better touch when this nightmare ends.”

  Amelia kissed her cheek. “I agree. Best of luck. I’ll be praying for all of you.”

  Grace smiled and just managed to make it inside the elevator before breaking down. She pushed the hold button and rested her forehead against the wall while she cried. She had no way of knowing if Candice’s information would lead to Johnny, but it had touched her to be reminded that people were good and truly wanted to help them. They would need all the goodwill they could gather to bring her little man home.

  * * *

  Wes’ team gathered around with the SAC and ASAC in the bullpen while Wes gave his report from the crime scene where the body was discovered.

  “My gut tells me it’s not Johnny. The evidence doesn’t fit. The ME is making the autopsy and ID process top priorities. The victim’s face was disfigured, and the fingerprints were removed, but his teeth were intact. Hopefully, his records or DNA are in the system. I’m expecting ID confirmation in the next few hours. It’s my opinion this is drug related and has nothing to do with Johnny, but don’t quote me.”

  There was a gasp at the back of the group, and Wes turned to find Steph staring at him with eyes the size of saucers.

  When every head turned to face Steph, Wilson said, “Who’s that?”

  Steph spun around and ran for the stairs before anyone could answer.

  “I’ve got this,” Wes said and took off after her. He caught her before she reached the first floor and grabbed her arm to stop her. She struggled to break free, but Wes held tight. “What were you doing in the bullpen? You were supposed to be in the lab.”

  Steph grabbed Wes’ shirt with both hands. “Is Johnny dead? Did you find his body?”

  Wes covered her hands with his. “We found a body, but I’m almost positive it’s not your brother.”

  “Almost?” Steph said, and her voice caught. “Just almost positive?”

  “I wish I could tell you for certain it’s not him, but I can’t until we have the report from the ME. I meant it when I said my gut tells me it’s not Johnny, and my gut is pretty reliable.”

  Steph collapsed against him and sobbed on his chest. Wes stroked her hair to calm her. “I’m sorry you heard that, Steph. It wasn’t meant for you. These investigations move fast. Evidence and directions change on a dime. It’s not Johnny. Trust me.”

  Steph pulled free and looked up at him. “I want to, Wes, but I’m so scared. I’m putting on a brave act, pretending to be strong for my dad and Grace, but I’m terrified. On top of that, I couldn’t be with my sister when my niece and nephew were born. Jason told me it may have been the stress that sent her into labor early, but he made me promise not to tell my parents that. Now, this. What if you’re wrong?”

  “I’m not, but I’ll be here for you no matter what happens. We’re getting close to catching Mara and rescuing Johnny. It won’t be long now. Go home and rest. Please, don’t say anything about this to your family. I’m sorry to ask you to keep another secret, but I don’t want them to suspect in case this comes to nothing.”

  Steph’s hands dropped to her side. She stared at Wes before continuing down the stairs without a word. When the stairwell door closed behind her, he sank onto a stair and ran his hands through his hair.

  He’d tried to appear as strong and sure of himself to Steph as she with her parents, but he was as scared as she was. He’d told her the truth that he didn’t believe the dead boy was Johnny, but there was a minuscule chance it was him. If it was, Wes didn’t know how he’d go on knowing he’d failed Steph and her family.

  “Please, don’t let it be Johnny,” he cried to the ceiling before dragging his feet up the stairs to get back to work.

  * * *

  Grace had turned off her phone while she was in the hospital but powered it back on as soon as she was in the parking lot. She had two calls from Jason, one from Ryan and ten texts from the two of them. She smiled and waited until she got in the car to read her messages.

  The texts from Jason were mostly pictures of their new little grandbabies. They’d named them Whitney Grace and Zachary James. They were precious, and Grace’s tears dripped onto the screen while she swiped through the photos.

  Jason’s last text said, Jennifer and babies doing great! We miss you all and can’t wait for you to meet Zach and Whitney!

  Neither can we, Grace wrote back. Hope it’s soon. Congratulations again! We’ll call you soon.

  She checked Ryan’s texts next. They were copies of the pictures Jason had sent.

  Aren’t they amazing? Talked to Jason. He said they’re doing great. I told him to prepare for no sleep for the next eighteen years. I love you. Where are you?

  Grace was about to call him when her phone rang. The caller ID said it was Steph.

  “Have you seen the pictures of the babies? Aren’t they gorgeous?” Grace said before Steph got a word out.

  Steph’s breath shuttered, and Grace smiled, assuming she was overcome with emotion over the birth of her twin sister’s children.

  “Grace,” she gasped, “I have news.”

  Grace’s gut tightened and bile rose in her throat. “What’s happened? Tell me, no matter how terrible.”

  “They discovered a body. It might be Johnny. Wes swears it’s not, but I’m terrified.”

  The world started to spin, and Grace dropped her phone on the seat. She opened the car door and planted her feet on the pavement before lowering her head between her knees.

  “Grace, are you there?” she heard Steph’s muffled voice saying.

  She stretched her arm behind her and felt for her phone. “I’m here,” she said without raising her head. “What did Wes tell you? Where’s the body?”

  “It’s at the ME’s lab. They’re waiting for ID.” The line went quiet for several seconds. “The boy’s fingerprints were cut off, and the face was disfigured. They’re hoping to identify him with dental records and DNA.”

  “I know the ME. I’m going to his office.”

  “Is it safe for you to drive?”

  Grace got out of the car and took a few steps. “I’m fine. Just shocked. Stephanie, please don’t tell your dad or anyone else about this until I contact you. Promise me.”

  “I promise. Just don’t take too long. This is torture.”

  “Go home and wait for my call. I’m not far from the ME’s office.” She took a few breaths and climbed into the car. “If Wes says it’s not Johnny, it’s not. I trust him. It’s not Johnny. It can’t be.”

  She hung up and started the car. Her hands shook on the steering wheel, but nothing could stop her from finding out the truth about that body in the morgue.

  * * *

  The distance from the hospital to the ME’s office was short, but the drive felt like it took an eternity. Grace refused to let herself think about where she was headed and forced herself to focus on her new grandchildren getting their first view of the world.

  She parked and marched to the door without giving herself a chance to lose her nerve. What she faced inside that building could be the realization of her worst nightmare, but she had to know. She walked through the entrance like she belonged there and hoped the fact that she was wearing her nurse’s uniform and badge would prevent suspicion.

  No one so much as gave her a second glance as she made her way to the forensic pathology lab. She found her way with no trouble. There was a shelf with sterile clothing outside the door. She took the time to put on a gown, mask and gloves before reaching for the door. Her hand hovered over the handle as she struggled to force herself to turn it. She could see the ME and his assistants through the window as they surrounded a body on the table. She found her cou
rage to enter after the third try and burst into the room.

  The ME’s head snapped up, and he swung around to face her. His eyes widened when he recognized her. “Grace Walker? What are you doing? You’re not authorized to be here.”

  A beanpole of a young man standing next to the ME stepped between Grace and the table. Grace ducked past him and pushed her way closer to the body.

  “I’m sorry, William, but I have to know if it’s him. That could be my son lying there.”

  William left the table and motioned for his team to give them space. William stopped two feet from Grace and blocked her view of the body.

  “I’m sorry for what’s happening to you, Grace, but the FBI shouldn’t have informed you about this. It’s an official part of the investigation. There’s more than just my butt on the line.”

  Grace hadn’t seen William for three years, but she’d known him for more than twenty. He saw dead bodies every day, but this was different. He knew her history with Johnny. She searched the eyes behind his protective glasses hoping to find empathy and compassion.

  “They didn’t tell me,” she said softly. “I found out by accident. I know you have protocols, and I respect that, but this is my Johnny we’re talking about. If that’s not enough to convince you, I can save you and every law enforcement agency in the state hours or even days of time and effort if you let me give a visual ID. Please, William.”

  His jaw clenched, and his lips tightened, but Grace saw him wavering. Aside from their personal connection, she could tell he was calculating the time and effort that would be spared if she identified the body on his slab.

  William stepped to the side and waved his hand for her to pass. She gave a slight bow and started for the table but only made it a few steps before her feet refused to budge like they’d become glued to the floor. William pressed his hand into the small of her back to get her moving. She lowered her eyes and took the last steps to reach the body. She could feel the eyes of William’s team on her.