Stalking Together

While Eric gathered what he could on Christopher, Mindy talked to Mitch about being granted another few days to work on the case. She actually referred to her current job as an assignment while talking to Mitch, but in her mind it was a case-her case, and she would allow no one else to solve it. Mitch granted her two more days; luckily, they were not exactly busy in the office. Any further time, he informed her, would have to personal.

Mindy pulled up before the home that displayed the address Eric had given her. He also told her about a second address, an apartment, which was found in Christopher's tax return, but she was not looking for Christopher. She was looking for his family. Unless she was totally off base, Christopher would not be at home and, in order to find him, she had to talk to his wife-and pray that she knew where he was.

The late afternoon sun was blocked by the leafed-out branches on the oak trees, creating a shady yard that was better than air-conditioning could ever be. Taking a deep breath of the cool air, Mindy traversed the walk and climbed the steps to the front porch. She pressed the doorbell and, a moment later, footfalls sounded on the other side of the portal.

A pretty young woman smiled from the other side of the glass storm door. "Hello."

Mindy returned the smile. "My name is Mindy Holm. I'm with the FBI."