Out of Focus by Nancy Naigle Page B

crying.
    Riley slapped Jeremy’s arm. “Why the hell did you do that?”
    “What?” He rubbed his arm. “You don’t see it? This could prove he’s alive. Someone had to be there to take these pictures.”
    “It doesn’t prove anything. It’s just plain mean,” Riley said.
    Von stepped over, his voice low. “Don’t give her hope, man. She’s just started acting like herself again.”
    “Do what you want. She’s like family to me and if I see hope, I’m giving it to her.” Jeremy plopped down in one of the kitchen chairs.
    “And we’re not?” Riley’s jaw tensed. “She’s my best friend. Don’t make this worse for her.”
    Kasey came back into the kitchen with a handful of tissues, her eyes red and puffy. “What the hell do I do now?”
    Riley wrapped her arms around Kasey.
    “How can I leave now? This just makes it worse.”
    “Kasey, don’t do this to yourself. Von will follow every lead. You know that. We’ll update you every day. I promise. But, honey, you really need to work. You need to get your feet moving again. It’s not going to get any easier.”
    “I don’t know.”
    “You can’t do anything to help the investigation. You’ll just be waiting again.”
    Kasey looked to Jeremy. “You haven’t said anything. What do you think?”
    He stood. “You need to do what you think is right. You know I’ll support you no matter what. Doesn’t look like you need my help anyway.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to pick up your grandmother.”
    “I understand. Thank you for coming by.” Kasey gave Jeremy a hug, then walked him to the door. She glanced over her shoulder then grabbed Jeremy’s arm.
    “Wait,” she whispered. She tugged him out the front door and out of view.
    He followed her lead, with a look of bewilderment on his face.
    “You can help.” Kasey closed her eyes, gathering strength.
    He took her hands into his own. “Anything. What?”
    “If I knew he was safe or not—just one way or another—I could at least live my life. It’s the uncertainty of it all that I can’t stand.” She steepled her fingers under her chin. “If you’ll come with me. I mean, oh gosh, I can’t believe I’m doing this. Call that tea leaf lady. You’ll come with me, right?”
    “Of course. Yes. I’ll take you, be there every step of the way.” He held her hands in his. “Thanks for letting me help.”
    “I hope I don’t regret this.”
    “You won’t,” he said. “I’ll call you later tonight, as soon as I have the details.”
    Kasey watched him drive off in Grandma Emily’s Mercedes.
    Riley stepped up behind her. “What was that all about?”
    “Nothing.” Kasey reached for Riley’s hand and squeezed it. “I think I should call Cody and let him know I’m considering not coming on Friday.”

    In just a few hours, the Rolly farmhouse buzzed with renewed energy as the detective and Von pieced together the information and the source of the pictures. Von had already tracked down the courier. But the point of origination on their docket was a different courier located outside of Richmond.
    As the debriefing wound down, the detective gathered the courier packet and contents. He promised to have the lab expedite the test for trace evidence.
    “This could prove Jake’s alive? It’s proof, right?” Kasey prayed he’d tell her what she wanted to hear. She raised her eyes to meet his level stare. “I mean, there’s a chance —”
    “Mrs. Rolly, there’s a chance until we find proof otherwise. We’re going to do everything we can. An investigation like this takes time.”
    That wasn’t what she’d wanted to hear. He’d given her hope, but not any more or less than she had the day before. She picked up her cell phone from the end table and dialed Cody Tuggle’s direct line.
    “Yeah-lo.”
    “Hi, Cody. It’s Kasey Phillips.”
    “Hey. Getting excited? We can’t wait for you to join us. Nashville is always a kickin’ town.”
    “Yes, but that’s why