“Rylla was telling the truth,” Nate said quietly, squarely meeting Elliot’s gaze. “She was terrified that your father was going to hurt her.”
“I know.” Humiliation flashed through his eyes, and he dropped his gaze to his feet.
“You knew Rylla was in danger, and you didn't do anything to help her?”
“No, back then I didn't believe her, but just before our father passed away a couple of years later, he admitted it. By then Rylla was with Josh, and we didn't approve, and I was too embarrassed about not helping my sixteen-year-old sister and letting her run away from home and live on the streets.”
“I get it, I wouldn’t have liked my eighteen-year-old sister marrying a twenty-eight-year-old either, but despite what anyone else thinks about it they were in love, they were happy together. I think it’s time to let the past stay in the past and move forward. When Rylla lost her husband and daughter she grieved alone, don’t make Emmy and Mac grieve alone, give them as much family support as you can. They’ve lost their mother, and unless Beau gives himself up then they’re probably going to lose him too.”
“El?” A tall blonde appeared in the doorway. “The kids are ready.”
Elliot looked at them and when Matthew nodded, he said, “Bring them in.”
“Do you have another photo to show us?” Emmy asked as she entered the room, her brother trailing along behind her.
“Yes, and we have to talk to you about something,” Matthew replied.
Both children had red puffy eyes and looked exhausted. Unfortunately, they were about to get news that was even worse than learning their mother had been murdered.
“Is this the man you guys saw in your house?” Matthew held out a photo of the PI that Beau had hired.
“That’s him,” Emmy said immediately, Mac nodded his agreement.
“Come and sit down,” Matthew told the kids, who exchanged glances and then came and perched side by side on the edge of the sofa.
“Do you have more bad news?” Emmy asked. “Did something happen to our dad? We haven't seen him since the day before yesterday.”
“We need to ask you some questions about your dad,” Matthew began.
Emmy bounded to her feet, apparently understanding where the conversation was headed. “My dad didn't kill my mom,” Emmy screamed at them, bolting for the door.
Elliot stopped her. “I'm sorry, honey, but Aunt Rylla’s friend Naomi identified him as the killer.”
“Naomi?” Emmy echoed like if Naomi said it then it must be true as opposed to the rest of them who were probably lying to her.
“Yes, she was there when your dad took Aunt Rylla,” Elliot told her.
Emmy’s eyes grew wide. “Dad took Aunt Rylla?”
“Took her where?” Mac asked.
“Why would he do that? Why would he hurt Mom? I don’t understand.” Emmy’s eyes were darting from person to person seeking something that told her it was all a big mistake.
“We don’t really know why,” Matthew said. “But we need to stop him, and we need to find your aunt before he hurts her.”
“Do you think he’ll kill her?” Emmy whispered.
“Yes,” Nate answered honestly when everyone else hesitated. “You guys stayed with your dad the night your mom had her date, right?”
“We did, but dad went out for a while. He asked a neighbor to come and stay with us for a bit,” Emmy answered.
Interesting, they hadn’t known that. There had been no need for Matthew and the others to look into Beau’s whereabouts at the time his almost ex-wife was abducted because he hadn’t been a suspect.
“And you stayed with your dad while your mom was missing?” Matthew asked.
Emmy nodded, she was trying to be strong, she was trying to be grown up, but she was looking very young and vulnerable right now.
“Do you remember your dad going someplace while you were staying with him?” Nate asked. They already knew that Beau Drake was the Fairytale Killer, that wasn't in question, all they needed to know was where he was keeping his victims. He was terrified that Rylla didn't have long left. Even if Beau didn't kill her right away, they didn't know how serious the gunshot wound had been, she could have already bled out.