When Casey is out of sight, I go back inside the department. I want to make sure that things are okay with Hannah before I make my next move. I find her with her attorney and a bail bondsman, and I’m told she’s being released. The press will descend on her like vultures the moment she steps out the door.
I hope she’s prepared for that feeding frenzy, and that she won’t say anything. I go upstairs to the detective division, hoping to feel Keegan out about the direction of the investigation. When I get to the top of the stairs, I hear him talking on his way out the door.
“I won’t be back for a few days. Anything comes up, call Rollins or me. Especially with the Cox case. And keep that tail on Hannah.” He rounds the corner, sees me, and stops for a moment, his eyes burning into me as if he hates my guts and would like to break me in half.
“Where you going?” I ask.
“Like I’d tell you,” he says.
I glance behind him at Rollins, who’s following him out. “We’ll be available by phone,” Keegan says. As they shoot past me, I have a bad feeling in my gut that they’re about to go to the airport and hop back over to Dallas.
I text Casey from the new burner phone I’ve just activated.
Hannah released. Keegan and Rollins headed to Dallas, I think. Don’t go there.
She types back, Should I go south or north?
South, I say. Try Palestine TX.
She texts me back: Ok.
I write back: Text me when u find a place & I’ll stay there too. On my way to meet u.
I hope rerouting her throws them off.
I run by my apartment, grab a few things, and head out. For the next three hours, driving to where Casey should be, I watch every westbound plane that passes overhead, wondering if it’s Keegan and Rollins.
I think she’ll be safe if she doesn’t go to Dallas. Hopefully, tonight we’ll be able to get to the end of this.