Chapter 3:

Malloy asked, “Do you know anyone who wanted the kids dead?”

Waiting vainly for a non-forthcoming answer, Thomas asked, “Can you give us your whereabouts on the evening of October 12th?”

David exploded. “How dare you! Our son is dead, and you’re pointing fingers at us. I’ve known you all my life, Malloy. What kind of people do you think we are?”

“We loved our son with all our hearts,” Sheila cried. “He was our only boy. I never thought I’d out-live any of my children, but I have. Now you think we killed him.”

“Now, ma’am,” Malloy raised both hands when David paced the floor. Neither detective fancied being assaulted by grieving, hysterical parents. “We’re not accusing you of anything. These are routine questions. We need the cooperation of the entire community.”

Calming, David offered, “Well, I had a couple of drinks before returning to the dog shelter for an employee meeting, that night.”

“The station has received conflicting reports concerning the kids, and the last time they were seen,” explained Malloy. “We need to check every lead.”