Sharkey nodded. A few minutes later the door opened, and Abbott walked over to them.
“She didn’t deserve this. You must find who did this and get the boys back.”
Stephanie looked up. “Maybe I can see her later?”
“Of course,” Frank said.
“We’ll do everything possible to do that,” Sharkey said. “Let’s get you back to your hotel room so you can rest. You need your strength. This can be very draining.”
“I’ll take care of her, I promise. Just find those kids or I will.”
Sharkey looked at Abbott. “Each of us needs to do our jobs. Our job is to find the murderer and the missing children. Your job is to let us know everything you have on Mr. Javier Trujillo. Any other involvement by you in the case could endanger the children. Understood?”
Abbott nodded.
“Tell me you understand,” demanded Sharkey.
He frowned but said, “I understand.”
Like hell I’m gonna sit around and not be involved, Carl thought.
“Good. Go get some lunch and rest. I’ll be in touch. I’ll drop you at the hotel.”
Sharkey dropped Carl and Stephanie off at the hotel and then called forensic psychologist and friend Rex Jamison.
* * *
Sharkey relayed the newest developments to the Chief.
“I’m going to need help here in the office.”
“Webber won’t be back for a while. You have someone in mind?” the Chief asked.
“Yes, I do. Jenny Springfield. I know that she’s new to the team, but I also know that she has had experience with organized crime and underground dealings. I’m starting to think we’re dealing with professionals now. We have two fathers of the children. One is missing, and possibly dead. Not such an outrageous thought given someone killed the mother and the children are missing. I think that she would be of help.”
“All right. You’ve got her. I’ll call her commander and get it done.”
“Thanks, Chief.”
“Carry on.”
Sharkey started moving a desk from the corner of the room and pushed it alongside his. He moved the chair from the extra desk over along with paper, pens and Doug’s telephone. He called dispatch and had them transfer all calls for Jenny Springfield to go to Doug’s phone.
An hour later, Jenny walked through the door dress in a navy-blue suit with a light blue blouse and matching shoes.
“Jenny, thanks for coming.”
“It’s an honor,” she said, her bright blue eyes shining.
“With Harris and Webber out, I needed someone with experience in the world of organized crime.”
“I have experience with that, and I was on the streets a lot working with some very savvy, seasoned cops. What are we dealing with in this case?”
“Murder, kidnapping, and possible child trafficking. I would like to have a meeting of the minds. Rex Jamison is advising me, and Alex Sloan has been retained by the family to help find the children. I’ll introduce you to them soon. I think you’ll agree that they bring a variety of skills to this case.”
He handed her a new cell phone. “Your communications will come through this cell and that phone on the desk here.”
“Where do we start?”
“Have a seat and I’ll fill you in on the case.” Sharkey summarized for her the most recent happenings, then said, “So, we have a missing father and two missing kids. The kids are our top priority now. We focus on them. That’s a full plate.”
“The scary part, Sharkey, is that desperate people go on the offense. I’ve seen it before that the parents stick their neck out and get them chopped off. Then the bad guys don’t have to deal with a mother or father, don’t have to deal with any loose ends.”
Sharkey agreed. “I see your point. I’m calling Rex Jamison. He’s a forensic psychologist that has helped us before.” He dialed Rex’s number.
“Rex, it’s Sharkey, I think we need your help. I’m putting together a task force focused on getting the kids back.”
“Okay, let’s get together with people you trust and get started.”
* * *
Alex called and made an appointment with Sharkey to meet in a conference room at the station.
“Alex, I’m glad you’re on the case. We’re up against the clock.” Sharkey said.
“So I understand. You need to find the victim’s lover, Javier Trujillo. Any luck this morning?”
“He could be right here in town. We have no idea what he looks like. No one by that name has been recorded as staying in the local hotels and B&B’s.”
“How about the son-in-law?” Alex asked. “Harris said he had some knowledge on this.”
“I’ll call and see if they can give a general description. Hold on a minute.”
Sharkey made the call and read back to Alex a description. “He’s a Hispanic male about six two, black hair, brown eyes, slender but not skinny, well-built, man of about twenty-four years.”
Alex recorded the description. “Okay, at least that’s something to go on. What type of business is he in?”
“He is a sales agent for local Chilean Wineries. Chile is big in wine. He owns a small winery too. I called The Trujillo Winery and they said he had not checked in during the last few days. They said this was unusual and they’re starting to get worried. They tried to call both his business phone cell and private one and got nothing. I asked for a check on his credit card usage and they said there had been no purchases since Saturday night at a bar in Key West.”
Alex shook his head. “They say what airlines he flies? Regular travelers usually have a favorite.”
“United. He left South America last Thursday night at 5 pm and landed in Miami Friday at 1:51pm. He called in on his arrival and they haven’t heard from him since.”
“Well, don’t count out foul play,” Alex said. “Or, he had a reason
