Merrville County

  Thursday

  Mackey Residence

  10:24 p.m.

  Madison paces back and forth in the living room. She gently rubs Jamie Junior's back with one hand. The drowsy infant lets out a wet-sounding milk burp and manages a weak whimper. Madison holds Jamie out from her chest; enough to plant a soft kiss on his tiny trembling lips.

  "Sssh, Jamie. Ssh now. It's okay," Madison whispers, while kissing the top of Jamie's head. "It's okay. Mommy will put you to bed as soon as Daddy gets home. I promise. Right now, Mommy just needs to hold you. It's okay, Jamie."

  For the hundredth time, Madison glances at her cellphone on the nearby table. Not a word from her husband in hours. James had said he'd be home by six or seven. He did mention a couple of stops, for gas and more hazelnut coffee. With Dave out of town, there's really nowhere else James might go. It shouldn't take him this long. Something must have happened. Why doesn't he call?

  A vehicle meanders down the road and Madison races to the window. However, the vehicle quickly reverses and heads back the other way. A wrong turn, then.

  Holding Jamie snuggly to her chest, Madison begins to cry. She goes to the table, readjusting the newborn in her arms, and snatches up her cellphone. She swiftly dials James' number for what seems like the twelfth time. Again, the detective's voicemail picks up.

  "Ergh," Madison grumbles and replaces her phone on the tabletop.

  Plopping down on the couch, Madison begins to cry anew. Jamie Junior adds his own tiny voice to the chorus, causing Madison to cry even harder. She strokes her son's face with one hand.

  "I'm sorry, Jamie. Mommy's sorry. Oh goodness. Where is your father? Where is James. Please. Oh goodness. I hope nothing has happened to James. I couldn't bear it. Oh no."

  -

  -

  11: 02 p.m.

  Madison jumps up from the sofa as James slides his keys into the lock. She races across the living room and yanks the door open, eyes wide with fear and anxiety. Her anxiety grows as she makes eye contact with first James, and then Deputy Chastain.

  "James? What's happened? Why is Morris here? Morris? What's going on?" Madison rambles, her eyes carefully studying both James and Morris.

  "It'd be better if we talk inside, Mrs. Mackey. Please," Morris says.

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  "Yes. Of course," Madison agrees, hastily moving so that the two men may enter.

  The expression on James' face sends chills up and down Madison's spine. James looks as if someone has just walked over his grave. The detective's skin is pale and his eyes have a faroff look of deep contemplation. Madison briefly glances back at the couch, where Jamie is asleep on the left cushion. Turning forward again, she cradles her crestfallen husband's face between both hands.

  "James, what happened? Talk to me. Please."

  Morris quietly closes the front door and stands with both arms behind his back. He watches James and Madison with sorrow filled eyes.

  "I...Um...A young woman was killed today, Madison," James finally says in a soft whisper. "It was...Pretty bad. I can't say too much more right now. Morris...He thought it would be a good idea to accompany me home. With Dave being out of town and all. I guess...Uh...I'm the one with a security detail now."

  Morris takes offense to the detective's implication, his mouth forming a stern pout.

  "That's not true, James. I'm not here to keep tabs on you," Morris replies in his own defense. "I'm here because you're a friend. Nothing more. Mitch Turner can kiss my ass."

  "Mitch Turner?" Madison exclaims. "The news reporter? What's he got to do with any of this? Is it that bad?"

  Morris shifts uneasily as he makes eye contact with Detective Mackey. The two law men share a secret glance before Morris continues his explanation.

  "Well, as James has explained to you, Mrs. Mackey...The investigation is still in its very early stages. There isn't a whole lot we can reveal at this time." To Detective Mackey, Morris says, "I'm glad you're okay, Detective. But, I've gotta go. Brenda is expecting me. She's caught that new superbug and she's not feeling too great right now. I'll meet up with you bright and early tomorrow and we can head to the station together. Goodnight, James...Mrs. Mackey."

  "Goodnight, Morris," Madison responds, noting the detached manner in which Deputy Chastain addresses her.

  With a solemn head nod, Morris exits the house and walks down the porch steps. James shuts the front door before Deputy Chastain has even reached his Sheriff's vehicle. Madison goes to him, kissing her husband tenderly on the lips. She stares into his eyes as they separate.

  "What can you tell me, James. Please. You're always reminding me that I'm your wife. Sometimes, I don't really feel like it. I want to know what's hurting you, James. So I can try to make it better. What happened? Please tell me. Please, James," Madison pleads, cupping James' face and ensuring he continues to look at her.

  "I can't, Maddie. Those are the rules. Besides, I think it's better you not know. Not yet. I'm sure...You'll know by morning anyway. Reporters these days have no shame. And no sense of ethics. It's all about the views and who can getting the biggest scoop. Facts don't seem to matter anymore."

  James politely removes Madison's hands from his cheeks. He kisses the fingers of her left hand one by one. Finishing that, he returns his eyes to her stricken face.

  "Now...I think, I'd better go to bed. I've got an early day tomorrow. Lots of interviewing and plenty of paperwork. I hope you don't mind if I sleep in the guestroom?"

  "The guestroom?" Madison says in disbelief. "What the heck for? James, no. I'm not...No."

  "Madison, please. I just--,"

  "No, James. No," Madison says, cupping James' face and bringing their lips back into contact. "No. I don't want to hear what's happening from some stupid reporter on the twelve o'clock news. I want to hear it from you. I want to hear it from my husband's lips to my ear. Tell me, James. Tell me what the hell happened!"

  Madison immediately regrets raising her voice and cursing when Jamie Junior issues a tiny whimper. James peers at his son with sad eyes. Removing Madison's hands from his face a second time, James goes to the couch. Picking up Jamie Junior, James releases a long sigh. He kisses the baby's temple before cradling Jamie against his masculine chest.

  "I'm gonna...I'm just gonna put Jamie to bed, Madison. I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight, Maddie."

  As James leaves the room, Madison stands at the center of the floor. Utter disbelief transforms her features and she shakes her head from side to side.

  "James?"