Page 40 of To Die For

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WHAT ARE YOU DOING BACKhere?” said a surprised Saxby after she’d answered the door.

Devine set down the duffel he was carrying and said, “I brought Betsy some clothes and other stuff from her trailer. And I need to talk to her.”

“Why?”

“Rollins’s murder.”

“You didn’t think it was significant enough for her not to meet with her uncle. So what’s the big deal now?”

“The big deal is now we know more. So Ineedto talk to Betsy,” he added sharply.

“Okay, but I’m there as well. Otherwise, you can shove off,” Saxby shot back.

Devine reluctantly agreed to this, and the FBI agent got the girl from her room.

Odom looked sleepy and disheveled and still in her pajamas. Around her neck was a pair of pale green headphones.

“You okay?” he asked.

She rubbed her eyes. “Fine. Is that all you wanted to know? I was sleeping in.”

He hefted the duffel. “I got you some clothes and other things from your home.”

She instantly perked up and said, “Awesome. How did you even know where it was?”

“Your buds, Nate Shore and Korey Rose. They’re actually there keeping watch over it.”

She took the duffel from him. “Thanks, Travis. I just had the stuff I was wearing in the car, and some clothes in the trunk my mom always kept in a bag.”

“Why was that?” asked Devine.

“In case we had to leave someplace… you know, fast,” she replied, looking embarrassed.

“There are books in there, too.” Devine glanced at Saxby. “Speaking of books, what’s she doing for school?”

“My mom was homeschooling me,” answered Odom.

“I didn’t see any school supplies or workbooks in the house.”

“She had her own way of doing things. And it worked okay for me,” Odom added stiffly.

He once more looked at Saxby. “How long is she going to be kept in this place? And for what reason?”

“Youknowwhat the reason is.”

“No, I’m not sure I do. But I’ll take you both out to eat and we can discuss it.”

“I’m starving,” said Odom. “But does she have to go, too?”

“Yes, I do,” retorted Saxby. “And for the record,hedoesn’t control my actions,” she added angrily. “And neither do you.”

“Get dressed, Betsy, and we’ll head out,” said Devine.

“Not the burger place,” said Odom. “After the Four Seasons, my stomach expects better.”

She went back into her bedroom.

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