Page 61 of Landry

“They died in a car crash. He was the only survivor. No grandparents, aunts or uncles to step up. He was placed into the foster system and has run away one other time. They caught him sleeping in an abandoned home in a not-so-great part of town.”

“Anything on the foster family?”

“They’ve had a number of children go through their home. Some stayed, others were moved. Not much more information than that.”

“Billy Ray Snow,” Camille said softly. “Poor kid is probably missing his parents.”

“I didn’t find a Mark Sands in your area, but I tried some variations on the name and came up with something interesting.”

Landry met Camille’s gaze over the cell phone between them. “Go ahead.”

“I found a guy matching your description and the images I was able to get from the video surveillance system next door to Sweet Temptations. The man’s name is Harlan Mark Sanders. He’s a prison guard.”

Camille’s eyes widened.

“He’s a guard at the same prison where Richard DeSalle is incarcerated. And get this...Richard DeSalle had a parole hearing today.”

Camille leaned toward the cell phone. “Please tell me they denied it.”

“I’m sorry to say he was granted parole,” Swede said. “He was released today.”

Landry watched the play of emotions on Camille’s face, his heart hurting for her. “Anything else?”

“Isn’t that enough?” Camille whispered.

“Nothing yet. I’m looking into the jewelry Richard DeSalle was accused of stealing—what was recovered and what wasn’t. I’ll let you know when I get a complete list.”

“Thanks, Swede.”

“I’ve passed this information to Remy,” Swede said. “For now, out here.”

“Out here,” Landry responded and ended the call.

“Why would the prison guard want to take me out on a date?” Camille asked. “And why wasn’t I informed of Richard’s release?”

“I can’t answer either of those questions,” Landry said. “Do you think your ex will come looking for you or Ava?”

Camille shook her head. “I don’t know. He hasn’t had any contact with her since he was incarcerated, and I filed for divorce, going for full custody. He signed without a fight.”

Landry shook his head. “Was he involved in Ava’s life before he went to jail?”

“She was only three months old when he was arrested. He never changed a diaper, never woke up with her in the middle of the night and spent more time away from home than with us. I could’ve used the help, but he didn’t bother.”

“The prison guard had to know something about the items your ex stole that weren’t recovered. He must think you might know where they are.”

“How would I know when I didn’t know Richard was stealing until he was caught?” Camille’s brow dipped. “Mark agreed to meet me here at the fair, then called to say he’d be late.” Her eyes widened. “Could he have made up the delay to keep me waiting for him at the fair...” she started walking toward Landry’s truck, “so he could search my house again?” She broke into a sprint.

Landry’s thoughts had been moving in the same direction. He matched Camille’s pace and overtook her to arrive at his truck ahead of her. He opened the passenger seat door and handed her up into the cab. As soon as he closed her door, he ran around to the driver’s side and hopped in, settling behind the wheel.

Seconds later, he’d pulled out of the parking area and onto the road leading back to town.

He handed his cell phone to Camille. “Text Remy and let him know where we’re heading and why and tell him to send backup.”

Camille found the number and sent the text. “He said he’s on the way with backup.”

Landry nodded as he sped through town, uncaring if he caught the attention of one of the sheriff’s deputies on duty. The more the merrier if he ran into trouble.

He didn’t pass any law enforcement officers and shot out the other side of town, heading for Camille’s cottage on the bayou.

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