Mindfield (Sideways Eight Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

store.”
    “Thank you.” He glanced at Charley who picked up a chair. “Guess who else likes the Redskins?” Murphy scooted to the side so she could place the seat in front of Justin. “Agent Faraday does. Don’t you?”
    Charley sat and placed the voice recorder on the floor. “Sure, since I was Justin’s age.”
    Justin gave her a weak smile.
    Murphy’s comforting voice accompanied an earnest smile. “Justin, do you understand why we’re here to talk to you?”
    The lad nodded.
    “Good. Agent Faraday and I need to talk to you about Robin. Is that okay?”
    Justin nodded.
    “Thank you,” Charley said in a soft voice. “Justin, I want you to take a deep breath. Release it and relax your shoulders.”
    Murphy shifted closer to her.
    Charley gave Justin a reassuring smile. “We want to ask you a few questions. Answer as best you can.”
    Justin locked onto Charley’s eyes. “Okay.”
    She inhaled deep, releasing it with a slow breath. “What grade are you in, and how old are you?”
    “I’m twelve and in the sixth grade.”
    “What time did you leave for school this morning?”
    The pitch of Justin’s voice increased as he drew out the words. “This morning.” He studied the ceiling. “I was late, but I’m supposed to leave at seven. About seven-fifteen.”
    Charley’s forefinger twiddled with her chin. “Why were you late?”
    “I haven’t felt good in the mornings.”
    “Why?”
    “It’s not the same.” Justin curled his body inward.
    “What isn’t?”
    He lowered his head and mumbled, “Robin.”
    Murphy softened his expression. “You miss her.”
    He swallowed deep and nodded.
    “Do you walk to school every day using the soccer field?”
    “Yes, it’s faster.”
    “Were there other children nearby?”
    The boy shook his head. “Me and Robin are the only kids on our street.”
    “What made you notice something on the soccer field?”
    “The candles. One was burning. That’s when I saw a person lying on the ground.”
    “You didn’t realize it was Robin?” Charley said.
    “No.” Justin gulped and lowered his head as his mouth distorted. “I didn’t, not till I ran over there.”
    “When you saw her, what did you do?”
    Justin sniffed, his eyes watered. “I was so glad to see her, with her missing and all. I was excited.” His body shook as he covered his eyes, his lower lip quivered. “I kept trying to get her to talk to me.” He wiped his eyes with the balls of his hands. “But she wouldn’t.”
    With her thumbs, Charley wiped his tears from his cheeks.
    “You and Robin are good friends?” Murphy said.
    “She’s my best friend, in like, forever.” He sniffed.
    “You protected her?”
    “She’s little.” He turned to his mother. “Isn’t she Momma?”
    “Yes, sweetheart, Robin is small for her age.” Elise hugged her child.
    His eyes captured his mother’s loving gaze. “But she was strong and tough.”
    A single tear fell from Elise’s eye. “Yes.”
    Murphy cleared his throat, displacing the anguish of witnessing the child’s grief. “When Robin didn’t move did you touch her or move anything?”
    He nodded.
    “Tell us what you did.”
    “I shook her, held her hand. Talked to her. I messed up her hair, but I fixed it for her. She’s picky about her hair.”
    “Did you see anyone around the soccer field this morning?”
    “There was the pool guy.”
    “Tell me about him.” Murphy leaned towards the young boy. “Can you describe him?”
    Justin shrugged. “I dunno.”
    “What was he wearing?”
    Justin squirmed in his seat, hesitating, he took a deep breath.
    “It’s okay, son, answer the question.” Keith patted Justin’s knee.
    “I’m thinking.” Justin waved his hands in front of his body. “Those things men wear to fix cars.”
    “Coveralls?” Charley said.
    “Those.” Justin pointed his finger.
    “What color were they?” Murphy said.
    “Uhm… white.” Justin’s eyes darted to the ceiling and pointed.