Baz opted to let it go because they were pulling up to Dale Henderson’s house.
“If you don’t mind, I’m gonna let you lead on this,” Trey stated when they’d exited the SUV and met around at the front. “I’ve had my fair share of conversations with people, both civilians and cops, but I’ll admit, it’s never been at this level. Last thing I want is to overlook somethin’.”
“I’ll lead, but if you have a question, feel free to ask it at anytime. The more information we can get out of him, the better.”
Baz headed up the walk, taking in the house. It was in an older neighborhood, but it was meticulously maintained. Fresh coat of paint on the trim and shutters, shrubbery lining the front pruned to near perfection, still carrying most of its leaves despite the fact they were in mid-November.
He walked down the narrow walkway and up the three steps to the front porch. After knocking on the glass storm door, which was locked, he noticed, Baz took a step back, waited.
The door opened to reveal a frantic older man whose blue eyes were puffy and lined in red, his dark hair, sprinkled with gray, stuck up haphazardly on his head.
“Mr. Henderson?”
“Yes,” he replied through the glass separating them.
“My name’s Sebastian Buchanan and this is my partner, Trey Walker. We’re with the OTB Task Force, assisting the police with the investigation. Would you mind if we come in?”
“I need to see some identification,” he said warily.
Although they both wore their shields on their belts, they pulled out their credentials, held them up to the glass so Mr. Henderson could review. He must’ve been content with what he saw, because he unlatched the storm door and gave it a nudge. Baz opened it outward, then stepped inside, Trey directly behind him.
For a house with six children, it was in remarkable condition. The living room was open and airy, the furniture functional. To the right, there was a dining room where a long table sat, a hutch behind it, the lights inside glittering off crystal and china.
“Please tell me you know something,” Dale pleaded, leading the way over to the table.
“Where are your children, Mr. Henderson?” he asked, not wanting them to overhear anything they shouldn’t.
“My oldest daughter has them upstairs in the playroom. They’re doing their lessons for today. They’re homeschooled. My wife…” His voice wavered. “She usually handles that.”
When the man began to fidget, Baz suggested they sit.
“Please,” he said quickly, “let’s go in the kitchen. Just in case one of the kids comes down.”
“Of course.”
The kitchen was like the living and dining rooms, tidy and gleaming. It was obvious it had been redone in recent years, because the modern decor and stainless steel appliances did not match the age of the house. And more than likely, a few walls had come down to open it up.
“We know you’ve answered questions already, but we need to go over everything again with you,” Baz told him when they’d taken their seats.
“That’s the thing,” Mr. Henderson looked a bit wild-eyed, “no one’s asked me anything.”
“Excuse me?” Trey leaned in. “No one?”
Mr. Henderson shook his head. “My wife went for her morning jog, and when she didn’t come back, I called the police. A uniformed officer came out, like he was confirming I was telling the truth. Told me the detective handling the case would be getting in touch.” His eyes darted between the two of them. “I just assumed that’s why you’re here.”
Baz glanced at Trey, frowned. For some reason, he’d gotten the impression Collins had already come out and spoken with the man. Based on the details he had about the family, anyway.
“Well, let’s go through what happened this morning,” Baz suggested.
Mr. Henderson nodded, seemed to compose himself. “As usual, Jody gets up at five every morning. Even weekends. She says it’s important to maintain a routine so the body doesn’t get confused.” There was a wistful smile on his face. “I don’t argue with her. She seems to know what she’s talking about. I mean, look at this place. She keeps it in pristine condition, takes care of six children all day…” He met Baz’s gaze. “I’m sorry.”
“No,” he said easily. “It’s fine.”
“Anyway, Jody got up at five. I was a bit slower getting out of bed, but by the time she was tucking her headphones in her ears, I had ventured in here for coffee.” His gaze swung over to the sink. “She gave me a kiss