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Gross, Stone and Chapman left the command center On the way back to the park Gross said, “I can’t remember the last case I had where not only haven’t I taken a step forward, I keep taking steps back”
Stone closed his eyes and recalled what he had seen on the video A crane had lifted the large tree up into the air Then a crew of National Park Service personnel in their green-and-khaki uniforms had moved in and helped direct the placement of the maple into the hole
He opened his eyes “There had to be a staging area for the tree Where it was kept before being installed? That wasn’t on the video”
“That’s right,” said a hopeful-looking Gross
Chapman added, “And the time stamp on the video shows that the tree was put in a day before the bo happened So as the hole still uncovered?”
Gross said, “I think we need to find answers to those questions”
AHe talked for a few er Missing persons report was phoned in a few hours ago Family member Matches the description, and he was in the vicinity of the park”
“Why so long to call it in?” asked Stone
“So we’ll have to find out e talk to them”
“I think we should split up,” said Stone “You and your roundspeople and Chapman and I can talk to the family members You have the address?”
Gross gave it to hient said, “Noe’ve only got the suit to track down”
Stone never turned around “Yeah,” he said over his shoulder as Chap beside him
When they got to her car she said, “You know you could be charged ithholding vital evidence in an investigation With obstruction even”
“If you think that’s the case, feel free to report me”
The two looked across the width of the rental at each other
Chaphed “I don’t think it would further et the hell in the car ”
When the doors plunked closed she threw it into gear “Where to?”
Stone gazed down at the slip of paper that Gross had given hiun handy”
“Is it dangerous, then, this Anacostia?”
Stone thought for a few erous than Lafayette Park, actually”
CHAPTER 28
CARMEN ESCALANTE lived in a duplex a few blocks froht of the ballpark of the Washington Nationals, but had not benefited fro on in other areas around the stadium
They reached Escalante’s address and Stone knocked on a door that was scarred by at least three old bullet pocks by his quick count They heard curious sounds approaching Footsteps and so that clunked When the door opened they were looking down at a petite woman in her twenties who had s Hence the strange sounds
“Carmen Escalante?” Stone asked
She nodded “I am Carmen”
Stone and then Chapes
“We’re here about your report of aperson,” said Chapman
“You don’t sound American,” said Carmen curiously
“I’m not”
Carmen looked confused Stone said, “Can we come in?”
They followed her down a short hall to a tiny room The furniture was thirdhand, the floor littered with junk Stone could s food
“I haven’t had a chance to clean up lately,” Caretic She dropped onto the couch and stood her braces against the arm of the furniture On either side of her was stacked what Stone could only politely describe as crap