Janie Crouch - Fully Committed

He could see her relax just the slightest bit and knew he was on the right track with what she needed to hear: that Spangler’s actions were inexcusable.

No contest, as far as Jon was concerned.

He walked over and helped her lower the umbrella, which had reopened when she’d turned to talk to him. “Look, I’m sorry if I came across too strong a minute ago. But if you could take a few minutes out of your vacation to talk to Jasmine Houze, the victim, and see if there is anything you can help her remember, that would really be helpful.”

Sherry looked at him and then quickly looked away. “Caroline told me none of the women had really gotten a look at the attacker. Is Ms. Houze any different?”

Jon grimaced. “Based on preliminary reports and what she told the doctors, no. It doesn’t look like she got a good look at the rapist’s face.”

Sherry began stuffing all her beach items into a large bag. “Then you don’t really need me. I can’t help you.”

Jon tamped his irritation down again. “All I’m asking is for you to try. You’ve got an excellent track record with cases like these, and you’re a woman, which might make Ms. Houze more comfortable. Maybe she didn’t see her attacker’s face, but she might remember something. You’re our best shot.”

She looked as though she was going to say something but then stopped. Jon frowned as she took the long-sleeved shirt from around her waist and put it on as if she were chilly.

That would be fine if it wasn’t ninety degrees outside right now. Jon was already wiping sweat from his face, and he was in a short-sleeved shirt. She was actually buttoning hers up.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Um, yeah. I just caught a little chill, that’s all.”

Okay, that was odd. She’d been shivering yesterday at the hospital, too. Interesting. An illness?

“Are you sick? Running a fever?”

“No. I just...” She shrugged one delicate shoulder not hidden under her long shirt. “I just get cold sometimes.”

Jon wanted to pursue it further, but now was the time to push about the interview, while her defenses were weakened.

“Sherry, Ms. Houze needs you. There is no one else because of the licensing laws in Nueces County. If you don’t try, Frank Spangler is the next best option.”

Jon didn’t say that there was no way that was going to happen, not with him here. But revealing that wouldn’t help his argument with Sherry.

“I really can’t help you.” She huddled farther into her shirt.

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Does it make a difference?”

“I’m just asking you to try. An hour of your time? If you can’t help after that, at least you tried. You didn’t sit here doing nothing.”

There was a long pause as she looked at him. She seemed to huddle down farther into her shirt.

“Okay, when?” she finally asked.

“Right now would be best.” He didn’t want to give her a chance to change her mind or to decide to make other plans.

She looked at him for another long, silent moment. “Fine, Agent Hatton. I will go and talk to the victim. I wouldn’t expect anything to come of it, if I were you.”

Jon nodded. “Just try. That’s all I ask.”

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