A New Beginning (Second Chance #1) Read Free Page B

like?”
    “Umm..yeah. He’s tall, about your height I guess. He has brown hair and really big hands. He has a tattoo on his chest, but I can’t remember what it is.”
    “That’s okay Karla. What about your father? Can you tell me anything about him?”
    “I only know that his first name is Alexander and he’s originally from Puerto Rico, but she met him in Dallas, which is where she’s from.”
    “Alright Karla. I’ll see what I can find out about him from your mama. Anything else you can tell me about your family?”
    “My mom’s parents lived in Dallas, but they’re dead now and she was an only child.”
    “Okay Karla.” Trent said, before he walked over to where Captain McGraw stood.
    “How’d it go Greeves?”
    “She doesn’t know anything about her father and her grandparents are dead. Garrett, the boyfriend, is a piece of work and so is her mama. She picked him up at a rest area somewhere in Georgia and I’m pretty sure he’s the one who put all those bruises on Karla.”
    “Do we have a last name on him?”
    “No, sir. Karla could only give me a basic description, but she did say he has a tattoo on his chest. That may help if she can remember what it is.”
    “We’ll see what we can figure out, but in the meantime DCS is on the way here. Think Mrs. Jones can keep Karla busy while we talk to them?”
    “Sir, if anyone can keep a teenager busy and out of trouble it’s Mrs. Jones.” Trent replied with a smile, remembering how much trouble she’d kept him out of as a teenager. “I’ll go talk to her and let her know what’s goin’ on.”
    “Thanks Greeves. I’d ‘preciate it if you’d ask her to keep Karla in the back for a while. I don’t wanna upset that little girl more than necessary.”
    “No problem, Captain. Anything to help Karla. She seems so lost.”
    After Captain McGraw walked outside to wait for DCS, Trent walked over to where Karla and Mrs. Jones talked quietly. He crouched down in front of Karla until he met her startling green eyes. “Karla, would you mind hangin’ out in Mrs. Jones’ office for a while? Captain McGraw and I are gonna talk to the representative from DCS and then we’ll be back there to talk to ya.” He waited for Karla to nod her agreement before he turned to Mrs. Jones. “Do you mind hangin’ out with Karla for a bit?”
    “Of course I don’t mind spendin’ time with this sweet child. You and McGraw do whatcha need to do. We ain’t goin’ anywhere.” Mrs. Jones grabbed Karla’s hand gently and led her into the office as Trent walked outside to wait with Captain McGraw.

Chapter Seven
                 
     
    Bob Jennings pulled into the parking lot of Jones’ Market fifteen minutes later and immediately saw Captain McGraw, a longtime friend of his, and Detective Greeves, a decorated officer who’d been with Metro/Davidson Police force for more than ten years. After he stopped the car he stepped out into the oppressive July heat and walked over to where they were standing, just outside the front doors of the store.
                  “John, Trent, how’s it goin’? Whatcha got for me?”
                  “Hey Bob, we have a girl, 14 years old, inside the store. Greeves caught her shoplifting and noticed signs of serious abuse and neglect. Her name is Karla and her mama’s sittin’ in lock-up at the moment on drug solicitation charges. I’m gonna be adding child abuse and neglect just as soon as I make it back to HQ.”
                  “Think she’ll talk to me?”
    “Maybe if Trent or me are there. She’s very scared and doesn’t trust any of us very much.”
    “Alright, let’s do this. I’m supposed to be at supper with my baby sister tonight while her husband’s working.”
    “Alright Bob.” Trent responded as he turned and walked back into the store. McGraw and Jennings followed closely behind him.
    When they entered the office Karla and Mrs. Jones were sitting on the