“You read her police report?” Landon grits out.
Dad only spares him a glance. “You want answers. I’m getting them.”
“Landon,” I warn, giving him a pointed look to be quiet.
Dad continues. “These women might not have been hurt by the same guy. But it’s worth a look.”
“What makes you think it is though?”
“All five women were strippers. All of them were virgins until they met this guy. Three of five of those women were hassled by a woman they claimed was his wife. And none of them ever found the guy, although one swears she sighted him a few years later. My guess: they move a lot.”
I glance down at the names once again, gritting my teeth. “Do you know anything about these women?”
He hands me another piece of paper, this one stapled to a few more. “I found out some things about each of them. What helped with the timeline of this guy’s behaviour was the seriousness of the crime. Or should I say how far he took it or the level. The first woman on the list met him at work but was accosted by him outside of work. He turned up at cafes, restaurants or clubs. One night at a club, she got drunk and he offered to walk her home. She was raped. Then after, he told her no one would believe her after she had been throwing herself at him all night.”
“They didn’t get footage of him?” I ask.
He shakes his head, his lips tightening. “No. Any security at that club was ruined that night. There was no other evidence, and the police could never arrest anyone because they didn’t have a name.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Landon growls, sitting down on top of the desk.
There’s more. I can tell by the way he’s gauging Landon’s reaction. “What, Dad?”
“I’m not sure it started off with strippers. I think he chooses them now because he thinks it will discredit them.”
“Charlotte’s not a fucking stripper.”
“But doesn’t she like hanging out in strip clubs?” Dad comments.
“She did tell me she met him outside the strip club,” I admit, ignoring Landon’s stare.
“But he was in her life for months. He would have known she wasn’t a stripper.”
“That, I can’t answer you. But one thing they all had in common were that they were virgins. I’m thinking the stripper part of the equation came in after being caught. Somewhere out there is a person who has filed a sexual assault against the right guy. Trying to find that case will be impossible until you know his name. But I’m betting my life savings there is one.”
“Were there any arrests with these?” I ask, holding up the stack of papers.
He shakes his head. “No. But that’s not saying they don’t know something more. One of them might be able to tell you something that helps. I can’t get involved with that part. If you want to speak to them, to find out if they are indeed a survivor of his abuse, it’s up to you.”
Landon stands, taking the piece of paper off me. “I’ll go.”
I rub the back of my neck. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, mate. You’re… You.”
“I’m not going on my own. I’m going to take one my female family members.”
My eyes widen. “Not your sister.”
He snorts. “No. I’m hoping Charlotte’s mum will come with me. If she doesn’t, I’m going to take Madison.”
I nod. “Good idea.”
“I’m going to get on this and sort out times we can go. I’ll get their numbers and call them first.”
Dad steps forward. “We’ll keep digging, but whoever this guy is, he’s used to hiding his tracks,” he tells him. “It’s a good idea taking her mum. It will make these women feel more empathetic toward her, and more than likely get them to talk.”
Landon nods, then turns to me. “I’ll catch you later. No letting her leave on her own. Her car’s back but she’s still not comfortable getting into it so Jaxon is dropping her off. Uncle Myles was going to but something happened.”
“I’ll get her back okay,” I promise.
He leaves and I turn to my dad, letting out a weary sigh. “Be honest. What chances do we have of finding this guy?”
“I’m going to be honest, son, it’s not good, but nothing is impossible.”
“Actually,” Nora begins, but Dad gives her a look to stay silent. She huffs, folding her arms across her chest.
I grin. “What have you done now?”
She side-eyes Dad. He sighs. “Tell him.”
Letting out a puff, she does just that. “My principle told me I had to re write the letter of apology. I said no.”
“And?” I drawl, sensing there’s more.
“So I wrote the letter on every whiteboard in the school.”
“In?” Dad comments.
Nora rolls her eyes. “Marker pen.”
“And?” Dad pushes.
“And the principle didn’t like it so I did it to his car. I said if I wasn’t allowed to express myself on paper, or by the way I look or dress, then I’ll find other ways to do it. He took exception to that.”
I chuckle, ruffling her hair. “You’re going to get a criminal record before you’re eighteen.”
She snorts, shoving my hand away. “Not likely. Once I give them the woman rights act, they back off.”
“They won’t always do that,” Dad warns her before turning to me. “Is this girl worth the crap that guy will rain down on you?”
Nora shoves him in the shoulder. “Dad!”
“What? I’m not saying he couldn’t take him,” he argues, then addresses me. “You could easily take him.”
I chuckle. “It would be an even fight. He’s stronger than he looks.”
“He did look like a scary mother fucker.”
“But to answer your question, yes, she is. You’ll only have to meet her once to know that.”
There’s a timid knock on the door before Charlotte walks in, her head bent down while she rummages through her bag. “I think I’ve left my keys in the door,” she tells me, dropping her bag on the desk. “It’s my uncle Max’s fault. His gun exploded all over me. He scared Katnip, who dived onto the back of my neck. I’m pretty sure her claws went into my head because it’s sore back there. My dad tried to help get her off but then the second load of glitter went off and it got into his eye.” She looks up. “Who knew glitter could be so deadly.”
“Why did he have a gun?” I ask, tensing.
“It’s not a real gun,” she tells me absently. “His last one was too powerful to use on my mum. He’s trying to get payback for my cupcakes. But I swear, they really did taste good. I wasn’t lying this time. I swear.”
My lips twitch at her ramble. “I want to introduce you to—"
I’m struck for words as she pulls out a pink pair of fluffy handcuffs. She places them down onto the desk next to Landon’s mug. “I know they are in here somewhere. They have to be. They are always in here.”
Dad’s eyes widen at the handcuffs; Nora grins, watching Charlotte closely.
“Why don’t I help?” I offer.