chapter 20

While Michele drove Arnold called Deputy Manny Palmer and asked him to dispatch Officers to the location where George Sanderstill was spotted. By the time they arrived, There were two Police cars Across the street from the residence.

Both Officers got out of their cars as Michele pulled up
Arnold briefed Them on the situation and how they were to proceed.

One officer walked to the front door with the detectives while the other went around the back to cover the back exit, if there was one.

Once at the front door, Arnold knocked hard. There was no reply. He radioed the officer who went around back to see if there was any activity in the back.

“Negative” The officer replied. “There are just two windows back here.”
“Do you see an activity inside?”

“Negative. One window seems to be to a bedroom. I see a bed. A dresser and a nightstand. here does look to be a hamper with clothing overfilling it.”

Arnold knocked hard again.

The door opened. Standing in front of them was a young couple. they both looked like they had just woken up.

“Can I help you?” The man said. He looked nothing like George.

“Sorry for the disturbance.” Arnold looked over the couple's shoulders to see if there was movement behind them. “We are looking for a murder suspect that was spotted in the area.”

“Why are you looking at our house?” The lady sounded offended. “Are we in danger?”

“No ma’am,” Arnold replied calmly. “Is there anyone else in the house?”

“Just our daughter Melissa.” The man interjected, sounding agitated.

“And how old is she”” Arnold still talked calmly hoping it would Get the couple to calm down.

“Why?” The man sounded even more agitated.

Arnold held up his badge. I’m Detective Aimsworth, this is my partner Detective Glasko with the Modesto police department. You need to calm down and answer the question.”

The man hesitated. “Fine.” Saliva shot out of his mouth. “She’s seventeen.”

Just then a young girl with long dishwater blonde hair came into view. She was rubbing her eyes. “Jesus Dad. I’m trying to get some sleep before studying. What’s_” She stopped talking when she turned and saw Arnold and Michele.

“These gentlemen here seem to think we’re hiding a criminal.” The father said to his daughter.

Arnold ignored the remark. “You mind if we look around?”

“Yes.”The man said with authority and blocked the entrance.
“Sir. Please stop aside.” Arnold demanded.

“No.” The man stuck his chest out. “You have no right_”

The man stopped when Arnold’s cell phone went off.
Arnold hit the acept button and put the phone to his ear. “Deective Aimsworth... What. Calm down, I can’t understand you.”

Michele leaned closer trying to hear what was being said. all she heard was someone mumbling.

“Okay. where at?” Arnold stuck his finger in his ear. Michele guessed to hear the caller better. “We’ll be there in five minutes.”

Arnold disconnected and put his hands down. “Sorry for the inconvience folks.” He said to the man and then looked at Michele. “We got to go.” He walked towards the car quickly.

Michele walked fast to catch up. “ What’s the matter?”

“I’ll tell you in the car.” Arnold opened the car door and got in.

Michele got in. She tried catching her breath. “ What’s going on?”

“That was Diego Torres.” There was excitement on Arnold’s face.”He says he knows who killed Nathaniel.”

“So there are we going?”

“He wants to meet us at the food court in vintage Fair Mall. He sounded scared out of his wits.” Arnold started the car and peeled out.

chapter 21