Chapter 46Becky's old sketch and a computer-aged version of Tess Ulrich were being circulated nationally, and especially on St. Louis television. Prospects looked good. They would bring her back to Seaport. They also picked up Stan Yates' whereabouts in Iowa.
Only a couple days later at the police station, Det. Britto had the worst news of all. “I'm sorry, you two.” He kept shaking his head, himself almost in tears. “The witness, Tess Ulrich… is dead.”
“No!” Abi had no thought that others in the station might hear. “No… no!” She collapsed into a chair.
“I'm afraid it's true. She's been IDed by her parents.”
As always, Joe was at Abi's side to comfort her. “How… how?” She could barely speak.
Det. Britto rose and went to close his office door. “Been dead for years. Missouri took file ph
