As it turned out, the Tuckers did have kids. Three of them, in fact, ages seven, ten, and thirteen. They were all still awake, lingering in the living room while Kate did her best to get the wifeMissy, she managed to introduce herself through her wailing and sobsinside and sitting down. The thirteen-year-old came rushing to her mothers side while DeMarco did her best to keep the others away while their mother came to terms with the devastating news that she had just been handed.
In a way, Kate realized that maybe she had jumped the gun on DeMarco. The first twenty minutes she spent in the Tucker home that night were gut-wrenching. She could only think of one other moment in her career that was as heartbreaking. She looked over at DeMarco, both during and after she had tried to corral the kids, and saw the defiance and anger there. Kate figured this might be something that DeMarco held against her for a very long time.
Somewhere in the midst of it all, Missy Tucker realized that she was going to have to find someone to sit with her kids if she was going to try to be of any help to Kate and DeMarco. Through thin wails, she called her brother-in-law, having to break the news to him as well. They also lived in Ashton and his wife left almost immediately to come sit with the kids.
In an effort to give Missy and the Tucker children some privacy to deal with their grief, Kate got Missys permission to look around the house for any signs of what might have occurred to have resulted in someone wanting to murder her husband. They started in the master bedroom, searching through the Tuckers bedside tables and private items to the sound of a sobbing family downstairs.
This really sucks, DeMarco said.
It does. Im sorry, DeMarco. I really am. I just thought it would be easier for everyone involved.
Is that really what it is? DeMarco asked. I know I dont know you all that well yet, but one of the things I do know about you is you have a tendency to go out of your way to put as much pressure on yourself as you can. Its why you cant figure out the rather simple struggle of balancing your time with the bureau with the time for your family.
Excuse me? Kate asked, feeling a flare of anger.
DeMarco shrugged. Sorry. But its true. Local cops could have done this and we could have probably already been elsewhere, digging into this case.
With no witnesses, the wife is the best bet, Kate said. It just so happens shes also having to deal with the death of her husband. It sucks for everyone involved. But you have to get over your own discomfort. In the grand scheme of things, who is more uncomfortable right now? You or the freshly grieving widow downstairs?
Kate wasnt aware of her loud and irritated tone until the last few words were out of her mouth. DeMarco stared her down for a moment before shaking her head like some spoiled teenager with no rebuttal, and left the room.
When Kate also left the room, she saw that DeMarco was looking through an office and miniature library just down the hallway. Kate left her to it, opting to head outside to look for any clues. She wasnt expecting to find anything as she skirted around the house but knew it would be irresponsible not to go through the routine.
Back inside, she saw that Jack Tuckers brother and wife had come. The brother and Missy were in a trembling embrace while the wife knelt by the kids and gave them all a hug. Kate saw that the thirteen-year-olda girl who looked very much like her fatherhad a blank look on her face. Seeing it, she didnt fault DeMarco for being pissed at her.
Agent Wise?
Kate turned as she was about to head back up the stairs and saw Missy coming down the hallway toward her. Yes?
If were going to talk, lets do it now. I dont know how much longer I can hold it together. Already, she was starting to let out little whines and moans again. Being that the news of her husbands death was barely one hour old, Kate admired her for her strength.
Missy said nothing else, but walked up the stairs with a quick glance back toward the living room where her kids and relatives were gathered. DeMarco joined them from where she was checking the medicine cabinet in the upstairs bathroom and the three of them went into the master bedroomthe bedroom Kate and DeMarco had already checked.
Missy sat on the edge of the bed like a woman waking up from a very bad dream, only to realize the dream was still taking place.
You asked me earlier why he was in New York City, she said. Jack worked as a senior accountant for a pretty big firmAdler and Johnson. Theyve been working night and day on this big overhaul for a nuclear decommissioning company in South Carolina. On the really late nights, hes just been staying in the city.
Were you expecting him back tonight or were you thinking hed be staying in a hotel? DeMarco asked.
I talked to him at about seven this morning, before he left for his morning run. He said not only did he plan on being home today, but probably pretty earlymaybe around four or so.
I assume you started trying to call or text him at a certain point when you realized it was getting late? Kate asked.
Yeah, but not until seven or so. When those guys get deep into their jobs, time sort of goes out the window.
Mrs. Tucker, the FBI was called in on your husbands murder because the situation reflects the details and circumstances of a case from eight years ago. The victim was another man who lived here in Ashton, also killed in New York, Kate explained. There is no hard evidence to support it, but its close enough to have alarmed the bureau. So it is very important that you try to think about any people that your husband might have made enemies with.
Kate could tell that Missy was once again fighting with tears. She gulped down the need to let out the grief, trying to get through it.
I cant think of anyone. Im not just saying it because I love the man, but he was extremely kind. Outside of a few little arguments at work, I dont think he ever had a heated argument his entire life.
What about any close friends? Kate asked. Are there any friends, men in particular, that he hung around with who might have seen another side of him?
Well, he was a little silly with this group of friends out at the yacht club, but I dont think theyd describe him as anything negative.
Do you have the names of some of these friends that we could talk to? DeMarco asked.
Yes. He had this core grouphim and three other guys. They get together at the yacht club or hang out at the cigar bar and watch sports. Football, mostly.
Do you happen to know if any of them have people they might consider enemies? DeMarco asked. Even jealous ex-wives or estranged family members?
I dont know. I dont know them that well and
The sound of uncontrollable sobbing from downstairs interrupted her. Missy looked in the direction of the bedroom door with a frown that made Kates heart ache.
Thats Dylan, our middle child. He and his father were
She stopped here, her lip quivering as she tried to keep herself together.
Its okay, Mrs. Tucker, DeMarco said. Go to your kids. Weve got enough to get started.
Missy got up quickly and sprinted for the door, already starting to cry. DeMarco followed behind her slowly, casting an angry look back at Kate. Kate stood in the bedroom a moment longer, getting a grip on her own emotions. No, this part of the job never got truly easier. And the fact that they had gotten very little information from the visit made it even worse.