Sound Of Fear. Marta Perry

what caused her death.” His face tightened. “If you’d seen her...well, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. That’s a long way down, and nothing but rocks and water at the bottom.”

      That shook Amanda visibly. He suspected she was finding it impossible to hold on to the detachment she’d had initially. It was probably coming home to her just what kind of Pandora’s box she was opening with her search.

      The silence that fell was his cue to get her out before she had a chance to push too hard with Chief Carmichaels. He stood, holding out his hand.

      “Thanks, Chief. It was good of you to answer my client’s questions.”

      He shrugged it off. “No problem. After all these years, I’d think it’s impossible to find out much of anything, but I can understand why Ms. Curtiss wants to know.”

      Amanda stood, managing a smile. “Thank you. If I have any other questions, I hope I can come to you.”

      Carmichaels’s expression stiffened, but he nodded. He went to the door and opened it, obviously just as glad to see them out.

      A wave of sympathy swept over Trey as he walked beside Amanda out of the office. Amanda was still grieving the loss of the woman who had always been her mother. Now she had the challenge of mourning a birth mother, as well. How did anyone cope with that load of trouble?