Mindfield (Sideways Eight Book 1) by A Wallace

in vehicles.
    They reached the intersection of Heritage Hall Circle and Legacy Drive, Olivia’s last known whereabouts. They turned left and continued to the cul-de-sac.
    Charley identified the evidence marker for the bracelet nestled in the grass about twelve inches from the curb. “Let’s figure out on which wrist she wore the bracelet. Let’s say she wore it on the left, unaware the clasp broke. I’ve lost several that way.”
    “My mom complains about that too, even with necklaces, regardless of how expensive they are.”
    She stood, staring at the evidence marker. “No kidding. I buy chains long enough to slip over my head, I glue the clasp.”
    “Necklace.” He pointed at her chest. “You wear it every day.”
    Charley shrugged. “So.”
    “It’s unusual, a crescent moon with two kids sitting on the edge, holding hands.”
    “You’re observant.” She clasped the charm between her fingers. “Let’s continue. If she wore the bracelet on the left wrist, and the assailant was on her right, he wouldn’t reach in front of her to grab her left hand. If behind her, he would be left-handed.”
    “How do you figure?”
    Charley scooted behind him to demonstrate. “This is assuming Olivia wore the bracelet on her left wrist and he was behind her. The abductor would extend his dominant hand. If left-handed, he would grab her left hand. If right-handed he would grab her right hand.”
    Murphy turned to face her using his hands to exhibit. “If he was in front of her, his left, Olivia’s right, his right, her left. If he’s left-handed that could eliminate right-handed suspects.”
    “It’s a minor detail. I’m left-handed, but I eat and shoot with my right, so it’s not exact, but it gives us something when we interview and interrogate.”
    “Ten percent of the world’s population is left-handed.”
    “And thirty percent of us are mixed.”
    “You mean ambidextrous.”
    “Nope, a misconception.” Charley held out her hands as if balancing something. “A person who is ambidextrous uses the right and left hand equally for any task. Mixed handedness is cross-dominance, where one hand is more efficient than the other with certain motor skills.”
    Murphy tilted his head. “Humph, I learned something new. Thanks, so, if he didn’t wear gloves, and he touched the bracelet his DNA will be present.”
    “Let’s hope. Fleming will run the DNA results through the databases.”
    They approached the Ingram home, one of the few two-story homes in the neighborhood. Narrow and tall, the house had tan vinyl siding and a multi-colored brick face. The porch extended the length of the house with white railing. They trotted up the driveway and turned right onto the concrete sidewalk leading to the steps. At the desert tan front door, she tapped his arm with the back of her hand. “You know the drill.”
    IDs out, she rang the doorbell.
    The door opened. A tall, thin woman stood before them. Her umber eyes were teary, red, and swollen. Her voice trembled as she spoke, “May I help you?”
    “Are you Mrs. Ingram, Olivia’s mother?” Charley said.
    Mrs. Ingram dotted her eyes with a tissue. “Yes. Who are you?”
    Charley showed her ID. “We’re Agents Faraday and Murphy with the FBI. We understand this a difficult time for you. Would you give us permission to examine Olivia’s room? A child’s room is their sanctuary. It could give us clues and help with the investigation.”
    Mrs. Ingram opened the door, waving them into her home. “Her room is upstairs, first door on the left.”
    “You’re welcome to join us.” Charley’s eyes sped around the modest home, noticing the sparse furnishings.
    “If I need to join you, I will.”
    “May we talk first?” Murphy said.
    Mrs. Ingram wrung her hands. “Yes. Let’s sit in the living room.”
    They followed Mrs. Ingram. She sat on the sofa, while Charley and Murphy remained standing.
    Charley removed her voice recorder from her pocket. “Do you mind if I