Question E

[Jonetta]

Haley was in a jail holding cell for almost three days without representation and appeared disoriented. Did Sheriff Colgate stay within the lines or should he have recognized something was wrong?

[Robin]

I was confused by this whole thing. Did Haley not call her mother for a couple of days? Why wouldn't she ask for an attorney or for a phone call? I know the sheriff was short staffed and they hadn't actually pressed charges. They could hold her for a while (maybe 48 hrs?) but still needed to let her contact someone. She should have been either free to leave or given a phone call.

I'm not sure Sheriff Colgate was even thinking about Haley. He had his hands full looking for the missing woman. But something didn't seem right about the whole thing.

[Jonetta]

The rush to judgment and the pressure brought on my Shannon Yates’ disappearance stretched them beyond their limits. But, Haley asked to make a call to her mother and they waited two days to make that happen. Colgate just wants to retire and he didn’t exhibit proper leadership here. He was within the lines of the law but not the spirit.

[Robin]

If Haley asked on the first day and they didn't comply for two days, that is a real problem. I'm surprised Eliza didn't call the police to find her missing daughter.

[Jonetta]

Apparently, if it’s over a weekend, they can hold her longer. It still was a problem that they delayed her phone call.

[Charlene]

Yes, I was upset that Haley didn't get that call to her mother the first time she asked. She was in such bad physical shape, I wondered how someone who looked like a true victim wouldn't have been checked out at the hospital even if they thought her guilty.

[Lauren]

While I understand that he acted within the law, this was inexcusable. Even if she had killed Noah, she was obviously in distress both mentally and physically. She could have died without her medication.

It also does not make sense that she wasn't taken to the hospital for the collection of physical evidence. I've seen enough CSI and Law & Order to know that is standard operating procedure.

[Jonetta]

This county is in serious need of a competent, lawful sheriff😏

FYI, they never mention King by name and just said that he died. Is this for readers who may not have read the preceding books?

[Lauren]

Jonetta wrote: "FYI, they never mention King by name and just said that he died. Is this for readers who may not have read the preceding books?"

Yes, I noticed this. Also, there is no mention of King's involvement in what happened to Lance's mother. It just says she was attacked. I do think it is so as not to spoil the plot for those who don't read in order.

[Sharon]

Colgate messed up. He is in a position with responsibility that he doesn't want. He makes mistakes because he is pulled in too many directions and doesn't know how to manage his team. Even small teams with good leadership can do more than expected.

[Jonetta]

I agree, Sharon. He’s a reluctant leader and it showed.