together tell you a story at all, or suggest something ominous? >> yes. we found those items in an area where the ground had appeared to have been disturbed. we became concerned that possibly a struggle took place there. >> meredith's water bottles, ella's leash, and signs of a struggle. nothing about the scene looked good to the veteran lawman, especially that expandible police baton that was found. he called in help. >> we eventually partnered with over 18 or 19 police agencies to help in the search for meredith. >> had her friends were naturally besides themselves. >> you know, your heart just broke because you think something happened, somebody had a weapon, and her stuff was there. >> so you're thinking at the very least she abducted. >> right. it wasn't something we could talk about until we could prove that. >> the cops commandeered a park building as headquarters. >> we began getting information pretty quickly.