Gone Before Goodbye (Love &Mystery in the--6-oh-3 Book 1) (21 page)

Ashes to ashes. Soon she’d join the surrounding dirt. Had the other girl joined it? Lisa hadn’t heard her crying for a while.

A chill waved over her. Her throat hurt. Her body ached everywhere.

“Lisa. Lisa.”

The voice grew louder. Who was calling her? “Aunt Sophia? I’m in here,” Lisa rasped. She scooted downward and slammed her feet against the door until queasiness overcame her.

She waited out the need to barf. No, Aunt Sophia died. Maybe someone else was looking for her. If only Travis had loved her.

At night, she’d put the key under the angel in the backyard and he’d sneak down to the cellar where they’d meet. Teagan would be sound asleep. When they were fighting, she kept the key and the door locked. But when they were happy, they’d sit on the old wicker two-seater and make out. That’s where they first had sex and he claimed to love her.

Why hadn’t he? Lisa blinked at the tears while the voice whispered her name.

It was Aunt Sophia again, except now she wanted Lisa to join her.

No. She wasn’t going to heaven. A sharp pain stabbed her chest. She was sick because of the monster man.

She hated him. The next time he came for her, she’d resist. Whatever he did for punishment was better than remembering those gross, painful things he did to her.

The music was playing. He was here.

I’m dying in this hole. Please, God, help me escape.

The door swung open. He dragged her out of the chamber by her heels. She blinked against the light. The monster shoved her forward. She fell against the torture table. Catching herself on the edge, she leaned against the edge, waiting for her agony to begin.

She tensed and turned her head. A shadow in the corner shifted.

She squinted at a shape. She wet her cracked lips and croaked, “Help.”

Had she imagined the movement? No. She wasn’t crazy, yet. But what if the creature in the dark wasn’t human? The silhouette was too big for rats. The girl? Yes. He was making the girl watch them.

At the moment, Noah would cast a vote for Jake Clark as best professional liar. He stared at the man on the other side of the table for facial tells. Hines, sitting next to him in the bare, beige-walled room, was doing the same.

From his pocket, Jake produced a list of phone numbers and names. “I called each of these people, trying to find my vehicle the day it went missing. I’m sure you can verify my timetable with them.”

Noah scanned the paper and set it aside. “You carry this around?”

“No, when Officer Hines—”

“Detective Hines,” Noah corrected.

Jake frowned and continued. “When I was asked to come to the station because you found my car, I decided to arrive prepared. I’m not a backwoodsman who’s unfamiliar with the law. You’re looking for someone to pin a crime on. I brought evidence. I’m not the one who hit Lucy. My car was stolen, and I couldn’t have done it.”

“You last saw your vehicle in the evening,” Hines said, “when you parked in the lot behind your apartment building?”

Jake nodded.

“We talked to the people where you live,” Hines said. “None of them can vouch you were at your place the night your car disappeared. In fact, your upstairs neighbor remembers the evening your vehicle vanished as one of the most restful nights he’s spent in a long time. He usually can’t sleep because the music you play comes through his bedroom floor.”

“That resident has his evenings confused. I don’t socialize with him, and we’ve never discussed my schedule.” Jake shook his head. “Besides, how does my being or not being home the night before Lucy was hit prove I’m responsible for her accident the next morning?”

“You might have been out with her.” Noah began to pace the room.

Jake kept his eyes on Noah, but he didn’t respond.

“The teenager from apartment 6C told us your car wasn’t in its spot when he rolled in around eleven forty-five p.m. His space is beside yours.”

“Then the thief stole my car during the night. Really, detectives. Where’s your proof and where’s my vehicle? I’m ready to leave.”

The man thought he was the president of MENSA and they were the clueless police. “It’s like this, Jakie.” Noah grabbed the file off the table. “We received a call from a hotel outside the village. They watched the news and recognized the woman in the hit and run as their guest.” Noah threw the credit card receipt from the folder in front of Jake. “The desk clerk looked at Lucy’s picture and confirmed she spent the night.”

“What’s that got to do with me? That’s not my bill.”

“You went to see her and stayed overnight. Probably offered to take her out for breakfast, but you argued or things didn’t go the way you’d hoped. So you dropped her off on the street, told her you were going to park, and then meet her. Instead you ran her down.”

“Preposterous. I didn’t know she was in Hawick Falls. Why would I risk my life for someone who wasn’t interested in me?”

“You said it. She wasn’t into you anymore. Revenge is ugly.” Noah flattened his palms on the table and leaned into Jake’s face. “We’re going to search through your car, electronics, and apartment. Then we’ll subpoena your neighbors and co-workers. We won’t stop until we find the truth.”

“I’ve told you the truth.”

Noah dragged out a chair and sat. “Tell us what you keep in your trunk.”

Jake’s brows knit together. “You’ll find the usual tire and jack. I rarely use either.”

“Then explain why we found these articles of clothing in the boot of your vehicle.” Noah swiped the pictures on his phone and showed one after the other to him.

Jake shook his head. “I don’t wear or carry bras or panties in my trunk.” He snapped his head upward and stared into Noah’s face. “What’s this about? What are you accusing me of doing?”

“The clothing belongs to Lisa Grant. Where is she?”

Under the table, Jake’s leg shook.  “Whoever stole my car is framing me. I don’t have anything of Lisa Grant’s, and I have no idea where she is.” His body sagged in the chair. “Have you run out of people to accuse?”

“Evidence points to you. We’ve found no proof your car was stolen.”

“Okay, I feel stupid but I kept a copy of my keys on a ring under my hood with a magnet.  I’d locked myself out of my apartment enough that I thought this was the answer. Obviously, I used them, and someone watched me, and then helped him or herself. The thief did a good job of making me look like a fool.” Jake put his head in his hands.

Too easy to respond to that remark, Noah thought.

“Who can vouch for the key under your hood?” Hines asked.

Jake shrugged. “No one. I didn’t advertise the fact.”

Seconds ticked by in silence.

“Mr. Clark,” Hines prodded.

Jake’s shoulders straightened, and he sat upright in his seat. “Offi—” He raised his palm before Hines could correct him. “Detectives, let’s cut to the finale. I’ll take a lie detector test to prove my innocence. My lawyer will work out the details with you.”

Noah exchanged a glance with Hines.

“Okay, call your attorney to come down to the station.” Hines nodded toward the door. “We’ll wait outside the room while you speak to your attorney.”

“I prefer to speak in the privacy of my home, where I’m free to discuss the injustices of the cases you’re trying to build against me. I assume I’m not under arrest since you haven’t read me my rights?”

“You’re not,” Hines said.

Noah felt the meeting coming to a fast ending.

“Gentlemen.” Jake rose and shoved in his chair. “We’re done until future notice from my legal representative.”

“One more thing.” Noah reached into his file and handed papers to Jake. “In case you haven’t guessed we’ve search warrants for your car, home and electronics. Happy reading.”

After Jake stalked from the station, Noah and Hines joined the chief in his office. He agreed chances were slim Jake Clark and his lawyer would show up. “Waking the judge to get the papers issued did not put me on his friends list. Let’s hope we find something.  I’ve sent the detectives working on Kara Linn’s case over to Jake’s place. I’ll join them when we finish. I want a solid case. We’ll proceed with today’s plan and find Travis Bodell for questioning.”

The chief held up search warrants from the top of his desk. “Don’t worry. I’ve a big job for you both. Paul hit pay dirt. The second student, who witnessed the altercation between Lisa and Travis, provided us with the threat we needed. Seems this student ran into Lisa’s boyfriend outside the mall, where Travis ranted to him and threatened to use a knife on the Grant girl. We’ve a signed statement. Take your team to Seth Bodell’s property. Look for anything that can be used as a weapon. If the kid ran off with Lisa Grant, he probably took some clothes or belongings with him. If he abducted her, then we’re looking for Lisa or her remains.”

Slash. Slash
. The words echoed in Noah’s mind.

“We’ll also sweep the beach on the west side of the lake,” the chief said. “We’ve a tip the Meter Feeders are meeting there around eleven. Since it’s a recreational area, we’ll pick them up for violating curfew. I’m tired of kids using our city facilities like their own personal playground. Let’s see how merry the band is once we lock them in holding. Now get on to Bodell’s. The warrants are for the house, grounds, and electronics. Find Lisa Grant or bring in Travis or both.”

“Yes, sir,” they chorused.

“Christmas in July,” Noah said, once they left the chief’s office. “After we brief the men, Hines, you ride shotgun.”

Forty minutes later, Noah, Hines, and two cruisers pulled up to the Bodell’s residence. A shirtless Seth was in his yard cutting wood. Music from an old boom box blared across the grounds.

Noah climbed out of his car and took in the front of the barn that sat twenty feet from the small house. A collection of deer antlers decorated the building, reminders of Travis and Seth’s hunting abilities.

Hines perched his sunglasses on his nose. “From his stacks of cordwood he must expect a bad winter with plenty of customers.”

“Can’t wait to make his day better.” Noah sauntered toward the man.

The team hung near their cruisers ready to go.

Seth shut off the chainsaw and music. He met their approach with a glare and hands fisted by his waist. “What are you doin’ in my yard?” He wiped the sweat from his brow and sneered at the uniformed men. “This looks like you’re arrestin’ me,” he growled at the detectives. “I’ve got work to do. I can’t go with you.”

Hines handed over the legal documents and informed him of the searches.

“The girl and Travis aren’t here.” Seth ripped the paper from Hines’ hand and kicked a rock near his foot. “This is BS. I’m goin’ to get my lawyer. Don’t touch my stuff or I’ll sue you.” He stamped to his truck and hopped inside.  A cloud of dust filled the air as he bolted.

“I think he should work on his customer service skills.” Noah turned and gave the signal to disperse. The officers jumped into action, putting on their gloves and shoe coverings. He directed the teams to note recently dug earth, fire pits, and out buildings on the land.

Noah and Hines marched to the house with a couple of techies. Noah prayed they’d get a break today. Tick tock, said the clock in his head, reminding him days were passing for Lisa

Grant. Travis had to be the link to finding her. How far could the kid have gone?

In the living room, mismatched furniture and a large mounted screen told them the home hadn’t been updated in decades, except for the addition of the television. Empty takeout boxes littered the kitchen counter. The computer sat on the table. The techies set to work there. Two small bedrooms contained space for a cot and a dresser. One bathroom with towels thrown over the shower curtain rod completed the decor.

Noah and Hines began in what appeared to be Travis’ bedroom based on an English textbook on the bureau. A crumpled sheet revealed someone had slept in the bed. Hines went through the drawers while Noah started with the closet.

Piles of jeans, school pants, and shirts were heaped on the floor. Noah pawed through them. “The kid didn’t believe in wasting energy hanging up his clothes.”

Hines nodded and went back to his search for a few seconds before stating, “Interesting.” He held out a packet of condoms.

“I’m glad Travis wasn’t planning on having a mini him.”

Hines returned to sorting through T-shirts until he pulled out a plastic baggy stuffed between the shirts. “I hit the jackpot again. He has enough for a few joints.”

“Wonder if he’s coming back for it.” Noah sorted through jean pockets while Hines bagged and labeled his discoveries.

At the bottom of the first mound, Noah dug out a white box. He blew out a whistle when he opened it to find a set of carving knives.

“Travis had a little fetish?” Hines asked.

“I doubt he was using these to carve a family dinner. Doesn’t prove he killed anyone though. One blade is missing. Travis could be armed.”

“I found something else.” Hines held out a silver bowl with the initial R etched into the side. “Family heirloom?”

“R for Raynes?” Noah asked. “I don’t think Sophia or Teagan would gift Travis with dinnerware.”

“He must have gifted himself. Another business for the Bodell men? We’ll check this one out for sure.” Noah took a picture of the dish.

After an hour of hunting through the house, barn, and woodpile, Hines and Noah joined their men in searching the fields.

After twenty minutes, Noah finished walking around a copse of trees and hiked into a field. Bodell’s property ended in ten feet. At stone wall marked the boundary. Beyond the wall, the ground had been plowed for a garden, but it was now overgrown. No signs of the rhubarb or strawberry plants that refused to die once planted. Strange place to grow your veggies. No road led to it and the plot was a distance from a house. He scanned his map.

The land belonged to an eighty-three-year-old woman who was currently in a nursing home. He bet something illegal had been grown here and his second hunch was that Seth had taken advantage of his neighbor’s absence to farm the banned crops. He’d probably moved his plantings to another spot to avoid detection. Since Noah’s warrant didn’t include this parcel, he’d let the narcs know and leave the problem to them.