Sarah Woods Mystery Series (1-6) Boxed Set (36 page)

Chapter 24

Deep creases appeared on Carter’s forehead as he and Max scanned the photos found at Brenda’s apartment. “It’s going to be a bitch identifying these kids. Let’s start by assuming they’re local. We could bring these pictures around to the local schools and ask for their help.”

Max pointed to the photo of the girl with the pigtail braids. “This one looks like it was taken by a professional photographer. See the signature imprint down at the lower left-hand corner. Island Style Images. They could be local.”

“
They must do thousands of school portraits a year,” Carter said. “I doubt they’d remember one kid to the next, but if they can tell us which schools they work with, it might narrow things down.”

“
It’s worth a shot,” Max said.

“
I’ll give them a call. Meanwhile, you and Sarah could start going through the Internet for missing children sites in Hawaii. See if any of these faces turn up.”

“
Oh god,” I shuddered as I took a moment to reflect. “You think Brenda’s involved in a kidnapping ring? Or some kind of child sex slavery?”

Carter shook his head. “These photos don’t suggest anything like that, Sarah, but we have to prepare for the worst.”

***

The process of scanning endless photographs of missing children was physically and emotionally draining. My back ached from being hunched over the laptop for too long.

Carter reappeared. “I’ve got some interesting information here. I went through the numbers on Brenda’s phone bill. They’re all local, mostly cleaning clients, a dentist, and the Café. But there was one number that really got my attention. She made a number of calls to the Hope Chapel in Kahila.”

“
Isn’t that the same church Cunningham called from his cell phone?”

“
Sure is.

“
Maybe that’s how Brenda and Cunningham met.”

“
It’s possible. I stopped by and spoke with the pastor. He refused to tell me anything. He said that even if Cunningham had confessed to murdering his son, he couldn’t share that information with me.”

“
Did you get in touch with Island Style Images?” I asked.

“
I have an appointment with them later tonight. Maybe they’ll recognize the girl in the photo.”

“
Want us to join you?”

Carter shook his head. “You guys look beat. Go get some rest. We’ll meet up again in the morning.”

Chapter 25

Max and I left the Sanborn’s house and decided to share some down time. We parked at the beach and settled in to watch the sunset. The fresh, salty breeze soothed my soul.

“
This is nice. Thanks,” I said. “I really needed a break from the case.”

“
Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” he asked.

How to respond. The faces of countless missing children continued to flash by in my mind’s eye. I couldn’t help but think that most of them would never be found.

“
Here, turn around,” he said. “I think you need a massage.”

I repositioned myself. His warm hands cupped my neck, squeezing gently. I closed my eyes and breathed deep, forgetting all about the sunset. He moved his hands from my neck to the base of my skull, massaging my head. A warm, tingling sensation grew deep in my belly and I let out an involuntary moan of pleasure.

“
I sensed you were in need,” he said. “You seemed pretty tense back at the house.”

“
Nice being on the receiving end for a change. I wish I could afford you full-time.”

He laughed. “I could never charge you for something that gave me pleasure.”

The comment rendered me speechless. It was difficult to think straight as his fingers continued to work my shoulders.

“
I was just thinking,” he said, moving his hands down my back. “Didn’t Carter mention that Cunningham liked to golf?”

“
I think so, why?”

“
Well, the closest golf course is a few miles from here. Bet the country club has a restaurant. We could get some dinner, and ask some of the staff if they remember seeing him around. Do you still have those photos of Cunningham and Toby in your purse?”

“
Yeah,” I said, although I didn’t really see the point. Even if Cunningham flirted with one of the waitresses, it was highly unlikely he confided anything. “So does this mean my massage is over?”

“
For now. But we can pick up where we left off later this evening if you’re up for it.”

I paused to consider the meaning of his words. It was just vague enough to be open to interpretation. “Let’s go get something to eat.”

Chapter 26

The Mahaka Country Club -- though not quite a four star establishment -- had a certain laid back charm. I looked around. To the right was a dining room with brightly painted walls, and whitewashed wooden tables and chairs. To the left was a bar area that looked like something Jimmy Buffet would sing about.

We found an empty table. A waitress approached to inform us of the evening’s drink specials. We both ordered a glass of Cabernet and asked her to bring two grilled chicken salads. Before she walked away, Max held up the picture of Cunningham holding Toby in his lap. “Excuse me. Have you seen this guy around here the past few weeks? His name is Eric Fisher.”

The waitress politely scanned the photo then shook her head. “Sorry, don’t recognize him, but that’s a cute baby he’s got there.”

“
Okay, thank you.” Max smiled and set the photo down on the table.

Max kept staring at me as we waited for our drinks to arrive. “Something on your mind?” I asked.

He reached over and caressed my hand. “I was just thinking how curious it is that we ended up in Hawaii together. You think it means something?”

“
Yes, life keeps bringing us together. I’m not complaining.”

“
Maybe we have a karmic connection.”

My cheeks felt hot as I smiled at him. Was he just saying that to be nice? “You could probably charm the pants off most women, couldn’t you?”

His green eyes lit up as he laughed. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. There’s only one woman that I hope finds me charming.”

His words surprised me. My mouth was so dry I couldn’t swallow. The waitress reappeared before I could reply to Max’s statement. She set the wine glasses down and left.

I looked up. Max had an expression on his face I just couldn’t read. I took a long sip of wine then asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“
I’m trying to figure you out, Sarah.”

“
What do you want to know?”

“
What’s your vision going forward? Where do you want to be a year from now?”

“
That’s a loaded question.”

“
But you’ve been thinking about it, right?”

“
I think what you’re asking is will I still be married to Daniel a year from now?”

Max shrugged.

“
It’s a valid question. And you have every right to ask. I just don’t have an answer. Not until I get back home.”

“
It’s just that, well ... something has come up.”

I set the glass down and looked at him.

“
I just found out this morning,” he said. “I wasn’t going to say anything.”

“
What is it?”

“
I got an offer to work for a company in Chicago. They want me to start next month.”

“
Chicago? You’re moving to Chicago?” A lump formed in my throat.

“
I haven’t agreed to the terms yet. I’m still trying to decide if it’s the right choice.”

“
Oh.” I took another sip of wine and tried to act casual, but my heart was pounding. “Chicago is nice, but it’s a long way from New Hampshire.”

The disappointment I was feeling must have shown on my face. He clasped my hand and said, “I know.”

“
Do what you have to do.” I looked away.

“
That’s not what I wanted you to say.”

“
What should I have said?”

“
That you want me to stay.”

“
That wouldn’t be fair.”

“
Why?”

“
You know why.”

“
Because you’re still married?”

“
Well, I am.”

Max lowered his head, shaking it a few times. He let go of my hand. I felt like a heel. Max was opening his heart to me, and I was scared shitless. I never expected the conversation to take such a drastic turn, and I wasn’t prepared to bare my soul just yet.

The waitress showed up with our food. Max ate his salad without looking at me.

My appetite had vanished. In fact, I felt a little sick to my stomach. I stood up. That got his attention.

“
Excuse me,” I said. “I need to use the ladies room.” I tossed the napkin on my chair and marched off.

I had no idea where the restrooms were, so I walked until I knew Max could no longer see me. I ended up near the entrance and stepped outside to get some fresh air. Why was I so terrified to let Max know how I felt? Was it guilt? Self-doubt? Whatever it was, I had to get a grip. I took a deep breath, turned around, and went back inside. The restroom signs pointed to the left. I followed them into the bar area. I was about to enter the ladies room when I noticed Sal Hutchins drinking a martini and chatting with the bartender. It occurred to me that maybe I should lean over and offer a quick hello, but I was in no mood for small talk. I decided to continue on toward the ladies room when Hutchins said something that really caught my attention.

Upon hearing his statement, I turned heel and headed back to the table. Max gave me a worried look as I sat down.

“
Everything okay?” he asked, wiping the side of his mouth with his napkin.

“
Sal Hutchins is sitting at the bar in the other room.”

“
Okay?”

“
I heard him tell the bartender he has a bad hip, and that he hasn’t played golf in many years.”

Max tilted his head to the side as if he wasn’t getting it.

“
Don’t you remember what he told us this morning?”

His eyes grew wide. “You’re right. He told us he got up early this morning to play a round of golf. That’s how he noticed Cunningham in the pool.”

“
Why would he lie about that?

He took out his cell phone and initiated a text message. “Carter will know what to do.”

My grilled chicken was cold and dry at this point, but I managed to swallow a few bites. When the check came, Max left a hundred dollar bill on the table and stood up. “Let’s go. I want to see if Hutchins is still here.”

I followed Max as he made his way toward the bar. Hutchins was gone. “Dammit.” Max ran a hand through his hair when he heard the text come in. He looked at me after he read it. “Carter said he’ll look into it.”

“
So what do we do now?”

Max looked away. “Actually, Sarah, I’m kind of tired. I think I’d like to go back to the hotel and get some sleep.”

My heart nearly dropped into my stomach. “You’re upset with me, aren’t you?”

“
I just need time to think,” he said, “and right now, I don’t want to think about anything.”

“
We don’t have to talk. I could give you a little shoulder massage to return the favor.”

Max slowly shook his head. “I’ll take a rain check.”

It was a slow, silent drive back to the hotel. I fought the urge to reach out and hold his hand. The news about the potential job in Chicago threw me for a loop, yet I had no right to ask him to decline the offer. I couldn’t promise him anything in return.

Back at the hotel, we made our way through the lobby to the elevators. I got in, but Max didn’t.

“
You’re not going up to your room?” I asked.

“
I’ve decided to take a little walk,” he said. “I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight.”

Before the elevator doors closed I said. “I’m sorry Max, I really wish---”

“
It’s all right, Sarah.” He gave a casual wave as he started to walk off.

Chapter 27

I woke to the sound of my cell phone’s ring tone.

“
Sarah? Are you still in bed?” It was Carter.

“
Uh-huh.”

“
I’ve been trying to reach Max. He’s not answering his phone.”

My chest seized up. Please don’t tell me he took a plane back to New Hampshire, too.

“
Can you go knock on his door? Richard and I are waiting in the lobby.”

I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Seven fifteen. “Um, okay.”

Thoughts of the night before assaulted my brain. How could I have been so heartless to Max? The news of his potential move to Chicago came as such a shock. Why didn’t I express that to him?

It took me less than five minutes to get ready. I threw on a pair of white shorts and a tank top then tied my hair into a bun.

When I knocked on Max’s door, the butterflies in my stomach began acting up. A few seconds passed. No response. I knocked harder.

I was about to knock a third time when the door swung wide. Max was wearing a white towel around his waist. His hair and skin were damp. He motioned for me to enter.

“
Carter and Richard are waiting in the lobby,” I said, unable to look him in the eye.

“
Give me a minute to get dressed.” He went into the bathroom and shut the door.

I glanced over at his bed. The soft wrinkled sheets were still crumpled from where he slept. I walked over, smoothed them down, and leaned over. Max’s scent reminded me of wind swept pine needles on a summer’s day. I was envious of those sheets. They had caressed his bare skin as he slept. I might have been as fortunate had I played my cards differently the night before.

“
What are you doing?” Max had emerged from the bathroom, wearing faded blue jeans and a grey t-shirt.

I sat up, slightly panicked. “I like the smell of those sheets,” I said, casually. “I need to find out what laundry detergent the hotel uses.” I cringed when I realized I sounded like an actress in a Tide commercial.

“
We should head down,” he said, looking away.

The hotel lobby was bustling with activity, the scent of coconut suntan lotion in the air. Oil drenched tourists waited in line under a sign advertising snorkeling excursions. We spotted Carter and Richard sitting at the far end of the lobby. They were ogling a cute bikini-clad woman who could have given Selma Hayek a few pointers.

“
Enjoying the scenery, fellas?” I asked, breaking their concentration. They looked up at me, startled.

Richard cleared his throat. “I was just telling Carter he should go ask that nice young lady to meet him for a drink later.”

Carter’s face turned red. “That’s if she’s old enough to drink.”

“
Of course she’s old enough,” Richard said. “She’s at least twenty-three.”

“
Which makes her almost half my age,” Carter shot back.

“
What’s your point?”

“
My point is I’m too old to babysit.”

“
I’ll bet you fifty bucks she accepts an offer to have a drink with you,” Richard said.

“
I’ll give you fifty bucks right now if you’ll stop talking.”

Richard threw his hands in the air. “Fine.”

Carter gestured for me and Max to take a seat next to them. “Let’s talk about Hutchins. We found out a few things. None of them are adding up. First, there’s no record of a Sal Hutchins ever having a driver’s license in the State of Hawaii.”

“
What does that mean?” I asked, settling into a plush armchair.

“
Maybe Sal Hutchins only plans to be in Hawaii for a short time. Makes sense, because the house he’s living in isn’t in his name. I doubt his name is really Sal Hutchins.”

“
What do you suggest we do?” I asked.

“
You and Max should go back and talk to him again. Try to find out what he’s hiding.”

“
Okay,” I said. “What else? Did you talk with the people at Island Style Images about the photos of the kids?”

Carter reached into his back pocket and produced a folded piece of paper. “We got lucky. The owner recognized the girl with the pigtails.”

“
You’re kidding,” I said. “They remembered her?”

“
The only reason they remembered is because her face had recently been shown on the local news. They didn’t recall her name, so I did some digging on the Internet. I found a newspaper article. Her name was Haley Foster. She died a few months ago.” He handed me the article.

My hands felt numb as read the headline:

Girl drowns in neighbor's pool

“
What the hell?” My voice was so shrill it attracted some dirty looks from a few hotel patrons making their way across the lobby. I lowered my voice. “Have you contacted her parents?”

Carter shifted in his seat and crossed one leg over the other. “I’ve been thinking about it. I really don’t want to upset them, but it sure would be nice to know if there’s a connection between her and the other kids. They might even be able to help us identify the others. But first things first. You and Max go have another talk with Hutchins.”