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

  Lisa’s voice replayed in Teagan’s head. “Trevor lost his bag boy job at Muffy Mart just because he arrived ten minutes late to work a few times. He doesn’t care though. He’s happy he won’t have to wear that dumb girl’s apron.”

  Across the yard, a police officer yelled to another to follow him. A policeman wearing latex gloves stood inside one of the twin dumpsters and shoveled the contents into the rear of a pickup. Something bigger than booting a car was happening at the grocery store.

  What was in the dumpster? Lisa’s clothing, blood, an arm? Her stomach protested and Teagan looked away to the officers who drove stakes into the ground, unwound yellow tape, and attached the bright ribbon to mark the boundary. A knot of blue uniforms clustered together in the center of the lot.

  She ducked under a crime scene strip. One major hurdle tackled.

  “Ma’am.” A young officer with dark glasses approached her. “You’re not allowed beyond the yellow line.”

  “I need to speak with Detective Cassidy.”

  “Only law enforcement permitted inside the taped area. You have to leave, ma’am.”

  “Teagan.” Detective Cassidy strode toward her through the maze of workers.

  “I informed her she needed to go back,” the officer told him.

  “I’ll take care of Miss Raynes, Paul.” Cassidy’s mouth was a slash in his face.

  The policeman nodded and left.

  “Teagan, what are you doing here? You’re contaminating a possible crime scene.”

  “Crime scene?” A heavy feeling sank in her chest while dizziness whirled in her head.

  He swept his arm around her shoulders and propelled her to the sidewalk on the other side of the police line.

  As soon as he paused, she took a deep breath and asked, “What did you find? Is it…Lisa?”

  He released her, but stayed less than a foot away. “A stock boy found her phone behind the dumpsters. We’re not circulating the information to the public, yet. I’m telling you as a courtesy to family.”

  Her cell? “How did Lisa’s phone end up by the store’s trash? Did they find anything else?” She couldn’t stop from glancing toward the dumpster where they were harvesting the garbage.

  “The men are still working and searching,” Cassidy said. “I believe her phone was tossed by someone in a hurry or careless. They didn’t check if it landed in the container.”

  She wet her lips while a sliver of hope grew in her chest. “So you didn’t find any other signs of Lisa?”

  “We’re looking for evidence at this point. Where’s your car? I’ll walk you back.”

  “I’m parked near Pretty Park.” They found her phone, not Lisa. Stay positive. She’s still alive. Teagan shoved stray strands away from her face with a shaking hand. “Noah, Travis worked at Muffy’s for a couple of weeks last winter.”

  “Teagan. Teagan.”

  She raised her head to the sight of the familiar woman rushing to her. Oh, no, they didn’t need her at the scene. “Stacey?”

  “An old friend?” Noah fixed his gaze on the blonde dressed in a short-sleeved pink dress and high heeled sandals, trotting toward them.

  “Stacey Smith. She’s the church secretary, twenty-three and wouldn’t enjoy you calling her old no matter how you meant it.” Teagan sighed, dreading the gossip Stacey would spread. “She’s efficient but loves to share what she learns with others and adds her own unique twist.”

  “I’ll handle her.” He moved in front of Teagan like a linebacker.

  Stacey tried to peek around Noah’s huge body. “Teagan, are you okay?”

  “Are you lost?” Detective Cassidy asked, refusing to budge.

  The blonde widened her blue eyes, and then her features softened. “What’s going on? Why are the police at Muffy Mart? Is something wrong with Teagan?” Stacey stretched her neck to attempt a glance at Teagan.

  She stepped in front of the detective, and Stacey looked her up and down. “I’m fine,” Teagan lied. Nausea mixed with her attraction to Noah was making her unsure how she felt, except on display. “This is Detective Cassidy, who is investigating what happened to Lisa.”

  Stacey’s eyes seemed to enlarge to twice their size. “What happened to her? Did you find out? It’s taken you forever. If you don’t mind me saying.”

  “I mind,” he said.

  “Huh?” Stacey’s forehead knit into a wrinkle of confusion.

  Cassidy crowded forward, forcing Stacey to back up a step. “This isn’t gossip central. We’re conducting a police investigation at the Mart. That’s all the information I can release.”

  Stacey frowned then stuck out a well-manicured hand. “Excuse me, I’ve been rude. I’m Stacey Smith, a friend of Teagan’s and you’re …an officer?” The blonde bounced her gaze off Teagan and back to Noah, giving him a smile that faded when he ignored her extended palm.

  “I’m a homicide detective. Good to know your name if I should ever need to confirm your identity.”

  “What? I don’t understand. You mean, if I was dead?” Stacey flinched and covered her open mouth with a hand.

  “Stacey,” Teagan said with a tinge of exasperation, “we should leave, and let the officers do their work.”

  “Right,” Cassidy confirmed. “Miss Smith, you should go.”

  “Sorry to intrude.” Stacey tossed her blonde head. “I was at Falls Pizza, and everyone was wondering about the police roaming around Muffy’s. I decided to walk over for a better view.” She gestured to the store.

  “Miss Smith, law enforcement is here for a reason. This is an investigation, not an Internet café.”

  “No problem, detective, and I’m always available for you.” Stacey gave him a small smile and licked her lower lip. “Teagan, I’ll drive you home.”

  “I have my car.”

  “Then call me.” Stacey wagged a finger at her. “Let me know you’re okay when you get there.”

  “Stacey, I’ll be fine driving four blocks.”

  “If you remember any helpful information, pass it along to the tip line,” Cassidy said to Stacey.

  She rested a hand over her shapely hip. “I look forward to helping in any way.” The secretary’s sandals clip-clopped down the sidewalk.

  “Oh, Miss Smith,” he called to her.

  Stacey whirled around.

  “Vale.”

  “Excuse me?” Wrinkles creased her forehead. “Valet? Are you talking about parking?”

  “It’s another way to say goodbye. Never mind, keep truckin’ in the same direction.”

  Teagan leaned toward him while keeping her gaze on Stacey’s disappearing figure. “Did you think she’d answer in Latin if she sent my threat?”

  “Sometimes an unexpected move works.” He faced her. “You forgot a word when you described Stacey.”

  “Blonde?”

  “Flirt. She’s the church secretary?”

  “Matt hired her because she had trouble finding employment and needs guidance in her life. Her route seems…bumpy. She’s had a number of jobs but hasn’t held one for long. I don’t have much patience dealing with her, but she was always nice to Lisa. I try to remember that fact when I speak to her but often forget, like today.”

  “She’s interesting. By the way, are you a linguist?” He raised one brow and waited for her answer.

  She relaxed her shoulders. “I looked up my Latin threat on the Web. I’m not multilingual though I took Spanish and my aunt kept an old missal with the Mass in Latin in our bookcase.”

  “Light reading.”

  “What about you, Mr. Vale?

  “I’ve been brushing up for a conversation. You never know when I’ll meet a Roman.” He laid a hand on her arm when she started forward. “Once you’re home, stay locked in your house.”

  “In other words, continue what I’ve been doing since Lisa disappeared.” No, she was done being a hermit. “I’ve been thinking that Travis taking Latin makes him a prime suspect.”

  “I bet several people can lo
ok up or learn a simple foreign phrase, including Father Matt.”

  What? Her temper rose, but she swallowed her protest when she noted a gathering of Muffy’s employees standing near the dumpster watching Noah and herself. She turned her back to them. “What’s up between you and my priest?”

  “He’s a person of interest. Lisa worked at his church. He was close to your family. Both gave him opportunity.”

  “That’s just stupid.” She struggled to manage her anger. “Matt doesn’t hurt people. He helps them.”

  “I’ll keep your opinion in mind.” His voice was quiet, controlled and unconvinced.

  “Matt was like a father to Lisa. He wouldn’t kill an ant.” She blew out a breath and gained control of her emotions.

  “Teagan, I suspect everyone. I get paid to think that way. When I have time, I’d be interested in how you two became such good buddies. Now you should go home.”

  “Well, I have a suspicious nature, too. I inherited it from my mother, and I can be useful. I’ll confirm the phone you found belonged to Lisa.” There. He’d need her to stay. She tilted her chin up.

  “Your presence isn’t required at the moment.”

  Someone shouted his name from across the lot, and Teagan recognized the local TV channel’s anchor.

  “I’ll be back after I take care of the media. Wait here.” He turned on his heel, strode to the other side of the tape, and disappeared.

  She tapped her foot and became aware the crowd had grown, and the majority was staring at her like she was a reality star in an action shot. Bet they were hoping she’d break down crying and add to the entertainment.

  Teagan closed her eyes as pain stabbed at her forehead. She needed to rest for a bit. Wandering to the yellow tape, she waved and attracted an officer’s attention. “Please inform Detective Cassidy that Teagan Raynes left.”

  She headed for her car. On the way, she stayed alert for Seth Bodell’s return, but he must have found other people to taunt. Thank goodness.

  Stacey Smith was lingering near Teagan’s hybrid as she approached. She slowed and breathed deeply while she adjusted her attitude. Today, she’d had little patience to deal with the secretary, who might mean well, but never, censored her thoughts.

  The young woman trotted to her. “Did they get a clue or a lead?”

  “The police aren’t releasing information. They’re investigating.” Teagan dug into her pocket for her keys. She winced as another ripple of pain pounded above her brow.

  “Are you okay? You look awful, like you received bad news. I don’t get why else they closed Muffy Mart and chased away the customers unless something big went down at the store. Who would they suspect? Everyone shops at Muffy’s.”

  “I have no idea. My head hurts, and I’m going home.” Teagan walked to the driver’s side.

  Stacey shadowed her.

  “That detective I just met, he has a reputation for being short-tempered and flipping out.”

  “As long as he finds Lisa.” Would this pounding in her head ever end?

  “Everyone said it was caused when his family was killed in a boating accident a couple of years ago.”

  “What?” Two years ago, Aunt Sophia was diagnosed with cancer, and their emails and phone calls changed from talk of home to doctor appointments and treatments. No wonder she never heard about the deadly accident.

  “He went gunning for the guy who ran into them.”

  Stacey’s statement brought Teagan’s thoughts back to the present. “Gunning?” She heard the shock in her own voice. She still remembered the fistfights at the homeless sites and hiding behind her mother when a newcomer had invaded a regular’s campsite.

  “Oh, I don’t know if the detective was going to shoot him for real, but who cares when he’s so hot looking? Besides, it was almost two years ago. Of course, only a therapist would understand what sets him off now, and he does carry a gun.”

  Was it possible Noah had grown into a violent person? No, he wouldn’t have kept his job. Hawick Falls didn’t employ vigilantes. Why was she listening to Stacey? Teagan unlocked her door, but Stacey’s gossip left her with an uneasy feeling. If only the girl would leave. “Please, go eat your pizza. I’m going home.”

  “I want to help. You’re under a lot of stress. I’ll call Father Matt. You’re alone in that empty house. I’m sure he’d hang with you for a while.”

  Teagan tightened her hand on the door handle. “Stacey, don’t bother Father Matt. I need quiet.”

  “He seems to like when you bother him.” Her blonde brows came together as though she were puzzling over the fact.

  Was she hinting at something? “He’s a person whose work is to aid people who can’t help themselves.” Teagan tossed her purse on the passenger seat. “I’m not one of them since I’m capable of driving.”

  “Really, Father Matt won’t mind going to your house if you’re ill. He’d like to be with you when you receive the terrible news. His job is to counsel and support the weak.”

  “I don’t need company, and Lisa is coming home.” Teagan slid into the driver’s side and slammed the door, which proved to be a mistake. Her temple throbbed more.

  Stacey jerked back, a scowl on her face. “You almost took off my head.”

  At the moment, Teagan wished she could take off her own. She motioned Stacey out of the way and merged onto the street.

  While she drove, questions rotated through her thoughts. Why would Lisa throw away her cell? If she’d lost it and someone found it, why not return or keep the phone? Teagan didn’t like the answer. Something terrible had happened to Lisa.

  The lump in her throat grew. Tears blurred her vision when she turned into her driveway.

  A cruiser pulled in behind her. The young officer who’d stopped her when she crossed the yellow line climbed out and approached.

  Teagan wiped her eyes. “Are you here about Lisa?”

  “No, ma’am. Detective Cassidy sent me to see that you arrived safely when I informed him you’d left. I’m to check your residence before I leave.”

  She nodded and the policeman walked her to the front door and insisted she wait for his all clear before she entered. The seconds ticked into minutes, but at last, he announced no one was inside and bid her good day.

  Alone in the hall, she leaned against the door, exhausted. “Lisa, wherever you are, stay alive and come home.”

  Jogger’s meow answered her.

  Teagan swept her up. “Jogger, we’ve people to call today. Someone must have seen Lisa.”

  Detective Cassidy sent one of his men to check on her safety. A small thrill rippled through her. She shook her head. He was an officer of the law. Stacey’s warning that he had a bad tempter floated in her mind.

  What had he done to earn a notorious reputation and was Stacey’s version of the story even true?

  Chapter 7

  How long had she been shut up in the dark? Hours, Lisa guessed. Her throat was raw. She doubted a whisper would come out after screaming and blubbering forever for help. Water. Just a drop. She imagined the cool wetness sliding past her cracked lips.

  Concentrate. Get yourself out of here.

  With effort, her numb big toe bent. Somewhere, she’d lost her flip flops and her blouse and shorts—all her clothes. Even her bracelet was gone.

  The tingling in her body signaled she could move. Lisa wriggled around in the damp coldness until her feet hit a wall.

  Was she in a locked coffin? Please, no. Tears spilled down her face and into her mouth. “Please, God, get me out of here.”

  Maybe if she pressed her shoulders against the top, the lid would crack open. There had to be a way to escape.

  A slamming noise broke through her thoughts. What was that? A door in the earth? She slowed her breathing and listened while a slice of hope cut through her.

  Mutters traveled through wherever she was confined. Someone was speaking, but Lisa didn’t understand a word. Was it a man or woman?

  The voice fell silent
. She should yell. But what if it was the monster who’d put her in this hellhole? What—

  Sobs mixed with mumbles interrupted the questions spiraling in her head. It sounded like a child crying for her mother.

  “No, no. Don’t. I want my mommy. Mommy.” The child’s pleas turned into screams.

  An icy chill raced through Lisa.

  The shrieks continued. Lisa gritted her teeth while terror rode up her spine. God, help me. Help the girl. Get her and me out of here before I start whining for my mommy. I’ll do everything I should. I promise. I’ll never leave my room. Please, God. I won’t argue with Teagan again. I’ll do whatever she or my teachers ask me. Lisa shivered and prayed until a deadly silence fell.

  Suddenly, the wall near her feet swung open. It was a door. She blinked in pain as a beam of light hit her eyes. Squinting, she croaked, “Don’t hurt me.”

  Chapter 8

  Two hours later, Noah jumped into his car and drove away from Muffy’s. He called his partner at All Saint’s High School, where he was finishing interviews with Lisa’s teachers. With luck, the Latin teacher would already be on his partner’s interview list and offer them a lead.

  “Hey, it’s my long lost sidekick.” Denny Hines’ voice came in loud and clear over the phone. “I missed your ugly face,” Hines said.

  “Yeah, it makes yours look good.” Noah could always count on Hines’s support even when Noah was wrong. The man was like a brother, on or off the force.

  “How ya doing, Noah?”

  “Afraid I need to go back to therapy?”

  “Doesn’t hurt to talk to someone.” Hines’ tone changed from light to serious.

  “Done that. More than once. The first time, I was in grammar school. I had to visit the guidance counselor when I got into too many fights at school. She told me to use my words not my fists. I smartened up. Now I use handcuffs.”