Justice at Dawn

by Valerie Massey Goree

  “She obviously enjoys coloring. Why else would Sadie have argued over taking the book and crayons with her? Some people actually use coloring as therapy.”

  “We’re running out of daylight. We’ll search until we don’t find any more, or until we can’t see.”

  “Before you take off again, give me your mileage so we can indicate on the map exactly where we found this page, and any others ahead.”

  “Good thinking, rookie.” Coop read off the numbers to her.

  KC buckled her seatbelt. Poor kid. If Hannah was anything like her nieces, she wouldn’t voluntarily tear out pages from her coloring book and toss them away.

  19

  The spotlights on Cooper’s truck exposed only one more page from Hannah’s coloring book, five miles from the last sighting.

  Close to Lake Elsinore, he checked the dashboard clock. Ten minutes after eight. “I suggest we stop for the night and resume our search at first light.”

  “Good idea. Those sandwiches are calling my name. Where will we spend the night? There’s a campground on the right around this bend.”

  “I’ll see if they have room for my tent.” Aware of her quick glance his way, he added, “You can sleep in the truck, or take the tent. Your choice.”

  “You keep a tent with your go-bag?”

  “Ha. Sort of. I enjoy camping. The tent and sleeping bag stay in my vehicle, along with a spare blanket you can use.”

  “Sleeping on the ground close to critters is not my idea of fun. I’ll take the truck, thanks.”

  He slowed and turned onto the dirt road, bumping along the rutted track. Obviously not well-traveled. What amenities—if any—were available? No matter. All valuable experiences for KC.

  “See if we get cell reception out here,” he said.

  After three attempts, she slipped her phone into her pocket. “Nope.”

  A bright light beckoned through the oak trees. The lethargic office attendant stated he had several vacant camping lots.

  Cooper paid the fee. “Do you have a phone I can use?”

  A shake of his head. “Sorry.”

  No employee of the month award for him. Cooper followed posted directions to the west end of the grounds. Fortunately, a light near the shower block illuminated the picnic table in his spot.

  KC brushed leaves and twigs off the cement, then set her booted foot on the bench. “Been sitting too long. I’m going to stand a bit.”

  “I’ll set up the meal, and we can evaluate the situation while we eat.” He grabbed the sack from the backseat and unpacked the containers. Fat, brown beetles attended the party. Cooper shooed them away. Other bugs filled the night air with their high-pitched chirps. At least, no mosquitoes were among the unwelcome guests.

  After downing half the contents of a bottle of water, KC selected a club sandwich wedge. She paced behind him. “I don’t understand how Hannah’s pages ended up by the side of the road. If she threw them from the car, surely, they would have been blown away into the vegetation, or even to the other side.”

  “Interesting observation. What else is questionable?”

  “Um, that’s the only thing that’s been bugging me. What did I miss?”

  “When Sadie drove away from the hotel, the other woman was behind her. Would she let Hannah throw papers from the car?”

  Settling on the bench opposite, KC grabbed a napkin. “If she is Sadie’s friend, then she wouldn’t care. Right? She might think the kid was littering, but—”

  “Let’s compile our information into two categories, or scenarios. One, that Sadie is with a friend. Two, that she’s been coerced and is in danger.”

  KC poured dressing over her salad and stabbed lettuce with her fork. Munching, she tapped a finger on the table. “That’s good ranch dressing. OK, so going with your first option. Hannah throws pictures out of the window. For some reason, they don’t blow away. Maybe Sadie’s driving slowly.”

  “Mystery woman doesn’t object, as you suggested. Or maybe by now, she’s in the lead because she knows where the cabin is.” Cooper bit into his sandwich.

  “Exactly. That would apply to both scenarios. Sadie wouldn’t risk the life of her baby by not following. Oh, and we can call the woman Barbara. Remember what Bowen said.”

  Cooper nodded while adding dressing to his salad. “Barbara, it is. Why did Hannah stop tossing pictures?”

  “She tired of the game. Sadie told her to stop.” KC rubbed her temple. “Um, Barbara objected.”

  “But she’s in the other vehicle, and cell phones aren’t working out here.”

  “Sherbet. I got that one wrong.”

  “Don’t think that way. All suggestions and opinions are valuable. Sometimes a clue is hiding in plain sight.”

  “I’m cold. Can I get you anything from the truck?”

  “Yeah. My jacket’s on top of my bag.”

  KC returned wearing a dark sweater coat that reached halfway down her thighs. She tossed his denim jacket to him.

  “Thanks. So far, we don’t have anything solid to suggest Sadie’s in danger. The hotel video showed her arguing with Barbara, but that by itself is not cause for alarm. What do you think?”

  Container of carrot cake in hand, KC stared off into the night. “I listed my concerns earlier about Sadie allowing her baby to ride with Barbara and about the luggage issue.” She held the plastic fork by her lips. “But I can’t think of anything else that sets off bells. She did call Bowen with her change of plans. I guess we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out if she makes it to LA.”

  Cooper consumed his piece of cake, longing for a cup of hot coffee to counteract the sweetness. KC had stated all pertinent facts. Except one thing bothered him. He waited until she’d drained her second bottle of water, then asked, “You mentioned that Hannah’s coloring was bold, hard, as if she worked in anger. Good catch, by the way. I wouldn’t have gone there. Why do you think she’s angry?”

  Deep frown lines marked KC’s forehead. “Well, let’s think like a kid. Her baby brother didn’t ride with her. She asked Sadie about that at the hotel.” Lips pursed, she looked right at Cooper. All of a sudden, her brows rose, and she stood. “I’ve got it. Hannah was excited about visiting her cousin in LA. Going to the new theme park. Now Mama changes plans without consulting her, and she’s as mad as a hornet without a nest.”

  What was wrong with him? He had not made that connection. Of course, a nine-year-old might think her world had caved in if her keenly anticipated trip was in jeopardy.

  He swung his legs over the bench and almost thumped her on the shoulder. Oops. He raised his hand instead. “High five, rookie.”

  She met his hand with a fine slap.

  “Excellent analysis.”

  For the next two hours, serenaded by soft classical music coming from the adjacent campsite, they rehashed all the data collected and discussed theories concerning Sadie’s sudden change in plans.

  All the while, Cooper evaluated KC’s grasp of IRO methods and procedures. She continued to impress him. In more than work related matters. He checked his watch. “It’s late. Let’s clear the table and get ready for the night.”

  She cocked her head.

  “Um, I mean set up the tent.”

  “Do you need any help?”

  He drew in a breath. “No, thanks. It’s a pop-up model. You go ahead with whatever you need to do.” Enough talking, Cooper.

  KC carried a small bag toward the shower block, but as she reached the door, she turned.

  Had he been waiting for her action? He sighed as he watched her enter the building. Later, under the green canvas, he reviewed all the data they’d discussed. Nothing indicated Sadie was in trouble. However…

  Come morning and access to a landline, he had two urgent calls to make. One to Charlotte to check on Bowen and his possible surgery. And one to Caleb to see if Sadie had arrived.

  If not, this little hands-on teaching game would soon turn serious.

  20

 
; Interesting night. Sleeping on the backseat of a pickup had its advantages—creepy-crawlies kept at bay, and a relatively soft mattress. Disadvantages for someone of KC’s height—no room to stretch out. She’d even propped her legs over the front seat for a spell.

  Massaging her knees, she peeked out the window. The sun’s rays splayed through the branches, casting a golden glow over the campsite. Coop’s folded tent and his belongings lay on top of the table. No man in sight. KC shoved her feet into her boots and grabbed her toiletries bag and towel before opening the door. A quick trip to the shower block, and she’d almost be ready to face the day. Did Coop pack a coffeemaker in his go-bag?

  When she returned ten minutes later, Coop sat on the empty table, his face clean shaven, and he jingled his keys. She ran a hand over her pate. Good thing she’d decided to grow her hair. Keeping her head smooth would be difficult under these circumstances.

  “Good morning. Sleep OK?” He stood and followed her to the truck.

  “Except for my knees. How about you?”

  “Pretty good, but I’m ready for breakfast.”

  “And coffee.”

  “Gallons of the stuff.” Seated behind the wheel, he waited for her to stash her items in her bag and then fired up the engine. Its roar would have awakened any sleeping campers.

  Buckled in, KC checked the time. Six fifty. “What are the plans for today?” Although she reveled in the training exercise and being in Coop’s company, the endgame was still Sadie’s safety. And her kids. Please keep watch over them, Lord God.

  “I need to make several calls. I’ve already tried my cell with no luck. Once we’re out of the hills, maybe we’ll have service. Anyway, breakfast first.”

  “Will you head toward Lake Elsinore, or back to San Juan Capistrano?”

  “East to the lake.” He slipped on sunglasses as they reached the highway. “If Sadie travels on I-15 north to I-210 and then west to Simi Valley where Caleb lives, it’ll take her about two and a half hours, depending on traffic. It’s seven now. I have no idea what time she’ll leave Barbara’s cabin. Maybe she’s not even awake yet.”

  KC slapped his shoulder. “Oh, Coop. Fat chance of Zach letting Sadie sleep in. He was probable awake at first light. Babies don’t keep adult timetables.”

  “Of course. So they could possibly be on the road by eight or nine. That would put her in LA around eleven, twelve.”

  On the outskirts of the town of Lake Elsinore, Coop slowed and parked in the lot beside the Cascade Café advertising home-style food.

  “We’ll have to wait until Sadie notifies Bowen of her safe arrival. What will we do in the meantime?” To ward off the chill in the air, KC pulled her cap lower on her head.

  “Let’s order—” His phone chimed as he stepped out of the truck.

  KC’s alerts chirped as well. “We have service.” She fished her phone out of her bag and swiped the screen. No important e-mails. A couple of texts from Mom, but nothing urgent. “Do you have any news?”

  Coop scrolled through messages and walked toward the entrance. “Yeah. I’ll tell you inside.”

  Once KC removed her sweater and was seated in a corner booth, she scanned the menu. Sweet or savory?

  The waiter set mugs of coffee and a bowl of creamers on the table.

  KC and Coop each added two creamers to their cups. If they both ordered the same items again…

  Notepad in hand, the waiter asked, “Are you ready to order?”

  “Two strawberry pancakes with a side of bacon, please.” KC glanced at Coop over the menu.

  “I can’t handle so much sugar first thing. Please give me two eggs over easy, sausage, and wheat toast.” He handed the menu to the waiter. “And more coffee when you get a minute.”

  KC couldn’t hide her smile.

  “Now what do you find humorous?”

  How could she explain the inner workings of her mind? She kept a mental list of all the things they liked or disliked. To what end? She had no idea. Change the subject. “What’s your news?”

  Coop removed his jacket. “According to Charlotte, Bowen’s gallbladder surgery is scheduled for ten thirty this morning. He still doesn’t want Sadie to know. Gabe Sanchez is agent-in-charge while Bowen is out, and we are to continue with our training here for the time being.”

  The waiter refilled both mugs.

  KC added more cream. “Mmm. Good coffee. What will we do, exactly? Look for more of Hannah’s pictures?”

  “I want you to decide. If this was an active missing person case, what would you do next?”

  Put on the spot, ideas rumbled in KC’s brain. Another swig of coffee. Ready. “First, show Sadie’s picture to the staff. See if she’s been in here with her kids and Barbara.”

  “I’ll do that right now.” He removed the folded photograph from his pocket and left the booth.

  While he questioned the staff, KC drummed her fingers on the table and reviewed her plan of action. Yup. All good points. She waited until Coop squeezed into the booth. “Any sightings?”

  “No. Our waiter worked a double shift yesterday and didn’t recognize Sadie. Please continue.”

  “I think we should go back to the last place we found a picture. Check the area and look for side roads that could lead to a cabin.” She tapped the table. “Tire tracks on dirt roads. The rain on Saturday would have left the ground muddy, or something.”

  “You’re right. Tracks would be easy to follow. What else?”

  KC kept mum while the waiter placed their plates on the table. Sage-filled sausage aromas mingled with hints of strawberry. Yeah, the joys of camping were heightened when a restaurant was close by. Time to eat. She chewed on a piece of crunchy bacon followed by a forkful of fluffy, sweet pancake. Appetite partial satiated, KC pointed to Coop. “I imagine following tire tracks on various roads will take us several hours.”

  “It will, especially if we follow each and every track.” Spreading peach jelly on his toast, Coop eyed her.

  Had she missed something? Tires. “Oh, we know what vehicles Barbara and Sadie drive, so we can, um… How does that help us?” A snippet of her IT training zapped into her brain, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint the details.

  “You’re headed in the right direction.” Coop wiped his mouth and picked up his mug. “We have a database of vehicles and tires. We can get an exact printout of the tires that should be on both—”

  “And use that to find where Sadie and Barbara turned off the highway.” KC rested back against the seat. “Assuming no other sedans or SUVs used the same road.”

  “Exactly. We can investigate matching treads as long as we don’t trespass on private property. Any other ideas?”

  After swallowing the last mouthful of coffee, she moved aside her empty plate and rested her elbows on the table. “I think if we have no luck locating Sadie’s vehicle, then we have to notify Gabe and have him activate the tracking device. And maybe contact the authorities.”

  Coop accepted the check from the waiter and said, “We’re here on official business. May I speak to the manager, please.”

  “Sure.” The young guy hesitated and then pivoted and headed toward the kitchen.

  “Ooh, official business,” KC whispered and raised her brows at him.

  Apparently unfazed by her mild taunt, Coop placed cash on the table with the bill. “It’s the truth. Sort of. By the way, checking the vehicle’s location—exactly what I would have suggested.”

  A middle-aged woman wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt with the restaurant logo emblazoned across the pocket approached their table. “I’m the manager. Is there a problem?” Hands clasped, lips in a thin line, she eyed first KC then Coop. Her brown hair, in a tight bun, pulled her skin taut across her face.

  “No problems, ma’am. We’re investigators tracking a missing person. May I use your computer to print out a vital piece of data we need.” He flashed her a smile.

  The manager’s shoulders relaxed, and she tilted her head. “Certainly. Come this
way, please.”

  KC slid out of the booth and said, “I need to powder my nose. Be with you in a jiffy.”

  Coop followed the manager to the rear of the restaurant while KC lugged her monstrous bag to the restroom. According to the handbook, an agent needed to travel unencumbered. Easier for a man. She’d seen Lela wear vests with numerous pockets. KC would have to purchase a few. Since this little venture was turning into more than a day job, it was time to ditch the heavy, navy leather bag. She removed her driver’s license, a credit card, and two twenties from her wallet and secured them in a button-down pocket on her shirt. A small notebook and pen went in the other pocket, and her phone slid into her jeans. What else might she need? Pocketknife and slim flashlight. Yes. They joined the notebook. Makeup caddy, pack of tissues. No. However, she removed the tube of lotion especially formulated for her dry skin. She needed to keep that handy. Once in Coop’s pickup, she’d take out her handbook, then stow her bulky, oversized purse in her go-bag.

  Minutes later, aware of her bulging pockets, she met Coop emerging from the office with several sheets of paper in hand.

  He waved to the manager standing at the door and said, “Thanks again. You’ve been most helpful.” Linking his arm through KC’s, he propelled her toward the exit. “I have tread printouts of the tires most commonly used on the types of sedan and SUV we’re looking for.”

  “Great. Will we need magnifying glasses?” She envisioned a Sherlock Holms style cap on Coop’s head.

  “Funny. No.” He popped the truck’s remote and then climbed behind the wheel. “I’m going to stop and fill up at the convenience store we passed a mile back. I suggest we also stock up on drinks and snacks.”

  KC buckled her seatbelt. “Do you have an ice chest?”

  “In the back.”

  “Um, do you mind if I keep my lotion in the glove compartment?” She had tried to squeeze the tube in every pocket to no avail.

  “Nope. Let me guess.” He grinned. “It smells like oranges and vanilla.”

  “How did you know?”