by Robin Mahle
The coroner soon turned up and Ward met him at the entrance. “Doc. You’re not going to believe this one.” He started back toward the body where Riley stayed on watch.
The coroner peered at the victim. “How are we supposed to get her out?”
“I was kind of hoping you might have an idea,” Ward replied.
He shook his head and folded his arms across his meager chest. “Lord Almighty, Dan, I don’t have a clue. Guess we have no choice but to cut her out.”
“I’m sure there’s some equipment around here,” Riley began. “Mr. Bayliss? Do you have anything that would work?”
“Well, I suppose I do, as grizzly as that sounds. Let me call in a few of my guys to help.”
“I’ll supervise,” the doctor began. “Can’t afford any mishaps.”
When Bayliss’ crew arrived with the equipment, the men cringed at the idea.
“I’m sorry, boys. It’s gotta be this way,” Bayliss replied.
With saws and chisels in hand, the men began to carefully carve away the concrete around the victim’s small frame.
“Please be careful,” the doctor said.
“I’m sure they’re doing the best they can.” Riley sensed the apprehension and repulsion the men felt as they began to extract the young woman from her concrete grave.
“What about all that stuff on her face?” one of the men asked.
“Don’t touch that. Just get enough off so we can haul her out of here,” the coroner replied.
“How long before you’ll know anything? Identity would be most useful,” Ward asked.
“We have to get all the concrete off of her first. That won’t be easy. And, it’ll leave burn marks on most of her body, making it that much harder to determine cause of death.”
“Excuse me for being naïve,” Bayliss began, “but isn’t cause of death all that concrete that hardened in her mouth?”
“I can understand why you’d think that, but this could’ve happened post-mortem. I just can’t say with any certainty,” the doctor replied.
“I need to know who this girl is so I can notify next of kin.” Ward turned to Riley. “While the doc here is working on an ID, let’s you, me, and Pruitt get to work on pulling up recent missing persons cases.”
“We don’t have any in Owensville that I’m aware of,” Riley replied.
“No, but I’m figuring this girl isn’t from around here, so we’ll need to include the larger municipalities in the search.”
“I can ask around too. I mean, here in town. It’s possible she’s a resident,” Riley said.
“Sure. Can’t rule out anything just yet.” Ward placed his hands on his hips as they hauled the woman still partially cast in concrete outside. “We’ll have a look around. Check for prints and such.”
“Beg your pardon, Captain, but this site has seen every trade and company rep inside its premises going on three weeks now. I imagine you’ll pull up a whole lot of prints,” Bayliss said.
“Well, you’re right about that. In fact, it’s best we get in touch with someone high enough on the food chain at your organization who can give us the names of those working this job. We’ll have to rule out the prints we find in hopes of uncovering something useful.”
“Okay. I’ll get on it.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bayliss. Thompson, let’s go have a look-see.”
2
The home where Riley grew up was in better shape now than when she was a child, though the memories within had been resistant to change. She and her brother, Dillon, often acted as home renovators for their mother, who now lived there alone. They helped her keep up on regular maintenance, something their father hadn’t the money nor the desire to do. The recent exterior paint job and stained deck was completed this summer just in time for the inclement weather that was due to arrive any day now.
Dillon and Riley had remained close and he also still lived in Owensville with his family: wife Marjorie and their two children, baby Ella and toddler Danny. Daniel Ward was, of course, his namesake. After all, Ward helped shape Dillon, which was traditionally the job of a father.
Riley approached the front door and knocked lightly before inserting her key into the lock. Upon opening the door, she called out, “Mom? It’s me.” Riley continued inside in search of her mother, Ellen, and found her wrapped in a blanket curled up on the couch.
“Mom, it’s freezing in here. Isn’t your heat turned on?”
“It’s cheaper to wrap up.” Ellen’s face wore all the pain and torment she’d experienced during her years with Jack. Gone were the bright eyes of the young girl who’d fallen head over heels for the high school football star. Now they stared back in a display of regret for what she’d let her life become.
Riley walked to the thermostat and kicked on the heat. “It’s 55 degrees in here. No wonder you’re in a blanket. You want a hot tea or coffee?”
“There’s no need to fuss over me, Riley. I’m surprised to see you here. Is everything okay?”
Riley joined Ellen in the living room and sat on the chair next to her. “It’s been a rough day. The IGA was robbed this morning. Ethan and I had to write the reports. Then,” she hesitated, “a body was found.”
At this, Ellen sat up. “A body?”
“At the old plant.”
“You were at the plant today?” Ellen asked.
“I was. Some poor girl was found. We don’t know who she is yet. It’s been a few years since we had a homicide and Dan handled it then. But this one, the captain wanted me involved in.”
“Why would he want you to go back to the plant? He should know better.”
“Mom, I can’t avoid the place forever. I think he knew that. He’s trying to help. And I’m still a cop. It’s my job. So, anyway, I thought I’d come see how you were doing. And I’m glad I did.”
“Have you heard from your father lately?”
“No. Not for a few months, since my birthday. I know you don’t like the fact that he’s got another family, Mom, but he seems happy.”
“Well, I guess you’d be the one to know.” Ellen pushed the blanket from her shoulders. “I know your dad helped you get your house and I know he’s tried to be a good father. But I fear for his wife—and his kids.”
“I try to stay out of it, Mom. I can’t let his life consume mine. I learned that a long time ago.”
“I know you can’t, baby. I appreciate you stopping by, but it sounds like you had a tough day. You should go home and get some rest. I’ll be fine. Dillon’s bringing the grandbabies over this weekend, so I have to start planning for that.”
Riley stood and leaned over to kiss her mother’s cheek. “Okay, Mom. I’ll see you soon, then. You better call me if you need anything.”
“I will. I promise.”
Riley began to leave, but her mother called out again.
“Riley?”
“Yeah?”
“I know you like to show everyone how strong you are on the outside, but I also know what it must’ve meant for you to go back to the plant. Just remember, you can talk to me. I’m not as fragile as you think I am.”
“I know, Mom. Thanks. Love you.”
It was the moment she’d waited for all day. Riley was home and her schnauzer, CJ, was there to greet her. While she’d learned to control the influx of visions from the people she came across on a daily basis, it was her dog that gave her the much-needed break from the humanity that forced its way inside her brain. His short wagging tail, the excitement he expressed at the sight of her, and she couldn’t feel anything but love. Perhaps she should’ve become a veterinarian.
“Hey, boy! You must be starving. Come on; let’s get you some dinner.” Riley walked into the kitchen and scooped the food into CJ’s dish. While he scarfed it down, she began to make herself as sandwich. Riley wasn’t much of a cook and it didn’t make sense to cook for one anyway. Sometimes she’d get takeout, but usually a salad or soup would suffice.
After changing into her sweat pan
ts and t-shirt, Riley plopped onto the sofa and turned on the television. The local news was airing and she immediately recognized the scene. A reporter stood outside the IGA that had been robbed and relayed the story to the viewers. Luckily, she’d left before the media arrived and now the reporter searched for someone to talk to, eventually finding a customer carrying groceries to her car.
He caught the woman off guard and hurled questions at her as to whether she felt safe now. Riley had to smile at the woman’s response.
“Of course I feel safe. I have a license to carry,” she’d said.
The reporter fumbled through the rest of the interview and quickly cut back to the station. At this, Riley had had enough and was ready to call it a night. As she turned off the television and walked around the house to lock up, she spotted headlights in her front window. It was 10:30 at night and this was a quiet neighborhood. A family neighborhood. So her cop instincts kicked into overdrive. She removed herself from view of the window and stepped into the breakfast nook, where she peered through the blinds in the dark room. The car drove down her street and slowed to a crawl in front of her house.
It finally disappeared, but the sensation lingered in her that raised the hair on the back of her neck. And Riley never dismissed her intuition. Ever.
Even in the light of day, after a fairly restful night, Riley couldn’t shake the impression that tickled the corner of her brain. What was it about that car she saw last night? Maybe it was best to put it aside for now because they had a murder investigation on their hands.
“Morning.” Ethan held a cup of coffee as he made his way to his desk. “Can I get you one?”
“Thanks. I’ll get it myself.” Riley pulled off her coat and placed it over her desk chair before walking toward the coffee maker. “How was your night? You catch that interview at the IGA?”
“I did catch it. Funniest damn thing I’ve seen in quite a while.”
“Cracked me up and put that reporter in his place, that’s for sure.” Riley poured the coffee and walked back to her desk. “Where’s the captain? Didn’t see his car outside.”
“He’s at the plant.” Ethan sipped on his coffee.
“He is? Why?”
“Guess the big wigs over there wanted to meet with him. I don’t know. I think they’re looking to keep this quiet, wanting to avoid bad press.”
Riley wondered if this was the nagging sensation that tugged at her. Could the car have been someone from the plant? No, of course not. That was something only a suspicious cop would think. But why hadn’t Ward asked her to come along?
“Hey. You okay?” Ethan seemed to notice her sudden inattention.
“Yeah. Fine.” She sat down and checked her email. “You know what? No, I’m not okay. Captain wanted me there yesterday. Why not today?”
“I wouldn’t worry about it, Riley. What’s going on? Something’s clearly bothering you and I don’t think it’s about Ward.”
“It’s just—well, I’ve got one of those itches that needs to be scratched and it’s bugging me is all.”
“Oh yeah? What’s crawled under your skin?”
“Last night. I was getting ready for bed and this car—I don’t know. It was like hanging around my house or something.”
“Hanging around? Like what, stalking you?” Ethan appeared concerned.
“I don’t think so. It just didn’t feel right, but don’t worry about it. I’ll keep an eye out. If I see it again, I’ll make note of it.”
The station house doors opened and Captain Ward entered. “Morning, guys. Sorry I’m late.” He peered at Riley. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
Riley glanced at Ethan before pushing up from her chair. “Sure.” She followed him into his office, where he promptly closed the door. “Okay. What happened?”
“Sit down.” Ward sat at his desk and began. “That girl—you said you didn’t know her.”
“I don’t. I mean, it’s not like I could really see her face well. It was covered in concrete. Do you know who she is now?”
“No, but I was asked to meet with one of the head honchos from the plant. I guess they found something we missed yesterday.”
His pause made Riley grow more concerned.
“They were trying to make up time because we had them shut down for so long yesterday. Anyway, they had guys in there before sun-up this morning. They found a school ID.”
“They found a school ID? And you’re telling me we missed it?”
He nodded. “Owensville High. Meaning she’s a local girl. And yet nothing came up on our missing persons searches. Your brother still teaches there, right?”
“Yes.” That gnawing feeling clawed its way back into her brain. “Who is she, Dan?”
“It’s still undetermined because of the state of her body, but if the ID matches, and it wasn’t left behind by someone else, it’s likely she’s Chloe Dawson. The ID was in bad shape and the year was illegible. Tough to say if it was current.”
“The name doesn’t ring a bell,” Riley started. “I don’t know the family. What concerns me is that if she is local, why hasn’t anyone reported her missing?”
“Damn good question. The Dawson name doesn’t ring a bell with me either. Could be some new family’s just moved here. We can run a BMV search for cars registered to the Dawsons and check the other databases for the name.”
“Or, the ID had already been there. You and I both know what the kids do there sometimes. But if that’s the case, what was she doing there? When was she there?”
Ward leaned back in his chair. “I’d like you to take the lead on this. Get Pruitt to help you out, but whatever you find, come to me first. I don’t want the press getting wind of anything until we get a positive ID on this girl. And I know what Pruitt can be like sometimes. He enjoys the attention when a reporter calls into the station.”
“He’d never do anything to jeopardize an investigation.”
“Not intentionally, I know that. Just keep a lid on things and get what you can. And, Riley, check with Dillon too. He might know Chloe Dawson.”
She left his office and returned to her desk before reaching for her coat.
“Where are you going?” Ethan asked.
“I forgot to feed CJ this morning. I need to just run back home for a minute. I’ll be back soon.” She started out the door.
“Okay. Bye.” He watched her pull away with doubt on his face. He approached Ward’s door and knocked.
“Come in.”
“Hey, Captain. Riley said she had to run home because she forgot to feed her dog. Is she okay? Ever since she got in this morning, she’s been off. Got one of her feelings again.”
“You know how she is, Pruitt. Just let her be. She won’t be gone long, I’m sure.”
“Whatever you say, boss.”
Riley sat in her patrol car outside the school and texted Dillon. Going inside would draw too many eyes and without knowing who this girl was, she didn’t want the attention. It took a few minutes, but his reply appeared.
“Meet me in the courtyard in 5.”
She replied with a thumbs-up emoji and waited.
A bell sounded and Riley remembered it well. It was the lunch bell and she could hear the high schoolers’ voices from where she sat in the parking lot. The school had grown and had even undergone some improvements. Things had gotten better in Owensville, but they still had a long way to go.
Riley stepped out of her car and headed into the courtyard, but not before checking in with the front office. No one was allowed on school grounds without signing in. Even her. In fact, the buzzer system they’d recently installed made sure of that. “Just meeting Dillon,” she’d said to the administrator.
“Go on ahead, Officer Thompson.”
Riley stood near a tall oak with a bench built around it in the courtyard, when she spotted her older brother.
“Hey, sis. What’s up?” Dillon had grown into a loving father, husband, and now teacher. God only knew how he managed that
considering their upbringing. He leaned in to kiss her cheek.
“Hi. Listen, thanks for taking time out of your lunch break. I won’t keep you.”
“It’s okay. I can see you’re bothered by something. What is it?”
“I’ll get right to the point. But hey, you can’t say anything to anyone about this, okay? It’s an ongoing investigation and we haven’t ID’d the body yet.”
“You haven’t ID’d the body yet? What the hell’s going on?” His face wore grave concern.
“Do you know a student named Chloe Dawson? I don’t know the year.”
“Oh my God, is she dead?”
“Dillon, just take a breath. We found an ID at the scene. Do you know who this girl is?” She showed him her school ID card.
Dillon examined it. “I don’t know. Maybe. This school’s grown a lot. Her face doesn’t look familiar to me, though. It doesn’t say what year she is.”
“I know, which doesn’t help. Can I ask you for a favor? Can you take a look inside the school’s files? See if you can find this girl? We’re searching other databases, and the BMV, but I want to cover every angle.”
“How am I supposed to do that? I can’t just rifle through things in the front office or break into the admin computer.”
“Can’t you make something up? If I go in there, questions will be asked. And right now, Dillon, I have no answers. I don’t know if this girl is the victim or if she’s…”
“The perpetrator?”
“I just—I don’t know. Can you please just do this for me? And it needs to be sooner rather than later.”
“Well, yeah, of course I can. Can you at least give me today? I’ll find some excuse, but not until school lets out. I’ve got classes.”
“Thank you.” She cast her gaze around the school before continuing. “I saw Mom last night. She said you and Marjorie were bringing the kids by this weekend.”