by Lisa Unger
Lydia looked down at the floor. If I’d called her back on the 22nd, could I have helped her? Lydia thought. It wasn’t a healthy way to think but that was the way her mind worked. There was little point in considering the answer.
“So what have you got so far?” asked Jeffrey.
Detective Stenopolis gave him a look. “Thanks so much for your time,” he said, politely. “Ms. Strong, would you mind if I sent a tech over to record that message from your voice mail?”
“We can take care of that, if you want, Detective,” said Jeffrey. “One of the communication techs from my firm can do it tomorrow and we’ll email you the digital file.”
“That would be great,” he said, rising and handing Jeffrey his card. “It could take a week to get someone from the department over here on such a low priority.”
“Low priority?” said Lydia with a frown. “I’d think something like this would be big news. A pretty young reporter goes missing while trying to prove her brother didn’t kill himself. In fact, I’m surprised I haven’t heard anything about this earlier in the media.”
Lydia was usually a news junkie, but admittedly she had been a bit of a hermit in the last few weeks while she struggled to finish her manuscript. She had tried to keep outside input at a bare minimum.
“The Post did a piece. And there’s been some coverage in Riverdale. But there’s absolutely no evidence of foul play. She had clothes and a good deal of cash with her; we know that. Her car is gone. She easily could have just taken off.”
“But you don’t think she did.”
“No. I don’t.”
“What do you think happened?” Lydia said, knowing she was pushing.
“All due respect, Ms. Strong, but I’m not going to discuss this with you.”
She nodded to indicate she understood. They’d been fortunate with access in the past because of Jeffrey’s connections to the FBI and the NYPD. But cops generally didn’t like writers or private investigators. Since she was a true crime writer and a partner in Jeffrey’s private detective firm, Mark, Striker and Strong, she was a little of both.
“I understand,” she said, following him toward the elevator.
“I appreciate your cooperation, both of you,” he said, shaking each of their hands. “If you think of anything else, call anytime.”
He stooped back into the elevator and gave them a little wave as the door closed in front of him.
“Lydia,” said Jeffrey, his voice a warning and a question.
“What?” she said defensively. The buzz was so intense that her hands were shaking a little.
Also by Lisa Unger
writing as Lisa Miscione
The Darkness Gathers
$15.00 (Canada: $17.00)
978-0-307-95311-7
Angel Fire
$15.00 (Canada: $17.00)
978-0-307-95309-4
AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD
Want More Lisa Unger?
Use your smartphone to take a photo of the
barcode below for exclusive short stories,
sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes access.
If you do not have a 2D barcode reader on your smartphone,
download the software free at LisaUnger.mobi.
Don’t have a smartphone? Text LYDIA to 333888.