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

by Nora LeDuc

  “I’ll do whatever you suggest. My goal is the same as Teagan’s. Bring Lisa home to us.”

  “Glad to hear, Father. Teagan, who do you think sent the threat?”

  “Lisa’s boyfriend, Travis, might have mailed it. I disapproved of Lisa and Travis going out,” she confessed, putting her irritation behind her. “Their relationship was unhealthy. Lisa wanted to change her life, and she did raise her grades, but socially, she didn’t fit in at All Saints. Travis was a loner and Lisa’s lack of popularity was unimportant to him. In fact, it added to her attraction. They had each other. I urged her to look beyond him to school clubs, other boys and girlfriends. Travis took my idea as a personal insult.” Remorse pinched her. She should have kept quiet and let their teen crush run its course.

  “Travis feels unwanted,” Father Matt interjected. “The Bodell family belongs to my parish, and I’m familiar with his background. His mother lives in Rhode Island, but confesses she can’t deal with the boy. His father, who lived in Hawick Falls, drowned a couple years ago. Travis moved in with his single uncle, who wasn’t happy to inherit a teenager. You can understand why the boy is bitter and acts out.”

  “Makes sense,” Noah agreed while he flicked a glance at Matt’s hand on hers. “Do you believe Lisa ran off with Travis the night she disappeared?”

  She sighed. “Lisa insisted they were finished the last day I saw her, but she and Travis broke up at least once a week. The longest they stayed apart was nine days in May.”

  Was she wrong and an angry Travis was holding Lisa somewhere? Teagan imagined Lisa bound and locked in a closet. She blocked the image and concentrated on the detective.

  “The boy never harmed a soul,” Father Matt said. “He raises his voice when he’s upset, and ten minutes later, he’s contrite.”

  Detective Cassidy’s expression remained unreadable. “Teagan, have you had any trouble with anyone in your past or present? An ex, a neighbor, friend?”

  “Me?” She shook her head. Did she come across as a magnet for psychos? How much did he know about her life? He was staring at her with eyes that were inscrutable. She dismissed the thoughts to answer him. “My neighbors were friendly, and I’ve no hard feelings with the last man I dated. The only person I’ve had any difference with is Jake Clark. We argued when his girlfriend, my friend, Lucy, left him. He thought I was interfering in their lives, but we agreed to disagree and called a truce.”

  “Interfered how?”

  “I objected when he treated Lucy like a maid, except a maid would have gotten paid. She moved away to start over when she realized their relationship wasn’t the type that lasted.”

  “He forgave you for getting involved in his life?”

  She hesitated. “He’s not angry with me. Would I trust every word out of his mouth? No. Except for Travis, I don’t know anyone mad at me, let alone someone who wants me dead.” She shook her head and ran faces and names through her mind. No, she wasn’t wrong.

  Cassidy glanced at the open file. “Lisa disappeared Monday night or Tuesday morning from her third-floor bedroom. No one else is on that level with her?”

  “She slept upstairs for privacy.”

  “And the last time you saw Lisa, Father Matt, was on Friday?”

  Was he pointing a finger of suspicion at Matt again? What was wrong with the detective? Matt was a priest and their friend. He’d never hurt Lisa. Teagan turned toward Matt who showed no signs of offense.

  “Right,” Matt confirmed. “In the summer, Lisa worked in the church office five days a week. I spoke to her after her last lunch with Travis at the mall. She was upset he didn’t pay for her meal, but she calmed down in a few minutes when I asked her to name his better qualities.”

  “What were those?” Cassidy asked.

  “Lisa felt he was supportive, faithful, and planned to get a job to support them in their future.” The priest fished in the white envelope and pulled out a photo. “Teagan told me you needed a recent picture of Lisa. I brought one from her Confirmation in May. She always ducked when she saw a camera. I didn’t give her a choice that day.” Matt held out the photo of Lisa’s attractive, dimpled face framed by dark hair with pink streaks. One brow was drawn up as if to say, is this for real?

  “Lisa started a new life at All Saints High,” Matt told him. “Unlike in her past, she did her school work and attended classes.”

  The detective set Lisa’s picture on top of his file and studied it. “You look like you’re related. Black hair, dimples, brown eyes—”

  “We’re not blood relatives.” Teagan touched her shoulder length, dark curls.

  The detective tapped the edge of the picture against his palm. His shoulders sank forward. Then he rubbed a hand over his face and rose. “I’ll send out her new picture, but I want to urge you, Miss Raynes, to report anything suspicious. Don’t hesitate.”

  “But—”

  “Listen to the detective.” Matt patted her shoulder in reassurance. “I can take over the vigil.”

  “No way, I need to do it for Lisa.” She’d go crazy doing nothing, and she wanted to make a personal plea to the media. “I have to attend. A family member always says a few words.” Aunt Sophia would be up front and center if she were alive.

  “I’m sorry, I have to leave.” Matt edged forward on the cushion. “But we can set up a neighborhood watch around your house, Teagan and talk more about the vigil later.”

  “We should keep the volunteers looking for Lisa, not looking at me. Please, let’s not waste the donated manpower. Put the volunteers to work searching.” The meeting wasn’t turning out as Teagan hoped. Their attention had shifted to her. “The police will be at the vigil, right?”

  “We plan to be present. You can designate someone to read your statement to the media if you want.”

  Matt stood and hovered over her. “We’ll keep looking for Lisa. I’ve a friend who’ll post the newest flyers across the state, and I spoke to the bishop. We can set up a platform near the church steps Friday night for the speakers. The men’s group has a phone tree we’ll use to alert everyone in the parish with the details. I’ll notify the press.”

  “And I’ll be there.” Lisa might be listening somewhere.

  Noah twisted his lips in disapproval. “I’m sure Father Matt thinks you’re safe at his church, but I can’t guarantee that. My job is to find Lisa and keep everyone from getting hurt.”

  “This is my decision, not his.” She resisted the urge to stamp her foot. What was wrong with Detective Cassidy? He gave off a hostile vibe when he spoke about Matt.

  “Fine,” Noah said. “I’ll take you to the vigil.”

  “Teagan,” Matt interrupted her before she could respond to Noah’s last statement. “Before I leave, I have good news for a change. An anonymous donor from the parish is donating a five thousand dollar reward for tips that lead to Lisa.”

  Teagan jumped to her feet and hugged Matt. “Thank you for coming especially after I asked you to go home the other night and not spend more hours worrying about me.”

  “There’s no way I wouldn’t worry.”

  “I want a list of people and schedules for the evening of the vigil,” Noah said in his no-nonsense tone as he rose. “We can’t take any risks with lives.”

  The detective was making her nervous. She released Matt, fought the impulse to dash across the room, and close the curtains.

  Matt extended a hand to Noah. “I’ll email you a copy of the agenda for the night of the vigil. My parishioners will help with anything you need. Just call me.”

  “I will. The chief will want to address the public at your event, too.” The detective shook Matt’s hand, and then dug out two cards from his pocket. “Here’s my contact numbers and email. Use them if you remember anything else.” The detective handed his personal information to Matt and Teagan.

  “I’ll walk you out,” she said to Matt. A moment alone with him would calm her jagged nerves.

  “Don’t bother. We’ll talk.” He gave he
r a reassuring smile.

  She snuck a peek at Noah, who watched them openly. His gaze followed Matt out of the room.

  His scowl and tight mouth warned her he wasn’t thinking positive thoughts. “Let’s get to the main business, your threat. Where is it?”

  “I stuck it behind my aunt’s picture for safe keeping.” She went to the mantle and pulled out the holy card in a baggie. “I kept the envelope too. The Post mark is local.”

  She handed it over and saw him blink twice. “I know you bag evidence,” she explained.

  “Thank you, CSI.” He examined the envelope. “We’ll work on tracing it.” He held up the four-by-seven inch card.

  “The picture on the front is Mary Magdalene.” Teagan crossed her arms over her chest and stared at the drawing. Long, dark hair framed Mary Magdalene’s face. She wore a blue gown and gazed into a mirror by candlelight. Her folded hands rested on a skull in her lap. Teagan fought the shiver creeping up her back.

  “Fill me in on Mary Magdalene, so we’re on the same wavelength. I don’t have a religious background.”

  “She was a sinful woman who Jesus forgave when she repented.”

  “Magdalene sounds like a lot of people I know. Only they try to repent in front of the judge.” Noah turned the computer printed message to the backside. “How common is a Holy Card?”

  “When I was younger, pretty common to buy from a church store. Now you can order them online.”

  It’s in…Latin?” He squinted at the message as if it would change before his eyes.

  “Don’t you keep a file of criminals who make these threats?”

  “Sure, I’ll read up on suspects who correspond in a dead language on a holy card.” He scrubbed a hand over the light stubble on his chin and lowered the bag.

  Now she’d said the idea aloud, it did sound absurd. “I understand. I’d hope you track all illegal actions.”

  “We don’t usually have dead language ones in Hawick Falls, but I’ll check the database. The FBI might have a few.”

  “I’ve a tip for you. Lisa and Travis were in Latin class together.”

  “Thanks. I’ll follow up on that tip, and I’ll fill you in soon.” With his free hand, he dug out keys from his pocket and started across the room.

  “What are you going to do?” His visit hadn’t helped her learn anything. Instead, he was leaving her more unsettled. She wanted him to stay, talk to her about how Lisa would be home soon, and to look at her again with that simmering expression.

  She wiped a hand over her eyes. She was going off the deep end. The man was doing his job, not looking for a date.

  He turned toward her. “I’m going to interview their teachers.” His phone went off in his jacket pocket, and he glanced at the number. “Excuse me. I need to take this call.” He ducked into the hall.

  Teagan started to gnaw on her nails. He might be discussing Lisa. She jumped up and lingered a few feet from the hall’s threshold. The detective’s back was to her.

  “I’m near Muffy’s. I’ll be right there. Clear the store after taking the names and addresses of everyone inside. We’ll question the employees first. Let’s hope we get lucky.” He clicked off his cell and his gaze landed on her.

  “News of Lisa?” Did the guilt over eavesdropping show on her face?

  He hesitated then answered, “We haven’t found her.” He reached for the doorknob.

  Teagan darted into the hallway. “Please, give me a hint. Is it about her?”

  “I don’t pass on reports until I’m certain they’re legit.”

  Something was going on, and she couldn’t sit around the house a minute longer. “I’ll go with you and find out what’s happening.” She needed her keys to lockup.

  “You stay here, and I’ll brief you when I’m done.” He laid his palm on her shoulder. “Is there someone who’ll stay with you?”

  She was aware of the fact he was touching her. Her pulse leaped. What was she doing? She wasn’t eleven. She stepped away. “I just need Lisa back safe and sound. Please, I can’t stand not knowing what’s happening.”

  His jaw tightened. “I’ll fill you in ASAP.”

  From the front window, she watched him drive off. Talk wasn’t what she wanted. Action and results were what she craved. She’d get them. How hard was it to go to the store? She could do this. She paced for four minutes before she grabbed her keys and purse from the entryway table. In her pocket was her St. Jude’s medal. The saint of the hopeless always comforted and reminded her that miracles happened. Maybe today was one of those days.

  She jumped into her car and headed for Muffy Mart.

  Chapter 6

  Teagan Raynes occupied Noah’s thoughts while he drove down the hill to the village center. She’d arrived at camp registration years ago looking more like a cover model for a kids’ fashion magazine. He’d hoped she’d have fun because her size and coordinated sportswear indicated she wasn’t the type to win the outdoor challenges. Man, had he been wrong.

  She had more heart than all the Mighty Joe’s counselors and campers combined. Every morning she arrived early at circle, always neatly groomed and ready. Teagan came out on top in each activity from hiking to small crafts to swim contests. She’d intrigued him before with her spirit and cute face. Now she’d grown into a damn, attractive woman, and one who could cause a major distraction. He’d worked hard to start his life over after losing his family. He sure didn’t need a female sidetracking his concentration, especially with the chief’s current mood.

  He held Teagan’s image in his mind for another second. The shadows in her eyes worried him. What horrors was she imagining about Lisa, and how many of them would come true?

  He wanted to remove the darkness and the pain from her eyes, and he’d do his best to accomplish it. Hitting the pedal, he sped to Muffy’s.

  ****

  The town hall, library, two gift shops, St. Jude’s church, and a scattering of indie stores composed the business hub of Hawick Falls and the place Teagan headed. At the intersection of High and Main Streets, she slowed for the stop sign. In the distance, the twin mountains looked down on the village center. Their rocky tops were decorated with the modern technology of cell towers that had replaced the ancient fire tower.

  Traffic was sparse until Teagan merged onto Main. She expected to spot Noah’s black sedan. Instead, Lisa’s unsmiling face posted on the telephone poles stared back at her. The volunteers had done an excellent job of spreading the news, too excellent. Nausea swirled in Teagan’s stomach, and she adjusted the AC vent to allow the cool air to fan her.

  A block before Muffy Mart, vehicles slowed and jammed together on the two-lane road. A cop on duty waved people onward. He shook his head when a driver signaled to turn into the store. In the parking lot, she spotted three cruisers with Hawick Falls Police written across their sides, and at least eight blue uniforms swarmed around the outside of the concrete building.

  She passed the real estate office and Bennie’s Hardware, where people clustered together and craned their necks toward the action. Bennie, a short middle-aged man, was pointing to the market. His baldhead made him stick out in the group. St. Jude’s Church stood across from the hardware store. Their lot was filled with press vehicles and cars owned by the locals who lounged on the nearby granite slabs that bordered the falls. She drove onward.

  Near Pretty Park, she found an empty spot to pull over. She jumped out and hit the lock on her keychain. The sweet fragrance of the red rose bushes bordering the commons hung in the air.

  Teagan slung her purse over her shoulder and jogged toward Muffy’s. Had the police discovered a big clue? Why else would Detective Cassidy run off to the store? Her throat constricted when one possibility surfaced in her thoughts. What if they’d found Lisa and it was the worst news?

  “Teagan Raynes, stop.”

  Travis’ uncle, Seth Bodell, drove next to the curb in a rusted truck that smoked oil from the tailpipe. She swerved in surprise. Where had he come from? Was he
following her? He leaned out his open window with a sneer on his face. Blaring music poured out of the cab, and he shouted over the country twang instead of turning it down.

  Seth had the dark good looks that drew women, but his disposition was a date repellant. He bared his yellow teeth like a trapped animal, and his brown eyes blazed with anger in a shadow-whiskered face. He flicked ash from a cigarette onto the road before he signaled for her to wait.

  She’d rather dodge cars on the interstate. She picked up her pace and wound through pedestrians. Seth hollered at her again, but his radio and the roar of a passing motorcycle with a loud muffler drowned out his words. His curled bottom lip and the fury in his voice assured her that leaving him with his exhaust fumes was a better plan. Ahead, the traffic light flashed green. He’d drive on when she stopped for the walk signal.

  Teagan halted at the intersection. Seth slammed the brakes and gunned his engine while he fastened a sick smile on her. Was he imagining running her down as she crossed the street with witnesses present? Her heart thudded in her chest.

  “Cut the dumb act, Raynes,” he yelled to her. “You set the police on Travis.”

  Don’t make eye contact with him. She scanned the area for a quick shortcut.

  A sports car pulled up behind him and tooted for him to move.

  Seth didn’t budge. “I know it was you. You hate my nephew.”

  No signs of the police. They were at Muffy’s. If she did an about-face, would Seth bang a U-ey and follow her? A ripple of fear shot up her arms. No, she could walk the street if she wanted. He was a big bully. Anger flowed through her and replaced the fears. She bit down on the urge to tell him where to go.

  Mature people do not hold screaming matches in the streets.

  “I remember, Aunt Sophia,” Teagan muttered.

  The driver behind Seth blasted his horn.

  “I won’t forget.” Seth took off with a screech of tires.

  She shuddered with relief. When the walk light changed, Seth had zoomed halfway up the next block. She detoured between two buildings and across an alley to arrive at Muffy’s back lot. The place was thick with law enforcement snapping pictures. Officers with bent heads seemed to be examining the paved ground behind the store. Two employees in their moss-colored smocks gestured while talking to a cop.