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

by Nora LeDuc

“Don’t go,” she said. “Stay for a bit.”

  He smiled and tugged her onto his chest. She laid her ear over his heart, listening to its beat in the quiet. Soon, he’d be gone to continue searching for Lisa. But for the moment, his presence kept her nightmares away, and her hope strong that they felt something real for each other.

  ****

  The clouds had thickened when Noah approached the front door to leave. His phone buzzed. “Text message.” He dug out his cell and studied his screen.

  “Is it about Lisa?” she asked, unable to wait.

  “I’m afraid it was.” He pocketed his phone. “The stain on her necklace—”

  “It was Lisa’s blood?”

  “Yes. Teagan, has Seth or Jake been to your home?”

  She fisted her hands at her sides as a chill shivered through her. “Seth did some jobs in the house for my aunt, and Jake came over for coffee with Lucy. Why?”

  “You reported the burned body was in Lisa’s chair. I wondered if either man had seen her sit there.”

  “It’s possible,” she agreed.

  “I have to go.” He kissed her goodbye and promised to call later. The grimness in his voice warned her he expected a tough day.

  She sat in the living room and replayed the last hour. Noah’s confession about his anger interrupted her musings about Lisa. A chill raced up her spine. Something worse was about to happen. She felt it, but what?

  Her aunt’s eyes stared at her from the frame on the mantle as though accusing her of giving up.

  Okay, she needed to stay positive. A spot of blood didn’t mean Lisa was dead. Restless, she leaped to her feet and walked into the kitchen. The morning paper lay on the tabletop where she’d left it earlier without a glance.

  A picture of Noah and herself embracing on the hospital lawn stared up at her from the front page. The intimate expression on her face as she looked up at him confirmed the hug wasn’t just a quick one exchanged between friends. “Great.”

  Under the bolded headline ‘Missing Local Girl Forgotten’ was the caption: Is Detective Noah Cassidy a little too close to Lisa Grant’s guardian?

  She glimpsed the byline. Vic Taylor. She blew out a breath of disgust. Scanning the article, she absorbed Taylor’s criticism and sarcasm about Noah offering support to the victim’s family and getting something for his troubles. Letting out a mumble about stupid editors, she flipped to page two.

  A photo of a Vic holding up a limp hand was next to his continued column. She read aloud. “I haven’t been able to write my blog and weekly feature due to the injury sustained after my encounter with Detective Cassidy. The detective didn’t appreciate my suggestion he should be working to find our missing girls instead of offering his brand of comfort to Miss Raynes.”

  What?

  “One handed typing has slowed my production. I recently installed software to dictate and publish my writing.”

  Vic Taylor tried to hit Noah and now Vic was blaming him because his hand hurt? She had to warn Noah if it wasn’t too late. Teagan grabbed her phone and pressed his number. The call went straight to voicemail.

  Why didn’t he answer? Her cell rang. The ID told her it was the local news anchor.

  ****

  Noah stared at the picture of himself and Teagan on the front page of the Hawick Falls Citizen. Below their picture was the figure of Kara Linn’s mother sobbing. Another image showed Taylor displaying an injured hand that he hinted Noah had caused.

  He looked at Taylor’s bruised and swollen fingers again. At least something good had happened. Noah read the editor’s ramblings.

  “The only reimbursement I wish for my pain is the return of the city’s missing girls. Let’s hope Detective Cassidy’s actions are not an example of how our police department conducts searches for our lost children.”

  “Well?” the chief asked Noah in a voice that always meant he was super pissed. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

  “I was comforting Teagan Raynes, sir. She was upset her friend, Lucy Watson, was in the hospital. Taylor should be consoling his sister over the news of Kara Linn’s death instead of spreading rumors.”

  “I’m aware of the facts, Cassidy.”

  Noah scanned the title of Vic Taylor’s daily entry. He’d captioned the image of Teagan and himself ‘Too Close for Comfort’. Beneath the image of Kara Linn’s mom he’d written, ‘No Comfort for the Forgotten’.

  Clearly, Mr. Taylor had decided to exploit Noah’s moment with Teagan. “Chief, Taylor is angry and aimed his fury at me. I never touched him.”

  The chief slammed his laptop shut.

  That wasn’t reassuring. “Taylor is blaming the department for his niece’s death and wrote the piece to hurt law enforcement.”

  “The mayor has seen the paper. He called to discuss an investigation into the implication you attacked an innocent civilian, Cassidy.”

  “I’d be put on desk duty until I was cleared, which I will be. Why waste my days? We can’t function without every man working full and overtime on the Grant case.” Noah held onto his temper with effort.

  “A little obsessed with yourself, Cassidy?” the chief asked, his cigar in the corner of his mouth. “I convinced the mayor I’d discuss the situation with you and he agreed. The mayor’s aware of Taylor’s tendency to sensationalize the facts, especially since he suffered it firsthand during his last election run. However, if you’re having a relationship with Miss Raynes and it gets out, Taylor could use that fact to destroy our credibility. You’re on a missing person case, not date night. You’re to remain impartial and to help the victim’s family. I expect you to remember and live by your Oath of Honor at all times.”

  “Sir, I’ve never forgotten my oath.”

  “Have you slept with the woman?”

  Noah pressed his lips together to silence his anger.

  “You know how the public will interpret such actions? They’ll believe you took advantage of an emotionally fragile woman in her time of stress and pain.”

  Noah thought about denying it, but his picture with Teagan made the denial an obvious lie. The snapshot showed them as more than friends. “Sir, my personal life is not open to discussion.”

  The chief narrowed his eyes. “When you go to work each day in Hawick Falls, you not only represent the force, but you hold the trust and confidence of the people in our city. When you betray that faith by letting your emotions interfere with your job, then it is my business. I repeat, have you slept with Teagan Raynes?”

  “Sir, my feelings have never interfered—”

  The knock on the door interrupted them.

  The chief snapped, “Come in.”

  Noah went to the window to give himself a timeout, but he felt his pulse leaping in his neck. Damn, Taylor. The man loved to stir up trouble. Where was the break in the investigation, that turning moment? Every investigation had one or else it became a cold case. The girls’ predator was clever and egotistical. He lured the police to Pretty Park to find Clark’s car. The action reeked of “I got you.”

  But he was going to make a mistake if he hadn’t already. Noah just had to discover it. Yes, he had to find Lisa’s abductor before the lab confirmed her DNA from the next homicide victim.

  Paul entered and threw a glance at the chief then at Noah and back to the chief. His brows rose together questioning what he had walked into.

  “Well?” the chief demanded.

  “Ah, sorry, but 9-1-1 received a report of a white-haired man shoplifting at Muffy’s and causing a disturbance. The patrol is on its way and will pick him up, but the officer who relieves me at Miss Raynes filled me in that a suspect of the same description tried—”

  “Bring him in. Take care of it.”

  “Me?” Paul sent Noah a searching look.

  “Anything else?” the chief barked.

  “No sir. I’ll go.” Paul’s lips thinned, and he closed the door with a click.

  “Cassidy, you’re now in charge of the Meter Feeders.”r />
  “What? I thought we made a deal with them.”

  “You were wrong. The arrogant sons of—”

  “Sir, we reached an agreement with the Meter Feeders that if they cooperated, no charges would be brought.”

  “They haven’t. They returned to feeding the meters and giving out their propaganda this morning. Those kids have robbed us blind.” The chief waved his cigar through the air. “Consult with the DA on bringing indictments against the gang members. I’m handing the case over to you. I’ll increase my presence on the Grant investigation while you work with Paul. Wrap up the Meter Feeders. Quick.”

  “I’m working with the kid?” Noah had to lift his jaw from the floor. “What about Lisa Grant?”

  “You’re still on her case, but first, get these teenagers off the streets and our traffic funds in the black. I hope to God nothing else comes out about you and Teagan Raynes or we can expect worse than a sarcastic comment on offering comfort.”

  No sense arguing with the chief on his assignment. The man could win an award for most hardheaded. Noah left the chief’s office with his mind reeling with protests. “The kid! Mercy,” he muttered as he stomped through the squad room where he felt the stares of the men on him.

  Yeah, take a good look.

  He was having a bummer of a day. He needed to bust the Teenage Mutant Meter Feeders and get back where he belonged. He’d bring those punks into the station again, and while he held them, he’d grill each member about the night Lisa Grant disappeared.

  Noah paused to text Hines his new assignment. Finished, he grabbed the handle of the rear exit and yanked it open.

  He’d gone six feet toward his car when his cell vibrated in his pocket. Must be Hines.

  “Cassidy!”

  Noah turned to find Paul behind him.

  “Seems the men already had the Muffy shoplifter in a cruiser when I talked to the chief. They’re bringing him in to holding now.”

  What did that have to do with him? “And?”

  Paul shrugged. “I thought you might want to question him since I’m on duty at Miss Raynes’ in a few minutes. I mean, he’s the one who attempted to break into her house, right?”

  His morning wasn’t so bad. “I can do that for you.” Noah let the door slam and turned around to interview his suspect. Maybe his turning point had arrived.

  Chapter 33

  Matt showed up at Teagan’s house late in the afternoon. His familiar face was welcome. She’d spent the hours screening calls from the neighbors and press about her relationship with the detective.

  Matt gave her a hug after he told her he’d watched the noon newscast confirming Kara’s death.

  They sat in the kitchen, and Teagan heated the water in the microwave for tea and then passed a mug to Matt.

  “Thank you,” he said as she slipped into a chair beside him with her own cup.

  She sensed her picture with Noah was on his mind, and his polite façade hid his disappointment in her.

  Aunt Sophia’s phone rang from the other room.

  “I better get that.” She raced into the living room and swept up the cell from the sofa cushion. It must be Noah.

  “Teagan? This is Chelsea Hines.”

  Was she upset about the note she’d left? “Chelsea, I apologize for leaving without thanking you in person.”

  “No problem. I called because I’m concerned about Noah. Denny told me they argued. I mean my husband’s not a worrier. If he’s concerned about his partner, then something big happened.”

  “I spoke to Noah this morning, and he was fine.”

  “Whatever’s going on might be connected to the pictures in the paper. Did you see them?”

  “Yes.” Her stomach jumped with nerves. “And I thought no one read newspapers nowadays.”

  “Mr. Taylor posted the article on his blog for those who don’t do print. Denny hasn’t been able to talk to Noah. Do you have any idea where he is?”

  “I don’t, Chelsea. I assumed he was at work.”

  “If you see him, ask him to call Denny or me.”

  “I will. Thanks for looking out for him.” She hung up before Chelsea could raise more questions.

  Her cell buzzed and Noah’s name appeared on the screen.

  “Are you okay?” she asked, omitting the hello.

  “Yes. I only have a few minutes. The chief assigned me to work on the Meter Feeder case.”

  “I heard something was up. Chelsea Hines called. Her husband is trying to reach you. Are you still on Lisa’s investigation?”

  “I plan to take care of the teenagers, right away, and I’ll be free to concentrate solely on finding Lisa. I wanted you to know. Keep the faith.”

  “The pictures caused trouble, didn’t they?” Guilt began to whisper in her ear. You slept with him when you should have been working on saving Lisa.

  He sighed. “The chief wasn’t happy to see his lead detective splashed on the front page instead of news of an arrest.”

  She had to fix her mistake. “I’ll speak to him.”

  “You talk to my boss?” He let out an utterance she’d swear was a chuckle. “I’m a big boy, Teagan. Sit tight and concentrate positive thoughts on bringing Lisa home.”

  From the mantle, Aunt Sophia seemed to be frowning at her again. Yes, she’d be lecturing Teagan on public displays of affection and asking why a detective involved in finding Lisa was wasting investigation time with Teagan when every minute counted. A pit of guilt opened in her stomach.

  Maybe Matt was right. A few days apart would be good for them until she could sort out how to repair her slipups. “Noah, I was thinking. We should take a break, starting now. A short one until life is normal again.”

  “Break?”

  “Teagan,” Matt said as he walked into the room. “Your tea is getting cold. Is everything okay?”

  “The priest is there?” Noah asked.

  His accusing tone increased the awkwardness of the moment. She nodded to Matt but waited until he’d returned to the kitchen to answer Noah. “He is, but—”

  “I got to go. Stay safe.”

  “Wait, Noah.” He’d hung up. Her hands shook with an overflow of hurt and irritation. He was blaming Matt for her decision. He acted like she didn’t have a thought in her head. Yes, Matt had expressed his opinion, but she reached her own conclusion. She resisted the temptation to stamp her foot, and walked back into the other room.

  Her hands shook with an overflow of hurt and irritation. She wiped a hand over her hair and walked back into the other room.

  “Any news?”

  “Nothing.” She microwaved her mug of tea again to avoid Matt’s gaze.

  “We searched for Travis on the hiking trails today,” Matt said. “We didn’t find him, of course. Seth was disappointed, but he’s vowed to continue looking for the boy. I was impressed with his concern. The volunteers will walk the tougher paths on the west side tomorrow. The planning meeting is in an hour. If you made an appearance before they left, it would boost the searchers’ morale, especially with the bad news on Kara Linn.”

  “Has Seth formally reported Travis missing?”

  Matt folded his hands on the placemat. “If he hasn’t, I will encourage him to do it today.”

  “Thanks, Matt. Have you spoken to Kara’s mother?”

  “She’s not speaking to anyone. I’ll try again in a day. Come to the planning meeting. You’d get the bonus of not sitting idle in your house.”

  “You just want to make sure I’m not alone. Besides, I’m not Seth’s favorite.”

  “He’ll behave, and you understand me too well. Coming?”

  “I’m not up to it, Matt.”

  “I saw the picture of you and Detective Cassidy in the paper.”

  She flinched even though she expected the news. Her throat tightened with guilt. “It’s not…quite what it seemed.” The heat crept up from her neck and across her cheeks.

  “Teagan, you’re getting involved with a man when your emotions are
all over the place. Slow down. Be certain.”

  “Noah didn’t hit him. Vic Taylor wrote the piece to sound like he did, but Noah never raised a hand to him. I was there.”

  “How do you explain the picture with the detective’s arms around you printed on the front page?”

  “He was consoling me about Lucy and Lisa.” Teagan hoped her cheeks didn’t flush scarlet.

  Matt sat with his lips pressed together, censoring himself.

  Why did she have such a bad case of the guilts? Because the picture didn’t show a person being reassured, but more, and now Noah was in trouble. “I won’t be seeing much of the detective in the future.”

  He didn’t comment on that. Instead, he put his hand over hers lying on the table. “Just remember, I’m always near when you’re ready to talk.”

  “I know, Matt.” If only she felt a tiny measure of relief. Instead, once her mind got over the shock of ending her relationship with Noah, if that’s what they had, she’d have a long cry. She should have taken a deep breath when he asked about Matt instead of blurting out the first thought in her head.

  Matt brought his mug to the sink. “Will you be okay? Stacey can stay with you.”

  “I’ll be fine. There’s an officer outside my house.”

  “Is it the same patrolman who was on duty when the homeless man broke in?”

  “He’s been replaced.” She’d no idea if he had, but it sounded like a reasonable reply.

  “I can cancel if you want company.”

  “No, I’m exhausted. I’m going to lie down upstairs.”

  He searched her face. “I’ll come back. I should have news on the Travis search later.”

  “Don’t bother. I’ll be sleeping. I’m turning in early.” She needed to be alone to get rid of the gnawing sense she’d made a huge mistake with Noah, one he wouldn’t forgive.

  I’m not the forgive and forget type.

  Matt laid a hand on her shoulder. He looked doubtful. “Please answer your phone, or I’ll worry about you.”

  She started to rise, but he gestured for her to stay seated.

  “I’ll see myself out. You rest.”

  The sound of his footsteps faded away, and she let the tears run down her face. No, she’d had enough of crying and whining. She swiped her eyes and nose with a tissue, wandered into the living room, and sank onto the sofa.