Fade to the Edge

by Kathryn J Bain

  Patty Phillips had her hands folded on the table in front of her. “Not that I’m aware of, but she has been acting strange lately.”

  “Strange how?” Levigne’s eyebrows knitted together when he looked into the camera.

  “She’s been late to some of our PTA meetings.” Patty placed a finger against her cheek. “She also appears distracted and unable to focus.”

  “Of course, I’m distracted,” Tracy mumbled to the screen. “My marriage is falling apart.”

  “…when her mom was dying with cancer, she hardly visited.”

  “Liar!” Tracy stepped toward the television.

  “She hasn’t seen her dad in months.” Patty stared straight into the camera.

  “We just had dinner this past Thursday.” Tracy burned inside. “How could she tell such lies?”

  “And what mother isn’t even awake when their child is leaving for the weekend?” Patty continued.

  Levigne nodded. “Has Tracy ever said anything to make you concerned for DJ’s wellbeing?”

  “There was this one time she told me that sometimes it would be easier not having him around.”

  “What? When…” After a second, she realized. “We were on a school trip to Jacksonville and having lunch at the Town Center before we headed over to the Museum of Science and History.” She stared at the television. “I said I wished the buses would take the kids to MOSH and leave us to go shopping.” Tracy threw her arms down at her side. “She’s supposed to be my friend.”

  “She’s a skunk,” Vonnie said.

  Motionless, Tracy stared out the bedroom window, shoulders tense. She caught the reflection of the television in the dark pane of glass. The camera bounced from Patty to Levigne.

  “As you heard, ladies and gentlemen, from someone close to Tracy Allen, she’s selfish, she’s been distracted, and now, in the middle of a bitter custody battle, her son mysteriously disappears.” Levigne raised an eyebrow. “Sounds a bit fishy to me. What say you, folks?” He stared at the camera for a brief second as if waiting for someone to answer. “An undisclosed source at the Pinebrook Sheriff’s Office has released exclusive information to me that a knife was discovered in DJ Allen’s suitcase.” He held up a serrated utensil. “The knife, similar to this one, is very common, sold in most department stores through North Florida.”

  He placed the knife on the desk and spun in his chair to a different camera angle. “And after this message, that exclusive we promised you at the top of the hour…”

  The show broke into a commercial.

  “I’m real curious.” Vonnie placed her chin between her thumb and forefinger. “Who in the police department leaked the information?”

  “I would assume Swenson.”

  “Probably not. That’s information that could have a bunch of nuts claiming responsibility and make it harder to find the right perpetrator.”

  “When’d you get so good at all this cop stuff?”

  “I like the ID network.”

  “The problem really is if they’re so busy chasing down these false leads, they won’t be looking for DJ.” Tracy wrapped her hands around a column at the end of the bed.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” Vonnie crawled across the bed over to Tracy. “I know you have enough of your mind. And now with Patty. She’s always been one for attention, but I never expected anything like this. Someone needs to sew her lips shut.”

  “She’s always been nice to me. But it was bound to happen. I’m sure there will be more so-called friends going on television. Heck, you would look better on that screen than any of them. Be a good way to get publicity for your boutiques.”

  “I’d never do that to you.” Vonnie placed a hand on Tracy’s arm.

  “I know.” Comfort came over Tracy at Vonnie’s declaration. She walked over to the window and Vonnie joined her.

  The commercials ended and Levigne returned. “Now for that exclusive we promised you at the top of the hour.” His face was solemn. “At the prayer vigil earlier this evening, Ms. Allen dropped this.” Levigne held up a cell phone.

  “What?” Tracy rushed to her purse and dug through the pockets. Gone.

  “A quick search showed her last phone call was from Gary Carlisle, State Representative for the county of Pinebrook. Was the phone call to check up on a family member or something more?” He paused and tilted his head to one side. “We tried to get a comment from Representative Carlisle, but he refused to speak to us.”

  “I can’t believe that imbecile.” How did he end up with her phone? He’s been nowhere near her. “The man who bumped into me,” Tracy whispered. A chill raced through her. Had he deliberately knocked into her to steal her phone for Levigne? “Jenny will be nuts over this.”

  Levigne went on, “A close family friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the State Representative and Mrs. Allen met several times at Ms. Allen’s home when her husband was at work this past year.”

  “About Jenny’s birthday party, stupid. And the anonymous source sitting across from you was there at each of the meetings as well.” Tracy plopped down on the edge of the bed.

  “Could there be more to their relationship?” Levigne raised his eyebrows. “And does it have anything to do with the missing DJ Allen? We’ll keep you posted as more news develops.”

  “You mean gossip.” Vonnie flipped the sound off. “The guy’s trying to make a name for himself.”

  “Seems to be working since they replayed his show.”

  “I’d rather have watched an infomercial for hair removal.”

  Tracy grabbed a nearby pillow and folded her arms around it. Innuendo had destroyed a lot of politicians in the past couple of years. She hoped Gary wouldn’t be one of them.

  Tracy stared down at her fingers wrung together on her lap. With all this speculation, it was clear Levigne cared nothing of DJ. Did anyone else? Not as much as she did. It was getting to be time to tear this town apart until she found her child.

  Chapter 41

  Seated on the sofa, Jenny tossed the remote aside after muting Levigne’s show. She returned to her bank statement. Would there be enough? Her head pounded. Between DJ’s disappearance and Levigne’s stupid program, it’s no wonder her head hurt. Tracy had been the one to get the two together. Why would she do that if she were interested in him herself?

  “What ya doing, babe?” Gary padded into the room. He rubbed his eyes.

  “I thought I’d watch some television.”

  He dropped beside her and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry about what I said earlier. I know how much you care for DJ.”

  He had no idea all the concerns she carried, not just about DJ, but of her marriage and his career. “That jerk Levigne isn’t helping. He’s making Tracy out to be the bad guy. I know she’d never harm DJ.”

  “Don’t we know that woman?”

  “Yeah, Patty Phillips. A neighbor of Tracy’s. She was outside Tracy’s house today when I first stopped by.” Jenny reclined back. “She likes to push her way into things. At least I gathered that from the party to announce your run for office.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “When I was meeting Tracy for lunch one day, out of the blue, Patty showed up and sat right down giving suggestions. Tracy was as flabbergasted as I was.”

  Gary pinched his bottom lip between his forefinger and thumb. “Isn’t she the one who sent the scathing letter after the wedding, upset we didn’t invite her?”

  “That’s her.” Jenny’s mind spun. “I can’t help but wonder if she’s not involved with DJ’s disappearance.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Think about it. She’s angry with us, and DJ would have gone off with her.”

  Jenny bounced to attention. “And it wouldn’t take much for her to get Levigne on her side. They’d spent a lot of time in the corner at last year’s Christmas party.”

  “I thought you suspected Daniel.”

  “I do. Him and Levigne are tig
ht. Could all three be involved?”

  “I’m not sure about all three, but one of them might be helping Daniel.” Gary massaged her shoulders. “We might want to discuss this with the police in the morning. People have done a lot worse for less.”

  “Do you really think so?”

  “It’s at least a place to look. Don’t worry, I’ll call tomorrow to have them check it out,” he said. “I’m also planning to go with you to Tracy’s in the morning. I want to give you as much support as I can. Unfortunately, I can’t cancel my meeting on Monday, so I have to leave shortly after the announcement.”

  “I appreciate you’re being there first thing.” She leaned her head against his hand still on her shoulder.

  “Come on. You need rest. I know you haven’t been feeling one hundred percent.” He rose and held his hand out to her which she accepted. “Wonder if there’s a way to relieve some of your stress.” He pulled her close against him.

  She walked beside him to their room, a smile on her face. By this time tomorrow, Patty Phillips should learn that gossiping is never a smart idea.

  Chapter 42

  A few minutes after six in the morning, Tracy gave up any hope of sleep and got up. She pulled the curtains back an inch and looked into the blackness. The moon and stars hid behind clouds, making it too dark to see the woods behind the house or anyone in them. Even her little boy.

  She rested her forehead against the glass. “Please come home, DJ,” she whispered.

  The memory of the search of Kimi’s condo the night before rushed into her brain. What had she been thinking? They were lucky they’d gotten out before Daniel walked in. And then moving Daniel’s car—more games, and it might have cost her finding DJ.

  She snapped her fingers, recalling she hadn’t sent the bank statement to her attorney. Thankfully, it was still in her purse. She pulled it out and took a screenshot with her cell phone. Her attorney wouldn’t get the documents until tomorrow, so she wasn’t sure what good it would do.

  She typed a quick note, Don’t ask where I got it, then sent the statement off to Gerald’s office.

  As far as she was concerned, Kimi’s condo was as much hers as Daniel’s since their money paid for it. But getting caught could have given him one up with any custody hearing. No judge would see it her way.

  She caught her reflection in the glass. Hopelessness settled in.

  What would Mom do if she were here? She’d pull her fingers through Tracy’s blonde hair and tell her not to worry—that DJ would be home soon, and all would end up well with the world.

  Tracy had to believe it. Daniel had to have him hidden somewhere. Not in the dump or buried in the woods. She shook her head to keep those thoughts out but the longer DJ was missing, the more they sneaked in.

  And what if she was wrong? What if DJ’s disappearance had nothing to do with Daniel?

  Something crashed downstairs startling her. Voices followed. She covered herself with her thick robe before heading downstairs.

  Vonnie’s husband, Mark, stood at the sink blocking out the entire window. Tracy had always known he was large but never realized until then how wide his shoulders truly were. Beside him was their teenage daughter Bettina, her hair a mess and still in purple pajamas. Vonnie was cleaning up shards of glass from the floor while her eight-year-old Joshua sat at the island, a bowl of fruity cereal in front of him.

  “Good morning.” Tracy forced herself to look away from the cereal. “You all are up pretty early today.”

  “Thought we’d have breakfast with the wife.” Mark walked over and gave Tracy a hug. “Sorry if I woke you. I broke a glass.”

  “That’s okay. I couldn’t sleep anyway.”

  Joshua, who was DJ’s age, jumped down and wrapped his thin arms around her waist. A lump formed in her throat. She’d never realized how close to DJ’s size he was. “Good morning, Bettina.”

  “Hey.” She made no move away from the kitchen counter and her cell phone. Was it the sulky teen years or did she think Tracy had done something to DJ?

  Vonnie sipped from a mug. Her favorite jasmine tea, no doubt. The sleeves of her shirt were so large they wrapped around her body like bird wings. “Did you sleep well last night?” she asked.

  “Not really, but that’s to be expected.” Tracy opened the refrigerator. She stared at the contents but saw nothing she found appetizing. “So what’s the game plan today? More looking I assume.”

  “I hadn’t thought much past you going on TV this morning.” Vonnie patted her son on his back. This had to be hard on him as well. He and DJ hung out together a lot. “I’m sure he’ll be home soon.” Vonnie looked at Joshua when she spoke.

  A knock sounded on the door.

  “I’ll get it,” Tracy said.

  Swenson stood on the front step, hand in the air, ready to knock again when Tracy opened the door.

  “Any news on DJ?” Tracy led Swenson into the kitchen.

  “No,” Swenson said. “By the way, Kimi never arrived in North Carolina. And her family hasn’t heard from her.”

  “She has to have DJ.” Tracy slammed her hand down on the island causing Joshua to jump. “Sorry. It just makes me mad no one listened to me in the beginning.” She patted his back, and he nodded making her feel better.

  “We have a BOLO out on the car she drives.” Swenson’s breath smelled of coffee instead of cinnamon this morning. More reassuring that she was being an adult today.

  “What’s a BOLO?”

  “Be on the lookout.”

  “Where’s Agent Nicholson? Yesterday when I spoke to him, he said he’d be here this morning?”

  “He had a call.” Swenson paused. “Nothing having to do with DJ.”

  Tracy rubbed her shoulders. “Where are you, DJ?” she whispered.

  The detective took a sip from the travel mug she carried. “You probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that your husband was one of Ms. Frazier’s many keepers.”

  Mark winced.

  Probably not a talk he wanted his children to hear, so Tracy walked from the room to the foyer. Still close enough to hear if they wanted to, but Tracy couldn’t ask the detective to shut up.

  “What do you mean?” Tracy purposely kept her voice down.

  “She had several men paying her way.” Swenson must have caught the hint because she spoke quietly as well. “A boyfriend on the side also.”

  “Does Daniel know?”

  “I have no idea. I haven’t seen him yet.”

  Tracy glanced at the digital clock that read 6:23. “He should be here for the news conference.”

  “There’s still time.” She took another sip of her drink. “I’m hoping that if he and Ms. Frazier are involved in DJ’s disappearance, this information will be enough for him to give her up.”

  Tracy’s heart thudded to the floor. “Maybe they’re already gone.” The thought of never seeing DJ again tore her heart in two.

  Chapter 43

  “You probably let him get away with my son.” Tracy’s thumb and finger bounced off each other. What if Vonnie had been right, and they interfered with Daniel’s plans to meet DJ the night before? She mentally kicked herself for not keeping watch instead of taking the car. She considered sharing the bank statement information with the detective but decided against it. No point in going into how she got it. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they were on a plane heading out of the country. All the while you’re doing nothing.”

  “I’m not doing nothing. We know where Daniel is, and we know where you are and where you’ve been.” Swenson raised her chin. A smirk inched over her face. “So how was the excursion you and your friend took last night?” Swenson raised her chin in Vonnie’s direction.

  Tracy took a step back.

  “What’s she talking about?” Mark looked at his wife.

  “Tell you later.” Vonnie got up. “I need to show you something, Detective.”

  Swenson entered the kitchen and followed Vonnie to the sink where the smoothie contain
er sat. “Tracy found this yesterday. It might be the reason her drug test came back so high.”

  “What are you insinuating?” The detective stared down at the partial pill.

  “I’m not insinuating anything.” Vonnie placed her hands on her hips. “I’m saying someone has been drugging my friend, and I have a feeling it’s got to do with DJ.”

  “This is unbelievable.” Mark ran his hand through his hair. “I think it might be good to take the kids home before the media gets here.”

  “I want to stay.” Bettina placed her phone on the counter. “It’s just getting interesting.”

  Swenson looked at Tracy standing behind Mark. “Why didn’t you call about this?”

  “We thought we’d see you last night at the prayer vigil, but then we got distracted.”

  “I’ll have the crime scene people do their thing. See what they can find.” Swenson inhaled deep. “I’ll also need to get a statement after you’re finished with the television crews.”

  “Let me get dressed,” Tracy said. “Can we finish this discussion upstairs?”

  The front door opened, and Jenny walked in followed by Dad. She glanced between the detective and Tracy. “What’s going on?” she asked.

  “Daniel’s not shown up yet. Probably off with his new family.”

  “Do you have the airportsh covered?” Dad asked the detective.

  “We’re doing what needs to be done.” The detective walked from the kitchen.

  “Vonnie can fill you in while I get dressed.” Tracy raced up the stairs to her room, Swenson following.

  “So what do you make of the pills in my drink?” Tracy disappeared into the walk-in closet.

  “Does Daniel have a key to the house?” Swenson asked.

  “Yes.” Tracy glanced at her clothing. “No wonder I’ve been so tired.” At once his words came back to her. If I kill anyone for money, it’ll be you.

  “Ms. Allen, are you all right?”

  Tracy jerked her attention to the detective. “He had to know I’d eventually take a pill. Do you think he was hoping I’d overdose?”

  “I don’t know what to think.” Her phone vibrated. “He’s still not here. We’ll interview him once the announcement is over.”