BOOKSBYPATRICIABRADLEY
LOGAN POINT SERIES
Shadows of the Past
A Promise to Protect Gone Without a Trace Silence in the Dark
MEMPHIS COLD CASE NOVELS
Justice Delayed
Justice Buried
Justice Betrayed
Justice Delivered
NATCHEZTRACE PARK RANGERS
Standoff
Obsession
Crosshairs
Deception
PEARL RIVER
Counter Attack
Fatal Witness
©2024byPatriciaBradley
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Thisbookisaworkoffiction Names,characters,places,andincidentsaretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously Anyresemblancetoactual events,locales,orpersons,livingordead,iscoincidental
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Thebackdoorslammed,andnine-year-oldDanielleBennettjumped.Herdaddywashome.Sheheldherbreath,waitingtosee whichDaddyitwas.Theonewholaughedandswungherupintheairortheonewhoyelledandbrokethings...
Herheartsankasheyelledathermamatogetthingspacked Whensheyelledbackthatshewasn’tgoinganywhere, Daniellecoveredherears,butitdidn’tdoanygood.SheprayedDaddywouldn’tbemean.Rememberingthelasttimethat happenedmadehersicktoherstomach Sheshouldhavedonesomething Stoppedhim orcalledsomeone “Danielle!Getinhere!”
Sheflinched
“Now!”
Ifshedidn’tgo,hewouldcomeafterher.ShelaidherBarbieonthefloorandtrudgedtothekitchen,slippinginsidethe roomquietasacat
Herdadshovedhermamatowardtheirbedroom.“Getpacked.Wehavetoleave.Now!”
Mamaturnedandcrossedherarms “Whyishecominghere,Bobby?Whatdoeshewant?” “Hisshareofthediamonds,”hesaid.“Weneedtoleavebeforehegetshere.Nowgettopacking!” “No!Youhavetotakethemback!”
“You’vebeentalkingtoyourmother,haven’tyou?”Hejuttedhisjaw.“Don’tyouunderstand?They’reourwayout ”He cockedhisheadastirescrunchedintheirdrive.“He’shere!”Heslammedhisfistagainstthetable.“Ifyou’ddonewhatI’d said,we’dbeoutofhere”
“Me?You’retheonewhobrokethelaw!Andnowyou’reevenstealingfromyourpartner.”
HisfacewassoredDaniellethoughthemightexplode Thenhisfacechanged,andhedidn’tlooksomad “I’msorry I’m just...”Hesweptherupinhisarmsandturnedtohermama.“Youstayhere.I’llseeifIcantalkourwayoutofthis.Butfirst, I’llhideDanielle.”
Shelookedoverhisshoulderasherushedheroutofthekitchen.Hermama’sface...Daniellehadneverseenitsowhite. “It’sgoingtobeallright,LittleBit.”
Danielle’sstomachsqueezed Daddysmelledfunny healwayssmelledfunnywhenheyelledatMama Sheburiedher faceinhisshoulder,notwantingtoremember.
Theystoppedatarowofcabinetsinthehallway,andheopenedthedoortotheonetheyputherinwhenstormswere coming.“Iwantyoutogetinhere,andnomatterwhathappens,youstayhereuntilMamaorIcomegetyou.Canyoudothat?” “Why,Daddy?”
“Becauseit’sveryimportant.”Hekneltandpushedaboardonthewall,anditslidopen.Thenheputsomethinginside,but shecouldn’tseewhatitwasbeforeheclosedit.Herdaddymotionedherinsidethecabinet.“Climbin.”
Onceshewassettled,hestoodandstaredsolemnlyather “Promisemeyou’llstayherenomatterwhatyouhear Willyou dothatforme?”
Daniellenoddedsolemnly
“Iwanttohearyousayit Ipromise.” “You’rescaringme,Daddy.” “Hurry!Youhavetopromise”
Tearsburnedthebackofhereyes.“Ipromise.”
Heshutthedoor,anddarknessclosedaroundherlikeablanket Shescootedbackagainstthewallandpulledherkneesto herchest.Itwashardtobreathe...
Suddenlytherewasshouting Someonewasyellingatherdaddy
Thehousefilledwithbooms.Thenitwaseerilyquiet.
Danielle’sheartbeatsofastshethoughtitwouldjumpoutofherchest.Shefeltforthedoorandrememberedherpromise. MaybeDaddywouldcomegetherinaminute
Daniellewaitedaslongasshecould,butshehadtogotothebathroom.Daddywouldbemadifshewetherpants.Slowly, sheeasedthecabinetdooropenandcreptdownthehallwayinherbarefeet,notrememberingwhenshelosthershoes Anoise inthekitchendrewher.MaybeitwasMamaandDaddy...Danielleeaseddownthehall,rememberingnottosteponthe squeakyboardatthedoor
Sherubbedhereyes,tryingtomakesenseofwhatshesaw.Acrosstheroom,herdaddylayonthefloorbesidehermama.A mankneltbesidethem.Daniellemusthavemadeanoisebecausehelookedup,rightather.
Shewhirledaroundandraceddownthehalltothecabinetandpulledthedoorshut.Daniellecurledintoatightballand closedhereyes.Secondslaterfootstepspoundeddownthehallwaypastthecabinet.
“No,no,no!”
Acryingvoiceawakenedher,andsheblinkedopenhereyes.Whywasitsodark?Shecouldn’tsee anything.Shestilledas footstepshurrieddownthehallway.
“Danielle?”avoicecalledsoftly “Whereareyou,honey?”
Herbodystartedshaking,andtearsrandownherface.Suddenlythedoorflewopen,lightfloodingthelittlespaceshewas in
“Danielle?”
Sheblinkedatthebrightnessandshrankback.
“It’sme,honey.Areyouallright?”
Shedidn’tanswer,insteadstaringathimasahornsoundedinthedistance.
“We’vegottogetoutofhere,”hesaidandreachedinsidethecabinet
Shewantedtofighthim,butherarmswouldn’tmove.
Hepulledheroutandcarriedherthroughthefrontdoortoafour-doorpickupparkedinthedriveway Oncehesettledherin thebackseat,hesaid,“It’sgoingtobeallright.I’lltakecareofyou.”
Shestaredathim.“Whoareyou?”
TWENTY-FIVEYEARS LATER
DaniCollinstiltedherheadasshetappedtheBlackwingpencilagainstthesketchpadandstudiedthewomanshe’djust drawn.Somethingwasoff.Butwhat?
HerPuli,Lizi,paddedoverandputherpawonDani’sthigh.Absently,Danisetherpencildownandranherfingersoverthe dog’scordedfur.“Iknow.IshouldbegettingreadytoleaveinsteadofdrawingpeopleIdon’tknow.”
Sheglancedaroundthepottery-slash-artiststudiowhereherportablewheelandsupplieswaitedtobeloadedinherRAV4 fortheworkshopsattheUniversityofCincinnati.She’dbeenhonoredwhentheyaskedhertoteachtwoclasses howtoadd sculpturetechniquestowheel-thrownpiecesonThursdayandbrushworkdecorationonFriday
Daniwasamazedatthesuccessshe’denjoyedwhilecombininghertwoloves.Hergazeshiftedtoagroupingofphotoson thefarwall.Fourphotosshe’dtakenofthenearbyBadlandsandMakoshikaStatePark.Heraunthadsurprisedherwiththe mattedandframedprintslastyear.
Butitwasthephotointhecenterofthegroupinghereyewasdrawnto adarkgreenmountainrangebathedinasmoky haze Itwaslikeagreenoasisinthemiddleofaridground
Thatphotohadbeenagiftfromherunclewhenshemovedintothestudiotenyearsago.Whenshe’daskedwherehegotit andwhyhechoseit,he’dshrugged “Ijustlikedit”
SodidDani.Itstirredsomethinginherheart. Home. Thewordpoppedintoherhead.Butwhy?
Heneverdidtellherwherehegotit.Asshestaredatthemountainscene,adreamlikememorysurfaced.Ridingonaman’s shoulders,awomanwalkingbesidehim,herlaughterwarmingDani.Inherheartsheknewthewomanwashermom.Theman hadtobeherdad,butbeforeshecoulddecide,thescenefaded.
Haditactuallyhappened?Orwasitsomethingshe’ddreameduptocompensatefornotrememberingherparents?Dani didn’thaveaclue,butforafewseconds,she’dfeltcarefree...andhappy.
Sheturnedbacktothesketchandstaredatthedrawing Apictureemergedinhermemory,andshepickedupherpencil again.Afewstrokeslater,abraidcurledoverthewoman’sshoulder.
“Yes.”That’swhathadbeenmissing.Ifhercoloredpencilswerehandy,shewouldfillinthebraidwithredandmakethe woman’seyesblue Danididn’tknowhowsheknewthis,butshedid,justlikesheknewhowtodrawthewoman’sfeatures Shewishedsheknewmoreaboutthewoman,buthermemorywasselective,asithadbeenwiththehalfdozenotherpeople she’dsketchedinthepastfewmonths Peopleshedidn’trecognizebutwhoseimagespoppedintoherheadandstayeduntilshe sketchedthem.Peopleshebelievedheldthekeytoherpast.
“Whoareyou?”shemurmured Couldthispossiblybethewomaninhermemory?Hermother?Danididn’tthinkso Inher mind,hermotherwouldbeyoungerthanthiswoman.
Ifonlyshecouldremember
Lizibarkedwhensheheardasoftknockatherstudiofollowedbyheruncle’svoice “Mail’shere,”Keithsaidasheopenedthedoor.
Daniquicklyclosedthesketchpadasheentered Herunclegotreallyupsetwhenshequestionedhimabouttheirlifebefore theycametoMontana.Hewouldflipoutifhethoughtshewasbeginningtorememberpeoplefromherpast.“Thanks.”
LizirubbedherheadagainstKeith’slegasDanisortedthroughthemail,separatingitintobills,ads,payments,andthelatest issueofPottery Making Illustrated.
“Iseeyoumadethecover,”Keithsaid,pointingtothemagazinewithoneofherplatesonthecover.
“Mywork,notme”Makingthecoverwasasurprise aniceone Shesmoothedtheplasticsleeveencasingthemagazine andreadthecaptionunderthephoto:“TalentedceramicartistDaniCollinstalksaboutcombininghertwoloves paintingand clay”
“Samedifference.”
Danifrowned.Keithworriedtherewouldbetroubleeverytimeshereceivedanytypeofattentionthroughherart,buthe wouldnevertellherwhy.Justlikehewouldn’ttalkaboutwhathappenedtoherparents.
“It’snotthefirsttimemyworkhasbeenfeaturedinanationalmagazine.Nothinghappenedbefore,andIdon’texpect anythingtohappenthistime,especiallysincemyphotoisn’tevenfeaturedinthearticle Besides,I’mnotevensurewhatcould happensinceyouwon’ttellme.”
“Iknow butif ”
“Thewrongpeopleseeit,therewillbeproblems.”She’dheardhimsayitsomanytimesthatshecouldfinishthesentence forhim.Excepthewouldn’ttellherwhothosepeoplewereorwhattheproblemscouldbe.DanistudiedKeithashestaredat thecellophane-wrappedmagazine Whatsecretsdidheholdthatmadehimsoafraid?Andwhydidherefusetotalkabouttheir pastlife?
Keithwaslikeafathertoher,andhiswife,Laura,whomhe’dmarriedwhenDaniwaseleven,hadbeenlikeamother had been. Sheblinkedbacktears.It’dbeenamonthsincethewomanwho’draisedherthroughherturbulentteensdiedof cancer,butsomedaysitwasasfreshasyesterday Laurahadalwaysbeenherally,andshewouldmissher.LaurahadevenencouragedDanitoaskKeithaboutherparents,but whenDanidid,henevertoldherwhathappenedorwhatmadeherforgetthem.
“Your past is best left alone ” Keithhadbeensoupsetandhurtbyherquestionsthatshe’ddroppedit ButwithLaura’s passing Danipreferredthatwordmuchbetterthandied itdrovehomethatifsomethinghappenedtoKeith,herquestions wouldneverbeanswered “Aren’tyougoingtoreadit?”
Shelookedup “Iwilllater Rightnow,Ineedtofinishpacking”Daniitchedtocheckoutthearticlebutrefrained,justin casethejournalisthadn’tkepthispromiseaboutnotusingherphoto.Keithwouldhaveafit. “Whattimeareyouleavingtomorrow?”
“Early”
Heglancedtowardthewheelandsuppliesbythedoor.“It’snottoolatetocancel.”
“Icannotbelieveyousuggestedthat TheworkshopsstartThursday,threedaysfromnow Theuniversityisexpectingme, spentmoneyadvertisingtheclasses...nottomention,Imadeacommitmenttobethere.”Daniraisedhereyebrowswhenhis lipspressedinathinline.“Whyisthissuchabigdealforyou?”
Keithheldhergazebriefly,thenheliftedashoulderinahalfshrug.“Cincinnatiisthirteenhundredmilesaway youdon’t usuallyventurethatfar.”
“Don’tyouthinkit’stime?I’mthirty-fouryearsoldandbacklivingathome”Hestartedtosaysomething,andshepalmed herhands.“I’mnotsayingIdidn’twanttobehereforLaura,andIknowyou’relonesomeandwouldlikemetostayon.”
“Iappreciatedyoubeinghere Lauralovedyoulikeadaughter AndIdotoo”Hehuggedher “Idohopeyou’llcontinueto makethisyourhome.’Causeyou’reright,itis lonesomewhenyou’renothere.I’llmissyouthisweekend.”
Heknewhowtoplayonhersympathy.
“I’llthinkaboutcontinuingtolivehere.”
“Good!”Hesmiledasthoughitwereadonedeal.“Itseemstomelivingherewouldbemoreconvenientinsteadofdriving outherefromyourapartmentintowneveryday”
Itwasalsosmothering.“IfIdostayon,youhavetocutmeloose.”
“Iknow it’sjust ”Hefrowned “You’resmart,butyou’renotstreet-smart You’veledashelteredlife ” “Andwhosefaultisthat?”
Keithcontinuedlikeshehadn’tspoken.“Youknowhowyou’realwaysgettinglost.Andwhatifyouhavecartroubleonthe roadinthatlittleRAV4?”
“IhaveGPS Iwon’tgetlost.”Ifshedid,unlikehim,shehadnoproblemsstoppingandgettingdirections.“Andifyou’re worriedaboutmySUV,letmedriveyourNavigator ThatwayIcantakemoreofmyporcelainpieces,youwon’thaveto worryaboutmebreakingdown,andLiziwillbeawholelotmorecomfortableinthebiggercage.”
Amusementlithiseyes,andhismouthtwitched “Iwalkedintothatone,didn’tI?” Shegavehimagrinforananswer.
Hesighed.“Seeingthatit’sforLizi’scomfort,I’llgetitservicedtodayandfillitupwithgas.”
“Thankyou”WhileLizitechnicallybelongedtoKeith,thePulihadbondedwithDaniandwouldbemiserableifshewas leftbehind.Danihuggedhim.“You’rethebest.Iknowyouworryaboutme,butI’llbefine.” “YoutwowillbebackbyMonday,right?”
Sheshotaloadedglareathim.
“Okay backingoff”Heturnedandwalkedtothedoor “I’llhelpyouloadyourstuffwhenIgetback” “I’lldoit IknowhowIwanttoarrangeit.”Hiswayofloadingavehiclemadehershudder. “Allright,MissPersnickety.”
Heshutthedoorbehindhim,andDanibreathedeasier “Thankyou,Lord”
She’dwantedtoaskKeithaboutdrivingtheNavigatorbecausetheuniversitywasallowinghertoofferherworkforsaleat theworkshops He’dbeensonegativeaboutthetripthatshehadn’tfoundtherighttimingandhadresignedherselftoonly takingwhatshecouldfitinhersmallerSUV.
Nowshe’dbetterfinishpackingandaddtheotherpiecesfromhershowroomthatshewantedtotake.Shelaidthemailon herdesk,butinsteadofpacking,Daniremovedthemagazinefromthecellophaneandflippedtothesectionfeaturingherwork.
Frontandcenterwasaphotoofherlookingdead-onatthecamera.Herheartstuttered,andsheclenchedherjaw.Itwasthe veryphotothejournalisthadpromisedhewouldn’tuse.Ifshe’dlookedatthearticlewhileKeithwaswithher...
Butshehadn’t,andDaniforcedherjawtorelax Therewasn’tmuchdangerofhimseeingitnow,notifshetookthe magazinewithher itwasn’tlikehe’dgooutandbuyacopy.Shescannedthearticle.
“Where did you get your love for the clay? Arelative, maybe?”
Thequestionstoppedherjustlikeithadsixmonthsagowhenthejournalistposedit.Shedidn’trememberheranswerand readherresponse
“Oh, I don’t know. I think the first time I felt the clay under my hands, I was hooked. Clay gets in your blood, you know.”
Thatwastrue,butthejournalist’squestionhadstartedherthinkingaboutherfamilyagain.Ithadn’tbeenlongafterwardthat thefacesstartedpoppingintoherhead
Shescannedtherestofthearticle,pleasedathowhe’dcapturedbothinpicturesandwordsherstepsinpaintingonthe ceramiccanvas Ifonlyhehadn’tincludedherphoto Itwastheonlyimageofheranywhere outofrespectforKeith,she hadn’tpostedoneevenonherwebsite.
Ashiverranthroughher
Shedidn’tshareKeith’sparanoia,andsheshouldbeexcitedtoseeherphotoinaninternational magazine.TheuneaserunningthroughherhadtobefromyearsofKeith’swarnings.
Wednesdaymorning,MaeRichmondbentoverherpotter’swheel,puttingpressuretothewetclayuntilitbecamesmoothunder herhands.Oncetheporcelainwascentered,sheopeneditupandpressedherfingersonthebottomofthespinningpot, compressingtheclay
Atseventy-eight,shewasproudofthefactthatshecouldstillthrowthelargepitchers,buthandlingmorethanfivepoundsof claywasmostlyathingofthepast Thatdidn’tseemtomattertothecustomerswhocametohershopinRussellCounty, Tennessee,manyofthemfromPearlSprings,thesmalltownjustdownthemountainfromherhomeonEagleRidge. Anhourlater,Maetrimmedthebottomofthefourthpitchershe’dthrownandlifteditfromthewheel Shesetitonthetable besidetheothers.Oncetheclaydriedtoleatherhard,shewouldattachthehandles.
Atextmessagechimed.MaedriedherhandsandpulledheriPhonefromherpocket.Mailwasherealready?Thegizmo she’dinstalledonthelidofhermailboxhadsavedheralotofstepsbyalertingherwhentheruralcarrierdeliveredhermail Shecoveredthepitcherswithplasticsotheywoulddryevenlyandwalkedthequartermiledownthehilltohermailbox, enjoyingtheperfectweatherofthelateAprilday nottoohotandnottoocold Inthedistance,theCumberlandPlateau MountainsinEastTennesseethatroseaboveEagleRidgealmosttookherbreath.
ThecarrierwaswaitingforherinhissmallSUVwhenshereachedthebox “Mornin’,Randy IstheresomethingIneedto signfor?”
“No.”Thefiftysomethingmansmiled.“IwaitedaroundbecauseIhaven’tseenyouinadayortwo.” “Thankyou,”shesaidwarmly “I’vebeenbusyglazingandfiring lotsofMother’sDayorderstofill” “Goodtoknowyouweren’tsick.”
Maenoddedherappreciation RussellCountywasatight-knitcommunitywhereeveryonelookedoutforeachother,even peoplelikeherwhokepttothemselves.Whileshedidn’tknoweverypersoninthesmallTennesseecounty,shefiguredshe knewsomeoneconnectedtoeachfamily.
Maewasfondoftellingnewcomerstobecarefulwhotheyinsulted,sincejustabouteveryoneinRussellCountywas related,eitherbymarriageorblood.Likethemailcarrier,RandyHart.Hisdaughter,Jenna,wasanewdeputywiththeRussell CountySheriff’sDepartment Randynoddedtowardthemagazinesashehandedherthemail.“Youstillplayingdetective?”
Maeglancedattheperiodicals Hewasn’ttalkingaboutPottery Making Illustrated No,hewasreferringto Unsolved Crimes.“Justtryingtofindmygranddaughter.”AndKeithBennett,herson-in-law’sbrother.Shebelievedwhereshefound one,she’dfindtheother.
“It’sbeentwenty-fiveyears maybeit’stimetoletitgo,”hesaidgently. Maeshookherhead.“Godhasn’ttoldmetogiveupyet.Withhishelp,IbelieveI’llfindher.”
Randydidn’tunderstandwhatitmeanttoloseachild Maeknewshe’dseeherdaughteragainoneday,butshewanted somethingtangiblenow.Shewantedhergranddaughter.
Exceptforagreat-nephewandgreat-nieceMaerarelysaw,Daniellewasallshehadleft,andasmuchasitwasinher power,Maewouldkeeplookinguntilshefoundher.ButRandymeantwell,andshemanagedasmile.“Gottimeforabrownie andacupofteaorcoffee?”sheasked.
“Thanks,butnottoday Peoplehavebeenorderingonlinelikecrazy Ihavemorethanahundredpackagesyettodeliver” “Nexttime,maybe.”
Mae’swasthelasthouseontheroad,andshewaitedasheturnedaroundinherdriveandheadedbackdownthegravelroad towardPearlSprings.Thensheturnedandclimbedthehilltohersmallhouse,wishingshe’dbroughthercaneoratleastthe staffsheusedwhenshewentupontheridgelookingformushroomsorsomeoftheherbsforher“remedies”
Herstomachgrowled,andshecheckedthetime.Nowonder.Itwasnoon.Maeenteredthehousethroughthebackdoorand laidthemailonthecounter,notinganarticleonthecoveroftheceramicsmagazineaboutcombiningpaintingandclay.Right upheralley,andshe’dlookatitfirst
Maeoftenpaintedthehazymountainsaroundtheridgeonherpieces,evenherpitchers Shemadeahamandcheesesandwich,grabbedthepotterymagazine,andheadedforherpicnictable itwasanidealdayto eatoutside
Maehadneverlikedeatingalone,andtodayPottery Making Illustrated wouldkeephercompany.Sheleafedthroughthe magazine,enjoyingthewarmsunshineonherfaceassheturnedthepages,seekingthefeaturespotlightedonthecoverabout combiningpaintingandclay.
Thereitwas.
Sheblinked.Andstaredcloseratthephotoofthepotterwithhergoldenredhairpulledbackinaponytail.Frecklesdotted theareaacrosshernose,anditlookedlikeshehadblueeyes...
Mae’sheartpoundedinherchestasshelookedforthenameoftheartist DaniCollins Shestilled Danicouldbeshortfor Danielle...Wasitpossible?
Maegrabbedthemagazineandhurriedinsidethehousetothesparebedroomshe’dmadeintoacommandcenterofsortsand switchedonhercomputer.Whilewaitingforittobootup,sheturnedtothecrimeboardshe’dcreatedafterNevaandRobert weremurderedandDanielledisappeared
Mostofherfriendsthoughtshewasobsessedwithwhathappenedthatnight,especiallyaftershecreateda“crimeboard” withallthekeyplayersonitandhowtheywereconnected.Maedidn’tdenyit,andshedidn’tcarewhattheythought her friendshadn’tlosttheirwholefamily Therewasn’tadaythatshedidn’tspendatleastafewminutesstudyingtheboard it wasawaytokeepNevaandDaniellealiveinhermemory.
Todaysheignoredtheleftsideoftheboardwhereshe’dpinnedphotosofBobby’sfriends,allpossiblesuspects Evennow, Maedidn’tunderstandwhatherdaughterhadseeninhim.Theboyhadbeenbadnewsfromtheget-go.Nothinglikehisbrother, Keith
ShefounditsohardtobelieveKeithhadanythingtodowiththeburglariesthatNevasaidBobbywasinvolvedin,butwhen hedisappearedthesamenightasthemurders,mostpeoplepaintedhimwiththesamebrushashisbrother.Someevenbelieved hewastheirkiller ButnotMae
ShewasprettycertainKeithhadtakenDaniellewithhimthatnightwhenheran.Whatshedidn’tunderstandwaswhyhe didn’tleavethegirlwithher Daniellewashergranddaughter Theywerebloodkin
Thatfirstyear,she’dhiredaprivateinvestigatortofindKeith,butitwaslikehe’dfallenoffthefaceoftheearth.There werenosignsofhim nocreditcardtransactions,andshewasn’tsurehowthePIknew,buthisSocialSecuritycarddidn’t showupanywhereeither.
FromeverythingMaelearnedasshesearchedforhimandhergranddaughter,obtaininganewSocialSecuritycardwas difficultbutnotimpossibleifyouknewtherightpeople That’swhenMaewentfromlookingforKeithtotryingtofind Danielle.Myspace,Facebook,Instagram overtheyears,she’dscouredtheirpageslookingforimagesthatmightbeher granddaughter
SheshiftedhergazetophotosofDanielleontherightsideoftheboard.Thetoponehadbeentakenjustbeforeshe disappeared.Ithadbeenherninthbirthday,andshewasstandingonthefrontporchofthehouseBobbyhadbuilt.
Comparingthetwophotos,Danielle’shair,pulledbackinaponytail,waslighter,andherfrecklesweremoreprominentthan thoseofDaniCollins.Maecouldeasilyseethattheadultshapeofhergranddaughter’smouthwouldbesimilartothepotter’s. SheshiftedhergazetotwootherphotosthePIhadagedtoshowhowDaniellemightlookattwenty-one,thenatthirty MaecomparedDaniCollins’sphotointhemagazinetothetwoagedphotosofhergranddaughter.Iffy.Thenshecomparedit tothephotointhemiddle,theoneofherdaughterthathadbeentakenwhenNevawould’vebeenabouttheageofthepotterin themagazine.
DaniCollinslookedmorelikeNevathantheimagesintheagedphotos.
Hercomputeralertedthatithadfinishedbootingup Maesettledbehinditandgoogledthewebsitelistedinthearticlefor DaniCollins.Maybeshewouldfindmorephotosoftheceramicartist.
Therewereplentyofphotosandhow-tovideosandtutorialsonthesite,butnotonethatshowedDaniCollins’sface That seemedalittleodd.Shetriedthephonenumberlistedonthewebsiteforthepotterystudio,butitwentstraighttovoicemail. “SorryImissedyou Leaveamessageandyournumber,andI’llgetbacktoyou”
Maehungupwithoutleavingamessage.Sheknewhowshe’dfeelifsomeoneleftamessageonhervoicemailsayingthe callermightbealong-lostrelative.No,sheneededtotalktohereitherinpersonorinaphoneconversation.Excepttherewas noaddressonthewebsite Shescannedthephotosonthesite,stoppingatonethathadwhatlookedliketheBadlandsinthe background.CouldDaniCollinsliveintheDakotasorMontana?Buthowwouldshefindout?
Socialmedia That’swhereherexperiencefromyearsagoandallthetrue-crimeshowsshewatchedtoldhertolooknext MaestartedwithFacebook.Halfanhourlater,shehadn’tfoundaDaniCollinsthatfittheprofileshewaslookingfor.Another thirtyminutesandnoresultsonTwitter,Instagram,orTikTok ShetriedPinterest Nothing
Shebracedherchinonherhand.Maewasproudofhercomputerskills,especiallysinceshewasmostlyself-taught,butjust ashersearchesyearsagoneverfoundaDanielleBennettonsocialmediasites,hersearchesforDaniCollinsnettedazeroas well Maybeitwastimetobringinhelp Butwho?
NotSheriffCarsonStone.EventhoughMaeandCarson’swife,Judith,hadbeenfriendsforoverseventyyears,thesheriff thoughtMaehadgoneoffthedeependafterNeva’sdeath Especiallyaftersheshowedhimhercrimeboard
Carsondidn’ttakeherseriously,anditrankledeverytimeheremindedherthatshewasn’tlivinginCabotCoveandshe wasn’tJessicaFletcher.Besides,afterhisheartattacklastfall,he’dhiredhisgranddaughterashischiefdeputy,andAlexis wasrunningthesheriff’soffice.Shecorrectedherself.ItwasAlexnow.Sheglancedatthearticle.MaybelikethisDaniwas reallyaDanielle?
BeforeDaniellehaddisappeared,sheandAlexisStoneandMorganTennysonwerebestfriends.Maesmiled.She’ddubbed thegirlstheThreeMusketeersbecausewhereyousawone,yousawtheothertwo.Untileverythingchanged. ShouldshestartwithAlex?AlexoncethoughtMaehungthemoon,butshewasallgrownupnow Wouldshebelikeher grandfatherandthinkMaewasafoolisholdwoman? ButifnotAlex,who?Asmilepulledatherlips Ofcourse MarkLassiter Sheshouldhavethoughtofhimfirst ShepickedupherphoneanddialedMark’snumber.Whenitwentstraighttovoicemail,shefrowned.Hemustbeoutof range
SinceRussellCountywasinthemountainsoftheCumberlandPlateau,therewerealotofareasthatdidn’thavegoodcell reception,herownpropertyincluded.It’swhyshehadanoutdoorWi-Fiextenderontheroof. Shepunchedinanothernumber MaybeAlexwouldknowwhereMarkwas
RussellCountyK-9officerMarkLassiterpulledintoPeterson’s,thesmall,locallyownedgrocerythathepreferredover Walmart.ThatitwaslocatedindowntownPearlSpringsinsteadofoutbythehighwaymightbeafactor.HeturnedtoGem,his K-9Germanshepherd “Stay I’llberightback”
Eventhoughthetempswereinthelowsixties,Markleftthemotorrunning.TheheatcontrolsintheFordExpedition automaticallykickedinifthetemperatureinthevehicledroppedtoolow Conversely,ifitgottoohot,theairconditioner turnedon.
Abellrangoverhisheadashepushedopenthedoortotheoldstoreandglancedaroundfortheowner Henoddedtothe oldermansittingbehindthecounter.“Morning,Mr.Peterson.”
Thegrocersmiledbig.“Almostafternoon,Mark.How’smygirl?”
Withhisstrongvoice,Mr Petersondidn’tsoundninety-twoandcertainlydidn’tlookitwithhismostlystill-blackhair “She’sgood.”Markwalkedtothepetsuppliesandpickedupthetreatsasthegrocer’sgrandson,Kyle,camefromthebackof thestore
“CanIhelpyoufindanythingelse?”thegrandsonasked.
“Ithinkthiswillgetmethroughtoday”KylehadworkedatthestoreforaslongasMarkcouldremember Hetookthetreats tothecheckout.
“Theseareonthehousetoday,”theolderMr.Petersonsaid.
Kylestiffened
“Thanks,Mr.Peterson,”Marksaid,“butIreallywanttopayforthem.”
“Yourmoney’snogoodhere”Mr Petersonnarrowedhiseyesathisgrandson “AndI’mgivingthemtoGem,notyou” Itwasnousearguingwiththeolderman.“Gemthanksyou,”hesaidandtookthetreats.Ashewalkedoutthedoor,heheard Kylegripingtohisgrandfatherthatitwashardenoughtokeepthedoorsopenwithoutgivingawaystuff.
OnceinhisSUV,MarkbackedoutoftheparkingspaceanddrovetothePearlSpringscitypark.Itwasaperfectplaceto practicefortheK-9scenttrialsinKentuckyinJune.TherewereenoughpeoplearoundthrowingFrisbeesorwalkingthetrails orjustenjoyingthebeautifulweathertosimulatethedistractionsatthetrials
HeleftGemintheSUVwhilehewalkedacrosstheparktoahugeoak,whereheremovedthevestfromascentedteddybear andproppedthebearagainsttheoaktree HejoggedbacktotheExpeditionandusedhisremotetoopenGem’sdoor The blackandtanGermanshepherdhoppedoutoftheSUVandprancedinacircle.
“Youready,girl?”Gemletoutawoof,andMarklethersniffthesmallvestbeforehegavethesearchcommand.
Gemignoredthepeopleintheparkandboundedaway,hernoseintheairwhilesheworkedazigzagpattern.Whenshe caughtthescent,hefollowedasshemadeabeelinetowherehe’dhiddenthebearandalertedbyploppingdownbesideitand barking
“Goodgirl!”Markpattedherside.“Free,”hesaid,releasingthedogbeforerewardingherwithoneofMr.Peterson’streats. Thenhepulledoutashort,braidedrope,andshescrambledupandgrabbedtherope
MarkspentafewminutesplayingtugwithGembeforehethrewtherope,andsheboundedafterit.Likemostofthedogs he’dtrainedsinceleavingthemilitary,shepreferredplaytimeoverthetreats,butshewasreallyhappywhenshereceived both
Hiscellbuzzed,andheunhookeditfromhisbelt.Itwasacallfromhisboss,ChiefDeputyAlexisStone,whopreferredto becalledAlex
Markwasstillalittlebummedtolosethechiefdeputyspot.Hewasthirty-fourandhadhopedtobemorethanadeputyby thistime Infact,he’dhopedtotakeHarveyMorgan’splacewhentheformerchiefretired,butSheriffCarsonStonehadhired hisgranddaughter.ShewasdoingagoodjobrunningtheofficeafterCarsonhadsufferedamajorheartattack.Sowellthat she’dprobablywinthenextelection,sinceCarsonwasn’trunningagain,andsofarshehadnoopposition.Maybehe’dbe madechiefdeputythen Markslidtheanswerbuttononhisphone.“Lassiter.”
“Hatetobotheryouonyourdayoff,butIjustgotacallfromMaeRichmond Shetriedtoreachyou,butyoudidn’tanswer” “Issheallright?”He’dhatetoseeanythinghappentohisneighborandfriend. “Yeah,but ”Alexsighed “She’scomingintotheoffice somethingabouthergranddaughter Grampswashereandhe abouthadafit,saidshe’ddrivemebattyifIencouragedheratall.”
HewassurprisedCarsonhadcomeintotheoffice herarelydidanymore.Hemustbefeelingbetter.“Upuntilacoupleof yearsago,Maecamebyatleastonceamonthtoseeifthesheriffhadanyupdatesonhergranddaughterandtoshareherlatest theories,”Marksaid
Gembroughtthetuganddroppeditathisfeet,andhethrewitagain.“Ithinkyourgrandfatherisreallybotheredbecausehe hasn’tbeenabletosolvethemurdersorfindthegranddaughterorheruncle,KeithBennett”
“That’swhatIthinktoo,”Alexsaid.“SinceyouandMaearefriends,Ithinkitwouldhelpifyouwereherewhenshe arrives”
“Sure.”Therequestpuzzledhim.AlexandMaewentwayback Maehadregaledhimwithtalesofbabysittingthechief deputy.“I’matthepark.Won’ttakemefiveminutestogettoyouroffice.”
“Seeyouthen”
HeopenedthereardoortohisSUVandcalledGem.Oncehehadhersecured,hedrovetothesheriff’soffice,stillthinking aboutAlex’srequestwhenhisphonerang ItwasMae “Lassiter.”
“Oh,good”Reliefflowedthroughthephone “Itriedtocallyouearlier” “What’sgoingon?”
“Ihavesomethingtoshowyou.CanyoumeetmeatAlex’soffice?”
“Shecalled,andI’monmywaytherenow” “Oh.”
“Isn’tthatwhatyouwanted?”
“Yes...butifshe’salreadytalkedtoyou...”Maesighed. “What’swrong?”
“Nothing.”
Therhythmictickingofablinkerfilledthesilence.ShewasprobablyturningontothehighwaytoPearlSprings.
“Seeyouinafewminutes,”hesaid “Justpromiseyou’llkeepanopenmind.”
“Don’tIalways?”
“That’swhatIlikeaboutyou,”shesaidandendedthecall.
Markshookhishead.Maewasasindependentastheycame.Eccentricwaswhatpeopleusuallycalledher.Sometimeshe forgotshewasawell-knownpotter,andthatsomeofherporcelainartpiecescommandedathousanddollarsormoreonthe websiteshedesignedherself.
Hewasoneofthefewpeoplesheactuallyengagedwith MaybebecausetheywereneighborsonEagleRidge Ormore likelybecausehemadeitapointtochopwoodandlayitbyherbackdooratleastonceaweekduringcoldweather. Sometimes,ifshewasn’tworkinginherpotteryshop,shewouldinviteMarkandGemintothehouse,Markforcoffeeandone ofherrichfudgebrowniesandGemforaspecialhomemadedogtreat.
FromwhatthesheriffhadtoldMark,ithadn’talwaysbeenthatway.She’dbeenactiveinchurchandsomeofthewomen’s groupsinPearlSpringsevenafterherhusbandhadbeenkilledinaloggingaccident Butwhenherdaughterandson-in-law weremurderedandhergranddaughterdisappeared,she’dretreatedtoherhomeandpotterystudioonEagleRidge. Sowhathadbroughtherouttoday?
MaenotedMark’sSUVintheparkinglotasshepulledhersmallpickupintoavisitor’sspotandgotout.Shewascountingon himtobeonherside.Alexistoo,maybe ifhergrandfatherhadn’tunderminedMae’scredibility. SheknewwhyCarsonStonecalledherhis“thornintheside”ThefirstfewyearsaftersomeonekilledNeva,Maehad buggedthestewoutofhimwithhertheoriesonthemurders.Forallthegoodithaddone.NotthatCarsonStonewasn’tagood sheriff Hewas,butthere’dbeensofewcluestogoon He’dleanedtowardthekillerbeingfromChattanoogasincethat’s wherethejewelrystoresherson-in-lawbrokeintowerelocated.
Maewasn’tsosure Thedaytheywerekilled,Bobbyhadaskedhertohideasmallpackage,butwhenshewantedtoknow whatitwas,hebecameenragedandstormedoutofherhouse.She’dcalledherdaughterassoonasheleft,andNevaconfessed thatBobbywasinvolvedinaburglaryring.Somethinghadgonewrong,andhe’dbroughtthestolengoodshome.
Thelastconversationshe’dhadwithherdaughterwasetchedinhermemorylikestone
“Make Bobby give the stolen goods back, Neva.”
“I’ll try, but you know Bobby” Her daughter was practically in tears “I’m scared, Mama ” “Call Keith. He’ll help you figure out something.”
“Bobby says he’s involved too ”
Mae had trouble believing that. She’d known both Bennett brothers all their lives, and unlike Bobby, Keith was rock solid. Mae had never understood why Neva chose Bobby over his brother or why Keith hadn’t fought harder for Neva. “Make Bobby do the right thing, and ”
“You don’t understand, Mama. I can’t make Bobby do anything, and he says we ’ re leaving Pearl Springs.”
“Just call Keith He’ll help you ”
“I know. I gotta go. Love you, Mama.”
“Love you too, Neva ”
Theywerethelastwordsshe’dspokentoherdaughter.
TheinvestigationintothemurdersshowedonlyonecallfromBobbyandNeva’shouseafterthatone toKeithBennett.She believedinherbonesKeithhadcometohisbrother’shouseandfoundNevaandBobbydeadandhadtakenDaniellewithhim Sheneverunderstoodwhyhe’dtakenhergranddaughterwithhimwhenheraninsteadofbringinghertoMae...unless Daniellesawwhathappenedandhewasafraidforherlife
Hopeflutteredinherchest.Maybeshe’dgetheranswerifthisDaniCollinsturnedouttobehergranddaughter.
MaegrabbedthemagazineandphotosofDanielleandNevashe’dtakenfromthecrimeboard.TheRussellCountySheriff’s OfficehadtheresourcestofindDaniCollinsandMaedidn’t.That’swhyshewashere.
Shelockedhertruckandhurriedinside,windingherwayaroundtoAlexis’soffice.“Afternoon,Marge.”Shesmiledatthe womanbehindthedesk “IbelieveAlexisisexpectingme”
TheofficemanagerreturnedMae’ssmile.“Sheis,butfirst,howareyou?” “Good Keepingbusy”
Margetiltedherhead.“Doyouhaveanyofyourlargepitchers?IwanttogetoneformydaughterforMother’sDay.It’sher firstone,youknow.”
Maeswallowedasmile Marge’sdaughterhadcalledearlierintheweekwiththesamerequest “Notrightnow,butIhave fourwaitingforhandles they’llbereadybynextFriday.” “I’llcomeseeyou”ShenoddedtowardAlex’soffice “Door’sopenandMark’sheretoo”
Maetookadeepbreathandwalkedthroughthedoorway.TensioneasedoutofherwhenonlyMarkandAlexiswereinher office She’dbeendreadingCarson Shenoddedatthetwodeputies “Goodtoseeyou,Alexis,ImeanAlex.Youtoo,Mark.Gem’slookinggood,”Maesaid. ThedogsatonherhaunchesandlookedfromMaetohertrainer.AlowwhinecamefromGem’sthroat. Markleaneddownandpattedherontheside “Okay,girl Free”
GemcrossedtheroomintwostridesandsatatMae’sfeet.Sheheldapawup,andMaeshookit.“SorryIdon’thaveatreat foryou,”shesaidandsmoothedtheGermanshepherd’scoatbeforeturningherattentiontoAlex Thechiefdeputygaveherawarmsmile.“It’sreallygoodtoseeyou.SorryIhaven’tbeenuptovisityoulately,butit’sbeen busyaroundhere”
“That’swhatMarktellsme.”
“DidyouknowMorganwasintown?”
“No.”Maewassurprisedthathergreat-niecehadn’tletherknowshewascomingtoPearlSprings.“Whendidsheget here?”
“Yesterday,Ithink She’sstayingwithBen” Thatexplainedalot.Morganprobablywouldn’tcallheraslongasherbrotherwasaround.Mae’sgreat-nephewwasstill upsetthatsherefusedtosellherplaceandmovetotown That’dbeensixmonthsago,andshehadn’theardfromBenmorethan twicesince.“IfyouseeMorgan,tellherIaskedabouther.”
“I’msureshe’llcallyousoon”Alexshuffledpapersonherdesk,thenlookedup “So,whatcanwehelpyouwithtoday?” Maefeltthefullforceofthechiefdeputy’spiercingblueeyes.Alexwasabottom-lineperson,alotlikeMae. Lord, help me make this clear and concise Shepulledthemagazinefromhersatchel.“I’msureCarsonhastoldyouI’mstilllookingfor Danielle”
Awrysmileandnodconfirmedwhatshealreadyknew CarsonhadpaintedMaeasameddlingoldwoman.Sheopenedthe magazinetothefeaturedarticleandhandedittoAlex “TakeagoodlookatthephotoofDaniCollins” Alexstudiedthephoto,thenhandedthemagazinetoMark.“Shelooksalittlefamiliar...” MaeslidthephotoofNevaacrossthedesk “Comparethetwo”
ShewatchedwithsatisfactionasfirstAlex’seyeswidened,thenMark’s.“Ibelievethat’smygranddaughter.” “It’sapossibility,butweallhaveadoppelgänger,”Alexsaid. “Igetthat,butDaniCollinsisapotter,justlikeme howlikelyisthattohappen?” “Granted,thatseemsunusual...”Alexrubbedthebackofherneck.“I’mnotsurewhatyouwantmetodo.” MaepulledoutthephotoofDanielleasachild “Canyourunthisthroughafacialrecognitionprogramandseeiftheperson inthemagazinematchesthisphoto?”
“IfIhadaprogramlikethat,Iwould.”Alexblewoutabreathandstaredatthemagazine.“There’sacompanyin Chattanoogathatcouldcomparethetwophotos.Notsurehowmuchit’dcost,but ” “Idon’tcarewhatitcosts.Canyoudoittoday?”
“LetmecallNathan Hehasthenumber”
MaeturnedtoMarkwhileAlexcalledNathanLandry,PearlSprings’schiefofpolice.“I’vemissedyouandGem.” Thedogthumpedhertailathearinghername MarkleanedtowardMae “We’vebeentrainingforthetrialsinKentucky” “She’lldogood,”Maesaid.“IhaveaphonenumberforthisDaniCollins it’sherstudionumber,butIonlygether answeringmachine.”
“Didyouleaveamessage?”
Sheshookherhead.“Ididn’tknowwhattosay.Certainlycouldn’tsay‘Imightbeyourgrandmother’ she’dthinkIwas crazy Andifitturnsouttobetrue,IthoughtmaybeIcouldgetyoutocallher She’dbemorelikelytobelieveitcomingfroma lawenforcementofficer.”
“That’llbeAlex’scall,”hesaid Shewasafraidhe’dsaythat,butforsomereason,Maewantedhimtomakethecall.Maybebecausehewouldn’tputiton thebackburner.
Alexendedhercall “Hesaidtosendhimthephotosandhe’demailthemtothecompany”Sheusedherphonetosnapshots ofthetwophotosandthentextedthemtoNathan.“Done,”shesaid.
“Didhesayhowlongitwouldtake?”
“Hedidn’tknowbutdidn’tthinkitwouldtakelongsincethey’reonlycomparingthetwophotos.Markwillcallyouassoon aswehaveananswer”
“Thankyou.”Shesmiledhergratitudeaswell.
“IhopeitisDanielle.I’vethoughtaboutheralotsinceIreturnedtoPearlSprings.”Alexhesitated.“Justdon’tgetyour hopesuptoohigh Itmaynotbeher”
“Itis.Ifeelithere.”Maetouchedaboveherheart.“Ihopeyoudon’tmind,butIalreadyaskedifMarkwouldcallthe numberlistedonthewebsiteandtalktoher”
Alexdidn’tanswerrightaway.“Let’sseewhatthefacialrecognitioncompanysaysfirst.”
“Ofcourse butthephotosaregoingtomatch”Maestood “Ineedtogetbacktomystudioandcheckonmykiln and pullsomehandlesforthepitchersImadethismorning.”
Alex’sfacelitup.“Gramlovesyourpottery,andIwanttogetheroneofyourtulipvasesforMother’sDay.”
Maethoughtaminute Shehadseveraloftheartisticpieces,butJudithwouldn’tbehappyifAlexspentthatmuchmoney “I thinkyourgrandmotherwouldratherhavesomethingmoreutilitarian.IhaveapitcherI’llbeglazingandfiringtomorrow.Ithas herfavoritefloweronit forget-me-nots”
“Thatsoundsperfect.I’lldriveupinadayorso.AndI’mpayingfullpriceforit nofrienddiscount.”
“Wouldn’tbeagiftifitdidn’tcostyousomething.”Maesmotheredagrin.NotthatshewouldletAlexpayfullprice.“See youthen.”
Markstood.“I’llwalkoutwithyou.”
Shenoddedherthanks.NeitherofthemsaidanythinguntiltheyexitedthebuildingwithGemontheirheels. “DoyouhavetimetograbacupofcoffeeattheBeanFactory?”Markasked.
Shetiltedherhead TheK-9officerhadsomethingonhismind,andshewasn’tcertainshewantedtohearwhatitwas But Markhadbeensogoodtocheckonherperiodically,especiallywhentheweatherwasbad.“Sure.”
AfewminuteslaterMaefollowedhiminsidethebusycoffeeshop “Didyouleaveyourmotorrunning?”MarkhadleftGem insidetheSUV.
“No She’llbefine Ihaveanalertonmyphonethatletsmeknowifthetemperaturegetstoowarm”
Maeglancedaroundandspiedoneemptytableintheroom.Sheshovedafive-dollarbillinhishand.“I’llgrabthetableif you’llgetmeaplaincoffee.”
Hehandeditbacktoher “You’renotpaying”
Maegavehimanexasperatedhuff.Shelikedpayingherownway,buttwomorepeoplecameintotheshopandshedidn’t havetimetoarguewithhimifshewantedtosnagthetable “Whatever”
Itwasn’tlongbeforehebroughttheircoffeesalongwithasconeandsomekindofsandwich.“Ihaven’thadlunch,”he explained “Theblueberrysconeisforyou Idon’tlikeeatingalone” “Appreciateit.”Eventoheritsoundedmorelikeacomplaintthanathank-you.“Really,Idothankyou.” Hegrinned.“Iknewyoumeantitthefirsttime.”
Hermouthtwitchedandthencurvedupinafull-onsmile Markknewhersowell “Allright Whatdidyouwanttotalk about?”
Marktookabiteofhissandwich,chewed,andswallowedbeforeheanswered “I’mlikeAlex Idon’twantyoutogetyour hopesup,andthere’ssomethingelseyouneedtoconsider.Evenifitisyourgranddaughter,shemightnotwantarelationship withyou.”
Hiswordstookthebreathrightoutofher.
“Whywouldn’tshewantarelationship?”Maedemanded.
Herfacehadturnedaspaleasherwhiteporcelainvases,andMark’sheartplummeted.Hehadn’tmeanttoupsether,butshe hadtofacereality “Youhavetoconsidershehasn’ttriedtocontactyou Whatifshedoesn’twantherlifeupended?” “Whatifshedoesn’tknowaboutme?”Maecrossedherarms.
“Daniellewasnine sheshouldrememberyou”
“Butwhatifshedoesn’t?I’m99.99percentcertainKeithtookDanielleandlefttownthatnight.Ifhewasrunningfromthe law,likeeveryonebelieves,hewould’vewantedDanielletoforgetherlifehere Itwouldn’tbehardforanine-year-oldto forgetagrandmother.”
“IfKeithBennettwasrunningfromthelaw,whywouldhesaddlehimselfwithanine-year-oldgirl,evenifshewashis niece?”
Shestareddownintohercoffeemug.“Idon’tknow,”shesaidsoftly.Thensheraisedhergaze.“Keithwasagoodman.I havetobelievehetookherandwasafraidtobringherback Ifhedidn’t ”
Maedidn’thavetofinishherthought.Ifthepersonwhokilledherdaughterandson-in-lawtookDanielle...well,there wereathousandplacesabodycouldbeburiedaroundhere “AuntMae?”afemininevoiceasked.“Isthatyou?”
Theybothlookedup.Markdidn’trecognizetheraven-hairedwomanwhohadstoppedattheirtable,buthedidrecognizethe manwithher Themayor,BenTennyson Mae’seyeswidened.“Morgan?Iheardyouwereintown.” Asmilelitupthewoman’swholeface “Youwereonmylisttocalltomorrow,andhereyouare” Mae’sgazeshiftedtohergreat-nephew.“Afternoon,Ben.” Hebobbedhishead.“Mae.”
Marknoddedtothetwoemptychairsattheirtable.“Youtwowanttojoinus?” Regretcrossedthemayor’sface.“Ihave ” “Ofcourse!”Morganpulledoutthechairnearestherandploppeddown SheturnedtoMark “Idon’tbelieveIknowyou” “I’llgrabourcoffees,”Bensaidbeforehecouldanswer. “Youshouldknowme wewenttoschooltogether” “It’sMarkLassiter,”Maesaid. Morgangapedathim.“Youweresoskinnyasakid.Youmustworkout.” Heshrugged.“Somethinglikethat.” MorganturnedtoMae.“You’relookinggoodtoo.Stillworkinginyourpotterystudio?” “Everyday Howaboutyou?Whatareyoudoingnow?”
Ashadowcrossedhereyes,thenshestraightenedhershoulders.“Actually,I’mlookingforajob.TheTVstationinHouston gotanewmanagerwhobroughtinallhispeople,includinganinvestigativereporter,andtheydidn’tneedtwo Benofferedme ajobworkinginhisrealestateoffice,butworkingformybrotherwhothinkshecanbossmearoundjustbecausehe’stenyears olderwon’twork.”Shepalmedherhands.“Besides,I’mnotasalesman.”
“Youcouldlearn,”BensaidashesetMorgan’scoffeeinfrontofher “AndIdonotbossyouaround” “Yes,youdo.”Sheshookherhead.“AndIdon’twanttolearn.Aren’tyougoingtositdown?” “AfraidIcan’t justgotatextthatsomeonewantstomeetmeintenminutesaboutbuyingpropertyonEagleRidge”He turnedtoMae.“Idon’tsuppose ” “No AndItoldyounottoaskmeagain” “ButMae,you’regettingupinyears youneedtothinkaboutmovingtotown.” “No,”sherepeated,moreforcefullythistime. Markhadbeentemptedtotellherthesamething Nowhewasgladhehadn’t Hedidn’twantMaeglaringathimlikeshe wasatBen.
“Okay”Themayorcheckedhiswatch “Sorrytoleaveyougoodfolks,butIhavejustenoughtimetowalktotheoffice beforemyprospectiveclientgetsthere.Morgan,I’llseeyouatthehouselater.”Heheadedforthedoor. “Sorryaboutthat,”Morgansaidafterherbrotherleft “Hecanbekindofpushysometimes” MarkturnedtoMae.“Wouldyoulikemorecoffee?” “No,thankyou.Aslateintheafternoonasitis,thiscupwillprobablymakeithardtosleep.”
Silencefellatthetablebriefly,thenMorgantiltedherhead.“BenandIweretalkingaboutDanielleyesterday.Hesaidyou stillhadn’tfoundher.”
“Thatwasyesterday,”Maesaid “Todaymaybeadifferentstory” “What?”
“Youmaywanttoholdoffonthatuntilweknowforsure,”Marksaid Itwasingrainedinhimtorefrainfromdiscussinga case.
“I’msure,”shereplied “Besides,Morganisfamily”
Beforehecoulddivertherattention,shepulledthepotterymagazinefromhersatchelandflippedtothearticlewithDani Collins’sphoto.ItwaslikestoppingarunawaytrainasshepushedthemagazineandthephotoofNevaclippedtothetopofthe pagetowardhergreat-niece
“IthinkI’vefoundher.”
Morgangasped “What?You’rekidding!Haveyoutalkedtoher?Whenisshecominghome?”
MaesoberedandglancedatMark.Thiswaswhathe’dwantedtospareherfrom. “Wehaven’ttalkedtoher,”hesaid “Theprocessisjustbeginning” “Oh,soitmaynotbeDanielle,”Morgansaid.
“Itisher,”Maeinsisted.“AndMark’sright.Ishouldn’thavesaidanythingyet.” “Mum’stheword,”Morgansaid,turningapretendkeyonherlips Markcheckedhiswatch.Therewasstilltimetopracticefortheupcomingdogtrials.“Ihatetoleaveyouladiesbut...” “Ihavetogotoo,”Maesaid “Ihaveakilntocheckonandhandlestopull” Morganstoodwhentheydidandhuggedhergreat-aunt.“I’msogladIranintoyoutoday.Doyouhavetimeformetovisit you?I’dlovetoseewhatyou’vebeenupto.”
“Ofcourse,child.Anytime.Imightevenputyoutowork youwereagoodstudentonceuponatime,eventhoughyouwere soyoung.”
Morgansighed “Imissthosedays IwishDaddyhadnevertakenusawayfromPearlSprings”ShehuggedMaeagain “I’m gladtobehome.AndI’mgladtoseeyoutoo,Mark.”
“Youaswell,”hesaid “Hopeyoufindajobsoon Areyoulookingaroundhere?” “NotPearlSprings noTVstation butI’msendingmyrésumétotheNashvilleandChattanoogastations,maybeeven Knoxville.Wouldn’tmindgoingfreelanceifIcouldfindagoodstory.”
MarkwouldbesuretoavoidMorgan.Helikedtokeepahealthydistancefromreporters. “AtleastChattanoogaandKnoxvillearecloserthanTexas,”Maesaid.“Ihopeyou’llcomevisitsoon.”
“Iwill,butI’llcallortextfirst”MorganlookedatMae “Youdotext?” “Allthetime,”Maeanswered.
MarkwaiteduntilbothladiesweregonebeforeheslidbehindthewheelofhisSUV“Youreadytowork,girl?” Gembarkedheragreementashedrovetowardthepark.AfteranhourofhidingthebearandGemfindingitonthefirsttry eachtime,heloadedherupandtheymadethedrivetoEagleRidgeandhome.
Markpausedbeforeturningintohisdrive,thenpulledin He’dthoughtaboutcheckingonMae,butsheknewhowtotake careofherselfaswellasanyoneheknew.HewouldcheckonherinthemorningbeforeheleftforhisK-9duties. However,acallforbackupatsixthenextmorninghadhimandtheGermanshepherdinhisSUVracingtoHarperPoint,the localteenhangoutonPearlLake,tohelpJennaHartwithagroupofrowdykidswho’dconsumedtoomuchalcohol.Bythe timetheyhadthekidssettleddownandtheirparentsonthewaytothejailtopickthemup,itwasmidmorning
HefedGemandfilledherwaterbowlintheSUV,thendroveacrosstowntoPete’sDinerforbreakfast.Ethelhadjustsethis plateofsausageandeggsandpancakesinfrontofhimwhenhisphonerang.NathanLandry,PearlSprings’schiefofpolice.
“Morning,Chief,”hesaid
“Sametoyou,”Nathanreplied.“Alexwastiedupinameetingwiththecountycommissionersandshetoldmetocalland giveyouthenewsonMae’scase”
“Werethephotosamatch?”
“Theanswerisyes ”Nathansaid “Iheara but inthat.”
“Thisparticularcompanyusesaprogramthatoverlayseightyfaciallandmarksfromonephotototheother.Thetwophotos hada95percentmatch Evenso,tobeabsolutelycertain,theysuggestedaDNAtest” “ButtheywereprettysurethisDaniCollinsisDanielleBennett?”
Nathandidn’thesitate “Yeah”
“I’llcallthenumberMaefoundonDaniCollins’swebsiteandseeifshe’dbewillingtotakeaDNAtest.” “Ithinkthat’sagoodidea.”
“Thanksforyourhelp,”Marksaid.Hedisconnectedandstaredathisphone.Itwashardtobelievethatafteralltheseyears, Mae’sgranddaughterhadbeenfound.
HedialedthenumberMaehadgivenhimforDaniCollinsandgotarecordingthatrequestedthecallerleavetheirnumber andamessage.
“Ms Collins,thisisDeputyMarkLassiterwiththeRussellCountySheriff’sOfficeinTennessee Wouldyoupleasereturn mycall?”Thenhelefthiscellphonenumberand,asanafterthought,hisbadgenumber.Thatwayifshethoughtthecallwasa scamofsomesort,shecouldcheckhimout
It’dbeenagoodworkshop,butnowDaniwastiredaftertwodaysofnonstoptalkinganddemonstratinghertechniques.She surveyedthefewremainingpiecesthathadn’tsold,thankfulshedidn’thavemanytotakebackhome. “Ms Collins!”
Dani’sdogstiffenedasoneoftheuniversitystudentshurriedtowardher.“Sit,”Danisaid.Liziobeyedbutdidn’ttotally relax
“Thankyousomuchforcoming!Yourtechniqueisfantastic Ilearnedsomuch.” Danirememberedthestudentfromtheclasses “Iloveteaching,especiallytoartistslikeyouwhoareeagertolearn” “Thankyou.Ihopeyou’llcomeback.”
“I’dliketo.”Sheencouragedthegirlwithasmile.“Justdon’teverstoplearning.” “Don’tworry Iwon’t”ShelookeddownatLizi,whohadn’tmoved “Whatkindofdogisthat?Shelookslikeamopwith thosedreadlocks.”
Danigotthatquestionalot “She’saPuli,andthat’sthewayherhairgrows”
Thegirl’seyeswidened.“Issheaguarddog?”
“Yes,sheis”ShepattedLizi’sside “Andagoodone” “CanIpether?”
Shehesitated.Lizithoughtshewasonduty,andDanididn’twanttoconfuseher.“Letmereleaseherfirst.”ShepattedLizi’s side “Break,”shesaidsoftly,tellingLizishecouldplay ThePuliwaggedhertail
ThestudentgingerlyfeltthecordsofLizi’scoat.“Doyouhavetodotheseyourself?” “No,they’renatural”
ThegirlrubbedLizi’sbackonemoretimeandthennoddedtowardthepiecesyettobewrappedinnewspaperfor transporting.“CanIhelpyou?”
“I’malmostdone,butthanks.”
Afterthestudentwanderedaway,Danifinishedpackingandloadedtheboxesonrollingtablestheuniversityhadprovided. Ithadbeenareallygoodworkshop,andshelikedconnectingwiththestudents ShealsoenjoyedtalkingaboutLizi,butshe wasgladshedidn’thavetotalktoanyoneuntiltomorrow,whenshe’dagreedtohavebreakfastwiththedirectoroftheceramic artsprogram
Twohourslatersheletthejetsfromthespabathtubmassagehermusclesandthoughtaboutgettingoneforhome.
Home.Thestudio.Danisatstraightup.She’dbeensobusyshe’dforgottentochecktheshop’svoicemail.Hopefullyshe hadn’tlostanyordersbecauseofit.
Assoonasshewasdressed,Daniturnedhercellphoneon.TherewasacallandmessagefromKeiththirtyminutesago.She quicklycalledhimback “Sorry,”shesaidwhenheanswered “Iforgottoturnmyphonebackonaftertheworkshops” “Youneverkeepyourphoneon,”hecomplained.
“Iforget orIforgettochargeit It’snotlikeanyoneisgoingtocallmeonit”Untilrecently,hercellphoneconsistedofa cheapflipphonewithprepaidminutesthatshe’drarelyturnedon.NoonehadthenumberforthesmartphonethatKeithbought heramonthago.Sheknewhowtoturnitonandturnitoffandthatwasaboutit.
“Ithoughtyouneededabetterphone”
“Ilikedmyoldphone.ItwasallIneeded.”Danihatedthatpeoplethoughtsheshouldbeaccessible24/7.Shehada computerandatablet,sowhywouldshewantasmartphonethatwasexpensivewithanequallyexpensiveplanwhensheonly usedacellphoneforcallsandafewtexts?
“Howareyou?”sheasked,softeninghervoice
“Good,nowthatyou’llbehomebyMonday.Whattimeareyouleavinginthemorning?”
Shenevertoldhimshe’dbehomebyMonday he’dassumedshewouldbe.“I’mnotsurewhatmyplansareotherthanI’m havingbreakfastwithEvelyn”
“Oh.”
Shenarrowedhereyesatthecensureinhisvoice Danihadacceptedlongagothathe’dneverlikedherteacherandmentor “I’llcallyoubeforeIleave.”
“Good Yousoundtired Getsomerest”
“Iam,andIwill,andthankyouforcaring.”Andhedidcare,butsometimes...
Shedisconnectedandpaddedtothecoffeestationintheroomandpickedupanherbalteapod.Maybethatwouldhelpher sleep.
Shesuddenlyrememberedthatshestillneededtocheckherbusinessmessages Shedialedthenumber Thefirsttwo messageswerepeoplewantingtoknowaboutpiecesfeaturedonherwebsite,mainlytheprice.Thenextthreewerepeople signingupforclassesatherstudioinJune,andthelastfourwereorders Hereyeswidenedasshelistenedtothenextone A requestfromadeputyinTennessee.Probablywantingmoney.Thenshefrowned.Scammersdidn’tnormallyleavetheirbadge numbers Thesmooth-voiceddeputyhadn’tleftalandlinenumber,onlyhiscell
ThisMarkLassiterhadcreditedherwithhavingenoughsensetobewaryifhe’dleftanumberclaimingitwasforthe sheriff’soffice.Shelistenedtothemessageagain,writingdownhisbadgeandphonenumber,thengoogledtheRussellCounty Sheriff’sOffice Theyhadawebsite,andevenaFacebookpage Sheclickedonthewebsitefirst
Theonlyphotosonthesitewereofthesheriff,anolderman,andthechiefdeputy,whowasawoman.Bothcarriedthelast nameofStone Interesting BeforesheopenedherFacebookapp,shelookedupthecounty’slocation Justnorthof Chattanooga.WhydidadeputyinEastTennesseewanttotalktoher?
DaniclickedovertotheRussellCountySheriff’sOfficeFacebookpageandscrolledthroughthephotosuntilshecametoa photogalleryofdeputies.Sherecognizedthechiefdeputy’sphoto.AlexStone.
Sheclickedoneachphoto,smilingattheoneofabeautifulGermanshepherd,thenDaninoticedthemanstandingbesidethe dog Thecaptionread“MarkLassiterandGem”
Sothemanreallyexisted.Andnotonlyexisted,butbyanyone’sreckoningoughttobeamodelforoneofthosecalendarsof firefightersandlawenforcementofficersshowingofftheirpecsandbiceps NotthatMarkLassiterwasshirtless,buttheblack T-shirtfithistorsolikeaglove.
Sheclickedoutofthephoto.Whatwasshedoing,oglingthemanlikehewaseyecandy?Heatcrawledupherneck,and DaniclickedoutoftheFacebookpageandbacktothewebsitetogetthenumberfortheoffice.Shehesitatedbeforedialing.It wasaftereight.Wouldtheybeclosed?Thensheshookherhead.Ofcoursenot lawenforcementofficesdidn’tclose.
“RussellCountySheriff’sOffice,”awoman’svoiceanswered Danigavehername,thensaid,“IhadamessagefromMarkLassiter,whosaidhewasadeputythere.”
“Yes,ma’am WehaveaK-9officerbythatname”
ThatfittheFacebookphoto.Shereadoffthecellphoneandbadgenumbershe’dwrittendown.“Canyouverifythatthose belongtothedeputy?”
“Ifyou’llhold,I’llcheckandsee.”Aminutelatershecamebackontheline.“Bothnumbersarecorrect.” “Ishetherenow?”
“He’soffduty,butifhelefthiscellnumber,feelfreetocallhim OrIcantakeamessage”
“Thankyou.IbelieveI’llgivehimacall.”Danidisconnectedandgrabbedabottleofwaterfromthehotelrefrigerator.So, thecallwasn’tspam Shepunchedintheareacode But what if the call is bad news?
Danibrushedthatthoughtaway.Howcoulditbeanythingbadwhenshedidn’tknowasoulinEastTennessee?Shefinished dialingandheldherbreathwhileitrang.
“ThisisMarkLassiter”
ThevoicewasevensmootherthanonthemessageandsentashiveroverDani.ThemanoughttobeinradioorTV.She clearedherthroat “ThisisDaniCollins Ibelieveyouleftamessageformeonmyansweringmachine” “Idid.Canyougivemeaminute?I’mjustleavingPete’sDiner.”
“Youwanttocallmeback?”
“No,ifyou’lljustholdonasecwhileIpay.”
Voicesmixedwiththesoundsofsilverwareclinkingonplates.Twominuteslater,everythingwasquiet.“Sorry,butthediner waskindofnoisy Icouldbarelyhearyou”
“It’sfine.Whydidyoucallme?”Thebriefsilenceontheotherendofthelinehadhergrippingherphonetighter.Thenher stomachdippedwhenhesuckedinadeepbreath “Hassomethinghappenedtomyuncle?” StupidquestionsinceherunclewasnowherenearTennessee,butitwasherfirstthought. “Youruncle?No Imean,Idon’tknow Idon’tknowyouruncle”
Hermusclesrelaxedslightly.“What’ssodifficultabouttellingmewhyyoucalled?” “It’scomplicated,”hesaid.“Andit’sbeenmorethanadaysinceIcalledyou,andIjustworkedareallybadaccident.Give measecondtocollectmythoughts”
“I’msorry.Ihopenoonewas ” “ItwasonlybythegraceofGodtherewerenofatalities” “Good.”Shedidn’toftenrunintoamanwhotalkedaboutGodwithastrangersoeasily.“Wouldyouliketocallmeback whenyougetittogether?”
“No.NowthatIhaveyou,Idon’twanttoletyougo.”
Shecouldn’tkeepfromchuckling.
“Oh,man,”hemuttered.“Thatdidn’tcomeoutright.” “It’sokay.Iknowwhatyoumeant.So,what’scomplicatedaboutit?”
Again,hetookadeepbreath “I’mworkingacoldcase,andmaybeifIgiveyouthebackground,it’llbeeasierforyouto understand.”
“Okay”Acompulsivenote-taker,Daniputthephoneonspeakerandthenpickedupahotelnotepadandpenfromthenearby desk.
Sheprintedthedeputy’snameatthetopofthepageandcircledit ThenDaniwrotedownkeywordsashedescribedan unsolvedmurdercase,herwritingslowingashemovedontothedisappearanceofanine-year-oldgirl.
Shetriedtoswallowbutsuddenlyhermouthwasbonedry.Sheuncappedthewaterandtookalongdraw.“Howold...” shekeptatightreinonherthoughts “wouldthisgirlbenow?”
“Themurdershappenedtwenty-fiveyearsago,soshewouldbethirty-four.” “Hername?”Shebarelygotthequestionout “DanielleBennett.”
Danielle Danicoveredhermouthwithherhand Thenamewasonlyacoincidence Thestorydidn’thaveanythingtodo withher.
Agroanescapedherlips,andLizipaddedoverandputherheadonDani’sthigh.“Whyareyoutellingmethis?”Sheforced thewordsthroughherlips
“Thegrandmother,MaeRichmond,isafriendofmine.Afewdaysago,sheshowedmeamagazinewithyourphotoinit. She’dbroughtittothesheriff’sofficealongwithaphotoofthenine-year-oldgirlandaskedus myboss,AlexStoneandme forhelp.WesubmittedthephotostoafacialrecognitioncompanyinChattanooga.”
Dani’sheadfeltliketherewasaspinninggyroscopeinsideit.“Theresults?”shewhisperedintothephone. “There’sa95percentchanceyou’remyfriend’sgranddaughter,DanielleBennett.”
Fridaynight,Maeremovedthelastpieceofbisquefromthekilnandreloadeditwithglazedpieces.Itwouldtaketwelvehours forthepiecestofireandanothertwelveforthekilntocool.Shecheckedherwatch.Ninethirty.Nowondershewastired.So muchforglazingthebisquewaretonight Shecouldpushthrough,butherfavoriteglazewasrunninglow,andshedefinitely neededtobefreshtoaccuratelyweighandmeasuretheingredientsforanewbatch.
She’dintendedtotaketheweekendoffbutgotbehindonherorderswhenshedroveintoPearlSpringsWednesday afternoon.Withthecraftmarketcomingup,Maeneededtoworkintheshoptomorrow.
Withonelastlookaroundthestudio,shelockedthedoorandwalkedthefamiliarpathtoherhouse Hercellphonerangjust asshereachedthebacksteps.HerheartflutteredwhenMark’snamecameup,andsheslidtheanswerbutton.“Didyoutalkto DaniCollins?”
Hechuckled “Hellotoyoutoo”
“Mark!”
“Okay Yes,Italkedwithher,andshe’sactuallyinCincinnati NotonlyisshewillingtotakeaDNAtest,butshe’sdrivingto PearlSprings.She’llbehereSunday.”
Driving Here Sunday Maealmostdroppedherphone Thank you, Lord Shetookabigbreath “Didshesaywhyshenever camehometoPearlSprings?”
“FromwhatIunderstand,shehasnomemoryoflivinghereanddidn’tknowshehadanyrelativesotherthanheruncleand hiswifewhoraisedher Andshe’dneverheardofPearlSpringsorRussellCounty,Tennessee,beforetonight” “Whydoesn’tshehaveanymemory?”
“You’llhavetoaskherthat Shewasstunnedbymycall,sowediscussedthemostimportantthings”
ItwashardtobelievethatifKeithtookDanielle,he’dkeptinformationaboutherTennesseefamilysecret,buthehadtobe theunclewhoraisedher.ShewouldgetheranswerswhenDaniellearrived.“Thankyousomuchforbelievingmeandnot lettingthisgo,”Maesaid.“Doyouknowwhattimeshe’llgethere?”
“No.LikeIsaid,mycallkindofoverwhelmedher,andshewasn’tcertainwhenshe’dleave.Somethingaboutabreakfast withaprofessorinthemorning,andshemayhaveotherthingsshehastodo Whoknows,shecouldbetakingtwodaysto drivefromCincinnati.Atanyrate,she’ssupposedtocallmebeforeshegetshereSunday,andI’llcallyou.”
Aftershehungup,ithitMae shewouldseeDanielleintwodays Itwasmorethanshecouldwraphermindaround She wentinsidethehousetoherofficeandpickedupthespiralnotebookonherdesk.Everyyear,shestartedanewoneandwrote somethingeveryday,usuallyabouttheprayersGodanswered.Shecouldn’twaituntilmorningtowriteabouthowher granddaughterwouldactuallyarriveinPearlSpringsintwodays.
Tensioneasedfromhershouldersasshepouredherheartoutonpaper.Maewasn’tworriedthattheDNAtestwouldcome backwithadifferentresultthanthefacialrecognition Herhearttoldherthiswashergranddaughter
Justasshefinishedherentrywithaprayerofthanksgiving,herphonerang.Morgan’snameshowedupontheID.Shewould probablybealmostasexcitedasMae
Sheanswered,andMorgansaid,“IhopeI’mnotcallingtoolate,butBenandIweretalking,andheagreedtobringmeupon theridgeSundayafternoon.”
Mae’sheartsank She’dlovetospendtimewithMorgan,butnotthatafternoon “Couldyoucometomorrow?” “Letmesee.”Aminutelatershecamebackontheline.“Bensaidhehasappointmentstoshowhousesallday.Sundayisn’t good?”Morgansoundeddisappointed “Danielleiscominghome,”Maeblurted.
“What?Oh,AuntMae,that’ssoexciting!Ofcourseyoudon’twantanyonetherewhenyoufirstseeher!We’lldothis anothertime.”
“Thanksforunderstanding.Ican’tbelieveit’shappeningafteralltheseyears.” “So,shewastheoneinthemagazine Howdidyougetintouchwithher?” “It’scomplicated,andI’mtooexcitedtotalkaboutittonight.” “Okay,Iunderstand Well,IhopetoseeyousoonsoIcanhearallaboutit” Maeagreed.
“Trytogetsomesleep,”Morgansaidjustbeforetheyhungup Sleepwasallbutimpossible,andafterfightingthebedmostofthenight,Maegaveitupatsixandgotup.Beingawakeand dressedwasn’tmuchbetter.Aftercheckingonherkiln,shethoughtaboutmixingtheglazes,butMaewastooexcitedto
