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CHAPTER 66

Cedar Creek, Nevada Friday, August 2, 2024

ERIC DROVE AT CLOSE TO 100 MPH AS HE RACED NORTH OUT OF Reno and away from the bank where he and Marvin Mann had discovered his father’s message—a sticky note written in his father’s cursive that was now affixed to his dashboard. It read: Guy Menendez = Ellis Margolis.

“Call her again,” Eric said to Marvin Mann as they raced north toward Cedar Creek.

“It’s going straight to voicemail,” Marvin said. “Her phone is either off or she has no service. Even an old man like myself knows this.”

“Just try!” Eric said, knowing that Sloan was at Margolis Manor with Ellis, and in grave danger.

Marvin tried again.

“Voicemail.”

“Text her. Same message.”

Marvin worked his fingers over the keyboard of Eric’s phone, retyping the identical message he’d sent numerous times since they’d left the bank.

Ellis Margolis is Guy Menendez. Find an excuse to leave and call me!

“Done,” Marvin said.

Eric ran a hand through his hair as he thought.

“Look up the number for the police department in Bend, Oregon.”

“Where?”

“Just do it, Marv!”

Marvin used Eric’s phone to search.

“Got it.”

Marvin dialed and handed Eric the phone.

“Bend Police Department,” a woman said on the other end.

“Hi, my name is Eric Stamos. I’m the sheriff down in Harrison County, Nevada. I’ve got an emergency and need to speak with someone up there. Your chief or someone in charge.”

“Do you need to call 9-1-1?”

“No, the emergency is up by you. I need to speak with someone in charge up there.”

“And what was your name, sir?”

Eric took a calming breath. “This is Sheriff Eric Stamos from Harrison County, Nevada.”

“One moment please.”

An eternity passed before someone returned to the line.

“This is Chief Mortenson, who am I speaking with?”

“Hey Chief, this is Eric Stamos. I’m the sheriff down in Harrison County, Nevada and I need your help.”

“Sure thing, Sheriff. What’s up?”

“I need you to get some uniforms over to Margolis Manor.”

“The winery?”

“Yes, sir. I’ve got a situation developing. If you could go out there and check on things, I’d consider it a personal favor.”

“What’s the issue out at the winery, Sheriff?”

“It’s a long story, and we don’t have time for me to give you all the details. I’ve got a friend out at the winery, and I think she’s in danger. I can’t reach her by phone, and I need you to go check on her.”

“What’s this friend’s name?”

“Sloan Hastings.”

“Sloan . . . the girl in the news?”

“That’s her, yes.”

There was a short pause.

“This phone number you’re calling from is the best way to reach you, Sheriff?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’ll head out there myself and let you know what I find.”

“Thanks, Chief. If you can make it a priority, I’d appreciate it.”

“I’m headed there now.”