Page 18 of Mending Fate

“I didn’t think the cops could do anything.”

“Maybe it’ll be different now that there’s proof she’s actively avoiding me.” I didn’t know if I was simply grasping at straws or if that could indeed be the case, but I could hear helplessness in Eoin’s voice. Helplessness that I also felt. If I could do anything to make him see that he was contributing even if he didn’t necessarily feel like it, I would do it.

“I’m going to do some research into the rental place,” Eoin said. “It’s not a huge chain, which might mean there are only a few of them around. I’ll start with the closest ones and work my way out. Hopefully, someone else will have seen her.”

I didn’t bother to tell him that sounded like something far too involved for a single person to do. I’d learned at a young age not to tell Eoin when he couldn’t do something…unless I specifically wanted that thing done. With this, I decided I would support whatever he thought was best to do.

Besides, there was always the off chance that he could find Keli and Evanne. I simply wasn’t willing to bet everything on it. Not with the sort of luck I’d had recently.

After a few more minutes discussing possibilities, Eoin ended the call, and I went to get my car keys. If things went badly, a drive might be a good way to release some of this tension.

The same young man who had been at the desk before was there again. The expression on his face said he remembered me, and it wasn’t a pleasant memory.

“Officer Baker,” I said with a tight smile. “My daughter is still missing.”

“One moment, Mr. McCrae. I’ll get my supervisor.”

At least he wasn’t wasting any time.

Five minutes later, I was back in the same office across from the same woman as before. At least I wouldn’t have to re-explain everything, just give her an update.

“My ex still hasn’t returned our daughter,” I began. “She’s also canceled her phone line, leaving me unable to even leave voicemails or send text messages to my daughter.”

The officer frowned. “That does present a problem.”

“And I’ve recently learned that Keli rented a car from a rental place in Bellevue and arranged to drop it off at another place. The cars have GPS, but I don’t have access to that information. Not without…legal intervention.”

“Which is why you’re here again.” She made it a statement rather than a question.

“It is.” I folded my arms. “Now, what are the chances you’ll actually be doing something to help me?”

“Unfortunately, Mr. McCrae, this is still a matter for family court. A custody issue, not a criminal matter.” She leaned forward, putting her elbows on her desk. “This may not be a necessary piece of advice, but I’m going to give it to you anyway. Retain legal counsel. Make yourself too visible to ignore.”

As much as I loathed the idea, it was one I had been contemplating myself. I had never liked the idea of using who I was or the money I had to receive special treatment. But, if that was the only way I could get Evanne back, I would do it. I would use everything I had, burn any bridge, storm any stronghold.

I wouldnotbe helpless.

Eleven

Lumen

I’d never beenthis tired in my entire life.

Seriously.

I’d almost fallen asleep taking the elevator down to the hospital lobby after Brie arrived to take Soleil home. If the ride had been any longer, I might’ve given someone quite a shock, thinking I’d had a heart attack or something.

Soleil had barely even looked at me when I left, and she hadn’t spoken a word to Brie either. If neither of us could get through to her, the man – or men – who’d hurt her would get away with it. There was always a possibility of physical evidence, especially since she’d allowed a rape kit, but if she refused to follow through on pressing charges, it wouldn’t matter.

The thing was, I didn’t think she was refusing to talk because she wanted to be difficult. My gut said that she wasn’t being sullen or rebellious or just being a teenager. She was scared. Not just of what had happened to her, but who had done it.

But until she was ready to talk, there was nothing else I could do.

“Visiting?” The Lyft driver asked as I settled in the backseat. “Nothing too serious, I hope.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to snap back that I’d spent the night at the bedside of a fourteen-year-old girl who’d been brutally assaulted, but he didn’t deserve it. He was simply trying to make small talk. He sucked at it, but he was making an effort.

I gave him a tired smile and my address, hoping my lack of an answer would be hint enough that I didn’t want to talk. Fortunately, it was, and the only sound for the rest of the ride back to my place was the low murmur of classical music from the radio. I gave him an extra tip when we arrived and then plodded up the stairs, barely having the energy to lift my feet.