Page 35 of Once Vanished
“That he’s methodical.Patient.He acquired this property and prepared it for Smitty’s use.He cultivated Smitty’s trust, creating a narrative where he’s the benevolent protector.”
“Money doesn’t seem to be an issue for him,” Bill observed.“Maybe Grandpa’s money was enough.Or maybe he’s found another source of funding.”
Riley nodded absently.
“Ma’am?”The social worker approached, clipboard in hand.“We’re ready to transport Mr.Smith to the evaluation facility now.”
Riley nodded.“Thank you.If his condition improves enough for further questioning...”
“I’ve noted that law enforcement should be notified, yes.”The woman’s eyes softened slightly.“I understand this is connected to a kidnapping case?”
“My daughter,” Riley said, the words like glass in her throat.
The social worker’s professional composure cracked momentarily.“I’m so sorry.I’ll make sure any information he provides reaches you immediately.”
As Smitty was led toward the waiting vehicle, he suddenly stopped and turned, his rheumy eyes finding Riley’s with unexpected clarity.
“He said you’d come,” Smitty said, his voice reedy but distinct.“He said you’d follow the trail right to his door, just like he wanted.”
Riley took a step forward.“What else did he say, Smitty?Where is that door?”
But whatever moment of lucidity had gripped him was already fading.He shook his head, mumbling something unintelligible as the social worker gently guided him toward the van.
“He’s playing with us,” Riley said once they’d gone.“Making sure we follow his twisted path exactly as he’s planned it.”
Bill’s expression darkened.“Then maybe it’s time we stopped playing by his rules.”
“Agreed.But how—”
Her phone buzzed in her pocket, the vibration jolting her.Every call, every text since Jilly’s abduction carried the potential for breakthrough—or catastrophe.She pulled it out, expecting Mathers or Hogue with an update.
April’s name flashed on the screen.
A cold fist gripped Riley’s heart.“It’s April,” she said to Bill, then answered, “April?What’s wrong?”
Her daughter’s voice came through in a panicked rush.“Mom, Leo just texted me.”
“What?How did he get your—”
“I don’t know!But he knows things, Mom.Things about us—about what happened with Peterson.”
The name transported Riley instantly to that rain-slicked deck where April had been held captive, then to the desperate struggle in the water.To the moment she’d become a killer to save her child.And the way her daughter had actually helped …
“Slow down,” Riley said, forcing calm into her voice.“Tell me exactly what he said.”
As April recounted the exchange, her words proved that Leo knew about Peterson.Knew intimate details of what had happened that night.Had expressed interest in visiting the place where it had occurred.
“He said he’d find it on his own,” April finished, her voice cracking.“Mom, I think he’s going there.I think he’s taking Jilly there.”
“Listen to me,” Riley said firmly.“Stay in the house.Do not leave for any reason.There are officers outside.”
The call ended, and Riley turned to find Bill watching her, his expression grave.
“Leo contacted April,” she said, her voice low and urgent.“He mentioned Peterson and the place where...”She couldn’t finish the sentence.Didn’t need to.Bill knew what had happened that night.Knew what she’d done to save her older daughter.
“He’s going there?”Bill asked, already moving toward the door.
“He implied as much,” Riley said, following him.“The question is whether he’s already there—”