Page 11 of Vanish From Sight (High Peaks Murder, Mystery and Crime Thrillers #2)

“Come on,” he said to the golden retriever he’d collected only ten minutes earlier.

The one that had been found in the single-wide trailer.

Inside he was greeted by the echo of barking dogs and the scent of antiseptic.

The waiting room was bright and airy, with large windows that overlooked the street.

The walls were lined with posters, ads for pet food and reminders to give them their yearly shots.

“I appreciate you opening today.”

“It’s all good. Is that our boy?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

She crouched and the dog wagged his tail hard. The vet gave him a treat from her pocket and ruffled behind his ears. “This shouldn’t take too long. Especially if he doesn’t have one. Where was it you said they found him?”

“Out near Pulpit Rock.”

“Long way. I have a few clients who go there though.”

The vet led them both into an examination room at the back.

The room was clean and well-lit, with a steel examination table in the center and tools and supplies on shelves and lining the walls.

The vet returned with a small handheld device which was used to scan the dog’s microchip between the shoulder blades. “Well, let’s see if we have anything.”

“What kind of information will that provide? ”

“It’s not a GPS device. It gives basic details, the company that made the chip and account number.

From there, we can get in contact, provide that number and then they usually will contact the owner that they have on file if the dog is lost. That information isn’t usually given directly to anyone else or vets but it depends on the situation. ”

“It won’t give you the name of the owner immediately?”

“Oh no. Not that easy. The unique identifier in the chip has to be registered with the national pet recovery database. They prefer to only work with the owners but since this is a police matter, I imagine you could speak with them.”

The device beeped, indicating it had found a chip, and the vet quickly pulled up the information on her computer then made a phone call. Noah stood there running his hand over the dog who was panting. A moment later she returned with the phone.

Although it was highly rare that they would give out the information, under the circumstances, the woman on the other end of the line was more than helpful.

A quick conversation and he was able to obtain the license number of the breeder, dog’s name, gender, date of birth, breed and the owner’s address and contact details including a cellphone.

As soon as he heard the name Sonny, it all fit together. The tattoo on the victim was the dog’s name.

“Did they give it to you?” she asked.

“Uh, huh. Name and address.”

“Good to hear.”

“It’s registered to an Alexander Hawthorne at this address,” he showed the vet.

“Alexander. Huh.”

“You know him?”

“He’s the rector at the private residential school. High Peaks Academy. ”

“Is he married?”

“I believe so.”

He could only assume that this was his missing wife.

As Noah walked out, he chewed over the information.

High Peaks Academy. He couldn’t recall a private residential school being in the area back when he lived there but that was a good twenty-plus years ago.

Then again, he’d attended a public school.

Now that he knew who the dog belonged to, he left the animal hospital with a sense of relief that they were no longer searching in the dark.

After returning Sonny to the station, he figured he would swing by the casino.

Within half a mile of Whiteface Ski Resort, he could already see the Ashford Casino.

The building was truly impressive, with towering columns, a glass facade and glittering lights that beckoned people inside.

The sprawling parking lot was packed with cars even on what he would have considered a sleepy Sunday.

After parking the Bronco in one of the many spaces, he approached the entrance, feeling excitement in the air. Laughter and conversation carried on the chilly fall wind as groups of people were milling around outside, bundled up in warm jackets and hats, smoking cigarettes.

Not far away he could see ski gondolas running, and the nearby slopes covered in fresh powder snow. They’d only been open a few days and with the weather so mild, they’d had to resort to using snow guns to jet crystallized water onto the slopes until there was a good dumping of snow.

Stepping inside the warm casino, Noah was taken aback by the opulence of the interior.

He gazed around the lobby, staring up at the towering ceiling and gilded chandeliers that sparkled overhead.

It was bustling with activity, people chattering, music playing.

Slot machines rang out while other players gathered around roulette and card tables.

It was grand and luxurious; no expense had been spared.

The atmosphere was one of opportunity and anticipation, the chance to walk away with thousands, even though most would lose.

He’d seen places like this. They were rigged, designed to give people a sense that they could win only to pull the rug out from underneath them when they started getting lucky.

Trying to find Ray in there would have been like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Noah opted to stroll over to the information center and see if they could be of help.

There was a short line of people. As he waited, it felt like an eternity.

Getting impatient, and irritated at his brother, he heard his name.

“Noah Sutherland.”

Noah turned to see a tall and well-built man in a suit approaching him, flanked by two bouncers.

He had a commanding presence. His skin was a deep, rich brown, and his hair jet black, styled neatly and professionally.

He wore a sleek and modern navy-blue suit that accentuated his muscular physique, and a patterned silver tie that added a touch of tribal design to his outfit.

Noah noticed heads turn in his direction as he strode confidently toward him. His expression was calm, collected and confident, as if he wore the casino like a second skin.

“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you,” the stranger said.

“Sorry, you are?”

“Gabriel Ironwood. The manager of this establishment.”

“Ah, right.” Noah extended a hand and felt the authority and pride in the shake. He exuded a sense of respect, and those around him, visitors and staff alike, took notice of his self-assured demeanor. “I’m looking for my brother.”

“Ray.” He thumbed over his shoulder. “He’s in the VIP room. Come, I’ll take you there.”

As they threaded through the casino, Gabriel continued. “Your brother said you had returned. I must say the county and this town are grateful for what you did. Corruption is a hard thing to weed out, those who seek to cover it up even more so. Do you gamble, Mr. Sutherland?”

“It’s never been my thing.”

“Well, if you ever change your mind. The house would love to extend to you a thousand dollars. Incentive. Of course.”

“Of course. I wasn’t aware the city had approved a casino.”

“Progress always wins the day. Besides, it’s a win-win situation with the ski resort. That place is only open between November and April. This opens up hundreds of jobs and will bring even more wealth into the community.”

“As long as that’s all it does,” he said.

He caught a glint in Gabriel’s eye as he opened a door and led him into a VIP room at the back of the casino.

His brother was sitting at a large green table, surrounded by other players, most of whom looked like wealthy businessmen.

Ray turned, his eyes bloodshot and glazed over, clearly under the influence.

Some might have thought Noah would be embarrassed by his brother’s behavior, but he was used to seeing his father in all manner of states growing up. Still, Ray had never struck him as a heavy drinker.

“Oh shit, call the cops!” He laughed aloud then cried out, “Come. Come. Have a seat. Everyone. This is Noah. My little bro. Back to bring justice to all, isn’t that right!”

He took a bottle and began pouring two fingers of bourbon into it.

“Ray, c’mon. ”

“C’mon what?” He continued pouring.

“It’s Sunday morning.”

“It’s Friday evening somewhere,” he said. “Hey boys!?”

They chuckled and shook their heads. If he was trying to win their approval, he was failing. “I think you’ve had enough to drink. Let’s go.”

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m just getting into a groove.

Okay, a few thousand down but I can feel my luck turning.

” Noah tried to get him to leave. At first, his brother resisted, but Noah kept at it, reminding him of his responsibilities, that others were depending on him.

“Ah you’re such a buzz kill. Just like Tanya! ”

Gabriel regarded them both with amusement.

“Another time, Mr. Sutherland,” Gabriel said.

“Always,” Ray said, passing him by and swigging some more of his drink. Noah took the glass out of his hand and set it down on the table as he assisted his brother out, his legs almost failing him.

“Remember my offer,” Gabriel said. Noah looked back over his shoulder and Ray whispered in his ear.

“How much are they giving you?”

He ignored him.

“C’mon, Noah. What did he offer you?”

“Weren’t you supposed to be somewhere this morning?” Noah asked, changing the topic.

“Somewhere?”

“The vet’s. The dog. Remember?”

“Oh, I thought Callie or you were handling it.”

“You said you wanted to be there.”

“Did I?”

Noah grumbled, shaking his head. This was a side of his brother he hadn’t seen.

When they were younger, he’d watched him go off to parties but he usually saw him in the morning after he’d sobered up.

“If you are trying to follow in pop’s footsteps, you’re doing a good job,” Noah said as they headed out into the bright daylight.

Ray groaned, shielding his eyes with a forearm.

“Shit, that’s bright!”

“Have you been here all night?” Noah asked.

“Time flies when you’re having fun, brother.”

“Yeah, and so do women. Tanya has gone to her mother’s.”

“Ah, Tanya is like a yo-yo, she’ll come back. Always does.”