Page 43 of Vanish From Sight

“It depends. Every person has a different story.”

He took a seat.

“So how can I help?”

Noah took out a photo of Katherine and set it in front of her. “Do you recognize her?”

“I never forget a face.” She nodded. “Katherine Evans. Nice woman. She was different from the rest. We get women from all backgrounds but rarely teachers or those who have money.”

“When was the last time she was here?”

Sandy took a deep breath and let it out. “I would have to check my files but I believe it was a good year ago. For about three weeks.”

“And so, she hasn’t been back since?”

“No. Is she dead or missing?”

“That’s a strange choice of words.”

“Not really. Officer, there are only a few reasons why women don’t return here. Either they’ve managed to get their life back on track and don’t need us, or they’ve derailed. If it’s the latter, we usually see them again, not the police. Those who show up here are looking for safety. I gather she never found it.”

“We believe it was her body pulled from a lake not far from here.”

“Believe?”

“We’re still in the process of getting a positive ID.”

“But you must be confident if you’re here.”

“Somewhat. The condition of her body makes it difficult to know.”

“That was the woman in High Peaks, yes?”

“Yes, well. What can you tell us about why she came here?”

Sandy leaned forward, lacing her fingers together. “The same reason others tend to. They need help, they don’t feel safe, they aren’t mentally capable of dealing with whatever happened or is happening in their life.”

“I understand but did she give specifics?”

“No. Family trouble. Work. She was vague. You have to understand, officer. For many that show up here, they’re embarrassed, humiliated and skeptical about whether anyone will believe them. We provide a safe place for recovery. For some that’s a few days, others a couple of weeks. Most usually can find a friend, family member or alternative living situation. This place isn’t a permanent solution.”

“So after she left here a year ago, did she go directly home?”

“I couldn’t tell you for sure. From what I recall, she said she would be going to stay with a friend.”

Noah nodded. “This friend. Would you have a name?”

“Nope.”

“You would have had to take down personal information, contact numbers, family names and so on, yes?”

“We encourage that but it’s not mandatory.”

“What information did she give you?”

Sandy stared back at him, then turned toward her computer. Her fingers pecked the keyboard, she moved her mouse and clicked a few times. “There was an emergency number she left with us. It was only to be called if she didn’t return on the days she worked.”

“Is it family? A friend? Her husband?”