Page 71 of Vanish From Sight

He smiled. “I’m just saying that it takes a very particular person to do this job. Only the brightest minds can weather the storm, see through the bullshit and handle the frustration of the revolving door of justice.”

“Well then I guess I’m fortunate to be learning from the best,” she said, cocking her head.

He wagged his finger at her and winked. “See, now you’re catching on.”

“Oh, I was referring to Noah,” she replied as she turned. She couldn’t hide her amusement as she walked away with a smile.

“Well, you’re not with him right now, princess, you’re with me, so don’t get cheeky.” He got up from his desk and thumbed over his shoulder. “Let’s go.”

“Where?”

“To speak with Hawthorne about Sawyer’s alibi for the night of Katherine’s death and see what else we can find out that got overlooked.”

“Shouldn’t we wait for Noah to get back?”

“Justice doesn’t wait for anyone.”

CHAPTER 20

Tuesday, November 22, 4:10 p.m.

Fear masked their expressions.

Ethan, Mia and Aiden were waiting for him on the porch step as the Bronco got closer. Noah had hoped, moving back to Adirondack County, that he’d be able to shield his kids from the worst of life, but it was a naïve thought. Being proactive, he’d already tried calling Lena. That got no answer. He hated to jump the gun but with all that had happened with the other women, he couldn’t leave anything to chance. He’d already phoned around to the hospitals, and alerted county deputies and local PD to be on the lookout for her vehicle. Had a murder investigation not been underway, he might have taken it in his stride, and considered it a momentary lapse of judgment on Lena’s part.

But this wasn’t like her.

On the way over from High Peaks to Saranac, Noah had contacted theAdirondack Daily Enterpriseto speak to Maggie,only to be told she wasn’t in. If there was any reason for Lena to vanish without contact, he figured it would have to be related to work, as there was no way on earth, she would have done it purposely. It had been a point of contention early in their marriage when Noah didn’t inform her that he would be late. She wouldn’t have put the kids through that kind of worry.

His phone rang as his vehicle arrived in the driveway. Noah tapped accept.

“Noah? Sorry, I was out at a meeting.”

“Maggie, was Lena in today?”

“Not sure. One of the guys at the paper called me.”

“Have you spoken with her?”

“No. What is the matter?”

“She hasn’t been seen since yesterday.”

He brought his window down, and Mia and Ethan came running up. He lifted a finger to let them know he was on the phone.

“I saw her just after noon yesterday then she dashed out,” Maggie said.

“Did she say where she was going?”

“No, but then she never really does. That girl is like a tornado. Always on the move.”

“Maggie. What was she working on?”

“Uh. I asked her to look into the dogs being stolen from owners.”

“Anyone specific?”

“No. I just asked her to find the story. You know…” she paused. “Noah, you are worrying me.”