Page 99 of Vanish From Sight

“All to save face.”

She nodded, stubbing out her cigarette.

“Charlie Delaney. Did you ever approach him?”

“I did. I thought he might speak on my behalf but then…”

“The hazing?” Callie asked.

“It was just before I graduated. It was said to be a hazing but I know it wasn’t. Someone had seen him talking to me, maybethey overheard. I don’t know. I just know that he never said anything.”

“He visited Katherine,” Noah said.

“He did?” she asked.

Noah nodded. “Multiple times since you left and before she was… well, you know.”

Isabella rose, glancing at her watch. “I’m afraid that’s all I have time for. All I can tell you is if the Academy is behind Katherine’s death, best of luck trying to get anyone to believe you.”

They thanked her and exited.

As Noah and Callie were discussing what Isabella had shared with them on their way back to the Bronco, an urgent call came in from McKenzie.

CHAPTER 27

Wednesday, November 23, 2:50 p.m.

The drive back from Plattsburgh was long and arduous, the highway stretched out endlessly in front of them. For an hour, Noah had pushed the accelerator, watching the miles tick. As they hit the outskirts of town, he blared the siren, clearing traffic before them. They raced through the streets back to the home of the first victim’s husband, Nicholas Evans.

McKenzie hadn’t given them much in the way of details, only that they needed to get there as soon as possible. Noah had chewed the gristle of the case, finding it all a little hard to swallow. The process of elimination wasn’t linear, it had taken them on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns while offering little in the way of solid evidence or motive. Even though he had his theories, those wouldn’t stand up in court.

Now, as they turned onto the quiet suburban street and pulled up to the house in Keene Valley, his heart rate quickened,and he felt a sense of dread. McKenzie and the forensics team were already inside.

Media vans lined the street, their satellite dishes pointed skyward, like giant antennae searching for a signal. Reporters and photographers bustled about, trying to get the best angle on the unfolding situation. Microphones and boom poles jutted out from the throng as they vied for position and to get the money shot.

“Geesh, they didn’t waste any time getting here.”

“Small towns. Word travels fast,” Noah said. “Don’t talk to them, just follow me in.” He knew what it would be like as soon as they got out. Like a pack of vultures, they would swarm them. Even though squad cars had been positioned like a wall to keep them back and the home had been cordoned off with yellow police tape, that wouldn’t stop them from pushing their luck.

Noah veered to the edge of the road and the two of them got out, making a strong beeline for the house. Almost immediately they were besieged by media, his face synonymous with law enforcement since the attention Luke’s case had garnered.

“Mr. Sutherland. Mr. Sutherland. Can you tell us…”

“No comment.”

They hurried up to the tape where a deputy lifted it to allow them to duck under before he shut down the wave of reporters behind them. Noah could hear them continuing to shout questions, hoping to glean some information about what was happening inside.

Noah had no idea, but was about to find out.

Ahead of them the house stood silent and foreboding, its windows covered by curtains to block reporters who were using long lens cameras. Inside it was a stark contrast to the frenzied activity outside. They passed by some members of the forensic team who were still working hard, examining the scene for any clues.

McKenzie was discussing evidence found.

“Good job. Log it. I want samples of everything.” He glanced their way. “Ah, finally, did you take the scenic route?”

“Hilarious. What did you find?” Noah asked.

He led them over to an open door that was still being brushed down for prints. “Seems our suspect was hoping to off himself after we got that search warrant. We arrived to the sound of an engine. The smell of fumes was strong. The garage was locked. We entered through the door in the house and found Nicholas unresponsive, folded over on the floor beside his vehicle that was pumping out fumes. He wasn’t coherent, and there was some blood in his nose. We called for an ambulance. They’ve taken him to Saranac. So far, he’s still alive.”