Maya still didn’t know what to make of his reaction to her. It almost seemed like Nick and Isabelle wanted to meet her. Maybe they’d been as curious as Maya. She went and found a fresh Ziploc bag and some gloves. When she came back to the lobby, Kessler wasthere talking with everyone. Hope’s father was telling Kessler his name was John Dawson. He was a little bit taller than Maya and was lean with angular features. There was nothing warm or friendly about him. No wonder Eric didn’t like him.
“I’m the agent in charge of this investigation,” Kessler said after the introductions. “I can fill everyone in about where we’re at in a few minutes.”
Maya took the opening, gloves now on, and added. “Before you go with Agent Kessler, I’d like to split the scent articles so each handler has one.”
“I’d like to go with you when you run the track,” Nick said. “Aaron can join us too. The more officers, the better, right?”
“I won’t turn down help,” Maya said, knowing the marshals were good at their jobs. Aaron’s sniper skill could be an asset and that they might have multiple criminals to catch. “But you do have a conflict of interest.”
“I know,” Nick said. “But I can’t sit around and do nothing. I’ll take direction from you. Based on what I know about Abigail Harper, you might need assistance.”
“True,” Maya said. She was surprised again at his willingness to work together. On the other hand, it was their niece who was kidnapped and, in that way, she also technically had a conflict of interest. “Let’s go then.”
Chapter Twenty
As they were about ready to walk out the front doors, Isabelle came over to Maya. She placed a hand on her arm. “Thank you for all you’re doing, and thank you for letting Nick help you.”
“Of course,” Maya said. “We’ll find her. Juniper and Finn, our K-9s, are great at their jobs.”
“I believe you,” Isabelle said. “And Nick has been like a father to Hope. He understands her too... sometimes I think better than me. I know with your dogs and Nick’s tenacity, Hope will come home.”
“Like a father?” Hope’s dad, John, interrupted.
“It’s true,” Isabelle said. “Ever since you remarried, you’ve barely shown interest in her.”
“Well, at least he’s here now,” Maya said, hoping to smooth things over before they left. The last thing they needed right now was more family drama. “Let’s stay focused on finding Hope.”
That seemed to placate John.
“You’re right,” Isabelle said. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Maya answered, heading out the door before she was caught in between them again. Josh was waiting for her outside. The evening air was starting to smell even stronger of smoke andthere were particles landing on the sidewalk and landscaping.
“Just wanted to talk with you before we got going,” Josh said. “I asked Nick and Aaron to go wait by the patrol vehicles.”
“Sure, what’s up?” Maya asked. Although she was guessing it had to do with Nick and Aaron joining them.
“You really okay with them coming along?” Josh asked, nodding in the men’s direction. Juniper had decided Nick was a little close to Maya’s vehicle and let out a sharp bark.
Maya noticed he didn’t get upset, but rather stepped away. She liked that. He understood. Most marshals had worked with a K-9 and their handler at one point or another. “I am. For now, at least. If they start getting in the way or Nick isn’t thinking clearly because of emotions, we can always change our mind.”
“Okay. I have to admit, so far I like the guy...”
“But?”
“No buts, at least not yet regarding them,” Josh said. “My only other thought is Hope’s dad.”
“Yeah. Interesting guy.”
“That’s a nice way to put it. I don’t like his vibe and the way he’s reacting,” Josh said.
“What do you mean?” Maya asked, although she had her own doubts. Nick and Aaron, both in law enforcement, wanted to help. John had wanted them to start searching, but hadn’t asked them if he could come with. She wanted to hear Josh’s opinion.
“If we had a daughter who was missing, I’d do anything I could to find her, just like Nick is doing. And she’s his niece. Why isn’t her father begging to help us?” Josh said.
“I had a similar thought,” Maya agreed.
“He also works for the same department as Abigail. He’s calm. It’s almost like he’s not that worried.”
