Page 35 of The Missing Couple

Lenny Reed. The man Laney Rogers had mentioned.

“Lenny does that to all the girls,” Mrs. Decker said. “That boy was a mess. But that new wife of his has straightened him out pretty good. He goes to church every Sunday now.”

A new wife and church every Sunday didn’t rule him out in Charly’s book.

“I can’t believe the sheriff hasn’t found anything.” Rob shook his head. “It’s just like the others. It’s as if they vanish into thin air with no evidence left behind.”

“It’s hard to believe it can keep happening over and over,” Charly mentioned.

“It is,” Rob said. He looked to Billie. “My question is when are we going to have better methods in a case like this? There has to be a way.”

“No question,” Billie agreed, then he passed Mr. Decker one of his cards. “Please call me if you or Mrs. Decker think of anything at all you believe might help me in my search for Briana and her husband.”

“Count on it,” Mr. Decker assured him.

On the way to the door the two said again how sorry they were and how their thoughts and prayers would be with Billie and his family.

Charly suddenly wondered about Billie’s family. The Willards’, too. They must be devastated as well. She could only imagine how his parents felt.

When they were in his SUV, she forced her mind to move on to the necessary business and said, “Next stop is the home of Paul Grant, lifelong bachelor and revered pit master.”

“Just tell me where to turn.”

Grant Residence

Val Monte Drive, 7:50 p.m.

PAUL GRANT LIVED in a first-floor condo right on the lake. Unlike Rob’s place, this one was very new. Very contemporary and quite expensive. His home was mere yards from the water and very near popular restaurants as well as his own, the Pit—a renowned barbecue restaurant.

Paul was a good man. When her parents were murdered, he’d brought prepared meals to her and Jen for weeks. When Jen had gone back to college, Paul had checked on Charly regularly. Anytime she needed to cater an activity for her guests, Paul always came through with great food and a good deal. He was like an uncle. And he’d loved Alex. They’d spent many Saturday afternoons on the water fishing. And when Alex died, Paul had been there for her all over again. He was kind and generous.

Billie rang the doorbell.

Almost immediately, the man’s voice came to them via the speaker in his video doorbell. “May I help you?”

“Hey, Mr. Grant. It’s Charly. I hope we’re not interrupting your evening.”

“Charly!” Five seconds later the door opened. He looked from Charly to Billie and back. “Come on in here. It’s been too long.”

“I know. I’m sorry. Life gets in the way.” Charly followed him inside, Billie close behind her.

He gave her a hug. “How have you been doing?”

“I’m good,” she said. “Staying busy with the cabins.”

“Good. Staying busy is the best route for moving on.” He looked to Billie.

“This is Billie Jagger,” she explained. “His sister, Briana, and her husband were staying at my place when they disappeared. I’m sure you’ve seen the news. Sheriff Malone held a press conference about them.”

“I have.” He clapped Billie on the arm. “I was so sorry to hear about that. Damn, it’s a crazy world anymore.”

“Thank you. We’re doing all we can to find them.”

Paul’s eyebrows hiked up as he shifted his attention back to Charly. “Malone not doing his job right? Not the way your father did, I’ll wager.”

Charly smiled. “He’d have a difficult time ever being as good as my father.”

“You are correct,” Paul agreed. “Have a seat.” He indicated the equally contemporary sectional sofa and chairs.