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But it was there, and it was undeniable.
The bell to my front door buzzed. I stepped inside, frowning, and went to the small security closet next to the front door. Inside, monitors showed dozens of camera angles from all over my property. My head of security, a man named Carlos with half a dozen scars from half a dozen gunshot wounds, glared at a car sitting at the bottom of the driveway.
“Don’t recognize them,” he grunted. “Should we send them off?”
I leaned closer and smiled. “No. Let them up.”
He swiveled to look at me. “You sure?”
I didn’t repeat myself. I stepped back into the main hall and went outside. The car appeared a moment later, parking out front.
Laurel climbed out. Melanie followed. Palmira got out from the back seat, looking annoyed. I waved her off and she flipped me the bird, but she leaned against the hood of the car and waited.
“Melanie,” I said. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon. And you brought Laurel.”
“Dad’s missing,” Laurel said before Melanie could speak.
I frowned at her and turned to Melanie. “What happened?”
“I haven’t gotten the full story out of her yet. She’s shaken up.”
“Inside.”
I led them into my living room. Clean, white, chrome. Modern, with wood accents. I put them on the expensive Italian leather sofa and poured them whiskey in two cut crystal glasses. I didn’t like to flaunt my wealth, but I did know how to live well.
Laurel threw hers back. “He’s been out for a few days now,” she said. “At first, I didn’t think much of it. Probably had a business trip and forgot to tell me. It happens. I texted him, called him, left messages. No response. I got worried the next day, tried to call more, but his phone was off. I was freaking out. He didn’t show, and I kept waiting, ready to call the cops, but then I thought about Melanie, and what she was asking, and you—” Laurel stopped herself, her face pale as raw spider silk. “What’s my dad involved with?”
I glanced at Melanie, who shook her head slightly. So she hadn’t told Laurel anything, and yet the girl knew something was going on.
Interesting.
“I can’t say exactly. Your father’s company is manufacturing a new synthetic opioid, and I believe there are certain dangerous interests involved. I don’t know where he is, or if he’s in trouble. But I can find out.”
“Please,” Laurel said, eyes wide. “Please, what can you do to help?”
Melanie looked unhappy—but I guessed that I was her last resort. She hadn’t known where else to go.
“Let’s check the house first,” I said. “There might be clues there.” I gave Melanie a knowing smile. She’d like that plan. “I’ll make some calls as well.”
“There’s nothing at the house,” Laurel said firmly. “I should’ve gone to the police. I knew this was a mistake. If Dad’s involved with people like you—” She stopped herself, staring at me, and covered her mouth.
I smiled softly. “If he’s involved with people like me then he might be dead. But believe me, Laurel. If there’s something to be learned from your house, Melanie will find it. So let’s go there, look around, and get our heads straight.”
Laurel nodded, shamed and terrified. “Okay, okay. If that’s what you think is best.”
“Go with Palmira,” I said, gesturing for Laurel to leave. “I want to talk to Melanie for a second.”
Laurel looked between us, but she obeyed and went outside. I watched her go before turning to Melanie.
“This is your chance,” I said.
“Her dad’s missing,” Melanie said, leaning back on the couch, swirling the liquor. “Do you really not know where he is?”
“I really don’t. But you’re about to get access to his house. What are you going to do with it?”
Her eyes widened. “You’re making us go back there so I can do my research?”
“I told you I’d help. I’ll also call Griffin and Liam, and see if I can find out anything about her father. Right now, though, you’ll get unfettered access in the name of searching for clues.”
She laughed, delighted. “You’re crazy. And devious.”
“It’s nice when it works for your benefit, doesn’t it?” I stood and held out a hand. “Shall we?”
“Let’s.” She put down the whiskey and we went outside. Palmira looked pissed and Laurel seemed terrified, but we climbed into a Range Rover and drove out to Laurel’s house. It wasn’t far away, and the whole time I could practically feel Palmira’s angry scrutiny as she glared at me in the rearview mirror. I sat up front with the driver, and the three women were crammed along the back bench.
We parked and Laurel led the way inside. “There’s nothing here,” she said, gesturing at the empty space. “Trust me, I looked. He left nothing.”
Melanie put her hand on Laurel’s arm. “Let us look around. You might’ve missed something.”
