The Lies You Told

by Emerald O'Brien

  “That’s really helpful. Thank you. Dawn will be here tonight at seven?”

  “That’s right.” She stepped back from the door and reached for the handle. “I better go check on Claude.”

  “Have a nice day.” Madigan strode down the driveway, across the street, and down Aspen Avenue, crossing over to Becker Street. She slid into the car and pushed her sunglasses up on her head.

  “Were you stopped by any officers?” Grace asked.

  “No, but I have something. Two things, actually.”

  Grace pulled away from the curb onto the street. “Tell me on the way.”

  “To?”

  “To see Shawna. I got the rosary for her, but the calendar and address book are being looked at by Shelling.”

  “From what I’m hearing, we need to take the whole boyfriend suspect angle seriously.”

  “Why?”

  “The next door neighbour on the left is a man named Claude. He has dementia. His support worker, Melinda, told me she didn’t know much about Tina and Rhett, but the day when Shawna and Rhett say they last saw Tina, after Melinda’s shift ended around seven, Tina’s car was still there.”

  “So wherever she went, it was probably after seven. Good.”

  “Melinda said the night care worker, Dawn, thought Claude was having trouble sleeping because of the frequent arguing at night coming from Tina and Rhett’s, but it was actually his condition worsening. Regardless, they’ve been fighting at night. I plan on coming back to ask Dawn if she heard what they were saying.”

  “I’m surprised she told you that—about the fighting.”

  “I said I was a reporter—felt like I was working for the Gazette, again.”

  Grace nodded. “You might want to change your story tonight. A reporter asking for such detail sends up red flags.”

  “Got it.” Madigan tucked her book back in her bag. “Other than that, I can tell you some of the neighbours have been questioned and others haven’t.”

  “They might have been out or busy when Shelling came around. As for my findings, Rhett doesn’t seem to be overinvolved in the case. He’s been left out during important parts, according to him, and he doesn’t seem too happy about it.”

  “Alright, so maybe that’ll ease Shawna’s mind a bit?”

  “Well, he pointed the finger at her ex-husband. He said he came home a week ago and found them arguing in the home office. He confronted him, and it was about the divorce papers he brought yesterday. Rhett told him he’d better sign them, and anyway, it ended with Matt leaving with the papers. We know how that ends.”

  “He signs them,” Madigan said. “But why now?”

  “I don’t know, but it’s a good sign the police aren’t letting Rhett speak to her ex. I was thinking, her ex could have left that bruise on her arm before Rhett got home that day. There’s another issue here I want to get straight with you. We can’t tell Shawna anything we found out—other than the fact that Rhett isn’t overinvolved.”

  “What? Why? She might know something more. I could get a lead on where Tina might be.”

  “I don’t want to lose Rhett’s confidence. He opened up to me, and if I tell her the details, it’ll be the only way she could have found out. Knowing some of the neighbours haven’t been questioned will only knock her confidence in the investigation, and it’s better if she cooperates. Shawna’s afraid right now. She’s also got a quick temper, and we can’t risk getting her involved. I know you want to help find Tina, and as long as you don’t interfere with the investigation, I think that’s fine. I just want to be supportive of Shawna and help her understand the importance of cooperating with the detective and officers on Tina’s case.”

  I know you, Grace. You want to help find Tina, too, or else why would you give me the green light to question the neighbours? I’m sure she has Shawna’s best interests at heart, but she knows someone who means something to us is missing. How can she just leave it to someone else?

  “You said Shelling isn’t your boss. You even said Sergeant Colette can’t give you orders. Why are you fine with staying out of this?”

  “I’m not, really,” Grace mumbled. “I just—I have confidence in the Amherst police and Detective Shelling. It’s not my case. The only reason we’re involved is because Shawna reached out. She doesn’t have anyone, and I want to be there for her. I feel like that’s something I can actually do.”

  “Fine.” Madigan sighed. “So what am I allowed to say, then?”

  “Just follow my lead,” Grace said, parking in The Amherst Suites lot and taking her cell phone out of her pocket. She flipped through some messages with a small smile.

  There’s something going on with her and Mac. It’s obvious. Why won’t she tell me?

  As they got off the elevator on the fourth floor, Grace turned right, and Madigan followed until she stopped at room 404 and knocked.

  Shawna opened the door and gestured for them to enter. They walked down the short hallway into her room. Matt Morelli, Tina’s ex-husband, sat in a chair behind a desk.

  “Hello.” He greeted them each with a nod.

  “Mr. Morelli,” Grace said. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”

  Matt stood and straightened his tie. “This was an impromptu visit.”

  Shawna stood between them. “He told me he had to tell me something, so here we are. Make it quick.”

  Matt pushed his shoulders back. “I brought those papers over yesterday, and I obviously had no idea what was going on, with Tina missing, and then you found out about it all like that. I just wanted to tell you that I didn’t want to divorce your mom.”

  Shawna made a face and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “She served me the papers a while ago, and I knew there had to be a reason. She wanted to move on with Rhett. I guess I felt stupid because I always thought we’d end up back together.”

  “What?” Shawna asked. “Why? You don’t even talk.”

  “When I was away, the thing that kept me going in there was the thought of being back with you and your mom. When I heard about her new boyfriend, I asked myself what else could I expect? She was single, beautiful, probably lonely, and trying to support you on her own. I guess I thought it wouldn’t last long or that it wasn’t real.”

  “Not surprised,” Shawna muttered. “Hey, thanks for coming to see me when you got out, by the way.” She turned to Grace and Madigan. “That was sarcasm. He never even tried.”

  She’s in so much pain with her mom missing, and now her dad is bringing up all these emotions of abandonment. She doesn’t need this right now.

  “Your mom told me not to contact you, and I didn’t blame her.” He stepped around the desk toward her. “She called me before she sent you to rehab, though, and I footed the bill right away—because I love you.”

  Shawna took a step back, blinking up at him.

  She had no idea he paid for her rehab. This keeps getting worse.

  “Mr. Moretti,” Madigan said. “Maybe you should go—"

  “I’ve always wanted to be there for you,” he said, taking a step toward Shawna, closing the distance between them as she leaned away, clutching the crystal on her necklace. “I made a big mistake with my business, but that was a long time ago, and I miss you, Shawna. I want to be here for you.”

  Her eyes glossed over as she rubbed her crystal, shaking her head. “You left us. You knew what you were doing was wrong. You just want to defend your choices.”

  Matt shook his head and reached out for her, but she jerked away. Grace took a step toward them. “Let’s take a break here—"

  “You want a thanks for paying for my rehab?” Shawna scoffed, staring up at her dad as her cheeks flushed. “Thanks. You want me to show some gratitude because you got me sober? I did that. I put in the work. You can go now.”

  He stood by her side, each facing the opposite direction. “I came to tell you I’ll be here for you, and that it has always been my intention to bring our family back together, but I didn�
�t realize…”

  “How broken we all are? Or that you didn’t belong with us anymore? Or maybe you finally realized you can’t buy our love?”

  “I didn’t realize I wasn’t wanted anymore,” he said, his voice deep and low. “I knew you girls didn’t need me. That was clear. I just thought…” He looked at his feet, sniffling and rubbing his nose. “I’m a phone call away, Shawna. I want to be here for you. I want to help find your mom.”

  “And I want you to go,” Shawna said through a clenched jaw.

  He strode to the door, and as it clicked closed behind him, Shawna leaned back against the wall, clutching her crystal in her fist. Grace and Madigan exchanged looks as Shawna tilted her head, staring at the ceiling tiles.

  “I’m sorry, Shawna,” Madigan whispered.

  “We can do this later—” Grace started.

  “No.” Shawna shook her head and turned to them. “Thank you for coming. I’m sorry you had to see that.”

  “Don’t apologize.” Madigan set her bag down by the wall as Shawna walked to the desk and picked up a business card.

  “He wanted to be back with us, but he had a funny way of showing it. Now he wants me to just call him. Trust him. I guess my mom wanted to leave him for good and move on with Rhett. That’s the only explanation for why she didn’t tell me about the divorce papers. She knew I’d be upset if she was trying to get married to Rhett.” Shawna dropped the card, shaking her head, and clutched the crystal again. “Where are you, Mom?” she whispered before turning back to them. “The rosary. Did you get it?”

  Grace nodded and handed it to her. Shawna smiled and set it on her beside table.

  I thought she’d want to hold on to it like she does her crystal.

  “Rhett let me in. I spoke with him for a moment. He wasn’t allowed in the house when the police first came after he called them yesterday. Was he inside when you got there?”

  “No, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t have time to hide things before the police got there.”

  “Well, it’s a good sign that he was removed from the initial search of the house. He’s being kept at a distance regarding the investigation, but he’s still helping with the search, just like you. To my knowledge, his potential involvement isn’t being treated lightly or overlooked.”

  “I thought that would make me feel better, but it doesn’t,” Shawna mumbled.

  “I couldn’t get the address book or her calendar because the detective has them to look over.”

  Shawna picked at her fingernails, her curly hair hiding part of her face with her head hung low. “Detective Shelling wants to speak with me after lunch. He called before my dad got here.”

  “Do you know what about?” Grace asked.

  “He wouldn’t say, but it didn’t sound urgent.” She closed her eyes. “It’s not bad news. I know she’s still out there. I can feel it.”

  “I’m glad you’re staying positive.” Grace licked her lips and turned to Madigan, giving a nod toward the door.

  Madigan nodded.

  Not much more we can do here. Grace was right—we can’t divulge any of our findings. She’s liable to take anything we say and stretch it in whatever direction best suits her.

  “We’re going to head back to Tall Pines,” Grace said. “I’m going to join the search for your mom’s vehicle.”

  Shawna nodded, dazing off past them.

  “You call or text anytime—”

  “What do you think of Rhett?” Shawna asked her. “In your personal opinion.”

  “Well, I don’t know him well enough to make an informed opinion…”

  “But you’ve seen him twice now. You were an undercover cop—now a detective. I bet you read people well.”

  “I have, and all I know is, it doesn’t seem like he has interfered with the investigation thus far. He seems worried, sad, afraid. It seems like you’re both experiencing very similar emotions in your own ways.”

  Shawna shook her head. “This has to do with him. With the bruise.”

  She convinced he’s involved with Tina’s disappearance. Is there something she hasn’t told us about him?

  Madigan opened her mouth to ask, but Grace rested her hand on her back.

  “We need to be going. Officers are searching the county as we speak, and I’m going to check each location myself. Call or text if you need anything.”

  Shawna folded her arms over her chest and sat on the bed, muttering “thanks.”

  Grace led them out of the room and back toward the elevator. “She’s got tunnel vision,” she said. “It’s not good for the case.”

  “Imagine that was you.” The elevator doors opened, and they stepped in. “That you thought someone wasn’t treating me properly. That in your perspective, it was the only person you knew who could mean me harm. Maybe she knows something else about Rhett she hasn’t told us? You’d have a one-track mind, too. I mean, if you weren’t a detective.”

  “Even if I was the detective here.” Grace huffed. “You’re right. That’s why they are doing the right thing, keeping Rhett less involved. We all have biases, but it’s the police and detective’s job to work through them. This is why I didn’t think getting involved past supporting Shawna was a good idea in the first place. I can’t look into this any further, except for the car.”

  Maybe she can’t, but I can.

  The elevator music hummed between them until Grace turned to Madigan. “You think I’m backing down because of my job.”

  “I think this is a difficult position for you, and you’re doing your best.” Madigan huffed, running her fingers along her scalp and through her hair. “There’s the boyfriend, the ex, and the truth. They’re all blaming each other, and she’s only seeing what she wants to see. I just feel like there might still be a way to help her and Tina.”

  “How?”

  The elevator doors opened, and Madigan lowered her voice as they got out.

  “We keep doing our own investigation. We look for Tina on our own and keep it to ourselves. No involvement from Shawna, the suspects, no one close to the case. Could we do that?”

  “There’s only one thing to do right now that is helpful without crossing any lines.” They strode down the hall in tandem. “I’m searching for her car. Would you do the same?”

  I’ve got work tonight, but I’ll ask Dana to cover for me.

  “I’m in.”

  If we find the car, we might find Tina… or a lead.

  It’s a start.

  Chapter Six

  Grace stretched out under the covers as notes of coffee woke her from her brief sleep. After a long night of searching Tall Pines for Tina’s car, she came home to bed, only to toss and turn, wondering where Tina could have gone or what could have happened to her. Her mind refused to turn off, and her body paid for it that morning as she struggled to get out of bed.

  If that coffee wasn’t ready and waiting, I’d be stuck in bed forever.

  She shuffled down the hall to the kitchen and grabbed a mug from the cupboard, recognizing the monogrammed “S” as she poured her coffee. The first sips warmed her tongue and soothed the pain of her jaw from sleeping with it clenched shut as she took a seat at the kitchen table. Between sips, she filled out the missing information on her case, page by page, until the empty mug and finished papers sat in front of her and the sun rose high in the sky.

  Everything but the final report. Once I’ve finished that, I can look for Tina again.

  A tapping at the door behind her got her attention. The skinny caramel cat pawed at the door.

  “Little guy, where are you from?” She set her pen on the table and stood. “How long have you been watching me?”

  He kept his amber eyes trained on her as she walked to the cupboard.

  I’ll put out some fresh water. Maybe I’ll be able to see a tag or something.

  She filled a small ice cream bowl from the tap and brought it to the door.

  “If I open this door, you stay.” She pointed down at him
before opening it. “Stay.”

  What am I saying? He’s not a dog.

  But he stood still anyway, staring up at her as she set the bowl down in front of him.

  No collar. No tag.

  “What’s your name, little guy?” she whispered as he took a step toward the water. “Go ahead. Take a sip.”

  He skirted away across the yard.

  “Alright, go on back home, then.” She sighed as her cell vibrated against the table, and Shawna’s name flashed across the screen as it buzzed again.

  Please be alive. Please let Tina be alive.

  Grace took a deep breath and answered, bracing herself for sobs on the other end of the call.

  “The police just left my room. Detective Shelling told me they got a hit off my mom’s credit card this morning in South Bend at a diner there. There weren’t cameras in the diner, but—”

  “Shawna, slow down, okay?”

  “Yeah, sorry. Okay, so they told me there wasn’t camera footage of her using it inside the diner, but across the street there is a grocery store, and they keep recordings for a week. Detective Shelling played it for me, but it’s not her.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’d know if it was my mom. It wasn’t her. It looked like her, but she doesn’t dress like that. The picture was all grainy, but I could tell. They are taking it to Rhett next. I want to go there—to South Bend. I want to find this woman and find out why she’s got my mom’s credit card.”

  “Did the detective tell you that was alright?”

  “I didn’t tell him I was going. I hoped maybe you could come with me?”

  What is she thinking?

  “Shawna—"

  “Grace, I’m sorry about yesterday. I’ve just had a lot to process all at once here, but I appreciate your kindness. I really need your help with this. It’s just, it’s not her. If she were okay, she would have called me. Detective Shelling didn’t seem to believe me.”

  That’s odd.

  “Because the video is grainy?” Grace asked.

  “Because if I didn’t know better—if she wasn’t my mom—maybe I’d think it was her, too.”