The Lies You Told

by Emerald O'Brien

  There goes all my tips from the other night.

  “Sure thing.” The girl swiped the bill off the desk, and Madigan left.

  “So?” Grace asked as Madigan slid into the car.

  “Nope, but she’ll call if she sees her.”

  “Alright.” Grace pulled out of the lot. “To the bar?”

  Madigan nodded. “So does this mean she knows someone here?”

  “Shawna’s updated us so far. I just don’t think that’s it.”

  “I know you and Shawna have history, but I’d do anything for you if you were in trouble. I know you’d do the same for me. Why is it so hard to believe Shawna would have helped her mom and kept it from everyone?”

  “It’s not.”

  They pulled into the Crow’s Landing parking lot, and Madigan opened her door again.

  “Let me go this time,” Grace said. “I know you’re bribing your way around town, but I have my ways to get answers, too.”

  “Alright, but let me come.”

  Madigan’s phone rang, and Grace smiled, slamming the door behind her as Madigan pressed the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

  “We did it!” Dana shouted. “I have sole custody of Tyler! Zeke will be eligible for visitation at a center, supervised, but it was your pictures. Your proof! Thank you!”

  Madigan smiled and sat up straighter. “You’re welcome. I was happy to help.”

  “I still can’t believe he tried to chase you down with Tyler,” she huffed.

  “I should have been more discreet.”

  “I don’t have to worry about him putting Tyler in danger again. Not for a long time, at least. You have to let me pay you.”

  “I told you, no money. Thanks for taking my shift last night. I might need you to—"

  “Roy won’t like it if we keep doing this. You know he wants you there on the busy nights, but if I have a say in it, you don’t have to worry. My baby’s safe thanks to you and my lawyer. I hate lawyers, but I love mine right now. You should have heard him—”

  Grace walked back out of the bar earlier than Madigan expected.

  “I’m glad, Dana. Congrats. I might need to take you up on that offer again.”

  “Keep me posted.”

  She hung up as Grace got in. “It is dead in there this afternoon. The bartender and a few patrons hadn’t ever seen her. Who was that?” Grace nodded to her phone.

  “Remember Dana from work? How I did some work for her? Well she has sole custody of her son, and he’s safe from the father.”

  “Oh, well, that’s too bad about her situation, but good work.”

  It was good. I did good.

  “Thanks.”

  “Between that and what we’re doing right now, you need to expand on your training. I know you could help people in difficult situations, and it would be so much better than working at Roy’s.”

  Madigan pressed her lips together and nodded.

  Of course it would, but Roy’s pays the bills. Roy’s is how I save for my future.

  I’m not good enough to do this full-time yet.

  “Savor those happy times. Those wins.” Grace sighed. “Out here in the field, feet on the ground, finding answers. That’s what it takes to help people, and you don’t always win, but you just have to do your best for the people you serve.”

  “It feels good to be doing something that could help Tina, and seems to be helping Shawna, but you were right not to trust her with everything, you know, about her dad, or what Rhett told you over there.”

  “Tina’s car—parts of it—were here in South Bend as well as Tall Pines. That’s a concrete fact. Facts—you can work with.”

  You?

  Is she not-so-subtly suggesting I try to find a lead on the whereabouts of the car parts on my own?

  They rounded the sharp curve where Madigan and her friend Ames almost slid off the road while chasing a killer.

  Feet on the ground. Finding answers. It’s what gives me purpose, and I know it’s the same for Grace. It has to be killing her that she can’t be involved in the investigation.

  “Grace? You know how you said it’s complicated? Toeing the line between your work policies and helping Shawna and Tina?”

  Grace nodded.

  “I know you’ll do the right thing. You always do.” They smiled at each other, but Grace’s seemed forced.

  She’ll stress over this no matter what I say. She’s too hard on herself.

  “When we get back, I’m going back to Tina’s neighbour to speak to the night PSW, Dawn.”

  “And I have some documents to finalize.”

  As they drove back toward Tall Pines, Grace reached for the knob to turn the music back up.

  “It’s okay.” Madigan waved her off.

  I don’t need to escape from my worries right now.

  I need to concentrate on finding Tina.

  Chapter Seven

  After Grace dropped her off, Madigan rode her bike into the city, arriving at Claude’s home just after the shift change between support workers. She knocked on the door, hoping another run in with Claude wasn’t in the cards.

  A young woman her age opened it. “Hi.”

  “Hi, are you Dawn?”

  “Yes, Melinda told me you might be coming. You’re the reporter?”

  So much for changing my cover. Sorry, Grace.

  Madigan nodded. “She told me Claude has been having a hard time sleeping because of the arguing from next door, is that true?”

  She pressed her lips together and folded her arms over her chest. “I’m not comfortable speaking to the press about Claude or the neighbour’s issues. That’s their own business, and I like to mind my own over here. I don’t honestly have time for anyone’s issues but Claude’s.”

  “I understand, and let me assure you, our conversation is off the record. It won’t be part of the story. We are just trying to fill in some blanks, such as when the last time Tina was seen, and if you can tell me when you last heard them arguing, that would help a lot. Our only concern is helping bring Tina home.”

  “Well, I haven’t seen her in a while.”

  “Okay.”

  “And they were arguing just the other night. Maybe four or five nights ago.”

  “Okay, so it was what? Before midnight?”

  “After—always after.”

  Either they’re night owls, or their shifts kept them up…

  “Now I’m not saying that due to the arguing you had any concerns about her and her relationship, but, if you did, you’ll want to tell the police about that.”

  “Oh, a detective was by here last night asking. That all?”

  Maybe my official demeanor is putting her off…

  Madigan put her notepad in her bag. “Pretty much. She’s a local hero, you know. Officer Tina Morelli.”

  “Really?”

  “She’s known for her child advocacy. She saves children’s lives.” Where would I be without her? Maybe Dawn could feel for her more if she understood what a difference Tina’s made. “Do you have children?”

  “Little boy.” Dawn beamed. “My husband works days, and I work nights, so I get to spend some good time with him after kindergarten, and I can work here knowing he’s being taken care of at home.”

  “Sounds like a nice arrangement. Well, Officer Tina Morelli has helped all kinds of children, but she has a special place in her heart for those whose parents aren’t around like you guys are. Some are addicts, and others are just plain neglectful. They get overlooked.”

  Dawn pressed her lips together and swayed from side to side. “That’s terrible.”

  Madigan nodded and took a step back. “Not many people out there who’ll stick their necks out for those who have nothing to give in return.”

  But I’m trying, Tina. I’m trying now.

  “You know…” Dawn leaned against the doorframe, and Madigan stopped walking backwards. “I’m not sure it was any more than a couple having a spat. They were loud. I told the officer that and
now you. I feel like a gossip.”

  “You might not be comfortable speaking to me about the content of the arguments, but I’m glad you’ve told the police.”

  “It was never that bad.” She shook her head. “No name calling, banging around, or that sort of thing…”

  She knows it’s wrong to talk about this with me, but it’s like she can’t help it.

  “What kind of fighting was it?”

  “I usually couldn’t make out what they were saying. Sometimes something about working too much. You never understand. That sort of thing.”

  “Thank you for speaking with me. I won’t include any of it in the story. Is there anything else unusual about them, or even just Tina that you’ve noticed?”

  “No, but I feel terrible she’s missing. She’s a kind woman.”

  “So you know her?”

  Why didn’t I ask that?

  “Not really, but we go to the same gym.”

  “Which is that?”

  “Gym and Go.”

  Madigan frowned. “Is that the one with the stick figure running as the logo? It’s orange.”

  Dawn nodded.

  Matt Morelli had an orange plastic card on his keychain…

  “Is she usually there alone, or?”

  “Yeah, I think so.”

  “Was she ever with any men?”

  “I only see her a couple of times a month. Our schedules don’t match up, I guess, but I don’t remember seeing her with anyone. I’d remember if her boyfriend was with her, though. He seems so—cold. Always has a straight face, never acknowledges me, and his voice when he shouts at night—it’s been enough to keep me awake, listening to make sure it doesn’t go too far. Anyway, she’s been nice to me since she recognized me from the gym, always waving hi when I see her here or there. She seems like a strong woman, like she can handle herself, and she yells right back at him… But…”

  “What?”

  “You can only take so much of it, even a strong woman. He’s always the one who instigates.”

  “Really?”

  She nodded and stepped back inside. “Hope they find her.”

  This little bit of connection between us made her relax around me. It’s what I used to be able to do… and I thought I’d lost it. Jack said I’ve changed, and I have, but some of those parts I’ve missed are still here.

  She strode down the driveway to the curb where she parked her bike.

  Tina and her ex-husband go to the same gym. I’m almost sure of it. It’s something. Nothing unusual… But something.

  She grabbed her helmet, and a light turned on in the upstairs window of Tina and Rhett’s home.

  What were you fighting about so late at night?

  Did you hurt her, Rhett?

  Was it bad enough that Shawna tried to help her escape?

  Before Madigan started off, she finished the notes she started from Dawn’s statements and took a picture of them, attaching it to a text for Grace.

  All I got from the neighbour, she typed before sending it.

  For now.

  Chapter Eight

  Grace’s phone vibrated against the kitchen table next to the stack of papers, and Madigan’s name appeared on the screen next to a paper clip icon.

  Rhett and Tina last fought 4 or 5 nights ago.

  Fight about work. Doesn’t understand. He is the instigator. She fights back.

  Dawn says not that bad but seems scared of him.

  Tina and Matt have a membership at same gym.

  Grace took a sip of ice water and let it sting her throat as she swallowed.

  She’s out there getting answers—getting somewhere on a case that’s not hers—but she’s made it hers, and I’m stuck with these papers.

  As she read Madigan’s notes over again, the phone vibrated in her hand, and Shawna’s name appeared on screen. Grace swiped it and answered, “Shawna?”

  “Grace…” her voice wavered, shaky and slow.

  “Shawna, are you okay?”

  “I just got back from the department and took a Xanax. They brought me back and recommended I take some. Get some rest… I shouldn’t be taking it… I’m not sober now… But my mom, she’s in trouble…”

  “What happened? Take your time.”

  “There’s a man my mom put away… He got out.”

  He escaped?

  “What do you mean, got out?”

  “On parole. He’s from South Bend. He…he killed someone.”

  “What did the police tell you? What’s his name?”

  “They said she went to the parole hearing two weeks ago and… She fought to keep him in, but he got out…”

  “Okay, what else did they say?”

  “They asked me if I knew him. If I ever heard of him… I don’t know him, but Grace… I’m so scared for her.”

  “Shawna, you know how strong your mom is.”

  “Strongest woman I know.”

  “And she made you strong, too. You just need to be strong for her right now. Try not to fight sleep. It’s better to rest right now. It’s good the police know this now, and I’m sure they’re looking for him. Call me when you wake up tomorrow, okay? Or any time.”

  “Yes. Thank you, Grace. You’re really… Thanks…”

  A beep ended the call, and Grace stared down at her phone.

  Now I have to know. I can’t wait.

  She scrolled through her contacts and hit Derek Greer’s name.

  What am I doing? We haven’t spoken since…

  “Sheppard?”

  She pressed the phone to her ear. “Greer. Hey.”

  He cleared his throat, and a rustling sound came from the background. “Is it really you?”

  He sounds like he’s smiling.

  A wave of relief washed over her as she supported some of her weight on the back of the kitchen chair.

  “Yeah, it’s me.”

  “How are you doing, kid?”

  She sighed, rolling her eyes. He always called her that.

  “Not bad. How’s the beat?”

  “I’d say ‘same old,’ but I don’t think you’d remember what that means. Feels like a lifetime ago you left me to go under.” He paused, but there was nothing more for her to say on that. “To what do I owe the call?”

  “I’d say I was just wanting to catch up, but you always saw right through my bullshit, so I’ll be straight with you. I need some information on the Tina Morelli case.”

  “Ah.” A scuffling noise followed. “Don’t know much about it, kid.”

  “You know something. You always know a little bit of everything going on in Amherst.”

  “I guess I do…”

  But you don’t want to tell me and put your name on the line. You don’t trust me anymore since the rumors spread. I need to know.

  “She was on the parole board of a guy convicted of homicide,” Grace recited the speech in a monotone, as if it was all old news to her, “and she was trying to keep him in there, but he got out—”

  “Word travels fast, even up to your little town.”

  So he knows where I’ve been. I have the same number…

  “Give me a name,” she said. “I can figure the rest out on my own.”

  “You’re still a detective. You could figure that out on your own if you wanted, so why haven’t you? What are you up to?”

  She sighed and took a seat. “I’ve been asked to stay off it by Sergeant Colette, but he got the message across using a Detective Shelling. What do you make of him?”

  “Shelling? I’ve gotten to know him pretty well. He’s a decent guy. A good detective.”

  “Good.”

  “So you were asked to stay away? By Sarge? Grace, you know better than to go against him.”

  “He doesn’t give my orders anymore.”

  “Since you went under, I feel like you’ve become this whole other person I don’t know anymore. You used to follow orders, Sheppard.”

  She pressed her lips together and shook her head. �
�I just told you—he doesn’t give me orders anymore—”

  “You know just as well as I do that Sarge always gets his way.”

  “I’m a great example, aren’t I, Greer? No need for a reminder all the way out here in my little town.”

  I never thought I’d have to explain myself to you, but then, how could I be so naïve to think you knew me well enough to think better of me than what you’ve been hearing? Why did I bother calling?

  “Tommy Leman,” he muttered. “You know you didn’t hear that from me.”

  “I’d never—”

  “And he’s the new prime suspect. Released just a few days before Morelli went missing.”

  “New prime suspect? Who was the old one?”

  “Take what I give ya, alright, kid? I don’t know what you’re up to, and I don’t wanna know, but—”

  “You remember my first day working the beat with you?” She tried to keep her voice from shaking. “I was terrible. Nervous. At the end of our shift, when we got back to the department, you asked me why I wanted to be a cop. You remember?”

  “Yeah. You told me about when you were a kid. The bad situation and that an officer…Morelli—that’s who helped you out.”

  I can’t end this conversation knowing he thinks of me the same way the rest do.

  He was my mentor. He told me I was going places…and I’ve disappointed him.

  “I’m not the woman you used to know, but I’m also not who they think I am.”

  Silence hung between them as Grace’s body shook.

  “Alright, I get it.” He stretched out each of the words.

  Maybe he does; maybe he doesn’t, but he helped me. He doesn’t think I’m useless. Not completely. Maybe that’s the best I can hope for…until I prove them all wrong.

  Quit while you’re ahead, Grace.

  “Anyway.” She gripped the edge of the table. “Thanks. Take care.”

  “Hey,” he muttered but didn’t follow it with anything.

  “I mean it. Thanks for taking my call.”

  He sighed. “I shoulda called you.”

  He still cares.

  A rumbling caught her attention out front, and a single light shone through her living room curtains.

  Madigan.