Catastrophe Cliff

by J A Whiting

Peter introduced himself and Nell.

  “I’m Ginny Lord. I have the classroom next to Kyle’s. We both teach math so we collaborate a lot.”

  “Have you seen Kyle recently? Has he been in?” Peter asked.

  “He’s usually in by now getting his room ready for the start of school, but I haven’t seen him. I don’t think he’s been in since his girlfriend’s accident. It’s so unbelievable. I sent Kyle a card. I offered to help him get his room ready.”

  “That was nice of you,” Nell told the woman. “Did you hear from Kyle?”

  “No, not yet. There must be a million things he has to do since losing his fiancée. He must be a wreck.”

  “Do you know Kyle well?”

  “I’d say so. We work together on curriculum, lesson plans, homework, creating exams. He’s a nice guy, a good teacher, is great with the kids.”

  “We understand Kyle and Jen were planning a wedding for next August.”

  Ginny’s face took on a look of concern. “I hate to say it, but I’m not sure marriage is the right move for Kyle.”

  “Why not?” Nell asked.

  “Kyle’s sort of a free spirit. He loves the outdoors, hiking, canoeing. If he won the lottery, I think he’d spend the rest of his life hiking the world. I don’t think Kyle would like the confines of marriage.”

  “Are you married?” Peter asked.

  “I am, for four years. My husband is great. I love being married, but it’s just not for some people. The mortgage, the upkeep of the house, the errands. It all eats into your time. I think Kyle would have chafed at those things. He talks about saving a lot of money so he can retire really early. He told me he’d live really frugally. I’m not sure how realistic his plan is,” Ginny said. “Of course, I’ve never said anything to Kyle about any of that.”

  “Had you met Jennifer Harding?” Nell questioned.

  “Oh sure. She was such a nice person, always warm and friendly.”

  “Was Jen as outdoorsy as Kyle?” Nell asked.

  Ginny chuckled. “I don’t think anyone on earth is as outdoorsy as Kyle.”

  “They were a good match though?”

  “They seemed to be, although I think Jen was way more interested in a house and kids than Kyle was. I wondered if they’d discussed those things. Kyle didn’t give me the impression that kids were on his to-do list.”

  “Do you have an idea where Kyle might go to get away from things?” Peter asked. “If he needed to chill out, have some peace and quiet?”

  “The state park,” Ginny said, but then her face clouded. “Maybe he wouldn’t want to be in the park since that’s where Jen fell, but Kyle would go camping somewhere. A forest with a lake or a good-sized river. That’s where he’d go to relax.”

  “I hate to ask this,” Peter began, “but was Kyle seeing another woman?”

  Ginny looked like she’d been hit by something. “No. I don’t think so. He was with Jen.” The young woman narrowed her eyes. “Is there a rumor about that going around?”

  Peter ignored the question. “Kyle never hinted to you about seeing someone else?”

  Ginny shook her head with vigor. “Never. Gosh. If Kyle was cheating, it was a side of him I never saw. But I suppose why would he tell me?” The young woman’s eyes narrowed in thought and she took a quick look at the door before she spoke. “The physical education teacher here seems to like Kyle though. Lindsey Horn. They’re good friends, but she flirts with Kyle any chance she gets. I think it’s disgusting. Lindsey knows he’s engaged. She isn’t very subtle about it either. She’s really pretty. I think all the guys on staff like it when she gives them attention.”

  Nell asked, “Is there anyone here at school who Kyle was good friends with?”

  “Joel Bishop. He’s the chemistry teacher. I saw him a little while ago. He’s probably in his classroom, if you want to talk with him.”

  “We’ve met Joel,” Peter said. “Maybe we’ll drop by his room before we leave.”

  After Ginny left and they’d finished looking around Kyle’s classroom, Nell and Peter did just that.

  Joel Bishop had on a pair of reading glasses, and when he saw Nell and Peter at the threshold of the doorway, he took them off, stood up, and greeted the pair.

  “I was reading over some science articles I might use in class this coming academic year. What brings you to school?”

  “We were looking for Kyle,” Peter said, “but he’s not in his room.”

  “I haven’t seen him for days,” Joel reported as he set his eyeglasses on the desk.

  Peter sat down in one of the student chairs. “Have you heard from him?”

  “No. I sent him a text yesterday to see if he wanted to go for hike, but he didn’t get back to me.”

  “When did you see him last?” Peter asked.

  “The day Jen died. I called him a couple of days after it happened, but Kyle didn’t pick up. I’m sure he’s got a lot to do and probably doesn’t want to be answering every text and call he gets. He must be exhausted.”

  “How did Jen seem on the morning the four of you went to the state park?” Peter leaned against the wooden seat back.

  “She seemed herself.” Joel shrugged, and then added, “Maybe she seemed a little quieter than usual. I did ask if she was feeling okay. She was lacking her usual happy personality. Jen told me she was feeling tired, but that the hike would make her feel better. She said she’d stayed up too late the night before and should have gone to bed earlier.”

  “You didn’t mention this when we spoke earlier,” Peter pointed out.

  Nell watched the man carefully. The colors around him flashed red and orange.

  “Didn’t I? I guess I didn’t think it was worth mentioning.”

  “We need some information.” Peter moved his neck to get rid of a kink. “I’d appreciate it if you could be upfront with us.”

  Joel’s face looked tense.

  “Had Kyle started seeing Lindsey Horn?”

  Joel’s mouth opened and then shut. He blinked fast a few times. “I really don’t know. If he was seeing Lindsey, I don’t think Kyle would tell me anything about it. He knew I didn’t like cheaters.”

  “Did you suspect something might be going on between them?” Nell asked.

  “Lindsey likes to flirt and come on to guys. Maybe Kyle liked to flirt back. He wouldn’t take it any further than that though. I never got the impression Kyle would cheat.”

  “Have you been running with Lindsey?” Peter questioned.

  “Only once since Jen died,” Joel said. “I don’t have the energy. I don’t feel like running in the park like nothing happened, like someone we knew didn’t get killed in there. I’ve gone on short jogs. Running makes me think about Jen losing her life. It makes me feel low. It makes me feel sad. I need to take a break from running for a couple of weeks.”

  “I see the cuts from the fall you took while you were running are healing up,” Nell said.

  Joel looked at his hands. “Yeah. They hurt like heck at first.”

  “Listen,” Peter said. “We haven’t been able to locate Kyle. We have some concerns. Do you know where he might go if he wanted to relax?”

  Joel looked alarmed. “You’re concerned? About Kyle’s safety? Is that what you mean?”

  “We’re concerned that we can’t get in touch with him. If there’s a development in the case, we’d like to be able to reach him.”

  “I see. He’d go anywhere in nature, take a hike, go on a bike ride, go on a canoe trip. The guy loves to be outside. That’s the only thing he’d do to relieve the stress he might be experiencing.”

  “Did Kyle have a favorite place to go?” Nell asked.

  “I really don’t know for sure. He always goes to the state park.”

  “I know we talked about this before, but maybe you remember something you didn’t when we spoke earlier. Did you happen to see Jen in the park after you and Lindsey split up that morning?” Peter kept his eyes on Joel waiting for the man’s answer.r />
  “I didn’t see her. I’m sure of it.”

  Nell watched the swirls of color around the young man turn bright red, orange, and black. He was giving off signs of distress.

  Was it because he feels a sense of loss from Jen dying or is he feeling distress because he’s guilty?

  “Did you see Kyle after you left Lindsey?”

  “I didn’t see him either.”

  “Did you pass anyone at all on your way out of the park?” Peter asked.

  “I didn’t notice anyone, but I wasn’t paying much attention,” Joel said. “I wasn’t feeling that great. I was really hot. I worried I might be suffering from heat stroke. I just really wanted to get home.”

  “Is that the day you fell down while running?” Nell asked.

  “What? Yeah, it was.”

  Yellow pulsed all around Joel.

  Certain shades of yellow could mean indestructible. Was Joel feeling strong about not letting the fall stop him?

  Or was the emotion something else … like deceit?

  18

  Because the early evening air was less hot and humid, Nell and Rob decided to run along the coast road just before dusk. They’d spent a good amount of time rehashing the details of the case while they kept a brisk pace and admired the beautiful ocean views.

  As they approached Rob’s house, they slowed to a walk.

  “You know some blood was found at Kyle and Jen’s house,” Nell said. “Maybe Kyle cut himself and some drops of blood fell onto the patio. Maybe there isn’t anything worrisome about it.”

  “He left his car in the driveway,” Rob pointed out. “He couldn’t get far without a vehicle unless he took a bus or a train somewhere. He might have called a car service to take him to the airport.”

  “Law enforcement checked the airlines and the bus companies. There’s no record of a Kyle McLeod from Bluewater buying a ticket. If he called a car service, they’d be a credit card record. Peter says there’s no record of Kyle being picked up by a car service. Kyle didn’t rent a car either. There’s no charge to his credit card for that.”

  “He could have taken a commuter train into Boston,” Rob said. “And then picked up another train from the city to who knows where.”

  “That’s possible. If he did that, it sure makes him look guilty.” Nell asked, “Is he trying to make it look like someone hurt him? Is he staging his absence to make it seem like he’s been attacked and taken somewhere?”

  “He could be using that tactic to throw off the police.” Ron unlocked the door to his Cape Cod-style house and went into the kitchen where he poured cold drinks for both of them. They carried the beverages out to the deck and sat at the patio table.

  “Kyle might have gone off somewhere with a friend,” Nell speculated. “The friend could have picked him up at the house.”

  “What about his phone records?” Rob asked. “Have the police looked to see where his phone is pinging from?”

  Nell took a swallow from her glass of iced tea. “Kyle’s phone was still in the house, along with his wallet.”

  Rob’s eyes widened. “That doesn’t sound good at all. If Kyle went off with a friend, why would he leave behind his wallet and phone?”

  “Unless he was on the verge of a breakdown or something,” Nell suggested. “Maybe a friend came by because he was concerned that Kyle was having a breakdown and insisted Kyle go with him.”

  “The poor guy has been through a terrible emotional trauma the past days,” Rob said. “It’s not out of the realm of possibility that he was in an awful state of mind and needed a friend. It’s a good idea.”

  Nell set her glass on the table and made eye contact with Rob. “I don’t think that’s what happened. I think there are really only two possibilities. The phone and wallet being left in the house was either staged by Kyle to make it look like he’s been kidnapped … or someone really did hurt Kyle and has taken him somewhere.”

  “I bet you’re right.” Rob sighed. “I don’t like you being involved in these cases. These criminals don’t care about human life. They don’t care what happens to anyone. You’re in harm’s way by working with Peter. I’m worried for your safety.”

  Nell was touched by Rob’s concern. “I don’t know what else to do. I can’t have this skill and not put it to use. I have to help. Otherwise, the criminals will get away with their crimes.”

  Rob knew she was right. “You have to be safe. Be careful. Don’t go out by yourself. Check your surroundings, stay on-guard. Don’t trust anyone.”

  Nell grinned. “No one?”

  Rob made a face. “Don’t trust anyone … with a few exceptions. Let’s go out in the backyard.”

  “Why?” Nell asked, surprised by the sudden change of topic.

  “Let’s practice the things you and Violet learned when you took that self-defense class.” Rob stood, turned on his heel, and headed down the steps to the yard.

  “I’m too tired,” Nell complained as she followed her friend off the deck.

  “Your attacker won’t care if you’re tired. In fact, he’ll use that to his advantage.” Rob had studied martial arts for years and had repeatedly nagged Nell to take the self-defense class until she gave in.

  “Let’s practice another day,” Nell whined.

  Rob ignored her. “What if I come up behind you and grab your ponytail? Walk me through your defense.”

  Nell stood with her arms hanging by her sides. “I really don’t want to do this.”

  Rob stepped around her and grabbed Nell’s ponytail causing her to yell. Nell whipped her left arm straight up in the air, then stepped to the left and at the same time, smashed her arm down on top of Rob’s. The move broke his hold on her hair.

  “Well done,” Rob praised her. “Here’s another one.” He quickly grabbed her neck in a choke hold.

  Surprised by Rob’s sudden move, it took Nell a couple of seconds to react, but when she did, she swiftly jerked her head, shoulders, and upper body down between his arms, swung her body to the side, and ran a few steps away.

  A broad smile crossed Rob’s mouth. “Perfect.” Moving towards her again, Nell dropped to the ground and sat on the lawn.

  “That’s it. No more. I’m tired and sweaty. It’s been a long day.”

  “You need to practice every day. Practice with Violet or Peter or with me when we’re together.”

  Nell rolled her green eyes.

  “You have to. Your quick reaction to an attack could mean the difference between life and death.” Rob’s face was serious. “You’re dealing with criminals. They won’t hesitate to hurt you if you’re in their way. These people will do whatever it takes to get what they want. If you’re going to work with law enforcement, you need to be able to protect yourself. Practice your moves so your reactions are second nature. Violet needs to practice, too. You live and work in the same house. A criminal won’t hesitate to hurt your sister.”

  Reluctantly, Nell stood up. “You’re right. Let’s do another one.”

  Before Rob could act, Nell’s phone buzzed on the deck table, and she jogged over to see the text message.

  “It’s Peter. He said a friend of Kyle’s wants to speak with him. He wants to know if I can go along.”

  “Go,” Rob said with a nod. “But be on guard.”

  “I will.” Nell touched her friend’s arm and gave it an affectionate squeeze. “I’ll be ready for any shifty-looking troublemaker.”

  “Good.” Rob looked into Nell’s eyes. “I think you’re safe though. No one would attack you in your sweaty, stinky, post-running state.”

  “Thanks a lot.” Nell went to the front of the house to wait for Peter to pick her up.

  As they were heading from Peter’s parked car to the front door of a townhouse, Peter gave Nell the eye. “I see you dressed up for the meeting.”

  Nell shook her head and tugged at her t-shirt. “I’d just finished a run with Rob when you called. If you want my help, you have to take me as I am, running shorts, t-shirt,
and sweat. It all comes as a package.”

  On the drive over to Kyle’s friend’s house, Peter told Nell that the man called and asked if he could talk to him. “His name is Brayden Sales. He’s been interviewed twice and didn’t have much of importance to say. I wonder why the sudden urge to speak to me.”

  Brayden Sales was about six feet tall with muscular, broad shoulders, dark blond hair, and brown eyes. He looked anxious and worried when he opened the door and invited the guests inside where they took seats in the living room. The blue-grey walls were adorned with several pieces of artwork, the floors were dark, glossy wood, and the grey furniture was stylish and modern.

  “I’m worried about Kyle,” Brayden told them. “I saw him a few days ago. He was a mess. He told me he can’t sleep, he’s hardly eating. School is starting in a week and there’s no way he’ll be able to teach in this state. I offered to take him to a doctor or to the hospital emergency room to get some help, but he wouldn’t go.”

  “Are you afraid he’ll hurt himself?” Nell asked. The colors coming off the man indicated worry, anxiety, concern.

  “I don’t know if he would do that. I’m afraid he’ll drive off the road from being fatigued or end up crossing into the oncoming lane and hitting someone.”

  “How was he when you parted ways?” Peter questioned.

  “He was less manic, but still anxious and upset,” Brayden said. “I called him. I texted him. He doesn’t answer. I went to his house twice and no one answers the door. Can someone do a wellness check on him?”

  Peter cleared his throat. “You told me previously that you met Kyle in elementary school.”

  “That’s right,” Brayden said, “we’ve been friends for a long time.”

  “We’ve been by Kyle’s house to check on him. He hasn’t been at home. When you talked to him last, did he mention anything about getting away for a while?” Peter asked.

  “No, he didn’t.”

  “Would he tell you if he had plans to go away? Did you have a close friendship? Would he tell you his troubles? Would he share things like that with you?”

  “Yeah, he would.” Brayden looked alarmed. “We’re like brothers.”