Amber Smoke

by Kristin Cast

  “Yes, please have a seat.” She motioned to two black rocking chairs opposite her.

  The gruff, grumbling Schilling dissolved into one of kindness and sympathy. “I’m Detective Schilling. This is my partner, Detective Graham. We understand that your daughter didn’t come home last night, and we’d like to ask you a few questions. Is that okay with you, Ms. Kostas?”

  “Yes, I want my daughter found. You can ask me anything.” She dabbed at her red, puffy eyes with a tissue.

  “When was the last time that you saw your daughter?” Schilling asked.

  “The last time I saw Eva, my daughter’s name is Eva, was before she left to go to the Ambassador Hotel downtown. She met her friend Bridget there for a Labor Day party.”

  “And do you know what time she left the house to go to the party?”

  She shook her head. “Around ten, maybe. I’m not sure. I was already gone. I had a date. I came home around midnight, and she wasn’t here, but that didn’t really surprise me. Eva very rarely drinks, so she usually ends up being someone’s designated driver.” Her hands trembled as she mindlessly smoothed out the edge of her tissue. “She never lets her friends get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. She’s a good girl and this isn’t like her. I know something’s wrong. I can feel it. She hasn’t called, or sent me any messages, and she’s not answering her phone.” Tears leaked down her cheeks.

  The wind picked up and blew the Kleenex from her hand. It floated to the ground near James’s foot. He picked it up and held it out to her. “Ms. Kostas, did you hear from her at any time while she was out last night?”

  “No. I know I should’ve texted her to check in, but I’m trying to give her space. I want her to feel like an adult even though she still lives at home.”

  “And you’re sure she made it to the Ambassador?” Schilling asked.

  “Yes. I talked to Bridget a little while ago. She said that she was there when Eva arrived at the hotel.”

  James jotted down a few notes before asking another question. “Can you think of anyone she may have left the party with? A friend or a boyfriend maybe?”

  “No, no. Eva is really only close with Bridget. And she’s so busy right now, she doesn’t have time for a boyfriend. Her father abandoned us. It happened years ago, but after Eva’s dad left, she became a lot more shy and reserved. She doesn’t trust too many people. I thought that would help keep her safe.” She took a deep, shaky breath.

  “Eva’s father?” Schilling questioned. “Is he the reason for all of the security measures?”

  “He managed the security company that installed everything. It was all paid for, and when he left, I didn’t see a reason to take any of it down.”

  “But you’re not worried about him coming back or anyone else trying to harm you or Eva?” James asked.

  “Oh, no. Eva’s dad left a note making it very clear he was finished with the relationship and wouldn’t be coming back, and there’s no one I can think of who would want to hurt either of us.” The pocket of her long cardigan chimed, and she rushed to take out her phone. “It’s only Bridget. She’s down the street and will be here soon. Hopefully she knows something that will help.” She let the phone drop onto her lap.

  “We’ll be sure to talk to her when she gets here,” James said.

  “Thank you. I felt foolish for calling the police, but I know deep down there’s something wrong. My daughter’s in trouble.” Lori’s face dropped into her hands and her shoulders shook with her sobs.

  James left the rocking chair and crouched next to her. “You were right to call us. We’ll find your daughter.” He placed his hand on her back and patted it gently as it heaved up and down. “I promise we’ll find her.”

  “Graham, looks like there’s a visitor.” Schilling motioned to the street.

  A petite young woman rushed from a white Camaro to the security gate. It beeped as she quickly punched in a code on the keypad. She paused a moment and the gate slid open. Without waiting, she turned sideways and squeezed through the open space between the moving gate and the fence. Her blond ponytail bounced against her neck as she jogged through the yard.

  James walked to the front of the porch. “Are you Bridget?”

  “Yes, Bridget Falling. Eva’s best friend.” She took James’s place beside Lori.

  “Bridget, you didn’t have to come over,” Lori said weakly.

  Bridget smiled affectionately. “I’m always here for you and Eva.” She turned back to James. “I want to help. Is there anything you need from me?”

  “I do have a few questions. Mind if we talk over by the gate?”

  “Not at all.”

  Schilling heaved himself from the rocking chair and followed.

  “Do you know what time Eva arrived at the hotel and where she parked her car?” James asked.

  “I know she was late. She got there sometime around eleven or eleven thirty, I think. Sorry, I had a few drinks before she got there so the time frame part is a little blurry. She did have to park a few blocks away though. She can’t parallel park. I’m always telling her she needs to learn, but…” Bridget’s voice trailed off.

  “Do you remember what she was wearing?” Schilling asked.

  “I definitely remember that. A green pleated chiffon mini dress with gold Jimmy Choo wedges.”

  James hesitated a moment before writing down the description, unsure of what a pleated chiffon mini dress looked like. “Did Eva get into any arguments last night or the days leading up to it? Or does she have any enemies that you know of?”

  “She doesn’t have any enemies. She’s way too nice of a person. But something did happen last night between her and Spencer, Spencer Burke.”

  “Who is Spencer Burke?” Schilling asked.

  “A guy from school.”

  “A boyfriend?”

  “I don’t think so. And Eva sent me a text that made it sound like it definitely won’t be on in the future.”

  “Do you know what happened?” Schilling prodded.

  “No, I don’t know exactly what went down. She sent me this text mentioning it, and she didn’t sound scared or hurt or anything. But whatever happened made her leave. I feel so guilty. I pretty much pushed her onto him. I swear to God, if he did anything to her—”

  “Miss Falling, you don’t need to worry about that. We’ll handle Spencer.”

  James continued the questions. “Any idea where he lives or might be staying?”

  “He lives in one of the apartments on campus at TU. I’ve never been there, so I don’t know exactly which one.”

  “I didn’t get a chance to ask Ms. Kostas, but do you have a picture of Eva?”

  “Oh yeah, tons. They’re all in here.” She took her phone out of her pocket. “If one of you will give me your e-mail I can send them to you.”

  James took a business card from his wallet and handed it to her. “My number is on there and so is my e-mail address. Send them to me, and if you think of anything else, you can text me or give me a call.”

  “Will do.” Her fingers moved quickly as she entered the number into her phone. “Oh, wait.” She paused. “There was this one guy who was looking for her, or at least someone with the same name. Blond, tall, super handsome. I think he said his name is Alex. No, Alek. I was with him all last night, but he left this morning in a huge hurry to find her. Whatever he needed her for was pretty important.”

  “Alek? With a C or a K?”

  “No idea. Probably wasn’t looking for the same Eva. He might have even been high on something. Was definitely weird. But cute.”

  James wrote the name on his notepad.

  “Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Miss Falling. We’ll take care of everything from here,” said Schilling.

  “Anything you need. Just make sure you find her. I don’t think Lori could go on if Eva never came back. She’s all she has. I don’t know what I would do either.” Bridget went back to her phone and walked to the porch to sit by Lor
i.

  “I’m going to go radio in the info about this, uh…” Schilling looked back at his notes. “Spencer Burke. You want to go tell Ms. Kostas we’re leaving?”

  It was the last thing he wanted to do. Her sadness clung to him. He knew how it felt to have the person closest to you disappear. “Sure, I’ll let her know.”

  Lori rocked in the chair, staring blankly. “Ms. Kostas, we’re going to go follow up with a few people. We’ll let you know as soon as we find out anything. I’ve given Bridget my card in case either of you hear from Eva or remember anything that might be able to help us.”

  “Thank you,” she said flatly.

  “Detective, I sent you the pictures of Eva,” Bridget said quietly. “There were a few of them, so they might take a minute to get to your inbox.”

  “Thanks. They’ll be a big help.” He hurried to the car and got in as Schilling finished his call.

  “Think it’s anything?” James asked.

  “Seems fishy, but I can’t put my finger on it yet.”

  “You know what I can’t figure out?” James mused. “If Alek spent the night with Bridget, why was he looking for Eva?”

  “Could be a different Eva. Or…” Schilling looked past James to Bridget sitting with Lori on the porch, holding one another. “This may be one of those keep your friends close and your enemies closer scenarios. Let’s check out Ms. Falling as well.”

  Thirteen

  The resonant wriggling in Alek’s chest pressed him forward down a bike path bordering a luxurious field. The bright green grass stretched between two sets of matching apartment buildings. Someone had sprayed “University of Tulsa” into the grass in gold, stenciled letters.

  A group of shirtless guys threw a ball back and forth at the end of the lawn, while a cluster of girls sat chatting only a few yards away. Alek sized up the situation, deciding the best course of action was to blend in. He peeled off his sweat soaked shirt, threw it over his shoulder, and jogged up to the four women without questioning his game plan.

  “Tell me, where is Eva?” he demanded.

  The young women paused in their conversation and stared up at him from the shade of their large umbrella. They wore matching blue strapless cotton dresses with three identical triangles embroidered in gold across the chest. Oversized dark sunglasses sat on the tip of each of their noses and their hair was pulled up in perfect ponytails—one blond, one red, one black, and one brown. Except for their hair color, Alek couldn’t tell them apart. Alek recognized the letters they wore and felt a surge of confidence. The women would be allies.

  “Excuse me?” Brown asked, arching her eyebrows above her sunglasses.

  “I do not have time for your pleasantries,” Alek said impatiently.

  “I haven’t seen you on campus before,” Red chirped.

  “And I think we’d remember someone with your,” Blonde lifted her sunglasses and scanned his naked torso, “amazing body. We don’t get many new athletes around here.”

  “Our football program is garbage,” Black added. “But you didn’t hear that from us.”

  “I am not concerned with your feet, nor am I interested in your balls. This matter is urgent. Where is Eva?” He shifted his weight and stared down at them.

  Red’s lips twisted into a smile. “You’re funny.”

  “And assertive,” Brown added.

  “The guys around here can’t play sports, can’t shoot, can’t hunt, and the only time they drink is when there’s a sanctioned party. It’s like none of them are even real men. But I bet you are,” Black said with a giggle.

  He glared at the dark shades covering their eyes. “I am weary of this talk. One of you must answer me. Do you know Eva?”

  “Oh, look. He’s getting angry. His cheeks are even turning red.”

  “I am not to be mocked. You will not like me when I am angry,” Alek rumbled.

  “The Hulk!” Red shouted and clapped her hands. “Do another one. Do another one. I’m great at this game. I don’t even ever have to take shots when we play, but I do anyway.”

  “You turn anything into a drinking game,” Brown said.

  “It’s my hidden talent. It’s why all the guys invite me to their parties. I’m super creative about games and stuff.”

  “Right, I’m sure that’s why they’re all calling you. Your creativity.”

  “Call? I don’t talk to them on the phone. All they have to do is text me or send me a message on Facebook.”

  “You’re totally one half of what’s wrong with our generation, and why my mom says that I’m better off not getting married.” Blonde pouted.

  “Enough!” Alek shouted. “Talking with you is maddening! It’s a wonder how this realm has survived! Why anyone would wish to attach themselves to your sex for a lifetime is something I cannot comprehend.”

  Brown’s mouth flopped open, and the other three erupted into giggles.

  “Drama. You’re definitely majoring in drama, right? No wonder we’ve never seen you before. We don’t get to that side of campus much,” Black said.

  Blonde shrugged. “The gays get all the good ones.”

  “But you definitely have your character down. Way to commit,” Red cheered.

  The three guys stopped their game of catch and jogged over. They stood in a circle between Alek and the girls. The largest one spoke first. “Is there a problem over here?”

  “This jerk just yelled at us because we didn’t tell him where his girlfriend is,” Brown said.

  “I don’t feel like he yelled. He’s just passionate,” Red said.

  Anger bubbled inside of Alek, and his body tensed as he fought to control the volume of his voice. “Where is Eva? I demand to know.”

  “Demand?” the bearded guy in the back asked. “Harsh word, isn’t it bro?”

  “Any other demands, brah?” The one in front puffed his chest.

  “Jason, relax,” Black said calmly. “He’s in some kind of theater class, and he’s just practicing his role or whatever.”

  “Drama douche or not, no one speaks to me with that lack of respect,” Jason said.

  Alek’s patience was gone, and he struggled to contain his frustration. “You will give me the information I seek.”

  “Or what? You gonna recite some Shakespeare fuckin’ where art thou bullshit at me? You’ve got nothin’ you roided out motherfucker.” Jason spat on the ground between his twitching feet.

  “Someone’s feeling froggy,” Brown mocked.

  “Stay out of this, April. Actually, why don’t you gather your stuff and all head back to the house? I don’t want any of you to have to watch what I might do.”

  “Don’t send them away!” Alek yelled. “They need to tell me where I can find Eva!”

  “Dude, you’d better hope she’s at the hospital, because that’s where you’re headed.”

  Alek paused, looked at the man standing in front of him flexing the muscles in his chest. Alek had seen this before, and he tamped down his excitement but couldn’t conceal a smirk. “Are you planning for a battle?”

  “Battle? It’s gonna be worse than that. I’m gonna fucking murder you.”

  Alek accepted the challenge and charged at the babbling mortal. He wrapped his fingers around his throat and held him in the air. The boy’s face turned red and his eyes stretched wide. Spit flew out of his mouth as he gurgled apologies. Alek shook him and chuckled as his body danced limply. The girls screamed and ran behind the remaining two young men.

  “Your realm is filled with meaningless chatter. My purpose is far greater than yours. You will answer me and be on your way.” He let go and Jason flopped to the grass, coughing and gasping for air. “Now, where can I find Eva?”

  “Hey, you! Freeze right there!” Two men in black shirts raced across the field in a golf cart.

  “It’s campo,” Blonde squealed. “That’s a good thing, right? Now they’ll arrest him or whatever.”

  “No, they’ll give us all tickets and hold our transcripts,” J
ason said, his voice scratchy. “Fucking campus police rent-a-cops. Run, but not to the house. If we get another ticket the fraternity will get suspended.”

  The girls took off with the two guys only paces behind them.

  “You’re lucky, bro. I was just getting started,” Jason shouted as he chased after the group.

  The golf cart bounced closer, and Alek followed the mortals’ example. He weaved between the campus’ many buildings until the whir of the golf cart faded. “What is worth saving in this realm?” he mumbled.

  Fourteen

  Bill was right about the basement. No one heard her in the concrete jail below the house. She stood as close to the blue door as she could get. The tight shackle cut into her ankle as she screamed for help for what felt like hours. No one came.

  Now, Eva lay on the bunk. Her ankle throbbed. Silence pulsed around her as she stared at the ceiling. Cracks shot through it, and part of her wished the house would come crashing down on top of her. She didn’t want to die, but her imagination convinced her that whatever happened next would be worse.

  You can’t talk your way out of this. That man will kill you. She sat up and looked around the room for any distraction. Don’t think about how. Don’t think about how. Don’t think about how.

  The metal table, the kind she’d seen in hundreds of CSI reruns, glared at her from the center of the room. Three sets of straps hung lifelessly off of its sides. “Don’t think about that. You’re going to get out of here before he has a chance to put you on that table. There must be some way.”

  She climbed off the bunk and onto the floor. “It’ll work this time.” She grabbed the chain and yanked. “It has to.”

  Pulling the chain from the wall was hopeless. Her back and arms burned with exhaustion and blisters bubbled to the surface of her hands.

  “Why me?” She wrapped her tender hands in the bottom of the baggy shirt. “Why did he choose my family? We’ve never done anything to anyone. None of this makes sense.” She folded her legs under her and gently rocked back and forth.

  “Eva!” Bill’s muffled voice sang from behind the blue door. “I’m home!”