Fade to the Edge

by Kathryn J Bain

  “I’d caught him watching porn, but I never figured this. He’s usually more concerned with his reputation.” Tracy got up and walked over to the file cabinet.

  “When was the first time you caught him?”

  “About two years ago before his first affair. I guess a strip club is a natural progression in these types of things.”

  “How many women have there been?”

  “I’m not sure.” Her face heated. “I stayed for my son.”

  “I’m not judging you,” he said. “Do you have any of their names?”

  Tracy provided information for two other women. There were probably more, but she wasn’t aware of them. If Daniel’s indiscretions were the reason this was happening, she’d never let him forget it.

  “Anything else you can tell me about Kimi Frazier?” He looked up from his notepad.

  “Seems you have more information on her than I do.” Tracy crossed her arms over her chest. “Do you think any of these women took DJ?”

  “It’s more likely he’s out there with a friend,” Nicholson said. “These cases usually come down to locating which friend.”

  “He would have come home by now,” Tracy muttered.

  “It’s hard to tell what goes on in the mind of a child.” He stood and glanced around the room. “They get to playing and lose track of time.”

  Tracy didn’t buy that answer. She fought the urge to run out of the room and scream until she located him. With Kimi gone, too, it seemed odd. “I’m assuming if Kimi has DJ then Daniel is part of all this. That’s probably why he keeps sneaking off to use his cell.”

  “Sneaking off?” The agent didn’t give much of a reaction, but he had to be thinking the same thing. The man didn’t appear to be stupid enough to believe Daniel’s mistress and son missing was pure coincidence.

  “Are you telling me you didn’t notice how he walks off when he texts or makes a call, looking over his shoulder constantly.” Tracy crossed her arms over her chest.

  “Yeah, I did.” He nodded. “Was thinking they might be business calls.”

  “His office is closed today. And it doesn’t seem whoever he’s trying to reach returns his messages.”

  “Well, according to Daniel, Kimi’s supposedly visiting relatives.” Nicholson got up from the desk and followed Tracy back to the living room. “But they claim to not know anything about her visit.”

  A knock sounded on the front door causing them both to look in that direction.

  “I’ll get it.” He strutted ahead of Tracy, half opening the door.

  Tracy spotted red hair over the agent’s shoulder. Anguish immediately replaced her anger.

  “I’m Tracy’s sister.” Jenny shoved her way into the house followed by Dad.

  Tracy stood frozen in place. Tears spilled onto her cheeks. Within seconds, her sister wrapped her in a strong embrace.

  “Don’t worry,” Jenny spoke in a low, soothing tone. “Everything will be fine. I have faith DJ will be home soon.”

  Tracy clung to her sister hoping the words she said were true. But with Kimi gone too, a dark cloud of fear was slowly choking off any hope.

  Chapter 22

  Tommy took in a deep drag from his cigarette. Smoke billowed through the two-inch window opening. He watched as cops paraded in and out of the condo where Kimi lived. It was just a matter of time until Filmore found out there was an issue with her.

  Daniel Allen stood outside glancing at his cell every few minutes as if expecting some call to save him from what was going on. Naturally, the cops would have him there since he paid for the place. Try as she might, Kimi could never get him to put her name on the deed. Too bad. It would have brought in a pretty penny if he discovered she was using him.

  Tommy inhaled a deep breath of air, taking in the aroma of the leather seats. It’d taken him years to get enough money to start living a better life, owning better things. But now Kimi might have blown that for him.

  A cop carried a bag from the condo. What were they looking for?

  What if Allen found out about her having more men on the side? The man had spent a lot of money on her—paying for the condo, expensive jewelry, cash.

  A cop glanced up and down the street setting his stare on Tommy’s truck.

  Not needing any trouble, Tommy put the truck into gear and headed to a place where Kimi met other men, but there was no sign of her. Had she disappeared because of their deal with Filmore? She wasn’t as happy as he let on, but she hadn’t said she was against it. But what do the cops have to do with it?

  He tapped his thumb against the steering wheel. If she was planning on disappearing, she’d have picked up her paycheck. He gunned the engine and headed south.

  Two cops were walking out of the strip club as he pulled into the lot. He waited until they took off before heading inside. The place didn’t open until four so it was empty except for the bartender.

  “Hey, Ben.”

  “Tommy.” The thin man washed a beer glass and set it near the sink. A tattoo of a dancing lady in a hula skirt bounced on his bicep. “What’s up?”

  “Thought I’d come by and pick up Kimi’s check.”

  “Couple cops were here looking for her. Don’t suppose you know what that’s about.”

  “No idea.”

  “I think it’d be real stupid of me to give you her check, especially if you done something to her.”

  “Why would I do something to her? I love the woman.”

  “We got a name for guys like you.” Ben leaned with his arms on the bar stretching out the girl in the hula skirt. “It’s called pimp. If Kimi wants her check, she’s gonna have to come get it.”

  Irritation rode up Tommy’s back. Pimp. How dare that glass jockey. Tommy jerked open the truck’s door and hopped into the cab. He took the money Kimi made because she spent it faster than she got it. Like most women, Kimi had no common sense when it came to finances.

  Either way, it was clear Kimi hadn’t gotten her check. Also, the police were looking for Kimi. That meant she might still be alive. All he had to do was find her before the cops did.

  Chapter 23

  Tracy sat curled in Jenny’s arms. Dad on the other side, holding her hand. Agent Nicholson sat across from the three.

  “They still haven’t found Kimi,” Tracy said. “Turns out she’s missing along with DJ.”

  “Not necessarily.” Agent Nicholson adjusted in his seat. “She told Daniel she was heading to see her family in North Carolina.”

  “But you’ve got police looking out for her. Right?” Jenny asked. “In case she has DJ with her.”

  “Yes. She used her credit card in Valdosta. We’re waiting to see if she’s used it elsewhere.”

  Jenny straightened. “Did you see DJ in her car on the security footage?”

  He grinned apparently appreciating Jenny’s question. “No.”

  “What about her cell? Can’t you track it?”

  “We’ve tried, but nothing’s showing up.”

  “Must be turned off or not charged.” Jenny raised her eyebrows. “It would appear obvious Daniel is behind this.” Jenny sat up straight, shoulders back, and chin held high. “I assume you’ve been to his office?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “And you’ve gone through the office here at the home.” She nodded in the direction with her head.

  “Yes, ma’am, the home has been searched.”

  Tracy recalled the key to the cabinet still under the owl. Had they found it earlier but replaced it when they were through?

  “What’s the next step?” Jenny’s husky tone was calm and cool. She asked questions that DJ’s mother should ask, but Tracy didn’t know what to do, much less what to ask. So she did nothing. Like most of her life, someone else took the reins. No wonder people found it hard to believe she graduated college magna cum laude.

  “Right now people are handing out flyers, hoping someone has seen DJ wandering around,” Nicholson said. “It’s likely that tomorrow, Daniel
and Tracy will go on television.”

  “You mean if the prayer vigil this evening doesn’t bring anything about?” Jenny asked.

  “Yes.”

  Tracy had forgotten all about the prayer vigil. At once, the agent’s words bounced back, and a stone dropped into the pit of her stomach.

  “You said we’d go on TV tomorrow?” Tracy asked.

  “That’s right.”

  “You don’t think DJ will be home before nightfall?” She bit her lip to keep from crying. Why couldn’t she be strong like her sister?

  “I didn’t say that.” He cocked his head to one side. “It’s the next step in the process. In case he’s not home.”

  His elite crew hadn’t exactly impressed her yet.

  “With all the commotion in such a small town, there’s a good chance DJ will be found soon.” Jenny patted Tracy’s leg. “We have to be prepared in case he isn’t. Remember, hope for the best, plan for the worst, Grams used to say.”

  Too bad Grams wasn’t around right now. She’d torture Daniel to find out where he had DJ hidden.

  Jenny shifted one leg over the other. “Let’s just say if he still hasn’t shown up after the television announcement, then what?” Jenny asked.

  “We usually get a lot of phone calls, some worthwhile, others not.” Nicholson glanced at his watch. Did he have somewhere to be or want away from Jenny’s questions?

  “Worst-case scenario, what if nothing comes from all that?” Jenny pulled Tracy tighter against her. “When do you look at the predators?”

  “Jenny!” Dad blurted.

  Tracy’s chest constricted. Thoughts she’d tried to keep locked away all day had come unhitched. She pulled away from her sister’s words. “No way. He can’t be.”

  “I’m sure he’s not, but the media will eventually bring it up. I need you prepared.” Jenny pulled Tracy back against her. “Keep it together for DJ.” Her warm breath blew strands of Tracy’s hair. “Well?”

  “I’m assuming you mean convicted sex offenders.”

  Dad’s grip tightened.

  Jenny and Nicholson stared at each other for a moment until the agent broke contact.

  “The police are looking in that direction now,” he said.

  Tracy’s skin tingled with sweat. Why were they talking about this? DJ was with his father’s mistress on their way to North Carolina.

  Her mind ordered her to run, get out of that room while they discussed such things. After a beat, she rose to her feet. She walked to the fireplace mantel and stared at the family pictures. Her eyes froze on DJ, the same baseball photo Vonnie and Mark had used for the flyers. Her son being with some pervert broke through all other thoughts.

  “I can’t stay here any longer.” She bolted for the door. “I’ve got to find DJ.”

  Jenny and Nicholson both shot up at the same time. Dad remained seated as it was still too hard for him to get up and down since the stroke. The agent caught Tracy by the arm.

  “It’s best if you stay here,” Nicholson said. Kindness filled his eyes. “I know you want to help, but you need to be available in case DJ comes home.”

  “But I need to do something more than stare at a telephone that doesn’t ring.” Tracy wrung her hands. “He’s out there somewhere, possibly hurt. He needs me, and I’ve got to find him. To help him.”

  “If DJ does call, he’ll need to hear your voice.” Jenny guided Tracy back to the sofa. “He’ll be okay. He’s smart. He’ll realize his dad is up to something and find a way to contact you.”

  “Do you really believe that?”

  “I do.” She smiled that warm Jenny smile that said everything would be all right, but today it did nothing to comfort Tracy. She felt useless. Even sticking up flyers was better than nothing.

  She refused to sit. Instead, she paced by the patio door. Powder-puff clouds floated in the blue sky. It would have been a nice day to work in the yard, instead of having horrible thoughts rolling around in her mind. She turned to the agent. “What if he’s with one…one of them?”

  “Those chances are slim.” Nicholson gave a slight smile of reassurance. “We’ve checked on those in the area already and are heading into outlying areas.”

  “Around here?”

  “A couple.”

  People like that lived in her area, and she didn’t know? She flicked her middle finger and thumb, her heart beating like a kick drum.

  “Besides,” Jenny said, “there’s little doubt in my mind Daniel’s behind all this, especially with his girlfriend heading to North Carolina the same day.”

  “That’s probably true,” Tracy said, though it did little to ease her tension. “It only makes sense.”

  Jenny poked her forefinger against her temple. “We just need to figure out where he’s keeping him. That’s all.”

  That’s all. Two little words that brought about so much worry.

  Chapter 24

  Jenny kept her eyes on the FBI agent as he pulled out of the circular drive, forcing his car through the barrage of reporters as they snapped pictures.

  “I can’t believe you brought up predatorsh in front of your shishter,” Dad snapped, his lisp as bad as the day of his stroke. “Why would you upshet her like that?”

  Jenny hadn’t been aware Dad was still standing outside the passenger door until he spoke.

  “It’s better I do it than she hears it on the television and has no one around to keep her together,” Jenny said. “And Tracy’s not as fragile as you think she is.”

  “Right now, she is.”

  Apparently, Dad didn’t notice the attraction between the agent and Tracy. The slight smile he gave; the flutter of her eyes. Though her sister would never admit it, she was flirting with him. Unless Jenny was reading the agent wrong, the kindness in his eyes said he believed Tracy to be the victim, not a suspect. He’d had a slight musky aroma mixed with wood. Better than Daniel’s harsh cologne that came into a room two minutes before he did.

  Nicholson would be a much better fit for her sister as long as he wasn’t abusive. A nice suit didn’t always mean a nice person.

  “What’re you looking at?” Dad asked.

  “Making sure he’s leaving.” She waited until Dad buckled then she walked around to the driver’s side door ignoring the reporters’ questions.

  “Sho what do you think?” Dad asked.

  “About what?” She put the key in the ignition and waited.

  “Do you think your shishter has DJ hidden?”

  Jenny was taken aback. “Why would you ask that?”

  “I’m wondering if she’d do shometing to make sure she didn’t loshe cushtody. Have Vonnie or shomeone hide him.” He lowered his head. “I’m not a good judge when it comesh to her.”

  There’d be no arguing that point. Tracy had always been Daddy’s little girl who did no wrong.

  “I don’t think she had anything to do with it,” Jenny said.

  “Good.”

  “I asked those questions to make sure they weren’t pointing a finger at her and her alone. If so, and they arrested her, an attorney could point out they didn’t look at the sexual predators.” Jenny glanced at her father. “But when it comes down to it, Daniel has to be behind this. I mean, DJ goes missing the day Daniel was scheduled to pick him up. Then his girlfriend heads out of town. That’s too many coincidences for me.”

  No way would she allow anyone, including Dad, to think Tracy had anything to do with DJ’s disappearance.

  Chapter 25

  Myrna turned the teakettle on. Usually, she hated it when the news interrupted her programs. But it wasn’t like she was enjoying them today, anyway. She wanted to hear any updates on the missing Allen boy, especially if there was a reward offered.

  She’d been so distracted, she forgot about the hole she needed to finish.

  While waiting for the water, she walked over to her window. She glanced across the street. The yard was so overgrown, probably crawling with snakes and such. The only one who ever seemed
to come up was Daniel Allen. Used to be the redhead visited a lot, especially when Esther was alive, but she hadn’t been by in a while.

  “What’s her name again,” Myrna muttered.

  “Mew.” Ginger sauntered into the kitchen.

  “That’s right. Jenny, the nurse. But she hadn’t been up here much since she married the politician.”

  “Mrrr.”

  “No, I didn’t vote for him. Not much sense if he married a Braddock.” She stared at the front window. “Too bad Jenny hadn’t been across the street the day Harold had his stroke last year. Things might have turned out differently.” Myrna glanced at his sweater hanging on the chair. He’d taken to sitting in a wheelchair looking out at the woods all day long. No movement on his left side. Writing notes instead of yelling. Frequently he wrote that he wished she’d let him die that day. Tears formed, and she touched her heart.

  He could be so cruel sometimes.

  Would things have been different if they still lived in New Hampshire? At least she wouldn’t be so lonely. If only there was enough money to move back.

  She wrapped her shawl tighter to stave off the chill. It shouldn’t be so cold with the wood stove burning. She grabbed a poker. Most of the wood had turned to embers, so she grabbed another piece from the woodpile near her chair and tossed it into the fire.

  The burning wood reminded her of New Hampshire and how smoke would roll through every chimney into the air. Before Harold got it in his mind they needed to move away from family and friends.

  “Florida was the place to go, he told me.” She looked down at Ginger sitting in the corner licking himself. “Never be cold again. Another lie.”

  They didn’t get snow here, but it was still chilly. Not as cold as Manchester but cold none the same. Twelve years of being away from family and always worried about money.

  “Now the nieces and nephews are all having their own kids. If I were back home, I’d be surrounded by young ones. And it’d make for a wonderful Christmas.”