The Vanishing

by Jana DeLeon

  “Let me take some pictures first.”

  “For your investigative files?”

  “Yes, and for your insurance company.”

  Colette sighed. Filing an insurance claim hadn’t even crossed her mind. If Max hadn’t been here, she probably would have cleaned it all up and moved past it without even thinking about her insurance coverage. A week ago, something like that would never have skated past her, but since she’d been looking for Anna, her mind seemed unable to focus on anything besides the mystery surrounding her friend.

  If only Anna would wake up, but the nurse had confirmed that Anna was still unconscious when she’d called earlier.

  As Max snapped pictures, she dug out cleaning supplies and trash bags from the cabinets. When Max finished snapping photos in the living room, she took a trash bag in there and started picking up broken items, then moved back into the kitchen and started clearing the mess from the refrigerator off the floor. A couple of minutes later, Max joined her with paper towels and cleaner.

  “This is just so silly,” she said as she picked up a broken jar of jelly. “What in the world would I have hidden in milk or eggs or jelly?”

  “Nothing. My guess is he was mad because he didn’t find what he was looking for and had a bit of a fit.”

  “That doesn’t sound much like a professional.”

  “No, which makes him harder to predict.”

  “I wish he would have spared that jelly,” she grumbled as she pulled out her mop and bucket. “It was homemade.”

  It took another hour before she was willing to call the apartment in habitable condition. The worst of the mess was cleaned up, broken items were thrown away, and scattered items were collected and sorted into stacks to be dealt with later. Now that she had a reasonable grip on her home, Colette wanted to pull out her laptop and do some research.

  She pulled the book of fairy tales out of Max’s backpack and placed it on the breakfast table next to her laptop. Max grabbed two of the few undamaged sodas out of the refrigerator and took a seat across from her.

  She pulled the drawings out and flipped through them until she reached the one of the old man. “This is the one,” she said and slid the drawing across the table. “The man looks familiar, but I think in the picture he’s older, which is why I can’t place him exactly.”

  He picked up the drawing and studied it, his brow scrunched as he analyzed every inch of the paper. Finally, he frowned and handed it back to her. “You’re right. There’s something vaguely familiar about him, but I can’t place him, either.”

  Colette stared at him. “That’s interesting, because the odds of us knowing the same person but when he was younger can’t be very high.”

  “Maybe we’re both thinking of different people but he resembles both of them.”

  “Maybe, but what if we both think he’s familiar because he’s someone famous? Not A-list-actor famous, but maybe a local politician or television news reporter.”

  His eyes widened and he nodded. “That’s a great thought. So we have to think younger and someone we probably saw on television or in print, like a newspaper.”

  “Yeah, but that’s when I run out of steam. And somehow, it feels to me like I haven’t seen the face in a long time. I mean years and years.” She frowned. “The first time I saw it, I had the fleeting image of elementary school in my mind, but it passed so quickly, I didn’t think anything of it. Do you think it could be that old? Something we saw in schoolbooks?”

  “Maybe.” He got out of his chair and moved behind her, then leaned over to study the drawing again.

  She could feel the heat from his body on her back and was dismayed to find her skin starting to tingle from such minimal contact. Before she could stop herself, a mental picture of her and Max at the cabin flashed through her mind—the two of them preparing a meal, as Alex and Holt had done that morning.

  As fast as it came, she forced it out of her mind, but still her heart ached just a bit at the vision that could never be. She knew Max was attracted to her, but the walls he’d erected around himself were too high for her to scale. She wouldn’t even know where to start.

  “It’s not a president,” he said.

  “No,” she agreed, forcing her mind back on the drawing. “I don’t think it would be anyone that important, or the answer would be obvious.”

  “Maybe Louisiana history?”

  She narrowed her eyes at the drawing, tilting her head first one direction, then another, and suddenly it hit her. She pulled the laptop toward her and began typing.

  “What is it?” Max asked.

  “An idea. A far-fetched, really crazy idea that happens to fit.”

  She clicked on the first link that her search returned and cried out, “Look!”

  Max leaned over her shoulder to look at the laptop screen. “Jean Lafitte?”

  “Yes.” She fairly bounced in her chair, unable to contain her excitement.

  Max frowned. “I guess the drawing does look a bit like him, but I don’t see—”

  “Jean Lafitte disappeared and no one knows what happened to him or his treasure. There’s a ton of speculation, but one of the theories is that he died right here in Mystere Parish and took his treasure with him to the grave.”

  Max’s eyes widened and he stood upright. “You think he died in Cache? And the coins that Anna spoke of belonged to him? Wow. You’re right. That is far-fetched.”

  “But it fits. They even named the town outside of Cache Pirate’s Cove, but I’ll bet no one knows why.”

  Max stared at the computer screen again and then back at the drawing, slowly shaking his head. “I guess it’s no more ludicrous than anything else we’ve encountered.”

  “Do you realize what this could mean?”

  “Yeah, it could mean that Anna knows the location of the most sought-after treasure in the state. And someone thinks that she told you.”

  Colette let out her breath in a whoosh as his words registered. She felt the blood drain from her face and clutched the table as a wave of dizziness came unbidden.

  “Hey.” Max pulled a chair close to her to sit and placed his hand on her arm. “Nothing is going to happen to you. Not on my watch.”

  She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. Looking him straight in the eyes, she could see the determination and conviction. “I believe you,” she said, not even a bit surprised that she meant it.

  He gazed at her, not moving, and for the first time, she saw a glimpse of the man who hid behind the wall. The man she knew was there.

  “Colette…I…” He started to lean toward her, and her heart began to pound. Never in her life had she wanted someone to kiss her more than she wanted Max to kiss her now.

  The inches between them disappeared, and just as their lips were to come together, her cell phone blasted through the silence of the apartment. Max jumped up from the chair and walked into the kitchen, as if that was always his plan. Colette looked at his retreating back and sighed as she answered her phone without even bothering to check the display.

  “Ms. Guidry, this is Nurse Agnes in the ICU.”

  Colette jumped up from her chair and gripped the phone, praying that something hadn’t happened to Anna. “Yes, Nurse Agnes. Is something wrong?”

  Max whirled around as she took a breath to steady herself for the worst.

  “No, ma’am. It’s good news,” the nurse said. “Anna’s awake and she’s asking for you.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Holt pushed open the door to the gas station in Pirate’s Cove and let Alex enter in front of him. As he approached the counter, a tall, thin man who fit the description of Danny smiled at them.

  “You’re out early,” Danny said. “How can I help you folks?”

  Holt took out his business card and handed it to Danny.

  Danny’s eyes widened as he read the card. “Private investigator? What in the world do you want with me?”

  “My brother is Max Duhon.”

  Dann
y nodded. “The guy that’s been looking for Cache with the nurse lady. He used my dock yesterday.”

  “Yeah. Someone also left them stranded in the swamp, tried to kidnap the lady and took some shots at them both. My wife and I found them late last night and brought them out.”

  Holt studied Danny’s face as he delivered those words, but his shocked expression appeared genuine. “Oh, man! Are they all right?”

  “They’re fine, but a little concerned.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure. Your brother’s Jeep was still here when I closed for the day, but I just thought maybe they found what they were looking for and got delayed.”

  “What time did you close?”

  “About four-thirty. Business is slow this time of year so I’m repainting the inside of my house. I try to get a little done every evening.”

  “And you didn’t notice anyone else on the bayou yesterday?”

  “Yeah, there were people on the bayou. Most of the people in this town make a living off of that bayou.”

  Which was exactly what Holt figured he’d say. “But you only saw locals?”

  Danny frowned and was silent for several seconds. “I guess. I mean, I didn’t really look at them, but I don’t recall seeing someone I didn’t know.”

  “You told Max that an antiques dealer came looking for Anna?”

  “That’s what he said he was. He didn’t leave me no card or nothing.”

  “Can you describe him?”

  “Yeah, he was maybe fifty, about as tall as me, but a bit more sturdy. He had black hair that was starting to turn silver and he was wearing a suit.” Danny shrugged. “Sorry, but that’s about all I remember. I don’t spend too much time thinking about how guys look, ya know?” He grinned at Alex, who just raised her eyebrows and sighed.

  “I can appreciate that sentiment,” Holt said and winked at Alex, who rolled her eyes. “Do you think that antiques dealer asked about Anna over at the café?”

  “Maybe. Tom’s usually there most days. He would know.”

  “Thanks. If you think of anything else, give me a call.”

  Danny opened the cash register and stuck Holt’s card inside. “You bet, man.”

  Holt and Alex exited the gas station and started across the street to the café.

  “I didn’t see a bullet wound,” Holt said.

  “He was wearing long sleeves and jeans, and if it was only a nick, he might not show any signs of injury.”

  “Or could disguise them well enough when needed.”

  “That, too,” she agreed. “I notice you pulled the P.I. card.”

  “Yeah. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to put them on alert that someone else with a license to carry concealed is involved.”

  “Might not help if they’re desperate, but you’re right, it doesn’t hurt. How come you didn’t mention finding the village?”

  “I figured we’d keep that quiet for the moment. That way, the only ones who know are us, Max, Colette and whoever shot at them.”

  She paused in front of the door to the café. “How are you playing this one?”

  “The same. They’ll be talking to each other before we even reach the highway, so it’s in our best interests to stay consistent.”

  Alex nodded and pulled open the door to enter the café.

  Four older men occupied a table in the corner. From their dark skin and rugged look, Holt guessed they were fishermen. They stared as he and Alex entered the café and took a seat at the counter, but they didn’t say a word. As soon as they sat down, he heard the low rumblings of whispering from behind.

  A man wearing a white apron stepped out of the back of the café and gave them a nod. Holt assumed this was Tom, the owner.

  “You want coffee?” the man asked.

  “Yes, two please,” Holt said.

  He filled two cups of coffee and placed them on the counter in front of them. “You folks visiting?”

  “Not exactly,” Holt said. He pulled his card from his wallet and handed it to the man. “Are you Tom, the owner of the café?”

  The man read the card and frowned. “Yeah, that’s me. What’s this about?”

  “My brother was in here a couple of days ago with a lady, looking for information on Cache.”

  Tom nodded. “I remember. He and the nurse lady were looking for a girl that claimed she was from Cache. But I thought they lifted her out of here by helicopter that same day?”

  “They did. She’s alive but still unconscious.”

  “That’s too bad, but I don’t see what I can do for you. I didn’t know her then and still don’t. Don’t know anything about Cache.”

  “Danny said that a man came in here a couple of weeks before my brother. He thinks the man was also looking for Anna. Claimed to be an antiques dealer.”

  “Yeah, there was a guy that came in a while back. I’m not sure how long. Had a black-and-white photo of a girl. I suppose it could have been the same one. The quality wasn’t too good.”

  “Do you remember the guy’s name?”

  Tom shook his head. “Don’t know that he gave it.”

  “What about a description? Danny was only able to remember the basics.”

  Tom narrowed his eyes at them. “You think that man’s the one who hurt the girl?”

  “That’s what we’re looking into.”

  He stared at Holt for a couple of seconds longer then nodded. “I can do you one better.”

  He pulled a pad of paper and pencil out from under the counter and began to draw. Holt and Alex leaned forward to watch his quick strokes across the paper.

  “You’re really good,” Alex said. “Did you take lessons?”

  “No,” Tom said and handed them the paper. “My grandfather taught me.”

  “He doesn’t look familiar,” Holt said as he studied the drawing, “but this is a much bigger help than Danny’s general description. I appreciate it.”

  “Oh,” Alex said and pointed to Tom’s sleeve. “It looks like you’re bleeding.”

  Tom glanced down at his sleeve and frowned at the dark spot that was slowly growing. “Cut it yesterday working on my boat. If you folks are done, I best get this bandage changed before it bothers the customers.”

  “Sure,” Holt said. “Thanks for your help.”

  He placed some money on the counter and they left the café. He knew Alex was just itching to talk, but as soon as they stepped outside, he said, “Wait until we’re in the car.”

  Alex jumped in the car and slammed the door then gave him an exasperated look for taking longer than her.

  “He had an injured arm,” she said as soon as Holt closed the car door. “Recent, too, if it’s still bleeding.”

  “Yeah.”

  “So?”

  “So what?” he asked, teasing his wife.

  “So what do you think? Is he telling the truth about the antiques dealer?”

  “I think so.” He frowned.

  “What? I know that look.”

  “Nothing I can put my finger on. I just get the feeling that he’s lying about something.”

  “So do I. Damn.” She sighed. “I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to fieldwork. When I was a therapist, people told me everything—lots of times, things I didn’t even want to hear. Now it’s like pulling teeth.”

  He grinned. “Welcome to my world.”

  “Your world stinks. So now what?”

  He handed Alex the drawing of the man who’d allegedly come to Pirate’s Cove looking for Anna. “We head back to New Orleans and see if we can locate this antiques dealer before we have to leave for Lafayette.”

  * * *

  COLETTE RUSHED INTO ANNA’S room and drew up short. Anna was sitting up in bed, drinking apple juice and picking at the food on a hospital breakfast tray. She smiled at Colette, who hurried over to the bed to give her a hug.

  “I’ve been so worried,” Colette said as she released Anna and sat on the edge of her bed. Max hovered in the doorway, and she waved him over. “This
is Max Duhon. He’s the detective who found you.”

  As he stepped up to the bed, Anna gave him a shy smile. “Thank you,” she said then looked at Colette. “I didn’t know you were keeping company with a detective.”

  “Oh, I’m not… We’re not… That is, Max is Alex’s brother-in-law.”

  “The psychiatrist lady?”

  “Yes. Well, she used to be. She resigned a couple of months ago to open a detective agency with her husband. Max was a police officer in Baton Rouge and now he’s working with the agency, too. You were his first case.”

  Anna looked at Max. “So you’ve got a one hundred percent success rate at the moment?”

  Max shook his head. “Not until all the questions are answered.”

  “Can you tell us what happened?” Colette asked.

  “The last thing I remember was studying for the anatomy exam, and then I woke up here.”

  “You studied for that exam on a Thursday. That was over a week ago.”

  Anna stared at them, clearly horrified. “That’s not possible.”

  “I’m afraid it is,” Colette said.

  “Maybe you better tell me what you know,” Anna said. “Maybe then I’ll remember.”

  Colette looked over at Max, who nodded, then she began with Anna not showing up for work the previous Friday. When she described how she and Max found Anna in the swamps around Pirate’s Cove, Anna gasped.

  “Cache,” she whispered. “I was going home.”

  She gripped Colette’s hand, staring past her at the wall. Her breathing was shallow and her brow was scrunched in concentration. Suddenly, she bolted completely upright in bed.

  “My mother! He’ll kill my mother!”

  Colette could barely control her excitement. “You remember?”

  Anna nodded. “As soon as I got my cell phone after leaving Cache, I went back to the swamp near Pirate’s Cove and left the number under a rock where my mother would know to find it. I knew she’d never use it unless it was bad because I’d broken the rules by leaving. The others wouldn’t have liked her to contact me out here.”

  “But she did?” Max asked.

  “Yes.” Anna dropped her gaze down and twisted the edge of the blanket over and over in her hands. “I took something that I shouldn’t have, and it put them all in danger.”