“I don’t know.” She stared in the distance as though trying to make a decision, “It’s like we’re afraid of something . . . maybe commitment? Losing our identity?”
“Jess, I’m in this for the long haul, and as far as identity goes, I’m not going to lose mine and I sure as hell know you’re not going to get lost in my shadow.” He took a sip of his wine. “I’ve really been missing you like crazy. I like the comfort of having you around all the time. C’mon, Jess, what do you say?”
“My house, or yours?” she asked.
“Well, it depends on whether you want to wake up to the sound of sailboats going by and a water view, or hearing the traffic and police sirens.” He stopped talking. He grinned waiting for her response.
“Or the sound of your snoring,” she quipped.
“Or the sound of yours,” he countered.
“I don’t snore.”
“Right. You sound like a frickin’ fog horn,” he said and reached for her face, rubbing his finger over her chin. “But have I ever told you I love the sound of fog horns?”
“Nice recovery, guy!”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
JESSIE MADE HER way over to her desk with a container of coffee. Bud was on a call and scribbling notes down on a piece of paper. She no sooner sat down than he motioned for her to get her stuff to leave.
“The Sloper kid is missing again,” he said.
“Oh God, no.”
His eyes widened. “They really think she’s gone this time.”
“Have they received a ransom call?” she asked.
“A hang up. The father said he heard a kid screaming with loud noises in the background that he thought was a subway tunnel.” Bud was shaking his head. “I’ve called in the Feds and now, it’s their show, but we stand by to help.”
“I’m praying it’s another prank,” she said.
“It doesn’t sound it, Jess. Prepare yourself for the worst and hope for the best.” They exited the office. “You drive,” Bud said tossing her the keys.
“Yes, sir,” she said pleased to hear his offer. Having him ask her to drive was a good sign that he was beginning to trust her. Hopefully, his browbeating was over and he had accepted her as his partner. “Are we going to the house or the school?”
“We’re going to the house. A search party has already been to the school, interviewed her classmates but no one seems to know anything. You know how these kids are. They don’t want to spill the beans on their friends.”
“Unfortunately, kids this age are very protective of their friends,” he said, “but what they don’t realize is they could be saving that friend’s life.” Bud shook his head. “The Feds have called in a search party to comb the subway tunnels she frequents, but that could be a dead end since they can’t be sure which subway he may have heard in the background, or if it was a subway.” Jess eased into the traffic. “So what’s going on with the Cavanaugh case?” Bud asked.
Jess found it difficult to switch from the thought of the Sloper kid being held against her will to talking about the Cavanaugh case. She cleared her throat. “Pretty much a dead end, actually. I checked out some transactions, both department store and ATM action. Neither panned out. But there’s something else I want to check before I give up on it.”
“The kid’s father?” he said. “Did you start that search yet?”
“No, not yet. How did you know?”
“Jensen and I talked. He thinks you’re pretty sharp.”
“That’s nice to hear.” She gave Bud a side-glance wondering why he was suddenly being nice. Maybe Jensen had something to do with it. Or maybe the boss talked to him. She didn’t know. Regardless, she was ready for normalcy between them. “I’m roasting,” she said wiping the sweat from her upper lip. “Do you mind if I make it a little cooler in here?”
“What? Hot flashes already?” he teased. She twisted her mouth into a smirk and he grinned. “No, I don’t mind at all. But I must admit it’s a lot nicer to smell your light cologne than Barney’s foul body odor.” Jess was surprised to hear him say something derogatory about his old partner, especially since he’d painted a very different picture. Maybe Barney hadn’t been canonized into sainthood after all. He continued. “Barney had this glandular problem. Unfortunately, being in a closed car with him wasn’t much fun.”
“I’m sorry,” she said sympathetically knowing any negative comments about Barney would not be a wise choice of words.
Arriving at their destination, she cut the engine and together they exited the car and walked up to the doorman. The same one they’d seen the last time they were there. He was a tall man with a full head of dark hair and a heavy mustache that hung over his top lip. Seeing them, he took a deep breath, his lips pulled taut
“No offense, Detectives,” he said in a deep baritone voice, “but I’m sorry to see you again,” he said.
“We understand,” Bud said. “Do you have a minute to talk? I’d like to ask you a few questions.”
“If you want to. The other guys already questioned me though.”
“You mean the agents?”
“The men in the suits,” he flushed with embarrassment. “But I’m happy to answer anything you want to ask. I’ll have to stop if someone comes though.”
“Of course. Give me your name?” Bud pulled out his notebook.
“Scott Markham.” He adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses.
“Your age and where you live.”
“I’m forty-two and I live here on premise—downstairs in the basement. Do you want my phone number too?”
“Yes.” He recited the number. “Are you married Scott?” A tour bus slowed down in front of the building, the guide’s microphone turned up loud enough for everyone to hear that Eleanor Roosevelt had once had lunch in the Brockway House inside the lobby. Bud waited for her to finish and blinked his eyes shut. “Seriously?” he shook his head, then continued his questioning. “Are you married?” he repeated.
“No. I’ve never met anyone I wanted to marry.”
“And how long have you worked here?”
“A little over three years.”
“Has the Sloper girl ever visited you down in the basement?” Jessie asked.
“No,” he responded quickly. “I could lose my job for that.”
“How well do you know the Sloper girl?” Bud asked.
“I’ve seen her a few times during the day. She’s a feisty little kid, I’ll tell you.”
“In what respect?” Jessie asked.
“I’ve heard her sassing her father.” A sudden glance over his shoulder made him stop talking. “I suppose I shouldn’t be saying any of this because I could lose my job, but the truth is, he’s a tyrant.”
“How do you know that?” Jessie asked.
“I’ve heard him yell at her. He doesn’t seem to care who’s around. You could ask any of the neighbors and I know they’d tell you the same thing. It seems as though they have a strained relationship.”
“Has she ever confided in you?” Jessie asked.
“No, but it’s obvious they don’t like each other because they’re always arguing.” His face cracked into a slight grin. “She doesn’t take any guff.”
“When was the last time you saw her?”
“Two days ago when she left for school. She hooked up with another girl I’ve seen her with a few times.”
“Does that girl live in this building?”
“No. I’m not sure where she lives, but she meets Lily out front and they walk toward the subway.”
“Can you give us a description of the girl or if you’ve heard her call the girl by name?”
“She’s about the same height as Lily, has long dark hair, pretty advanced for her age.”
“What do you mean?”
“She dresses provocatively for someone so young . . . and she wears a lot of makeup.”
“Are you saying she’s older than Lily?”
“I don’t know how old she is--I know she’s at least a
s tall as Lily.”
“Have you ever heard Lily call her by name?” Jessie repeated.
He stopped talking and squinted his eyes in thought. “Yeah, I have heard her call the girl something.” He tapped his hand against his leg a few times, “Something unusual, like . . . mouse?” His head angled. “Yes, that’s it, she calls the girl mouse.”
A limo pulled up in front. “Excuse me,” he said, “I need to help Mrs. Halpern out of her car.”
“Okay, well, that’s all we’ve got for now anyway,” Bud said. “We’ll get in touch if we have more questions. In the meantime, if you think of anything, here’s my card. You can call anytime.”
“Will do.” He opened the door of the building without saying anything else.
“Thank you,” Jess said and listened to him greet the woman in the limo when the door closed behind her. “What do you think of him, Bud? I’m wondering if he’s lying about Lily coming down to the basement.”
“Why?”
“He answered too quickly.”
“I think the Feds would have picked up on that. I don’t think he’s guilty if that’s what you’re suggesting?” he said. “He wouldn’t have offered up his phone number so quickly without us asking for it.”
Jessie’s stomach knotted in anticipation of seeing the Feds in operation. She’d do her part though when the time came, but it was the anticipation of what to expect that made her feel nauseous. She shuddered to think about what might have happened to Lily, a nine-year old child. “I don’t think Lily would risk faking her disappearance again, do you?”
“You never know with these rich kids, but one hang-up with a child screaming in the background is enough. If she staged this, then that kid has real problems. Based on the doorman’s comments, it doesn’t sound like she’s had a good childhood.” He shook his head. “So many people think having money is going to make all their dreams come true. Spending power, yes, but not a quality of life. Frankly, I’m hoping she has staged her own disappearance. If so, the Feds will move her out of this house and get her some help.”
Steadying her breath, Jess stood waiting for the elevator and pictured Lily’s angelic face, her blonde curls framing her face, and those searing blue eyes. God, she hoped the kid was okay. She said a silent prayer.
“You’ll be okay,” Bud said patting her shoulder. “Do what you do best. Talk to the parents.”
Jessie noticed several federal agents around the lobby before the doors of the elevator closed. She smiled briefly thinking about the doorman’s description. Yeah, they were suits alright. Easy to spot because they all dressed the same. She wondered if the few residents who sat reading in the plush arm chairs around the fireplace, or the group of women having a lively conversation realized what was going on. When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, she released a deep breath bracing herself. Mrs. Sloper was the first person she saw. She was curled up on the sofa staring into space as though she wasn’t in the room. Warren Sloper never even acknowledged their presence and spewed out angry words.
“I’ll kill this kid myself if she’s staged her disappearance.” Jessie jerked her head toward him. A few of the agents looked his way and shook their heads. The lead agent approached to introduce himself.
“You must be Bud Reece,” he extended his hand. “I’m Special Agent Darryl Williams.”
“This is my partner Jessie Kensington,” Bud said, “and we’re here to help in any way we can. Tell us what you want us to do and we will.”
“Thanks Reece.” He extended his hand to Jessie. “We’re setting up.” He turned toward the father. “Mr. Sloper, we know how frustrating this is, but please have a seat.” He leaned in toward Bud and Jessie. “Try to keep him calm. He’s driving us all nuts.”
Six more agents walked around the large living room running wires to the receptacles. Jessie watched with amazement. She’d heard about the setup, but watching it live was overwhelming. The men moved with precision as they prepared. Long metal tables were lined up against the wall in the hallway with several monitors that had been hooked into the hotel’s security cameras so they could watch those coming and going.
The father continued his tirade. “Last night she asked me to pay her friend’s tuition because the girl’s parents split and the kid was going to have to leave school.”
“And what did you say?” Bud asked.
“No, of course,” his voice rose. “Let the kid’s parents work for their money the same way we did.” His hand flew in the air. “She got pissed because she didn’t get her way and stomped off to her room. This is my wife’s fault,” he pointed in her direction, “for spoiling the hell out of her, so when she doesn’t get her way, she figures she’ll make us pay for refusing her. That’s what I think and this crap gets old real fast. She knew today was an important day for our business.”
“Don’t say anything you’ll regret later, Mr. Sloper,” Jessie said. “You’re upset right now and you don’t mean what you’re saying. Trust me, it’s your nerves. How about I get you some ice water?”
Sloper shot Jess a dirty look. “We have hired help to do that.” Turning back to Bud, he continued. “She knew we were about to merge with another company, one that could bring us billions. She knew we were focused on that and she figured she’d put a kink in the action.”
Kelli Sloper began to sob, her tears falling down her cheeks and onto her blouse. Large spots stained the fabric in a scattered pattern. “Warren, stop,” she said through her sobs. “Our little girl is out there somewhere having god know what done to her. She’s probably scared out of her mind.”
“No, no she’s not. She’s trying to get even,” shot from his mouth. Jess sat down next to her and held her hand.
“Try not to let him get to you, Mrs. Sloper. He doesn’t mean anything he’s saying. He’s upset.”
“Oh, yes I do,” Sloper shot back.
“I swear to you,” Kelli screamed, “if anything happens to our little girl, I’ll never forgive you.”
“Me?” he shouted. “If you didn’t give her every goddamn thing she ever wanted, we wouldn’t be in this situation!”
The two began to bicker back and forth until Bud’s voice intervened and took control.
“This is not helping the situation. Knock it off . . . right now,” he said firmly. “We have a missing child here. Save your arguing for when you’re alone. None of us have time for this.” The husband’s mouth clamped shut and the wife ran across the room into her bedroom and slammed the door shut.
Jessie blew out a breath of frustrated air to relieve the nervous tension gripping her. These situations always seemed to bring out the worst in people. Each blaming one another. She’d seen this same type of behavior before when she worked homicide.
Jess walked to the bedroom door and knocked. “May I come in,” she asked when she heard Kelli’s voice. Bud remained in the living room with the husband.
“Has Lily ever mentioned a friend of hers she calls ‘mouse’?”
Sloper walked to the bar, filled a glass with ice and poured a good amount of Jack Daniels into it and slugged back a gulp. “I don’t know her friends. I’m always working. Maybe our maid does. Ask her.” He slugged back another. “Listen, I’m sorry I lost my temper.” He stepped away from the bar and eased down into an armchair. “Of course, I would be extremely upset if anything happens to our Lily.” Bud shrugged. “Tell me how I can help?” Sloper said.
“For starters,” Jessie said walking back to where they sat, “apologize to your wife.” Bud seemed surprised. She wasn’t sure why, but it was her job to control the situation and that’s exactly what she was going to do. “Mr. Sloper,” she said firmly, “right now, your wife needs you more than ever. Don’t let her suffer alone. She’s upset beyond belief. Now is a time for you both to lean on each other to get through this. If you’ve already received a call, then you know your daughter isn’t playing a game with you. Don’t say things you’re going to regret later, because once they’re out, you
can never take them back. Now, please go to her.”
“Thank you,” he said. “You’re right. He placed his glass on the end table, swiftly rose and rushed to her bedroom. It wasn’t long before Jessie could hear them both crying.
Jessie was quiet on the ride back to the precinct. Bud finally broke the silence. “What did you think?”
“I’m trying to put myself in their place and its devastating.” She shook her head. “This is a hard department to work in. Tell me what to expect next.”
“Well, more of the same thing as we did today with the exception of when the official ransom call comes in, we will be required to keep a close watch on the parents. Warren Sloper is a stubborn man who’s used to calling the shots. He’s not going to like it when Special Agent Williams tells him to sit and be quiet. He’s not going to like knowing the Feds won’t let him get that money and drop it off. It’s going to be pretty intense and you can’t break down. You’ve got to be strong for them.”
“I will work on that between now and the time they call us back.” Jessie blew air from her puffed cheeks. “How have you done this for so many years?”
“I try to think of it as a job and don’t get involved. When you find yourself getting in too deep, you need to take a step back.”
“Do you have kids, Bud?”
“I have two girls and I swear, this job has made me a manic father. My daughters are always complaining that I need to ease up a bit. But how can you ease up when there are creeps out there stalking, raping, and kidnapping? How do you handle it?”
“I guess the best way you know how,” she said pulling into a parking space at the precinct where Zach was walking into the building. She did a double take. “Hey, there’s my guy.”
“And the reason you’re working here in Missing Persons?”
“Exactly, but he’s still in homicide.” She smiled seeing Zach who hadn’t noticed they’d pulled into the lot.
“That was the honest way of doing it,” Bud said. “You’d be amazed at how many secret relationships go on in every department.”
Elusive Justice (Kensington-Gerard Detective series Book 2) Page 13
