They’d interviewed every resident at the Detter House yesterday, and talked to at least eight people who’d been outside grilling, who’d seen her come home alone the evening before. They knew from the security footage that she also entered her apartment alone, and then basically disappeared into thin air.
They’d confiscated security footage from the exterior and interior of the property, checked her car and confiscated her personal laptop. One of the techs had it at the lab now, going through it, looking for clues—like a relationship no one knew about—or looking for threats she might have received, looking for a hidden lifestyle.
It wouldn’t be the first time a seemingly “good girl” was also walking on the wild side. It didn’t appear likely, but detectives didn’t operate on odds. They worked with facts, and now and then, gut instinct. Unfortunately, right now they were short on both.
* * *
Sonny woke up with a hard-on for Rachel. He had options. He could call in sick and play with her all day. Or he could go to work, and spend the day in anticipation.
The thing about playing with her all day was the less than appealing location, and lack of ambience. The mattress was filthy. The room was cold. He wanted in her, but since he did not want to spend the day there, work won out.
He crawled out of bed and headed for the shower.
* * *
Charlie was in his office going through morning messages and personal email when Wyrick walked in.
“Turn on the television to KTVT.”
Charlie reached for the remote and aimed it at the television.
“Why am I doing this?” he asked, seeing film footage of police at a location, and then the picture of a young woman flashing across the screen.
“That woman went missing from the Detter House. We’re going to get that case.”
Charlie frowned. “I’d ask how do you know that, but that would be redundant. Have we been contacted by family yet?”
“No, but we will. Tomorrow morning.”
“Who is she?” Charlie asked.
“Her name is Rachel Dean. I’m going to start a background check on her now.”
Charlie nodded. “They just said on the report that she’s an ad executive with Addison-Tunnell.”
Wyrick nodded. “Her sister isn’t going to be able to afford us, but she’s going to put her house up for collateral to get the money. I’m going to tell her we have a fund set aside for situations like this, and I’ll be good for whatever costs we incur.”
“I’m down with that,” Charlie said. “But why pro bono her...why now?”
“Because it feels like Rachel Dean is still alive, but not for long. And Merlin gave me all that money...which I already didn’t need. Might as well put some of it to good use.”
“I won’t tell,” Charlie said.
Wyrick frowned. “Tell what?”
“That you aren’t as fierce as you look, and that there really is a heart beneath that dragon.”
She glared, her eyes narrowing. “As you were,” she muttered and walked out of his office, slamming the door behind her.
Charlie grinned. It was rare to be able to get under her skin, but when he did, it was something to celebrate. He glanced at the clock.
Noon. On the dot.
Lunch was happening somewhere.
He got up and opened the door between them.
“Hey...lunch is on me if you’ll order.”
Wyrick paused, then looked up from her computer.
“What do you want to eat?” she asked.
“Two Arby’s roast beef sandwiches with horseradish sauce and fries.”
“How high-class of you,” she drawled, then pulled up an open window, clicked on a link and began scanning the menu for the Arby’s nearest their location.
He ignored the dig. It was payback because of what he’d said earlier, but he didn’t care. He poked the dragon, but he was a grown-ass man and big enough to take it. He went back to get his phone and Stetson, then stopped at her desk on the way out.
“Just so I know they got the right order, what are you having?” he asked.
“I wanted crow, but it wasn’t on the menu, so I’m having one of what you’re having.”
He grinned again, and by the time he got out into the hall he was laughing.
Damn, but it feels good to laugh. I need to do it more often.
Goose bumps rose on Wyrick’s arms when she heard his laughter fading away as he disappeared down the hall.
She frowned. Damn man is too sexy for his own good. He should have to wear a warning sign that says Too Hot To Handle.
* * *
Millie Chriss reached her hotel just after 1 p.m. and checked in. Now that she was here, she needed to know wheels were turning and things were happening. Maybe they had news. Maybe they had a lead. And she wanted to let Detective Floyd know she was in Dallas. So she pulled up his number and called. Just when she thought it was going to go to voice mail, he answered.
“Detective Floyd. Missing Persons.”
“Good afternoon, Detective Floyd. This is Millie Chriss, Rachel Dean’s sister. I wanted you to know that I am now in Dallas, and staying at the Warwick Melrose. Do you have any news?”
Floyd hated to be the bearer of bad news.
“No, ma’am, but it’s early. Evidence was gathered from the scene only yesterday and it will take time to—”
Millie’s heart sank. The disappointment was huge, and she interrupted, her voice trembling with barely suppressed emotion. “It’s not early for Rachel. What I know is that tonight will be the third night my sister has not slept in her own bed. God only knows what’s happened to her, but I have to believe she’s still alive. Time is not on her side. Am I right?”
“I can’t argue with any of that,” Floyd said. “Just know that we’re not taking this lightly. When we have something valid to go on, I will let you know.”
“Yes, all right,” Millie said, then disconnected and burst into tears.
She was still crying when her cell phone rang, and when she saw it was from Ray, she groaned. She’d promised to let him know when she got into Dallas.
“Hey, honey,” she said.
“I’m just checking on you. Are you still traveling?” Ray asked.
“No, but I haven’t been here long. I’m in my room at the hotel and just got off the phone with Detective Floyd.”