At first he wasnt too happy, Fisher admitted. But eventually he realized it made sense. And when a student was raped on campus, he said he was actually relieved she was living with me. Emotions made his voice warble. He felt like she was...safe.
Justin heard the guilt in Fishers tone. He understood that kind of guilt. Do Kelly and her father get along?
Fisher frowned up at him. Yeah, why?
Anything you tell us about Kelly might help us find her, Justin hedged. So they get along?
Fisher nodded. Kellys mother died a while back and they went through a rough patch. That was before we started dating. But they were both grieving and adjusting. She said the last two years theyve been close.
How did her mother die?
Cancer. She was sick a long time.
So no skeletons that might suggest Lambert had hurt her. What did Mr. Lambert think about the upcoming marriage?
Fisher sipped his water again. He was cool with it.
But?
Fisher shifted in the seat. At first he wanted her to wait until we saved more money. But Kelly assured him wed be okay.
You have money? Justin asked.
Fisher shrugged. A little. I had scholarships for college, so I saved over the summers, enough to get us by until we both started getting paid.
So Mr. Lambert gave you his approval?
Yes, Fisher said a little curtly. Now why all these questions? Shouldnt you be doing something to find Kelly?
We will do everything possible, Mr. Fisher. But like I said earlier, we need to know everything about Kelly to help us. He hesitated and decided to take another tactic. You said Lambert wanted you to wait until you were more financially sound. Did he offer to help out financially?
Fisher shook his head. He was paying for the wedding, but not our rent or bills. I saved the money for a down payment on a house.
Admirable of the young man. Maybe he had nothing to do with Kellys disappearance.
If not, hed have to look at the father.
And the serial killer they had nothing on yet...
How are Lamberts finances? Justin asked.
He owns the bank in town. How do you think?
Being a smart ass wont help you, Justin said, his voice sharp with warning.
The young man shoved his hands through his hair. Sorry, Im just nervous and worried. He gripped the edges of the seat. I feel like I need to be out looking for Kelly.
Hed check Lamberts financials just to verify Fishers statement. If Lambert needed money and had an insurance policy on his daughter, that would provide motive. Although, the man appeared visibly distraught.
If he had money and had nothing to do with her disappearance, and this case wasnt related to the serial kidnapper, Lambert might receive a ransom call.
Fisher unscrewed the lid of the water bottle and swallowed a huge gulp.
What about arguments between the two of you?
A slight hesitation. We disagreed over seating my uncle Jim next to her cousin Monique cause Monique will talk your head off. But that was small stuff. Nothing shed leave me over.
How about exes?
His lips tightened, and he glanced to the doorway. Her old boyfriend, Terry, called her a couple of weeks ago. Said he heard she was getting
married and wanted to talk to her before we tied the knot.
Talk to her about what? Justin asked.
Fisher shrugged, dropped the water bottle cap, then bent over and picked it up.
She didnt tell you? Justin pushed.
No, Fisher said. I asked her if she still had feelings for him, but she laughed it off.
Did he still have feelings for her?
Fisher toyed with the bottle cap, rolling it between his fingers. She said he didnt.
But?
Fisher scowled. But I saw a text he sent her and it sure as hell sounded like he did.
The anger in the mans tone raised Justins suspicions. Did she agree to see him?
Fisher squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, then opened them and took another sip of water. I dont know. When she didnt come last night, I thought...maybe shed met up with him.
Justin pushed a pad in front of Fisher. Ill need his name and any information you have on him.
I dont know his number, but his name is Terry Sumter.
When was the last time you saw or spoke with Kelly? Justin asked.
Kellys fiancé dropped his head into his hands with a pained sigh. Yesterday morning for breakfast, Fisher said. We had waffles, then she said she had a million things to doa dress fitting, shopping for bridesmaids gifts.... The list went on and on. Regret flickered in his eyes. I was only half listening. I had no idea it might be the last time I ever saw her.
Justin gritted his teeth. The mans fear sounded sincere. So did his guilt.
But were his guilt and fear real because he was afraid of getting caught?
She was supposed to come home last night?
He nodded, rubbing at his eyes. I called and called and finally I received a text saying she was going to spend the night with one of her girlfriends.
Which one?
Betty Jacobs, he said. But when I called Kelly this morning and she didnt answer, I tried Betty and she said Kelly hadnt been there.
Justin would pull everything he could find on the ex-boyfriend as well as Kellys phone records and Fishers.