Money was a powerful motivator. Ill need their names.
He paused in his pacing, smoothing his hands down his suit jacket. All right.
Tell me about your financial situation, she said. Do you have a large portfolio of investments? A big savings account?
You mean in case we receive a ransom call?
Yes, Amanda said. Thats a possibility. In fact, it would be preferable to the alternative. If someone called with a ransom request, they might have a chance of saving Kelly and catching the kidnapper.
I have some money, he admitted. Enough.
Enough that someone might take your daughter to force you to pay them off?
He paled. If this is about money, Ill pay whatever they ask.
Just make me a list of all of the people who might have a grievance against you, Amanda said. Well also need a list of all of Kellys friends so we can talk to them.
Of course.
He headed back to the chair but paused by the whiteboard in the corner. Amanda tensed. On the back of that board shed tacked photos of all the missing women from the past ten years. She didnt want him to see them. Mr. Lambert, sit down and
But a strangled sound escaped Lambert as he flipped it over. He staggered back, shaking his head in denial.
Anger hardened his voice when he spoke. You havent found any of those girls, have you? And youre not going to find my Kelly either.
Fear mingled with anger in Amandas chest. Shed inherited the ongoing case from Sheriff Lager, but Kelly had gone missing on her watch. An image of the pretty womans face taunted her. Kelly was her age, vibrant, planning her wedding. Looking forward to having a family and a long life ahead of her.
But her life might already have been cut off because some crazy maniac had targeted her.
And Amanda didnt have a clue as to who it was.
What if Lambert was right? What if she couldnt save Kelly in time?
* * *
JUSTIN TAPPED THE notepad in front of Fisher. Make a list of the groomsmen in the wedding and their contact information for me.
Anger blazed in Fishers eyes as
he realized the implication. What the hell? Kellys father and I came here for help, and now youre treating me like a suspect. You think I had something to do with Kellys disappearance?
Justin forced his voice to remain level. The majority of missing-persons cases wound back to the family members or close friends. The fact that a string of females around the same age had gone missing was suspicious, but he couldnt discount anything at this point.
I didnt say that. But its important for us to talk to everyone who knew Kelly, Justin said. Female and male friends included. Maybe one of them saw or heard something that could be helpful.
Fisher shot up, glaring at Justin. Thats bull. You want to ask them how Kelly and I got along. If I was jealous enough of an old boyfriend to hurt her.
I will ask that, but its routine, Justin said. The first thing we do in an investigation is to clear family members and friends. Oftentimes, someone may tell us some detail to help usit might be something small that you dont even think is important.
He motioned to the chair. Now, if you want us to find Kelly, sit down and make that list. Youre wasting valuable time.
Fishers gaze met his, his eyes stormy with emotions and red rimmed from crying or lack of sleep. Maybe both.
Finally he released a heavy sigh and dropped back into the chair. All right. But I love Kelly, and Id never do anything to hurt her.
Justin studied him, wondering how hed react if he was in this mans shoes. Hed be tearing apart the office, demanding answers, pushing for the police to comb the streets.
Ready to kill the person whod stolen his fiancé.
That is, if that was what had happened.
Fisher took the pen and began to scribble names and phone numbers.
Sheriff Blair and Lambert appeared in the doorway, Lamberts face ashen.
Mr. Lambert, Mr. Fisher, Id like your permission to put a trace on your phones, Sheriff Blair said. Just in case Kelly calls, or you receive a ransom call. Well also need to look at Kellys computer and phone records.
Of course, whatever you need, Fisher said.
Yes, check the phone records and computer. Lamberts eyes cut toward her. Do whatever you have to do. Just find my daughter.
Sheriff Blair nodded, but she looked worried. Ill get Kellys picture in the missing-persons database and on the news right away. Hopefully someone saw something and well get a lead.
Fisher shoved the paper into Justins hands. Call us if you find her.
Fisher huffed, then strode out the door. Lambert glanced at Justin. I saw the pictures of those other young women back there. I dont want Kellys picture up there. I want you to find this bastard.
Justin shook the mans hand. Yes, sir. Well do everything we can.
Do more than that, Lambert said sharply. Heaving a labored breath, he followed Fisher out the door.
Justin couldnt blame the man for being angry and frustrated. He didnt even know Kelly Lambert, and he felt like kicking something.
I didnt mean for him to see the wall of photos, Sheriff Blair said.
Hes scared, Justin said. Do you believe him?