Broom and Gloom: Squeaky Clean Mysteries, Book 9 Page 7

  Melissa drew in a deep breath, as if the question burdened her. “I don’t know what to say. She did seem like someone with no roots, you know? I mean, she had her brother. But when he was gone, she had no one else. I think—don’t quote me on this—but I think she grew up in New Mexico, went to college in Texas, and then taught here in Arizona. She was kind of all over the place.”

  “What about debt? Did she ever mention any debt to you?” I remembered what Darcy had said about Skye and money. What if Skye had taken off to avoid paying her debts?

  “You know, she did mention that she had some student loans once. You know how it is with teachers. Administrators barely pay us enough to live on. Add college loans on top of that, and we’re underwater a lot.”

  “I’ve heard that before.”

  “Listen, I’d love to talk more, but my meeting is starting,” Melissa said. “Let me know if you have any more questions, okay? You’ve got my number.”

  I thanked her and hung up. Skye moved here for a boy? Who? I needed to ask Trace about that. Because if she moved here for someone else, that meant I had another lead I needed to track down.

  ***

  I stepped outside and onto the sidewalk after my last class, wanting a quick breath of fresh air before meeting with Levi. I had to admit that I enjoyed the bustle of the busy streets. Sitting in a class for eight hours a day was difficult for me, and the fluidity of the city—of horns honking and people hurrying and buildings looming—awoke my senses.

  I decided to stretch my legs and started down the block. It had actually warmed up some since lunch, something I wouldn’t complain about. The sun felt toasty on my shoulders.

  Someone yelling on the street corner caught my eye. My head swerved toward the man before my thoughts skidded to a halt.

  “Repent now! The day of reckoning is upon us!” The man held a sign proclaiming, “The End Is Near” as he paced the sidewalk. He had greasy hair and a wrinkled and scruffy face, and wore layers of clothing.

  Was he a sidewalk prophet using the scare tactic of hell to convince people to be saved? I supposed God could use those methods just as well as He could use any. My style was probably more personal and conversational and less in your face.

  I tried to look away before the man caught my eye and trapped me into a conversation, but it was too late.

  “Do you know Christ, young lady?” he called. His gaze pierced mine.

  “I do.” I started to walk away, to turn on my heel, but the man kept talking.

  “Have you accepted Him as your personal Lord and Savior?”

  I froze, drawing in a hesitant breath. “I have.”

  He leaned closer, his eyes sharp enough to cut through me. “But have you really?”

  “Yes, really.”

  “Are you sure?” His breath hit me like the stench from a sewer pipe might. This man’s heart might be good, but he definitely had some issues.

  Before I could defend myself again, someone grabbed my elbow and led me away. “Ignore him.”

  I glanced up. It was Levi. Just Levi. My heart rate slowed.

  “He’s been there every day this week.” He led me toward the parking garage. “He’s a little wacko.”

  “His methods leave something to be desired.”

  “More than his methods.”

  I stiffened as we continued to walk briskly across the street. “What do you mean?”

  He glanced at me. “Come on, all this ‘the end is near’ garbage. Religion is just people trying to scare other people into embracing their moral code.”

  My first instinct was to be offended. I breathed in a quick prayer and tried to have an open conversation instead. James 3:17 came to mind. “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” I prayed for that wisdom. “Maybe that’s what religion is. But God is more than that.”

  Levi scrunched his eyebrows together as he directed me to a stairway inside the parking garage. How did he know where I’d parked?

  “You really believe that?”

  I nodded. “I do. I believe there are greater powers at work in this world.”

  “I do too. I call it karma.”

  “I take it you’re an atheist?” I didn’t know why it surprised me. I mean, scientists weren’t exactly known to be God-fearing people.

  When I’d first started in the field, I hadn’t been sure about God. But God and my faith in Him had helped me to get through some pretty dark days. I was taking baby steps, but God was molding me into a better person, one who put the needs of others first. Every once in a while, I took steps backward. My emotions tried to control my actions, and my lack of faith stupefied me. But every day I tried to do my best and live out the life I knew that God wanted.

  “I believe all the latest surveys would label me a ‘none,’” Levi continued. “I have no religious beliefs or affiliations. I put all my faith in science.”

  I almost told him I was sorry to hear that, but I didn’t want to sound judgmental or insincere. So I nodded instead. “I see.”

  “Hey, how about if I drive this time?” He changed the subject as quickly as a car switching lanes.

  “Really?”

  He grinned, that cool, aloof smile that made me wonder. “Yeah, really.”

  “Sure thing.” I couldn’t think of a reason for him not to.

  “Great, then follow me.”

  We rounded the corner, and he stopped beside a . . . motorcycle.

  “This?” I stared at the oversized Harley. I didn’t know much about Harleys, but based on the shiny chrome, the flawless paint job, and the lush leather seat, I had a feeling that this bike was top of the line.

  He nodded, almost appearing satisfied. “It warmed up enough today that I could ride, and it’s only supposed to get warmer as a front comes in. You okay with it?”

  “Sure, as long as I have a helmet.”

  He unlocked a slick black one that was hooked on the bike and tossed it to me. “Here you go.”

  I pushed aside my doubts and pulled my hat off—yes, I was wearing my cowboy hat. I thought I might be developing a new addiction to it. I put it in my backpack and pulled the helmet on. “Don’t you need a helmet?”

  “I’ll be okay. Every once in a while I like to live dangerously.” Levi climbed on first and then nodded behind him as he slid some aviator sunglasses on. “Let’s get going.”

  I swung my leg over the bike, realizing just how close I was to the man. Even though there was nothing romantic between us, it just felt weird to be this near to someone who used to be my professor.

  “This is not time to be shy—put your arms around my waist.”

  I’d never been accused of being shy, but I felt out of sorts around this man. I held on to his midsection, flushing at our nearness. I was being ridiculous. I was out of my comfort zone, and it was making me feel off balance. Not good.

  As we pulled out of the parking lot, I glanced over and saw Evie standing outside the conference center. Her calculating gaze followed us down the street.

  Something twisted in my gut. I wasn’t sure what it was, but I tried to shove the emotion down and stop thinking the worst about situations. My gut seemed to be trying to tell me that a storm was looming in the distance, though.

  For the first time in a long time, I prayed my gut was wrong.

  CHAPTER 9

  We arrived early to the fairgrounds where the music festival was taking place, and I almost hated that the motorcycle ride was over. There was something invigorating about the wind sweeping through my hair and nothing but open road around us. It all gave me an adrenaline surge and made me feel revived.

  However, I was freezing cold and wondered what the chances were that I could get some coffee somewhere. Slim to none, if I had to guess.

  I paused as I took off my helmet, resisting the urge to shake my hair free like every woman on TV did. Instead I ran my hand through my curly locks, h
oping my strands hadn’t frizzed too much.

  Most of all, I felt relieved that I didn’t have to touch Levi anymore or smell his spearmint scent. Something about it just seemed too intimate—at least, more intimate than I wanted it to be.

  I glanced around. There were three tents in front of me, various trailers lined up behind them, and a field full of cars. A long line snaked its way toward the front door of the largest tent.

  I climbed off the Harley, stretched my legs, and noticed Levi glance over at me. He made no effort to hide his curiosity. “How was it?”

  “It was great. I have to admit it, I was skeptical, but there was something freeing about riding.”

  Something close to satisfaction lingered in his gaze. “I agree.” He pointed across the field. “This is where we’re supposed to be?”

  “That’s what I understand.”

  I bypassed the crowds just as Trace had told me to do and approached a heavyset man standing at the entrance of the tent. This was a different heavyset man than the one at Dusty Boots, yet the two men seemed eerily similar. I told him my name, and he checked a clipboard and then nodded approval.

  The place was cool right now, but as soon as people packed inside, it would warm up. The music was loud and pounded in my chest. The scent of dirt and plastic mingled near my nose, a mix of the dry floor and the thick plastic wall behind me.

  I took my place against the edge, soaking everything in for a minute. I needed to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously. I also wanted to talk to at least one of Trace’s groupies. I needed to find out if anyone else had seen Georgia around lately.

  I looked up at Levi, who stood beside me, his gaze focused on the stage area where techs straightened cords and adjusted lights. In my mind all those years ago, he’d been much kinder and more sensitive, while still being tough and masculine. Guys had big shoes to fill, especially after women got their fixes of romantic movies. I wasn’t giving up on that dream to find my soul mate, though, despite how many times my heart had been hurt.

  Again, Riley and Garrett’s faces tangoed in my head. Two men. Two different sets of intentions. And one heart—that would be mine—that was torn.

  That wasn’t even including a mind that wondered if I should just start from scratch. An ache deep inside that sometimes wanted to give up completely on love.

  I cleared my throat, realizing I was wasting time when I could be talking to one of the world’s foremost authorities about my investigation. “Do you know anyone with the Lawton Police Department, by chance?”

  He glanced down at me, his expression unreadable. “Lots of people. Why?”

  “Do you think I could look at some evidence that was collected in a missing woman’s case? Especially if the police have already closed the case.”

  “Doubtful. Why do you ask?”

  I let out a long breath. I’d known it was a long shot, but I’d kick myself if I didn’t exhaust every possibility—every ethical possibility, at least. “Trace’s girlfriend disappeared. The police believe she left on her own accord; Trace doesn’t. I told him I’d help, but I’m running into dead ends.”

  Levi eyed me, an unreadable emotion flashing in his gaze. “You think you can do something law enforcement can’t?”

  I raised my chin. “Law enforcement is overworked. There are cases that slide by. Even though I hate to say it, it’s true that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.”

  That smile appeared again. “I see. What evidence is there that malicious intent was involved?”

  “That’s what I’m trying to figure out. This woman would be the perfect victim. She had no family. She’d just moved here. She worked at home by herself and hardly had any friends.”

  “Still doesn’t mean she is a victim.”

  “What if I told you that Trace had a stalker who keeps running off his girlfriends?”

  He nodded slowly as realization rolled over his features. “Maybe that’s the person who tried to make you a rodeo clown last night.”

  “I’ve thought of that,” I admitted. “Anyway, the police think she left on her own free will. Her friend even thought she could have had some debt collectors after her, so she disappeared. That said, there may not be a case at all.”

  “Wrong. There may not be a crime. Any way you look at it, a woman is missing. You should start with her inner circle and work out.”

  “The problem is that her inner circle is only two people. She was pretty reclusive.”

  “It sounds like you have two likely suspects, then.”

  I cut him a sharp glance. That would mean that Trace could be guilty. But he had no motive for abduction or, even worse, murder. Nor could I imagine Darcy as a suspect. I didn’t know her well enough to form an educated opinion, but I just didn’t see her as malicious. “I don’t see that.”

  “And that’s your first problem. You’re making assumptions and letting them guide you.”

  I scowled. This man could really get under my skin and make me feel more insecure than nearly anyone I knew. Yet, at the same time, I knew he was right. I had to take my blinders off.

  “Have you tried to locate this woman?” He crossed his very defined arms across his very solid chest. I only knew how solid it was because of that motorcycle ride.

  I shoved my hands into my back pockets, already anticipating his judgment. “No, I haven’t. I haven’t had time, not with classes.”

  “You’ll have to decide what your priorities are, then. What’s more important to you, Gabby? Finding a missing woman who may have disappeared on her own free will—to avoid creditors, right? Or furthering your education?”

  I pressed my lips together. “They’re both important.”

  “Then it’s just a matter of deciding what you’re going to put your mind toward.”

  “What would you do?”

  He shrugged, staring at the stage for a moment. “I like picking and choosing my cases and deciding what’s important. That’s why I started my own company. Ask yourself what’s going to take you further—this wild goose chase or actually taking your career seriously?”

  I bit back a retort because part of me wondered if he was right. Sidetracked. Set back. Delayed.

  Most of those issues were of my own doing, and sometimes change was so hard.

  CHAPTER 10

  I stood on the edge of the festival, the back of the tent against my back. Mostly, I was looking for Georgia, though after talking to Caitlyn, I wondered if I would even recognize her. If the woman really did change her looks that often, then spotting her might be a challenge.

  The room had filled with people the instant the doors opened. Men, women, children flooded inside. Quite a few of the ladies screamed. Some held up signs asking Trace to marry them. There were lots of cowboy hats, and plaid shirts, and smiles.

  About the time the band was supposed to start, I saw Jono walk onstage and talk to various tech engineers, looking even more tense than usual. Something about the way he walked made me question what was going on. The concert was supposed to start anytime now, and so far no one was onstage.

  “Excuse me a minute,” I mumbled to Levi.

  He didn’t say anything, just surveyed the space. I pushed my way through the crowd and approached the security guards against the stage. Of course, they immediately stopped me.

  “What’s going on? Something’s wrong.”

  The man stared at me and grunted.

  “Please, Trace is my brother. I need to know if he’s okay.” At once I had visions of Georgia finding him and deciding to exact her revenge on Trace instead of his love interests. I really hoped that wasn’t the case.

  The guard continued to stare. Finally, I gave up, realizing I’d get nothing from him, and crept along the edge of the stage toward the back exit. I glanced to my left and right to make sure no one was looking. I was about to slip out when a hand grabbed my arm.

  I looked up and saw Levi standing there. “Everything all right?”

  I swallowed. “Yes. I
’m just . . . just concerned, I suppose.”

  He glanced behind him quickly and then followed me outside. “I want to help,” he admitted.

  For a moment, I felt comradery with the man. I needed to mark that one down for the books. On a hunch, I started toward the back of the property.

  “I think Trace’s trailer is back here. I just want to make sure everything is okay.”

  “Your spidey sense is tingling?”

  I couldn’t help but smile, even though part of me wondered if he was being condescending. So much for that comradery. “I suppose.”

  A small crowd had gathered in the distance in front of one of the trailers. I saw Jono approaching them from the opposite direction, and I quickened my steps. Sure enough, Trace was in the middle of the group.

  “Has anyone seen Dud?” he asked.

  Everyone mumbled no.

  “We can’t start without him. What do you want us to do?” Trace said, turning to a short, balding man beside him.

  “I’ll stall for as long as I can,” the man said before taking off.

  Trace spotted me and waved me over. “Our drummer is missing,” he explained.

  “Missing missing or just wandered off?”

  He rubbed his chin. “We don’t know. It’s not like him to disappear like this. He knew how important this concert is.”

  “You checked his trailer?” Levi slid his sunglasses on.

  Trace’s head flicked toward him, something dark clouding his gaze. “Of course. First thing we did. We don’t know what’s going on. This just isn’t like Dud, though.”

  “When did you last see him?” I asked, shielding my eyes against the setting sun.

  “We rehearsed two hours ago and then took a break,” Trace said. “No one’s seen him since then. As you heard, Todd—he’s the festival coordinator—is going to try and buy some time until we can find Dud.”

  “We can help look,” I offered, hoping Levi didn’t mind. I looked back at him, and he nodded.