Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
“We were wondering if you might happen to know where Magnolia is. We have been looking for her with no luck.”
Karen doesn’t ask him if he knows Magnolia, nor does she ask him how he knows Magnolia, she just goes right in as if there is no doubt in her mind, no question at all. It’s clever and it’s enough to have him jerk back just a little, like he’s surprised we’re mentioning that name.
“Magnolia?” he asks, acting a little surprised.
“Yes, Magnolia. We’re aware she was dealing with you, and it’s been quite some time since we’ve heard from her. Mostly we just want to know if she’s okay.”
He tips his head to the side and frowns, then looks over to me. “I haven’t seen her for about a week.”
Well, that’s a hell of a lot sooner than the last time we saw her.
“Would you mind sharing where she was?” Karen asks. “It has been a few weeks since any of us have heard from her.”
“I ran into her in town, she was at the store. If you’re concerned for her wellbeing, I’d suggest releasing a missing person’s report?” he suggests.
“At this stage, we’re not going to be doing that, but we know she’s been dealing with some bad people. We thought perhaps she might have been working with you to help bring those people to justice.”
Jesus she’s good.
Bennett purses his lips and murmurs, “Is that what she told you?”
“Something like that.” Karen shrugs.
“She was helping me; however, I got the information needed and, as far as I knew, she was well on her way to going about her business. If you give me some more information, I’m happy to look into it for you.”
“What was she helping you with?” I ask, finally speaking.
He looks to me. “Have we met?”
“I’m her sister,” I point out.
He seems shocked by this, too. “That so,” he murmurs to himself. “Well, she was helping me with some information after I charged her for possession of cocaine a few months back. It was that or she would be facing trial. She agreed to help me, gave me some information about the people she was buying and dealing through, and that was the end of it.”
So, Karen was right.
“Is there a chance those people have come after her, or found out?” I push further.
“That’s always a risk, yes. It’s also just a likely she went back into that lifestyle and is choosing not to be found. People often find it hard to break such habits.”
“My sister is not a drug user, if she was doing that, there was a reason for it, and I’m going to find out that reason,” I snap, frustrated that he’s basically saying she’s dropped herself down the rabbit hole again.
“Listen, I have no idea what Magnolia chose to do after she finished helping me. Our relationship was very short and basic.”
“Then why was there a note from you in the hotel she was staying at?” I question, blood pumping, heart racing.
“It wasn’t from me,” he says calmly. “I don’t know where Magnolia is, but as I said I’m happy to file a missing person’s report and investigate the situation.”
I stand, shaking my head. This is getting us nowhere. “Someone has my sister, and I’m going to find out who. Thanks for your help, Constable.”
I spin on my heel and walk out.
Karen follows along behind me.
Once we’re outside, I turn to her and she crosses her arms. “You let your emotions get the better of you then, honey,” she says, her voice tight but not angry.
“I just feel like everyone we come across is hiding something. Like every single person is lying in one way or another. I just don’t know who to believe anymore.”
“Without upsetting you here, is there a chance that Magnolia is dealing in drugs and did go back? I know you think she isn’t, but what if you’re wrong. Something might have happened that sent her down that path. It happens to the best of us.”
I go to shake my head, but then I exhale and say, “I honestly don’t know, and I think that’s what bothers me more. I don’t know and the idea of not knowing if my sister went down that path makes me feel like I’ve failed her. I should have noticed ...”
Karen stops and reaches over, grabbing my shoulder, her eyes sympathetic. “Do you know how many families have said that same thing? Gosh, I could list them to you. It’s not your fault if that’s the path Magnolia took, please don’t think it is.”
I nod, but I’m not overly convinced.
“Let’s just see what we can find out from here, okay?”
I nod again.
I hope we’re doing the right thing here.
I really, really do.
13
THEN – BRIELLA
“Seriously, though, my dad has the best alcohol in his study,” Aviana says, her grin wide and mischievous. “Are you up for sneaking some?”