Love You Madly(4)
She had to make him understand short of standing in front of him and yelling. He had to know who Darcy was.
Carefully she folded her hands together. “Since I first met Darcy, she’s had one singular goal, even at eleven—get accepted into a top liberal arts college, graduate with honors, and go on to become the next Margaret Atwood. And sure enough, she earned a four-point-oh GPA and acceptance into several top-notch colleges across the country. Her education has been her sole focus her entire young life, to the exclusion of any kind of active social life—despite my urging. Now that she’s accomplished her goal, I think she’s been a little bored. Restless. Maybe testing her own limits, gaining some independence. But no matter what she’s been doing the past few weeks, where she’s been, who she’s been with, she’s never failed to stay in touch with me. To let me know when she would be home, when she was going anywhere. Until now.”#p#分页标题#e#
She searched his stoic gaze for any sign of understanding. He had to believe her, otherwise she’d never find her daughter.
He studied her another long moment and finally gave a quick nod. “All right. Do you know what time she was last seen yesterday? When did she leave the babysitting job?”
“I—I don’t really know.” She scanned the room, unable to meet his gaze.
“Couldn’t they estimate the time for you?”
“I didn’t think to ask.” Nor would she consider asking in a million years.
“I’ll need to speak with them.” He pulled out a pen and small notebook from his back pocket and poised his hand, ready for the information.
He waited.
“Can’t we try and track Darcy’s cell phone?” She’d caught every episode of Veronica Mars and had seen this done dozens of times. “You’re some sort of investigator. Shouldn’t you have something that can do that?”
“Sure. But I wouldn’t hold your breath. You said her phone was going to voicemail, meaning it’s likely dead. Which means…no signal. So unless you want to argue and second-guess every move of my investigation, thereby delaying and potentially putting your daughter’s safety at risk, let’s start with where she was last seen.”
His condescension was almost over-the-top, but he had a point. She sighed. “Allie McBride. Single mom. Darcy was watching her daughter, Violet, last night.”
Another flicker of something close to surprise crossed his face, but then it was gone. “Do you have an address? I’d like to speak with her in person, see if she remembers anything important that might tell us where Darcy was heading.”
“Not off the top of my head, but I know where she lives. I can take you now if you really think it’s important.”
“I need a few more answers before I decide whether I’m taking the case, and Ms. McBride might be able to help. Wouldn’t want to waste your time or mine any more than is necessary.”
Wait. Was he kidding? Was he actually vetting her? Bright, angry sparks of red flashed across her corneas. True, this wasn’t an arrangement she was used to making, hiring a consultant–slash–security expert–slash–investigator. But shouldn’t she be interviewing him? Deciding if she wanted his help?
“I’m sorry. I’m not familiar with the etiquette here, but I will be employing you, correct? I’ll be the one to decide if we’re wasting our time and money.”
He leaned forward quickly and she blinked. It was the most movement she’d seen him make, in comparison to his almost statue-like position across from her for most of this interview.
“You may end up paying the final check, ma’am, but I call the shots during the investigation. It may surprise you, but I get a number of calls a day from prospective clients who want my assistance, and I have to decide where my services are most needed. The only reason I’m here now is your old man called in a favor with my boss. And like I told him, I’ll check it out and decide if it’s something that needs our—my—services. There are too many people in need of help for me to waste my time looking for a spoiled rich girl who might just be out to test her stepmommy’s will.”
“Is that what you think this is?” She leaned forward, refusing to let his intensity intimidate her. Not flinching, she met his gaze, noticing his eyes weren’t just the dark, intense green she’d previously thought but more olive, with flecks of brown. “My daughter testing her will against mine? Have you not been listening?”#p#分页标题#e#
He sat back again and resumed his usual robotic stance. “Yes. And I’m not yet convinced there’s any evidence of foul play. But, like I said, once I speak with a few more possible witnesses, I can better assess the situation and make my final decision.”