Of course she’d keep her ears open . . . and ask a question here and there.

“What do you think of the mother?” Parek asked in a low voice.

“I don’t know. I met her a few hours ago, and she’s traumatized over the loss of her daughter. It’s too early to form any accurate opinions.”

But what does my gut tell me?

She’d been watching Lilian’s every expression and movement. She’d been analyzing every word out of her mouth. Had she seen anything to make her feel Lilian was lying? Or holding something back?

Not yet.

Her departure in the hallway had been abrupt, but Ava had understood the need for some privacy. The woman wouldn’t have much of it until they found her daughter.

“Has anyone stopped by? Any neighbors or friends?”

Special Agent Parek shook his head. “It’s been quiet. With the security system the building has in place, I don’t expect any friends to drop in. As for the neighbors, I don’t know if this is a get-to-know-your-neighbor type of building or not. There’s no landline, so no calls, either.”

“I’m ready.” Lilian stepped into the kitchen. “I didn’t know how many days to pack for. Do you think I need more than a day or two of clothes?” Her red-rimmed eyes blinked rapidly, and Ava knew she’d cried as she hid in her bedroom.

There’s no answer to that question.

Ava forced a smile. “We can always come back for more.”

Lilian flinched, and Ava wished she could have said, “I’m sure that’s more than enough.”

But that wasn’t who she was. She was too damned practical. “Pack for the worst,” she wanted to say. She believed in keeping a positive attitude but didn’t let it affect the practical decisions that needed to be made.

Prepare for the worst.

You could never pack too much underwear or question too many neighbors. An agent did what needed to be done.

“That doesn’t mean we don’t expect to find her soon. It’s okay to plan ahead.” Her voice softened. “Our goal is to find her before you need anything you’ve packed.”

Lilian’s throat convulsed as she swallowed. She nodded. “Let’s go.”

In the car on the way back to the Fairbanks house, Ava asked her if it felt odd to stay in her ex-husband’s home.

“Not really. We’ve done some short vacations together. Like trips to the coast or the water park in Washington,” Lilian answered, her gaze on the scenery they were passing.

“You do all get along,” Ava stated. “That’s rare.”

“I guess. The kids all like each other. Even Jake enjoys being with the younger girls. He’s a good big brother. It makes it easier when the adults have all committed to doing what’s best for the kids.”

“What about Jake’s dad? Is he around much?” The detective was stuck in Ava’s brain. His level of professionalism and almost old-fashioned manners at the interview had impressed her. He looked to be in his late forties, with salt-and-pepper hair and dark-brown eyes. She’d immediately picked up that he was an investigator through and through. It took one to know one.

“Mason? He’s a good guy. Just always working. He’s married to the job. I don’t know how he and Robin lasted as long as they did. I don’t see much of him, but Robin says he stays in touch with Jake. She has nothing but kind words for him. I think she almost feels sorry for him. He never remarried and seems to have a pretty solitary life.”

Ava understood perfectly.

She felt Lilian’s gaze focus on her. “What about you? I don’t see a ring. Do you have kids?”

Ava paused. In any other situation, she’d deflect the questions. Her personal life was her own business. But she was facing the possibility of spending a lot of hours with Lilian and the Fairbanks. She needed to appear open to gain their trust. “Never married. No kids. I guess I’m a bit like Jake’s dad. Married to the job. But I like it that way.” She didn’t look at Lilian, whose curiosity filled the car. Did she believe her? Some people thought their life wasn’t complete unless they had a significant other.

Like Ava’s sister. She bounced from man to man, searching for her soul mate.

“Sounds peaceful. There’ve been times when—,” Lilian broke off, a sob catching in her throat. “Oh my gosh,” she whispered. “How did I ever think like that?” She buried her face in her hands and let the tears flow.

Ava knew she’d been about to say there’d been times when she wished she lived alone.

Every mother must have wished for solitary peace during the trying times of child raising. Especially when she was doing it on her own.

Now Lilian had gotten her wish, and she was in hell.

5

7 HOURS MISSING

Mason jogged up his front porch steps, his boots clomping loudly. He considered it a warning to anyone with the balls to break into his house. He was being kind to let them know he was home and saving their asses from being surprised and probably shot. He hadn’t surprised anyone in twenty years; he was disappointed when he pushed the door open and discovered quiet instead of a meth head diving out a window. Apparently he had some extra adrenaline to burn off.

He stepped inside, stopped, and stuck his head back outside to scan his wide porch. All quiet.

No dog.

He gave a couple of soft whistles and a “Here, boy.”

Still quiet. He mentally shrugged and stepped inside, reaching for his cell phone. He needed to pack a bag and talk to his boss. He hadn’t received a reply to the email he’d sent to his sergeant informing him of the shitstorm that’d suddenly opened on Mason’s life. He found his boss in his contacts and pressed the “Call” button. He strode down the hall, his phone to his ear, hitting light switches and checking all the rooms. His usual habit upon getting home.