Page 64 of Before She Disappeared

CHAPTER 17

I remain on the sidewalk with Charlie and our police chaperone till Detective Lotham reappears from the wireless store. Whatever he’s learned inside, it hasn’t improved his mood.

He spots me, then Officer O’Shaughnessy, who is deep in conversation with two other uniforms. I watch the debate play out over Lotham’s face. He abruptly turns and strides toward me.

“So,” he states. He looks from me to Charlie back to me.

“This is Charlie,” I say by way of introduction. I don’t know Charlie’s last name so I don’t offer it. The lapse creates an awkward moment, then Detective Lotham extends his arm, shakes Charlie’s hand.

“Army?” Lotham asks, gesturing to Charlie’s coat. Then, when Charlie nods: “Marine, Force Recon. Thank you for your service.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“You saw Angelique Badeau?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you’re sure it was her?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you know Ms. Elkin how?”

Charlie doesn’t immediately respond to this sudden change in questioning but looks to me.

“Are you doubting I have friends?” I ask the detective, doing my best to sound indignant.

“You arrived in the area three days ago.”

“All the more reason to reach out. Just ask Charadee at Dunkin’ Donuts or Viv at Stoney’s or Frédéric at the rec center.” I search frantically for more names. “And my roommate, Piper. Though she didn’t come home last night and I’m worried about her.”

Detective Lotham looks like he has a headache. Whether it’s the case or just me is open to interpretation.

“Charlie has other news,” I add quickly now. “Earlier I was at the rec center—”

“With your friend Frédéric.”

“There you go. He gave me a list of all the kids who were at fashion camp with Angelique during the summer program.”

“I’ve seen the list. Even interviewed the teens.”

“Including Livia Samdi.”

“Probably. We’re talking eleven months ago.”

“So she hadn’t gone missing yet. Interesting.”

“What? Hang on.” Detective Lotham pinches the bridge of his nose. I swear he’s both taking a deep breath and muttering shit, shit, shit, but I can’t be sure.

“Charlie heard a rumor at least.” I glance at Charlie for confirmation. “Livia Samdi’s mom said she ran away. And um, just to make things interesting, according to Frédéric from the rec center, Livia is known for wearing a red baseball hat.”

Detective Lotham turns his gaze to Charlie, who immediately nods. “Livia ran away,” Charlie supplies.

“Where did you hear this rumor?”

“Doesn’t matter,” I interject quickly. “What about Officer O’Shaughnessy? As the community liaison, maybe he knows more. We should ask him.”

“You know what I learned inside?” Detective Lotham speaks up abruptly.

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