Page 76 of Asher's Assignment

Audra nodded. “I think that’s a good idea. Dean could probably do it from bed, but I don’t want him to miss something because his brain’s foggy.”

“Probably a good idea.” Ford coughed again. “Any other leads? Car? A description the police can release to the public? Witnesses?”

“Connie said she never saw the man’s face or heard him speak, which is why she can’t be sure if it was Bradley,” Esther said. “I talked to the elderly couple who witnessed the abduction. Herb and Sue Tinsdale. They described a man they saw inside who Herb says was watching the Tylers. Sue’s not so sure, but it was enough to get the detective on the case to pull camera footage.”

“You need to get that footage,” Ford said.

“And do what with it, babe?” Brooke asked. “Asher’s the one who would be able to work his magic on it, but he’s not here.”

“Give it to that friend of Audra’s. I have a feeling this person is a lot like Asher in what they do.”

“She is,” Audra confirmed.

“Then use her as much as you can. If money’s an issue, I’ll come up with some funds somewhere.”

“It won’t be,” Audra said. “The only problem will be time. She’s busy.”

He nodded. “Do the police know about the dad?”

“No,” Edie said. “Connie’s reluctant to come forward with the information because of what happened to her parents. She’s terrified of this guy. Can’t say as I blame her. You didn’t hear her story. He’s—something.”

“We did ask her if we could share the information with the police,” Annabeth said.

“You did?” Esther gave her a sharp look.

Annabeth nodded. “It was after you left. Right before we joined you outside. Audra asked if she minded if we spoke to the police. She said she’d rather we didn’t, but she knew it was all going to come out, anyway, and she wanted Bradley to pay for what he’d done. She said she was ready to come forward and face whatever consequences there were for her, so she agreed. Really, she just wants her daughter back safe and sound. We can do a lot, but we can’t do everything. Like put Bradley in jail if he’s behind this. She also told us to tell you she’s sorry Asher got involved in her family drama. She doesn’t think it’s likely this is about you any more than Ford does.”

The lump in Esther’s throat returned, choking off her words. She nodded and pressed her lips together.

“What’s Bradley’s last name?” Ford asked.

“Lennox.”

Esther repeated that in her mind. Connie must have told them that after she left too. She’d never heard it before.

“We’ll do some digging here as we’re able, but don’t count”—he broke off, coughing—“on”—he coughed again—“us.” The last word barely made it through. Waving a hand, he got up and left the room.

“He sounds awful,” Brooke said.

“They all do,” Margot said. “The girls weren’t this sick.”

“Man-flu is a thing,” Annabeth said.

“I know. I just never expected to experience it large-scale.”

“We’re not that bad,” Max said.

She sent him a look, arching an eyebrow. “Says the man who texted me to come hand him the television remote from his dresser.”

“I was comfortable all snuggled up. I finally wasn’t cold.”

Margot rolled her eyes, but a smile toyed with her mouth. She turned to the camera. “I’m hanging up now. When Dean told me you wanted to call, I set the girls up with some paints. I need to go check on them.”

Max’s eyes widened. “You gave them paint unsupervised? In my house?”

“Relax. They’re on the tile in the back living room inside their play yard.”

“On the—” He broke off with a hoarse groan. “Margot, that’s Saltillo tile. Even washable paint will stick like glue.” He stood up, grumbling. “I’m gonna be on my knees scrubbing—” He paused, swaying slightly.

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