Page 76 of The Breakdown

Goddammit. Why did he hire anyone?

Because I don’t have the time to do it myself.

He couldn’t go searching for Natalie and run a business. It was impossible. Someone had to keep an eye on the employees and the transactions. Otherwise, there would be no money. And money…well, that was the most important thing. Finding Natalie being a close second.

He lifted the receiver again to call his secretary, but the line beeped before he could.

“Mr. Beaufort?” his secretary said as she came on over the speaker.

“What?”

“There are two detectives here to see you.”

Allen rubbed his forehead and sighed. The day was just getting better and better.

“Very well.”

The secretary disconnected and a knock came from his door.

“In!”

The two detectives he’d met before walked into his office, looking very no-nonsense in their cheap suits. Christ, where did they get those horrible things?

“Mr. Beaufort. Nice to see you again.”

“Make it fast, gentlemen. I have a tight schedule to keep.”

The detectives sat in the chairs across from his desk. “Well, now is that any way to greet us? You’d think your first question would be in regard to Natalie and whether or not we had any news. And yet…it wasn’t.” He raised an eyebrow and Allen glanced away, wanting to pummel the asshole. Detective Hallorin. Yes, that was his name. Motherfucker.

When Allen said nothing, Hallorin continued. “In case you’re interested, we haven’t located her yet. But we’ve got some good leads to follow up on. One of them being you, Mr. Beaufort.”

“Me?” He knew he looked disgusted. He felt it.

“Yes, sir. You’re the one.” He flipped open his notebook and searched the inside pocket of his suit for a pen. He found it and clicked it, ready to write.

“I can assure you that I had nothing to do with her disappearance,” Allen said, trying not to talk through clenched teeth.

“Well, I’m beginning to think otherwise, Mr. Beaufort. Especially in talking to those who know Natalie best. Seems you have been in contact with her, because you’ve been harassing her. Is that correct?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“No? See, that surprises me because her roommate, tells us that you’ve been having her followed.”

Allen scoffed. “This is a waste of time,” he said. “I’ve already told you—”

“Have you been having her tailed, Allen? And—” He checked his notes. “Harassing and threatening her? Despite the restraining order?”

“No.”

Hallorin shifted, cleared his throat, and looked to his partner, Marks, who stood, with his phone outstretched. He showed Allen the pic on the screen, and Allen nearly cringed.

“Is that you in the photo, Mr. Beaufort?”

“It’s hard to say. It’s grainy.”

Hallorin smiled. “It was taken from a doorbell cam from one of Natalie’s neighbors. Seems you were there the day Gayle and her boyfriend claimed you were. And more than a few times before that, lurking. One time even forcing your way into the apartment. Care to fill me in on that?”

Allen didn’t speak.

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