Page 122 of Over the Edge

“Or not.”

“I hear you. Keep me in the loop.”

“Goes without saying.”

Jack completed the drive in less than five minutes. Lindsey’s car wasn’t parked in front of Allen’s apartment, but it was close.

There had to be a connection.

He parked and jogged toward the officer. “You see any activity since you’ve been here?” He scanned the area as he spoke, the few overhead streetlights giving the scene an eerie glow.

“No.”

Jack pulled on a pair of latex gloves. Looked inside the two coolers.

One of them contained a foil-covered disposable container.

A delivery, perhaps?

He moved to the side of the car. Flashed his phone light inside. No sign of her purse there or on the ground.

Another indication she’d been snatched.

Leaving the officer to keep watch over the car, he sprinted down the street to the Allens’ and took the steps to the front door two at a time.

Dara Allen answered after three rings, her husband behind her, their expressions wary.

“I’m not here about the Robertson case.” Best to make that clear fast or they weren’t going to be receptive to his questions. “I’m trying to locate Lindsey. Her car was found parked down your street. Was she expected here—or have you seen her?”

Dara’s forehead wrinkled. “No to both. She dropped food off for us Tuesday afternoon when she found out I had the flu, and she called yesterday to see how I was, but I haven’t seen or talked to her since. Is she missing?”

“She’s not with her car, and her cell phone was found on the ground. There’s a casserole in her trunk. Could she have been dropping off more food?”

“It’s possible. That’s the kind of person she is. But last time she called to tell me she was coming. I don’t think we’re on her usual route, so I’d be surprised if she came without checking first to make sure someone was home.”

It was hard to argue with that logic, but why else would she be on their doorstep with a casserole if not to do a good deed?

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Chad joined the conversation.

“Not at the moment, but if you hear from her, I’d appreciate a call. Or you can ask her to call me.” He fished out a card.

Chad waved it off. “I have your contact information already. We’ll let you know if she gets in touch.”

“Thanks.” He left the apartment and retraced his steps to Lindsey’s Focus.

A crime scene van had arrived, and a tech was already gloved and ready to go.

The man greeted him. “Am I looking for anything special?”

“Clues to help us figure out where the driver is and who took her.”

“You think she was abducted?”

“Her phone was on the ground and the trunk was half-open when I arrived. Her purse is also missing.”

“Got it. I’ll see what I can find.”

Jack handed him a card. “I’m going to knock on a few doors. Call me if you spot anything significant.”

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