Page 76 of Claws and Feathers

Abby found solace in Daphne’s words. They sounded an awful lot like forgiveness. She wiped the beads of sweat away from her hairline and nodded her head to the front door. “It’s kind of hot out here. Want to come inside? I can give you the grand tour.”

Daphne faltered, biting on her lip and twirling her swing dress from side to side.

Abby sweetened the pot. “And I’ve got some leftover enchiladas in the fridge if you’re hungry.”

A smile. “Sold.”

It was Thursday morning. Cooper tapped his fingers against the steering wheel as he sat outside Ryan Stone’s three-story home in Glenview, Illinois. It was an extravagant house in an upscale neighborhood, in an affluent town. It didn’t seem like the lifestyle of a heroin addict. Cooper leaned back in his seat with a deep sigh, taking in his surroundings. A Lexus sat in the driveway as soccer moms with baby strollers jogged down the sidewalk. He was a few minutes early, so he sent Abby a quick text message.

Cooper:“I’m here. I’ll keep you posted.”

She responded almost instantly.

Abby:“I swear I’m not checking my phone every other second.”

Cooper:“Don’t worry. Hopefully I’ll be closer to solving this case next time you hear from me.”

Abby:“Kate is here to keep my mind off things. She brought mimosas. She knows me so well.”

Cooper chuckled.

Cooper:“I had a feeling you two would hit it off. Have an extra for me.”

Three wiggly dots emerged, indicating that she was typing. They disappeared, then reappeared a few times before her message came through.

Abby:“I miss you.”

Cooper smiled, studying those three words for far longer than he needed to.

Cooper:“I miss you, too.”

He slipped his phone into his pocket and turned off the engine, noting it was almost ten-thirty. Cooper stepped out of his cruiser and made his way up the steps to the front door, then rang the bell. It jingled an indulgent tune, singing his presence throughout the spacious house. Cooper shook his head. He hated fancy shit. All he had was a rusty door knocker.

Ryan opened the door then, standing before him in a dapper dress shirt, tie, and gray slacks. Even his shoes were shined. He was the epitome of old money. “Officer. Thank you for meeting me.”

Cooper nodded as he entered. “Ryan Stone?”

“Yes.” They shook hands. “McAllister, right?”

“That’s correct.” Cooper eyed the young man, noting he had Abby’s same blue eyes. Haunted eyes. His hair was dirty blonde and mussed with gel, and a fanciful cologne swirled around them. He was clean-shaven and lean.

“Here, we can talk in the sitting room.” Ryan led them into one of the many living areas adorned with furniture that looked like it had never been used. Everything about the house was tidy and meticulous.

Cooper took a seat on the sofa, and Ryan sat across from him on an elegant armchair with a gaudy print.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Ryan asked.

He went to rise from his seat, but Cooper stopped him. “No, thanks. All I’m interested in is answers.”

Ryan’s eyes lowered to the shag rug. His elbows were propped up on his knees, his folded hands dangling between his legs. He sighed before proceeding. “I found something from my grandmother’s mailbox the other day. I just sold the property, so I went over there to collect the mail. There was probably a few months’ worth I had just stuffed into a drawer. Anyway, I found this in the pile. A note.”

“A note?”

Ryan bobbed his head, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a wrinkled piece of paper. “I think it must have been dropped off before my sister’s abduction. There was no return address or anything.” Ryan tapped his foot against the floor. “I didn’t want to get involved, but I guess I am now whether I like it or not. I figured you’d need this for evidence, so I wanted to give it to you in person.” He unfolded the paper and glanced over the message, then handed it to Cooper.

Cooper perused the chicken scratch with a furrowed brow.

“Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place for wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay…

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