Page 19 of Forensics of a Fable

“You don’t think…?” David froze. “You think the killer was at my event?”

“It’s possible,” Bel said. “Based on the timeline and your confirmation that she left late, we believe she was abductedshortly after the fundraiser. Whether the killer was here or waiting outside, we don’t know.”

“Oh my God.” David ran a hand over his head, leaning forward in panic. “And I just let her leave. I let her walk to her car alone.”

“David.” Bel placed a palm gently on his shoulder. “This isn’t your fault. You aren’t responsible for walking everyone to their cars, and we don’t know if this is where she was taken. We have yet to find her car, so for all we know, she drove home. Or to a friend’s house.”

“Even so, I should have checked on her,” David sighed. “Ever since Emily, I can’t think of anything but my daughters. I watch them constantly. Check on them in their sleep. Call them multiple times a day. I can’t let anything happen to them, but in my attempt to keep them safe, I failed to see someone else’s daughter needed me.”

“You’re a wonderful dad,” Bel soothed. “Your daughters are lucky, but half the town was here that night, including me. This isn’t on you. This isn’t on anyone except the killer.”

“I hope you find them and make them pay,” David said.

“I’ll do my best.”

“I know you will, and if I can do anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” He stood and shook her hand. “Is that all you need? I don’t want to take you away from your father.”

“That was it, thank you, and he understands. He was the chief of police,” Bel said as they returned to the front of the shop.

“No kidding? That’s nice, taking after him.”

“I’m the only one out of the six of us who did.” Bel waved goodbye and joined her dad on a plush pink sofa. The Espresso Shot was known for its eclectic décor and mini library, and Bel was happy David had found it within himself to keep his wife’s legacy alive.

“Here’s your vanilla latte.” Her father handed her the mug, a half-eaten pastry in his other hand. “You weren’t kidding when you said this place was magic with their baked goods.”

“What did you order?” Bel nodded at his cup.

“I was just going to get a cappuccino, but the barista convinced me to try a white mocha, and now I’m ruined for plain drip.”

“You’ll have to buy some of their beans to take home.” She grabbed the pesto caprese sandwich from the coffee table and took a generous bite. “I’m glad you came here with me. I’ve slowly started coming to The Espresso Shot again, but it’s hard being here after my last case.”

“You found one of the victims here?” he asked, and she nodded. “Your cabin is small, so if you don’t want me crashing on your couch, I’ll go to the bed-and-breakfast, but I’m here for as long as you need me.”

“You can stay at the inn if you prefer.” She leaned her head on his shoulder so he would know she meant her invitation. “But I don’t mind having you stay with m—”

“Hello, Detective Emerson,” a male voice interrupted, and Bel looked up to find Abel standing awkwardly before them, staring at her father with an unreadable expression.

“Hi, Abel,” Bel said, annoyed at the interruption. She shouldn’t be mad. That was typical Abel, socially awkward and unable to read the room, but she wanted to enjoy a peaceful lunch before plunging headlong back into the case. “This is my father,” she added when he didn’t move. “Dad, this is Abel.”

“Nice to meet you.” Her father extended a hand, and Abel’s entire demeanor changed, softening around the edges.

“Detective, I didn’t realize your father was in town,” Abel said.

“I surprised her,” her dad answered for her, shifting his weight subtly. Bel watched as the New York City Chief of Policeand father of six emerged, and she stifled a smirk when Abel recoiled. Her dad was her biggest supporter and kindest friend, but to the rest of the world, he was a force of nature not to be defied, and clearly, he didn’t appreciate his time with his daughter being interrupted.

“That’s nice.” Abel stepped back, and Bel was only mildly surprised that he took the hint. She’d never felt another man command the same intimidating presence as her father until recently. It forced many a man to retreat, and Abel was no exception. “Nice to see you, Detective Emerson.”

“You too.”

“Isobel?” her dad said after Abel disappeared down the street, and Bel stared at him, confused why he was using her full name. “What was that? Is he an ex-boyfriend of yours?”

“Boyfriend?” She burst into laughter, nearly choking on her sandwich. “Dad, really? Does he seem like my type?”

“No, but that look he gave me. It was weird until he realized I was your father. Kind of how a jealous ex would act.”

“That’s just Abel,” Bel explained. “He’s the regular here who sort of helped me when I found Emily’s body. He’s one of those quirky small-town characters, but he’s harmless. He comes here every day, so he’s protective of the patrons in his own way.”

After lunch,Bel’s father drove to her cabin to walk Cerberus while she returned to the station. She and Gold then spent the rest of the day buried in paperwork and phone calls, none of which offered any answers. Deputies were still searching for Alana Drie’s car, but it, nor the clothes she was wearing during the fundraiser, had been found. Talking to David had giventhem insight into the timeline, but that was all. And by the time darkness fell, both detectives were frazzled and starving.

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