Page 89 of Spencer

Everlee sat up straight. “Maybe it does. The person actually says it with spite in their tone. Almost a bitterness. Like he—and I’m going out on a limb here, but the professional in me says he’s a guy—has a grievance with you, Tabitha. Hedidsay he needed his vengeance. That might be a ruse, but it could be a real reaction to something that occurred between the two of you. Can you think of anybody you’ve pissed off recently or even in the past?”

Tabitha shook her head. “No. Not at all. Unless you count one of the residents in Sheila’s group home. There’s a young man there who doesn’t have boundaries. He’s been sneaking into Sheila’s room during the day when she’s out, taking things. I spoke to him a little harshly a week or so ago, but my censure seemed to go right over his head.”

“I’m not sure that’s our perp. It doesn’t sound like this kid has the wherewithal to pull off a kidnapping,” Kyle pointed out.

“I don’t think so, either.” Tabitha bit down on her lower lip. “But just in case…”

She pulled her phone from her pocket and hit a number.

“Can you put it on speaker so we can all hear?” Mason asked.

Tabitha hit a second button.

“Hello? Tabitha? Have you heard anything?” a voice asked anxiously.

“No, Mindy, I haven’t. I was wondering… Is David there?”

“David? You mean our David?”

“I do. I know he was mad at me last week, so I wondered…”

“No. No. That’s impossible. He’s here. Right in the common room where I can see him. He’s watching TV, and he’s just as upset as everybody else that Sheila is gone. Maybe more-so. I think he’s got a crush on her, and that’s why he’s been taking her things.”

That made sense to Spencer, and obviously to Tabitha, too.

“Okay. I can see it. I just had to check. Thank you, Mindy.”

Any more questions? she mouthed at Mason and Everlee before she hung up.

They both shook their heads.

“I’ll let you know the minute I hear anything,” Tabitha assured Mindy, then disconnected.

“Well, that was a let-down,” Tabitha slumped against Spencer again.

“Then we’ll keep digging,” Everlee told her with an upbeat tone. “Who else might have a beef with you?”

Tabitha shook her head. “No one. I don’t tend to make waves, and I?—”

“Wait,” Spencer interrupted excitedly. “Didn’t you tell me there was a guy in your Navy unit back in Connecticut who got court-martialed and drummed out of the service because of something he did to you?”

“Uh, yeah. But that was almost eight years ago, Spencer,” she scoffed while shaking her head. “I don’t think?—”

“Nope. Hold that thought. I’m going to get Tex on the line.” Spencer hit the man’s number and Tex picked up on the second ring.

“What have you got?” Tex asked.

“I’m putting you on speaker so you can hear about an acquaintance of Tabitha’s who once threatened her.”

“I’m all ears,” Tex said.

Spencer hit the speaker connection and propped his phone up on the coffee table between the sofas.

“Hi Tex,” Tabitha’s voice was shaky but resolute.

“Hi Tabbi. Take your time,” he responded gently.

She drew in a deep breath.

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