Page 49 of The Burnt
“I suppose that’s true of all of us,” she said.
“Yeah, but usually I’m really good at computer stuff, and I can talk to people—they seem to like me. But this missing person case—I’m stumped. I’ve run out of things to look for online and I’m not sure who else to talk to. The kid I’m tracking has been gone for ten years, and the only person I’ve found who might be him, isn’t him…unless he’s had plastic surgery, but I think that really only happens in the movies.”
“So have you been to the scene of the crime?” she asked.
“I don’t think there’ll be many clues lying around after a decade.”
“Still, have you been out to the place where he was last seen?” Gwen persisted.
“Well, no,” he answered sheepishly.
“And the missing guy, did he live by himself?”
“Well, he lived with his dad, and it’s his father that’s trying to find him. There’s also a housekeeper that answers the phone…”
Gwen nodded her head. “You know, I’ve watched tons of detective shows on TV and I’ve learned a few things—housekeepers see and hear everything because their bosses don’t remember that they’re people too. They’ve become just part ofthe furniture. Okay, I’ve learned another thing—never watch murder mysteries with a cop. They just don’t shut up about all the inaccuracies.”
Charlie grinned. “Gwen, you’re a genius!”
He knocked back his latte, trying to stifle a scream as it scalded his throat, then picked up the pastry, gave Gwen a quick hug and ran out of the café.
Charlie bounded up the stairs to his desk and called Simon’s number.
“Griffin residence. How may I help you?”
“Yes, is Mr Griffin available? It’s Charlie Watts from Declan Hunt Investigations calling.”
“I’m sorry, Mr Watts, but Mr Griffin is unavailable at the moment. Shall I give him a message?”
“Am I speaking with Jasmine?”
“Yes.”
“Mr Griffin told me about you. I was actually hoping I could ask you a few questions, if you have time.”
“Well, I’m not sure if I—”
“I’ve been hired by Mr Griffin to investigate the disappearance of his son, Milo, ten years ago. I’ve already interviewed Mr Griffin, but if I could talk to you it would definitely help.”
A voice in Charlie’s head said,Did you visit the scene of the crime?
“Oh, and I was wondering if I could talk to you in person. Would tomorrow at one p.m. work for you?”
There was a pause at the other end of the line. “Mr Griffin did mention you. I don’t suppose it would be a problem, but Mr Griffin has a business appointment tomorrow, so he won’t be here.”
“That’s all right. Actually it’s you I’m interested in talking to you, if you don’t mind.”
“Well, I suppose that would be fine.”
“I’ll see you then.”
Let’s see if the TV murder mysteries are right.
Chapter Twenty-One
Charlie’s phone chirped with a text from Declan.
Leaving Katherine’s. Meet me at Bar-None at five for a debrief?
