Page 112 of Absinthe Minded

“Look, I’m trying to help.”

“We were dancing, and she said she felt faint. I brought her inside and went to get her some food. When I came back, she was gone.” I sank into a chair. From the moment she went missing, I’d been hit with questions like machine gun fire.

“And you found her purse near where you left her?”

“I called her cell and heard it ringing.” I ran my hand through my hair again. At this rate, I’d be bald by morning.

“I sent an unmarked car to her house in case she turns up.”

“I checked in with the sitter a while ago. She wasn’t there. How could she disappear?” I stared at Wayne, trying to decide if I wanted to punch the man in the face or cry on his shoulder.

“What about security cameras?”

“My folks…don’t usually bother with them during events like this. Too many people in and out…” I stumbled over my words. It’s not like I could tell a detective my father turned them off to provide the less savory guests privacy.

“Is there anyone you can think of who would want to harm her?” Wayne maintained a professional tone, though his eyes gave away his concern.

“Jessie said something about my daughter’s mother hanging around Maggie at the bar.” I balled my hands into fists.I promised her I’d protect her. If anyone hurt her, I’d make them pay.

“What’s her name and address? Do you have a current picture?” Wayne pulled out his phone.

“No photo. She’s about five-eight, long dark hair, though the woman Jess saw is blonde. If it’s even the same woman. Last I heard from Chantal she’d left town.”

“Name?”

“Chantal DuBois. 921 Dauphine, Apartment A. She works for one of the cruise lines. I haven’t seen her in almost three months, since she dropped my daughter off on my doorstep.”

Wayne winced and typed into his phone. “Anything else?”

“She’s been trying to extort money from me since she got the paternity results.”

“Child support?”

“No, she doesn’t want the baby. She wants money.”

He glanced at me as if he had something to say but shook his head and rubbed his jaw.

“Chantal was married to one of my brother Joe’s business associates. The deal went south, and the guy offed himself.”

“Martin Sinclair?” Wayne’s eyes widened a fraction.

“That’s the one.”

35

Maggie

“Maggie, are you okay?”

The jackhammer in my head caused the softly spoken words to sound as if broadcasted through a concert sized speaker. I tried to sit up, but the room began to spin.

“Oh, my goodness. Here, let me get you home. My car’s right out front.” Denise Trudeau forced me upright.

Who invited her of all people?I shook my head and the slight motion caused my stomach to lurch.

Someone lifted me to my feet and another person pressed against my side.A man, Gabe? No too short and bald. Justin?

Voices whispering, then talking, reassuring that they would take me home. They said I’d had too much to drink. Passed out. It felt as if half of the world moved as fast as a carnival ride, while the other oozed in slow motion.

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