Flashback (Kendra Michaels #11)

Perry wrinkled his brow. “They had a copy of the police file?”

“No. Well, that might have been part of it, but they’ve spent years interviewing witnesses and doing their own investigating. It never really led anywhere, but the sisters’ aunt offered it up to the police after they went missing. I assume it was probably Detective Breen. Anyway, the offer was refused. I guess your department didn’t think it had much bearing on the missing persons case. Paula took possession of the files to study them. There were thousands of pages.”

“Huh.” Perry glanced around. “I haven’t seen anything like that around here. You think maybe they were taken?”

“No. Definitely not.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I have them. All of them.”

Metcalf looked as surprised as Perry. “How did that happen?”

“Paula gave them to me. I told her I’d take a look and let her know if I thought there was anything I could do to help. They’re in my condo.”

Perry nodded. “Interesting. You really think there’s anything in those files that could trigger this kind of mayhem?”

“I haven’t had a chance to look at them yet, but Paula went through all those boxes page by page. She didn’t see anything that jumped out at her.”

“Maybe we should take a look. How about if I send someone by to pick them up later today?”

“Sure. Call first, and I’ll make sure I’m around.”

“Good. No problem. Will do. Thanks for cooperating.”

Dawn was breaking when Kendra and Metcalf stepped outside Paula’s house and walked together down the driveway.

“What do you think?” Kendra asked. “See anything that will make the FBI want to get involved?”

“Not sure. I’ll write my report later this morning. The files that those women pulled together may have more interest for everyone now. Sad to say, Paula Chase will probably have better luck attracting interest in the case just by dying.”

Kendra made a face. Not only sad, totally tragic. “Unfortunately, I was thinking the same thing.”

Metcalf glanced at his watch. “It’s still early. Want to grab some breakfast?”

“I’m afraid I can’t. I have to meet a client at my studio.”

“Now?”

“In about an hour. I’ve been working with an autistic child a couple of times a week. She’s fresher and more responsive in the mornings, so her mother brings her before school.”

“Too bad. I’m thinking about chicken and waffles at Hash House a Go Go.”

“Rub it in, Metcalf. You know I love that place.”

“Or I might go for the pumpkin waffles at Cafe 222.”

“Now you’re just being cruel.”

“It’s what I do best.” He shrugged. “Sorry you can’t join me. It would be nice to catch up.”

“Soon, I promise.”

Metcalf nodded and held eye contact with her as he backed away. Most of Kendra’s friends and colleagues, especially Lynch, insisted that Metcalf had a major crush on her, despite the fact that he never seemed to have any shortage of female attention. She’d refused to believe it until recently, when his long looks and sedated hospital proclamations finally convinced her they might be right. Face it, she hadn’t wanted to believe it. She had enough problems with her career—and then there was Lynch, who was constantly on the scene and in her life.

But Metcalf was still lingering. “Let us know if you find out anything, Kendra.”

“You know I will.”