Flashback (Kendra Michaels #11)

“Maybe he just saw you.”

“He was screaming something about ‘sexy wheels.’”

“Not the first time that’s happened. The man probably couldn’t help himself. And who could blame him, really?”

“I definitely could.”

“Aw, come on. I caught you giving an admiring glance or two when we climbed inside.”

“We’ve discussed this before…”

“And we will again, if you keep dissing my ride.”

“Far be it from me.”

They rolled to a stop in front of a one-story Spanish bungalow at the end of the street. The yard, obviously designed with an eye toward water conservation, was tastefully landscaped with rocks and desert plants. Kendra and Lynch walked to the front door and rang the bell. A trim, handsome African American man in his sixties answered.

“Todd Williams?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“My name is Kendra Michaels. I’ve been helping out with the Morgan sisters’ disappearance case. I was brought in by Paula Chase.”

Williams winced at the mention of Paula’s name.

“I know who you are, Dr. Michaels. Paula told me she would be talking to you. Please come in.” Williams opened the door wide for them to enter. “We can talk out back.”

As they walked through his living room, Kendra took notice of several hand-painted portraits, most picturing different dogs. “Did you do these?”

“As a matter of fact, I did.”

“You’re very talented.”

“Well, I have to admit I had some help.” Williams smiled. “You can send a photograph to companies out there, and they’ll send back a paint-by-number set. These are pets we’ve had over the years. My friends want me to try doing it freehand, but I haven’t found the courage yet. Maybe someday.”

He led them out a sliding back door to a table next to a small swimming pool. They sat down, and Williams gestured toward Lynch. “And you are…?”

“Adam Lynch. Former FBI. I’ve been working freelance for a few years now.”

Williams gave a low whistle. “I’ve heard of you, too.”

“Really? I’m quite sure your former partner didn’t mention me.”

“No, but a lot of other law-enforcement officers have. You have quite a reputation, Lynch. You move in very unique and specialized areas. I’m impressed by what I’ve heard.”

“Good things, I hope.”

“It depends on who you ask. Not many local FBI agents leave the Bureau and become black ops agents-for-hire for the DOJ.”

Lynch shrugged. “Just one of my employers. I’m kept fairly busy.”

Williams regarded him for a long moment. “I’m sure you have some interesting stories to tell, Mr. Lynch.”

“Some interesting, some not so interesting. I guess it’s like being a cop.”

“Indeed.” Williams sat back in his patio chair. “Now, what can I help you with?”

“Well, as you may know,” Kendra began, “I met with Paula Chase on the last day of her life. She was extremely concerned about Chloe and Sloane.”