Flashback (Kendra Michaels #11)

Paula turned around and pointed to three stacked shipping cartons, all secured to a dolly with bungee cords. “Well, you could start with those. It’s over ten years’ worth of photographs, newspaper clippings, interview transcripts, and everything else Chloe and Sloane Morgan have gathered as they investigated their mother’s murder.”

Kendra walked around the stacked cartons. “Shouldn’t the police have this?”

“Their aunt tried to give it to the detectives investigating her nieces’ disappearance, but they weren’t interested. The police aren’t convinced that Chloe and Sloane were closer to finding the killer than any of the official investigations have been.”

“What do you think?”

“I don’t know. But those women have been relentless in uncovering everything they could about the Bayside Strangler cases. There are things here I never knew.”

Kendra unfastened one of the bungee cords and lifted the lid on the top box. The items were neatly labeled and organized, with dates and supporting information handwritten on the file folders.

“Their aunt gave you these?”

“Yes. Chloe kept them in her home office. I spent last weekend going through every single page and photo, believe it or not.”

“I can’t even imagine. What did you find out?”

“A lot of possibilities and several dead ends. But nothing that obviously points the way to what may have happened to them, I’m afraid.”

“What do you think?” Bill said to Kendra.

Kendra lowered the lid and refastened the bungee cord. As much as Bill was trying not to pressure her, he clearly wanted her to look into the case. He’d cheerfully helped on several of her investigations; what kind of friend would she be if she didn’t return the favor the one time he asked something in return?

Paula smiled. “I know it’s a lot to ask. And frankly, I have no idea if Chloe and Sloane’s disappearance has anything to do with those fifteen-year-old murders that they were investigating. They’ve already been through a lot in their lives, and I’m concerned for them. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

“I know. Chloe and Sloane are lucky to have you in their corner.”

“I’d love to have you there, too. But whether you think you can help or not, I was wondering if you could do something for me.”

“What?”

“Tell me about myself.”

“I’m sure Bill told you everything about me you would ever want to know.”

“No. I want you to tell me about myself.”

“I’m not sure I understand. We just met.”

“That’s never stopped you before, from what I gather. If what I’ve heard about you is true, you can tell a lot about a person or place from just one glance. I’d love to see it for myself.”

Kendra looked over to Bill. He was raising his eyebrows in excitement. As much as she tired of performing her parlor tricks, she didn’t want to disappoint him.

She turned back to Paula. “It’s really not that big of a deal.”

“That’s not what I hear.”

Kendra shrugged. “You’re a dog lover. It wasn’t that long ago that you had one large dog, one small. Sad to say, you’ve recently lost your big dog. I’m sorry. I know you give your pets a lot of love and attention, and I’m sure it still must be hard for you.”

Paula looked as if she’d had the wind knocked out of her. “How in the hell…?”

“You have allergies, but you’re more susceptible to mold than pollen. And there’s a good chance you’re a diabetic. If you haven’t been diagnosed or gone under a doctor’s care for it, it might be a good idea to get checked out.”

“Pre-diabetic,” she said, sounding dazed. “I’m trying hard not to go all the way there.” Paula looked at Bill, who was thoroughly enjoying the show. She turned back toward Kendra.

“Good. You’re taking care of yourself. I guess your visit to Massage Envy this morning is part of that.”

Paula smiled. “Deep tissue. I go every other week. Sometimes more if I’m feeling extravagant.”