Almost Dead

CHAPTER 31

 

The Geitner family lived in the Boulevard Park area in the heart of Sacramento, just a few blocks from downtown. It was known as the historic residential area, convenient due to the close proximity of restaurants and shops.

 

Lizzy knocked and then waited for someone to come to the door. She had called ahead of time to make sure Shelby’s parents would be willing to talk to her.

 

Mr. Geitner came to the door. Pleasantries were exchanged before he led Lizzy inside. They passed by a grand foyer with a formal staircase. Shelby’s mother, Denise Geitner, awaited them in the main sitting room. She sat quietly in one of the cushioned chairs surrounding the stone fireplace.

 

“Thanks for having me,” Lizzy said before taking a seat across from Mrs. Geitner.

 

“The more people looking for our Shelby, the better,” Mr. Geitner said.

 

They had known each other for years, but Denise barely acknowledged her. It was clear the woman was holding something in, maybe resentment or blame. Lizzy wasn’t sure. “I am so sorry,” Lizzy began.

 

“Sorry for what?” Denise asked. “Is there something you know?”

 

“Let her finish,” Mr. Geitner cut in.

 

Lizzy tried again. “I can’t imagine what you two are going through—”

 

“But you know exactly what Shelby is going through,” Denise said. “Is he torturing her? Raping her? Is she tied up? Where is my daughter? What is he doing to her?”

 

“She’s here to help us, Denise. Give Lizzy a chance.”

 

“I don’t understand what you think you can do, Lizzy. The entire police force is working on finding Shelby.”

 

Lizzy didn’t let the woman’s tone rile her. She’d been dealing with distraught parents for over a decade. Denise was panicking. Probably hadn’t gotten much sleep. She wanted to blame someone . . . anyone.

 

Lizzy just needed to stay calm, find out what she could if she was going to be able to help Shelby. “I was wondering if you could tell me what Shelby’s mood was in the days before she disappeared.”

 

Mr. Geitner sighed. “Detectives asked the same question. Neither of us noticed any changes in Shelby. She’s a happy, healthy teenager. She has lots of friends. We didn’t notice any changes in her demeanor.”

 

“I did notice something different about Shelby,” Denise said, her voice a whisper. “Shelby seemed skittish, always looking over her shoulder, as if someone were watching her.”

 

Lizzy felt a chill settle over her.

 

“You didn’t mention any of this to the detective when he questioned you,” Mr. Geitner cut in, clearly out of sorts. “I thought you said she’d been the same as always—doing her homework, helping with chores . . .”

 

“I haven’t been sleeping, of course,” Denise went on, ignoring her husband and speaking directly to Lizzy. “Last night it hit me. But even before that, I think I knew something was off with my daughter, but I wasn’t able to put my finger on exactly what it was until last night. I think Shelby knew she was being watched.”

 

Mr. Geitner frowned. “Watched by who? She would have told us if she was worried about a stalker.”

 

“I don’t think she knew for sure,” Denise said, her voice growing stronger. “I think her reactions were instinctive.”

 

“How long did you notice this behavior?” Lizzy asked.

 

“A few days at least. A week at the most.”

 

Mr. Geitner grew red in the face. “And you didn’t think to tell me?”

 

“Bill, I’m saying it now. What do you want from me? None of this came together for me until just last night. Why don’t you stop harassing me and go out there and find your daughter?”

 

“I’ve been out on the streets, going door to door every day and night. I’m doing everything I can. What have you been doing? You didn’t even want to talk to Lizzy.”

 

“Please,” Lizzy said, not wanting to get in the middle of their argument, but feeling as if she had no choice. “These are stressful times. Your lives have been turned upside down. Don’t let this come between you. You have other children who need you. The two of you need to stick together . . . for everyone involved.”

 

“Lizzy is right,” Bill said.

 

For the first time since she’d walked into the house, Denise looked into Lizzy’s eyes. “Find her. And hurry.”