“What about the phone calls?” I asked. “Can’t you trace those?”
“We’re doing our best, but the guy knows what he’s doing. Every call originates from a different number, probably a different phone, and he’s using offshore VPNs.”
“Who would know how to do all that?” she asked.
“Anyone with internet access could figure it out,” Garrett said.
And a lawyer would be familiar with what the police could or couldn’t do, what they could track and what they couldn’t.
I kept that to myself.
“So you didn’t see anyone?” Garrett asked. “No one walking or driving away.”
“Not really,” Audrey said. “I didn’t realize there was anything on the car at first. Max was going crazy because of the scent and I had my arms full of stuff.”
“Okay. Well, we’re doing everything we can.”
“That’s it?” I asked.
“What do you want me to say?” Garrett asked and I didn’t miss the irritation in his voice. “I want answers as much as you do.”
“I doubt that.”
Audrey put a hand on my arm. “Josiah.”
“No, this is bullshit,” I said. “This guy keeps getting closer and closer to her and all I hear from you is what you can’t do. Can’t trace the calls. Can’t find fingerprints. Can’t find anything to identify who’s doing this. Do we have to wait until he fucking murders her before we find him?”
“I know you’re worried about her. So just trust me and let me do my job.”
I was so angry I wanted to put my fist through a wall. But then I’d have to fix it and I hated repairing drywall.
So I just shook my head and stalked into the kitchen.
Audrey finished up with Garrett while I seethed. I was fucking sick of this. Sick of handing everything to the cops, hoping they’d come up with a lead. Sick of waiting for someone else to take care of my girl.
I was done.
Audrey put a gentle hand on my arm and while her touch didn’t calm me down, it did harden my resolve.
I knew what I had to do.
“So your mom will be here soon?” I asked.
“Yeah, ten minutes or so.”
“And then Marigold is coming over?”
“I haven’t called her yet, but I’m sure she won’t mind coming here. We can order in.”
I touched her face and met her eyes. “You’re not going anywhere else, right?”
“No. I ran my errand and the last thing I want to do is go into town right now. Why?”
“I have to go do something. I don’t want to leave you alone, but as long as you stay here, you’ll be fine. And you’ll have your mom and Marigold to keep you company.”
“What do you have to do?”
I could see the suspicion in her eyes. I hated to lie to her, but I couldn’t very well tell her the truth. Not yet.
I’d tell her when it was over. It wasn’t lying, exactly. Just delaying the explanation.
“It’s just stuff for the house. If I can manage to get everything ready, the countertop guys can install sooner. That puts us back on schedule. I just need to run out and grab a few things to make that happen.”
“Oh.” She seemed to relax. “Okay. That’s great about the counters. I can’t wait to see them.”
“They’re going to look great.”
She smiled. “I’m so sorry about all this. You’re supposed to be working and here you are worrying about me.”
I pulled her in again and wrapped my arms around her. “Don’t apologize. This isn’t your fault.”
It was Colin’s fault. And I was going to put an end to it. Now.
CHAPTER 33
Audrey
Max popped up from his brief nap and went to the front window, his tail wagging. I glanced outside and saw my mom’s car. I wanted to be happy to see her—excited to finally show her my new place—but after the note on my car, it was hard to feel anything but a vague sense of dread.
I wished Josiah hadn’t left.
Granted, I had a feeling it was for the best. I didn’t quite understand why my mom had decided to come visit but it didn’t feel like the best time to introduce her to Josiah. He wasn’t in a good mood, and neither was I. I didn’t want to deal with the anxiety of whether or not my mom would approve of my boyfriend.
Especially now. We’d cross that bridge later.
Besides, she was stuck with him, no matter what she thought.
“Max, go lie down.”
He gave me the most forlorn puppy dog eyes you could ever imagine.
“I know. It seems like it’s always good news when someone comes over. But Grandma needs to warm up to you. Give her space.”
Obviously he didn’t understand a word of my explanation, but he did partially obey. He stood on his dog bed. Not quite what I asked him to do, but I’d take it.
I opened the door for my mom and she handed me a plastic box of cookies from the grocery store in Pinecrest.
“I thought I’d bring something sweet, but you know I don’t bake.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I let her in, shut and locked the door, then hugged her with my free arm. “Do you want coffee or tea?”
“Tea would be lovely.”
“I can do that. Good boy, Max.”
He wagged his tail.
“He is a nice boy, isn’t he?” She walked over to Max and started petting his head. “Good doggie.”
I hesitated in the doorway to the kitchen, watching my mom initiate friendly contact with my dog, probably for the first time. It was oddly endearing.
He dropped to the ground and rolled onto his back.
“He wants belly rubs,” I said. “That’s his favorite.”
“What a good doggie.” She leaned over and rubbed his belly.
“Speaking of pets, I bought something for Duchess.” I fished the cat toys out of the bag I’d left on the counter. “You can take them when you go.”
“That’s very sweet of you. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Mom gave Max a few more pets, then followed me into the kitchen. I started the water and got two mugs out of the cupboard.
“Well,” Mom said, looking around. “The house is very nice.”
“Thanks. I like it.”
“How long do you think you’ll be here?”
“That’s a good question. For the foreseeable future, I guess.”
She wandered back into the living room, showing herself around. Evidence of Josiah was everywhere, but she didn’t comment on any of it. I wasn’t worried about what she’d think, but I decided to address what could become the elephant in the room.
“You’ve probably noticed Josiah’s stuff. He doesn’t officially live here, but he might as well.”
“Things are serious, then?”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah. Things are serious.”
She smiled back. “I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’m happy for me too. He’s a great guy.”
“Is he?” There was something odd in her voice—a wistfulness. It didn’t sound like she doubted me. It was more like she was hopeful that I was right.
“Yeah, he really is. He’s very serious, or maybe stoic is the right word. That might put some people off, but to me, that’s part of his charm. He’s honest. You always know where you stand with him.”
“That’s priceless.”
“It really is.” I got a few boxes of tea out of the cupboard so she could choose what she wanted. “I’m kind of crazy about him, I have to be honest.”
“You’re in love.”
“I really am. But why do you sound sad?”
“Do I?” She perked up and I recognized her everything is fine face. “I’m not sad in the least. I’m thrilled for you.”
I believed her, but I also sensed that something else was on her mind. “Are you sure?”
“Of course. All a mother wants is to see her child happy.”
I wasn’t sure I believed that—at least not coming from her—but I let it go. “I’m definitely happy with Josiah. Very happy.”
“Good.”
The water came to a boil. She chose jasmine tea and I made a cup of the same for myself. I put a few cookies on a plate and set them on the table, then we each took a seat.
“So,” Mom said, “how is life here in Tilikum? I’ve always liked this town.”
“It’s nice. I like it here a lot, actually. I didn’t think I would, but it’s grown on me.”
“I dated a boy from Tilikum when I was younger.”