“I’m humbled that you chose to tell me about such a traumatic part of your life.”
I shrug.
“Your interest in Noah is starting to make more sense. There’s something about that boy and you…I can’t put my finger on it, but I will.” Kirby’s lost in thought as if trying to work out what’s troubling him about Noah.
“I wish to hell I knew because I feel the same way.”
“What’re you going to do about it?”
“I’m meeting with Michella after morning skate.”
“You’re going to investigate Aria and Noah?” Kirby incorrectly guesses.
“No, Aria’s sister. I want to know who Noah’s father is.”
“Why? Why get involved more than you are? Aria won’t appreciate your meddling.”
“Tell me about it. I have to do this—for Noah.”
“Tread lightly. You may not like what you find out.”
I grimace and manage a wry smile. He could be right.
* * *
A few hours later, I pull into a parking spot outside of Gone Missing Detective Agency. I’ve contemplated hiring them for days now, and I’m going to do it. There’s something going on that I don’t completely understand, but I’m determined to dredge up Aria’s secrets, even if I don’t like the results. My instincts aren’t honed like Kirby’s, but I know she’s hiding something.
I enter the office, which is in an old building in downtown Portland. Michella greets me.
“Drakos, what brings you here?”
“I need you to research something for me, but it has to be kept quiet.”
“Who?” Carla enters the conversation. I’ve piqued her curiosity.
“Aria Reed. But more specifically her sister Anna and her sister’s son.”
“Noah?” Michella eyes me suspiciously, but I haven’t a clue what I’ve said that makes her suspicious.
“Yeah, Noah.”
“Why are you interested in them?” Carla asks. She frowns with disapproval, which concerns me. What’s her problem?
“I’m only trying to help her.”
“In what way?” Carla’s a PI, and she’s definitely working on deciphering my motives. I can’t blame her. Digging up info on an adult is one thing, but a child is different.
“To be honest, I want to find his deadbeat dad and force him to pay child support. Aria and Noah shouldn’t suffer financially while he walks away from all responsibility.”
Michella and Carla exchange glances. I stay quiet, fearing they’ll turn me down, which means I’m on my own.
Michella finally speaks. “She’s not getting child support?”
“Nothing.”
“Does Aria know who the father is?”
“I think so but not sure.”
