Chapter 3
Suds
I turn the computer screen away from my stunned client and give her some space. What was Samantha thinking? No one, not even a prostitute, wants to witness their teenage daughter having sex.
My wife calls me back almost immediately. “I didn’t know, I swear. Last time I looked, the link took me to Chrissy’s profile. Someone must’ve just changed it.”
In my experience Sam only lies when she’s in danger, so I take her at her word. “Selena’s tears are real. I don’t think she knew her daughter was following in her footsteps.”
“Tell her I’m really sorry. If you could, explain what happened.”
“Copy that.” I pace in front of the floor and stop at the loft window while Wheels hands the high-priced escort a tissue box.
Across the street, a guy leans against a lamppost, pretends to be smoking, and stares. Suspicious, I focus my camera’s zoom lens, snap his picture, and save it in the cloud.
Done, I wander back to the table and join the other two. “Someone changed the chess club’s website. My partner didn’t intend for you to see the graphic video.”
“I deserved it.” Selena sniffs. “I haven’t been very nice to her.”
I nod at Wheels who slides out of his seat and wanders across the living area to take a turn at watching the street.
When he gives me an all-clear, I fold my arms, and lean back in my chair. “She’s trying to find your kid. Why would you piss her off?”
Shrugging, she tears at her tissue. “It’s what I do.”
That wasn’t the answer I wanted to hear, but for now, it’ll have to do. “I take it you didn’t know your daughter had embraced the family profession?”
“No. Please. Go find her. I can take care of myself. Keep the checks. I want her found.” Her panic might be the most honest emotion I’ve seen from her today.
“Suds and Sam can do both. We’ll keep you safe and find your daughter.” I show her the picture of the guy smoking out front. “Ever seen him before?”
She shakes her head. “No. Who is he?”
“It’s nothing.” I glance over at my pal.
Frowning, he stares out the window. “He’s gone.”
“Okay, then.” I shoot the hooker an encouraging smile. “How about we focus on Chrissy? Tell me more about your relationship.”
“Well, I haven’t actually seen her since my mother’s funeral, but we talk every day. My family used my occupation to make sure I have no visiting rights. And look where it got her.”
“Did she mention a new boyfriend, perhaps from the college?”
My client crinkles her brows and purses her lips. Even unconsciously, every move of her face is meant to entice a man. I bet the habits are so engrained, she’s probably no longer aware.
“She did say she went to a party and bought a new dress. I mean, don’t all teenagers do that? How was I supposed to know she was… working? We mostly talk about school and recently, where to attend college. She’s very smart.”
“Keep thinkin’. I’ll be right back.” I leave her with Wheels, walk into the foyer, and call Sam.
“Suds, I swear I didn’t know about the video.”
“I know, sugar. What’s our next move?”
“Well, I booked a flight to Buffalo and joined the chess club website, pretending to be Stan Lido, a sophomore. I major in biology and this semester, transferred from NYU. I asked for Chrissy, specifically. If all goes well, I should find her by tomorrow night.”
“Who’s taking care of Mikey?”
“Rose.”
