I widen my eyes as I read it. It’s from the city’s Traffic Enforcement Division.
Dear Mr. Hathaway,
Our records indicate that the citation issued to you on Monday, the ninth of February for speeding has not been paid. This ticket is now overdue.
Failure to resolve this matter promptly may result in further enforcement actions, including additional late penalties, referral to a collection agency, vehicle immobilization (booting), and/or initiation of driver's license suspension proceedings with the Illinois Secretary of State.
To avoid these consequences, please remit payment immediately or contact the Department of Finance to request a hearing if you wish to contest the citation.
I raise my eyebrows. February ninth? That’s the Monday before Maddox took off with Alissa.
Behind the letter is a copy of the citation Maddox received. Officer Toby Brillig was the cop who pulled him over.
Maddox is usually a safe driver. He’ll sometimes go five or so miles per hour over the speed limit, but as far as I know he’s never gotten a ticket.
I read the citation.
Wait…
What?
The ticket was issued at four thirty a.m.
The fuck?
What was he doing out so late at night?
I could go to the police station, see if I can meet with this Officer Brillig, find out if Maddox was acting suspiciously that night.
I’m about to Google directions to the police station where Brillig works when my phone starts ringing.
It’s Dinah.
Shit.
They need me at the hospital.
Just when I finally have a lead. Damn it!
I accept the call and bring the phone to my ear. “Hey, Dinah.”
“Doctor, I’m so sorry to call you on your day off.”
“No worries. Do you need me to come in?”
“No, it’s nothing like that. But I just learned something that I felt you should hear. It’s…about Maddox and Alissa.”
My pulse quickens. “What?”
“A friend of mine works in the box office at the symphony. Maddox and Alissa were there a few nights before they took off.”
“So? They went on a date there. Alissa loves the symphony. She goes there all the time. Doesn’t she take you sometimes?”
“Yeah. It’s not really my cup of tea, but she is my best friend. But that’s not the point, Doctor.”
“What is your point then?”
“While she was there, apparently she was approached by one of the assistant conductors. He invited her to audition for a part in the flute section.”
