The stand-off lasted a few seconds, the two men eyeing each other like feral dogs. It was all I could do not to laugh. Then a tiny smile tugged at the corner of Wright’s mouth and he fished in his pocket, drawing out a business card. He shook his head as he handed it over. “You’re going to be a pain in my damn arse, aren’t you?”
I snorted and passed between them. “You don’t know the half of it.”
“Yeah, what he said.” Nick followed me to the bedroom. “We’ll meet you outside.”
Wright broke first. “Wear something warm. It’s three degrees out there.” A comment that instantly wiped the smile off Nick’s face.
The second the other men were gone, all that panic Nick had been stuffing down was finally unleashed and he grabbed me by the shoulders. “We have to find her, Mads, and soon. She could die out there in this weather. Three fucking degrees.” He handed me his phone and the two police business cards. “Call Jacko and Samuel from the car. Tell them what’s happening and give them the details of these jerks. I am fucking taking names.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
NICK
Detective Wright pepperedme with questions about my family history and everything we’d experienced with Chloe the previous couple of days, including what she’d said about Austin. He made few comments on my answers, just asked more questions.
When we finally pulled into the visitor’s car park outside the townhouse, I noted Belinda’s Honda in the carport, but no sign of Austin’s Mercedes. Checking behind, I saw no sign of Mads, who was likely parking on the road and following on foot.
I was about to open the car door when Wright’s phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket, and after a moment’s hesitation, I decided to stay where I was and see if I could learn anything from the one-sided conversation. When Wright looked over his shoulder and saw me still sitting there, I figured he would oust me for sure. So, I was surprised when all he did was roll his eyes and turn away. The constable shot me an irritated glare but said nothing—a definite win in my books.
“You checked them all?” Wright spoke to the caller while taking notes. “Which gate?” More scribbling. “How far in?” He paused. “Hmmm. Check with Nelson and see if they can sendany more dogs our way.” He listened for a moment, then said, “Keep me in the loop.” He ended the call and got out of the car without further clarification.
I opened the door to follow, but Mads pulled me aside. “Jacko’s waiting on one last report before he tells us what he’s learned.” Mads glanced toward the townhouse. “But I did speak to Samuel. He says there’s nothing on Austin. No charges, no criminal history, not even a mention of his name in the database associated with anything more nefarious than traffic tickets.”
“Shit.” I couldn’t hide my disappointment.
Mads sympathised. “I know. But Samuel did discover something interesting. Austin isn’t the new head of the music department at all. He’s still a teacher, nothing more.”
I smacked my palm against my temple. “Jesus, we didn’t even check. So he lied about that much, at least.”
Mads shrugged. “Or maybe he just wanted to impress. Chloe said he had a chip on his shoulder, right? Always wanting to be the big man. Either way, it makes it even less likely that he has the means to cover the lifestyle he’s leading with that house and car.”
I considered that. “But there’s Belinda’s income as well. Maybe they share costs.”
Mads pursed his lips. “A part-time nurse’s salary? I’m not saying it wouldn’t help, but unless she brought other money into the relationship, which we can’t be sure she didn’t, I’m still not seeing it.”
I blew a disappointed sigh. “And Samuel’s sure there’s nothing on Austin?”
Mads didn’t bother answering. We both knew my brother-in-law was good at his job. If Samuel said there was nothing to find, there was nothing to find. I’d been so sure Austin’s attitude would’ve gotten him into trouble at some point, but either we were barking up the wrong tree simply because I didn’t like theguy, or he was cleverer than we thought. Either way, it didn’t help our case with Wright that Austin was apparently squeaky clean.
“We need to focus on the money side of things. It’s what you’re good at, remember?” Mads dipped low to catch my eye. “That money didn’t just walk out of her accounts, and I can’t see Chloe agreeing to pay Austin’s mortgage and shit. It stinks, Nick. We might not have proof yet, but don’t ignore your instincts. Someone raised those credit card limits. Someone made two cash withdrawals and is paying his utilities and mortgage off with Chloe’s money. Just because Austin hasn’t been in trouble before doesn’t mean to say he isn’t now. We need to see what he says when he’s confronted with it. He has no idea we know anything about it, right?”
His words struck home and I shot him a smile, feeling a whole lot better. This shitwasmy wheelhouse, like Mads said. Money trails were my kryptonite. “Thanks.” I pressed a quick kiss to his lips.
Mads turned a pretty shade of crimson before quickly checking no one was looking. But they were. Both Wright and his lackey were watching us from the path. Wright waved us over.
Mads groaned. “You little shit.”
I kissed him again. “At your service.”
“Come on.” Jonothon motioned us over a second time. “If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to see that scrapbook sometime this year.”
I took Mads’ hand and headed for the townhouse. We’d made it halfway up the path when Austin stormed out the front door with Belinda following. She held a thick wad of tissues balled in one hand, her eyes red-rimmed and angry.
“What the hell aretheydoing here?” Spittle flew from Austin’s mouth as he barrelled our way.
“Austin, don’t.” Belinda tugged on his arm, but Austin wasn’t listening.
“Where is she?” Austin’s voice rose. “What have you done with her?”
