“We can get a warrant,” I said, knowing we didn’t have enough.
“Then get one. I’m tired of this harassment. Neither I nor my husband had anything to do with Riley’s disappearance. Like you said, it’s quite possible she ran off with someone. Young girls in love do that kind of thing.”
“I heard she recently broke up with her boyfriend.”
“I didn’t ask her about her private life.”
“You ladies didn’t gossip?”
Julie glared at me. “Not with the help. I like to maintain a professional distance with my employees. Otherwise, they start disrespecting you.”
“I’d like to talk to your son.”
She laughed. “I can assure you, James has nothing to say about the matter.”
“No. Your other son.”
“Like I said. Sean’s asleep. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’m not going to answer any more questions without an attorney.”
She stepped back, closed the door, and latched it.
I shared another look with JD.
We strolled the walkway toward the van.
“If Riley came over here last night, and she didn’t leave, how’d she get here?” JD asked.
Riley’s car wasn’t parked at the curb or in the driveway.
“Rideshare,” I said.
“Have Isabella check records.”
I gave her a call and filled her in on the situation. With a few taps of the keys, she told me, “Riley’s phone is off the grid and has been since last night. According to the history, she left the Pearsons at 6:03 PM and returned to her apartment. The phone stays there until a little after midnight when it stops pinging the tower.”
Confusion wrinkled my brow. “After midnight?”
“I’m just telling you what the data says. Maybe she left the phone at the apartment. Maybe the battery died.”
I thanked her for the info and ended the call.
JD and I banged on neighboring doors and ended up talking to the woman who lived directly across the street.
“Yes, I saw Riley yesterday,” Constance said. “Such a sweet girl. She seems very dedicated. Rides her bike over every day.”
“Her bicycle?”
Constance was mid-30s, with wavy blonde hair, a round face, and coffee eyes.
“She said she didn’t have much time to get to the gym, so the ride over and back was her cardio. Not that she needs it. She’s skinny as a rail.”
Constance had put on a few extra pounds.
“Did you happen to see her leave yesterday?”
“No. Can’t say that I did.” Then she added in a concerned tone. “Is she really missing?”
I shrugged. “Did you know her well?”
