“Long brown hair.” I suck air through my teeth. “Her eyes were black pits, so no clue on eye color.” A shiver runs over me as I remember the most disturbing fact about her.
“When she was up close, it was obvious she had been in water. I don’t know if she was drowned or dumped in afterward, but herskin was wrinkly, and her hair was soaking wet and sticking to her face.”
“You mentioned the wet hair earlier, and that’s actually very helpful,” Corinne says, typing quickly. “That pretty much narrows it down to bodies of water. Based on how you’re describing she was dressed, I can narrow the search down even further.”
She continues to type away, not elaborating.
“What are you thinking?” I ask, when it becomes clear she has no intention of sharing yet.
“I think it’s safe to assume she was at a bar or club close to the city. So I’m looking for missing persons around the harbor area. Feels like it would be a good start.”
I don’t ask any more questions, agreeing with Corinne. I allow her to work, utilizing her sleuthing skills to search the web for missing persons, while Nina, Lanie, and I concern ourselves with pouring more drinks.
It’s going to be a long night for the Gin and Tarot Club.
7
Page of Cups
“I’m afraid thatwhen I get back to school, none of my pants are going to fit me,” Ava says, patting her stomach.
She’s just managed to eat a double cheeseburger that was almost as big as her head.
Milly’s is known for their burgers and large portions. People from all over New England come to town just to dine here.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You have a metabolism I would die for,” I reply, stuffing my mouth full of french fries. “Plus, what’s life if you can’t enjoy yourself?”
Ava sighs, picking up one more fry, and dragging it through a mound of ketchup before eating the red-coated potato.
“It’s just so good. Milly’s has the best food.” She moans. “There’s nothing close to it near campus.”
I chuckle. “You have Sub Shack.”
She eyes me with contempt. When your options are limited to one place, you quickly grow tired of it, and that’s Ava’s current predicament. Her love of turkey and cheese is ruined.
“I’ll raise your meal-plan allowance if you’re not using the gift card I got you.”
She shakes her head. “I will. I just need a month—or two—break. I mean, they know me by name there.”
“Not hard. The town isn’t much larger than Knox Harbor, kiddo.”
She sighs before taking a long sip of cola.
I chuckle, dipping my head toward her plate. “Eat up, girlie. It’ll be a while before you’re back.”
Her lips turn down into a pout. “Don’t remind me. I really wish I hadn’t agreed to go to Sammy’s. I want more time with you. It went too fast.”
I smile. “Me too, baby girl, but it’s an amazing opportunity. Sammy’s family, from what I’ve been told, throws incredible parties.”
At orientation, I met a few local women who were familiar with the Cartwright family. It’s an honor to be invited, and something the local kids strive to achieve. It’s about as big a deal to score an invite to one of their yearly gatherings as it is to rush on college campuses.
Their gated mansion rests on twenty sprawling acres of rolling hills and mature trees. It’s old and ostentatious, having been passed down for centuries. Generational wealth that stems from railroad ties, apparently. Now they breed and train horses, many of which, I’ve been told, have been Kentucky Derby winners. Two even won the Triple Crown. Money is no object to the Cartwrights, and their parties showcase their wealth.
“From what Sammy has said, the party is going to be next level. The favors last year for the students were pairs of Birkenstocks. They had a whole room of various styles, colors, and sizes. Like…how?” Her eyes sparkle, and a broad smile lights up her face.
She leans forward, eyes scanning the area. “You don’t think they’re dirty, like Richard Dunbar?”
My head jerks back. “No. Why would you think that?”
