Page 20 of Fearless Encounter

“The police are aware that the longer she’s missing, the more danger she’s in,” Gabriel said. “That is if…”

“Right… We don’t know that she’s still alive.”

“But you helped,” Gabriel said. “When you returned to the scene, you interrupted a crime. In his hurry, the perp made a mistake by leaving evidence behind.”

That was something, but Brooke knew it wasn’t enough. She pulled her phone out of her jacket, then scrolled. “I have something to show you.” She handed him the phone.

Gabriel studied the image. “This just came out?”

“Today,” Brooke said. “I gave the interview months ago and had forgotten about it. I figured there was no way that Zagat would choose to highlight my work.”

Gabriel handed the phone back. “We’ll have to stay alert. At this point, we don’t know if the criminal could recognize you. The photo in the article was taken in good light, but that alley was lit by streetlamps. A person could appear much different under those conditions.”

From the look on his face, it was clear that Gabriel was concerned. He was trying to reassure her, which Brooke appreciated. In the short time that she had been around him, it hadn’t been difficult to figure out that he was a caring person. Even more reason she shouldn’t ogle him. A man who was a good person and had a gorgeous body was a deadly combination for her. She needed to stay focused on her issue, so she could return to her real life—whatever that meant.

When Gabriel’s phone vibrated against the table, he grabbed it. Checking the screen, he said, “That was Amalie. She wants to share something but prefers to do it in person.” He finished his beer. “Care to take a drive with me to my office?”

Fortunately, the Guardian Investigations office wasn’t far. Brooke hadn’t seen it before, and there wasn’t a lot torecommend it. The space was filled with three desks, papers piled up, and a hallway that likely led to a breakroom. There was a large window providing a view of the city.

Gabriel ushered her into the office and motioned toward a young woman at the computer. “This is my daughter, Amalie.”

Brooke smiled. “Yes, the birthday girl.”

“And cake lover,” Amalie said.

At another desk was a guy that Brooke judged to be in his late thirties. He had dark hair cut in a trendy style, shaved at the sides, spiked on top. From his demeanor, he was a capable, intelligent sort. Gabriel introduced him as Weston Lang, whose superpower was busting cybercrime.

“Take a look at what she’s got,” Weston said, nodding toward Amalie.

Gabriel stood next to Brooke with a clear view of his daughter’s computer. “You’ve got our attention. What did you find?”

“Realize that I didn’t have much to go on,” Amalie said, looking pleased. “But I hit on something. The only thing you told me was that you suspected a woman had been abducted. I knew the general area. And you told me what she’d been wearing.” She tapped at her keyboard. “At first, I didn’t see much. Without a name or better description, I was kind of shooting in the dark.” She clicked her mouse. “But then…”

Brooke stared at the screen. It was a photograph of the woman she’d seen in the alley. It had to be. The purple costume and gold tiara were striking. But the long purple hair confirmed it. The woman was the same size and dressed the same. She seemed oddly familiar.

“Who is she?” Gabriel said.

“Once I had this photo, it wasn’t that difficult,” Amalie said. “This picture was on social media because this woman’s boss is looking for her. He probably checked social media before going to the police, if he didn’t have any reason to think there was foul play.”

Gabriel leaned in to read the post, while Amalie said, “The woman’s name is Meghan Reid. She went to a party dressed like that, and someone at the party took photos. Luckily, they got one of her in that purple costume.”

Hearing her friend’s name was an arrow to Brooke’s heart. She sagged into a chair. “Oh my God. It can’t be.” She looked up at Gabriel. “Iknowher.”

Amalie turned to stare. “She’s a friend of yours?”

Brooke’s mind reeled. It was too much to take in. “How can it be? It’s hard to conceive of.” She was stunned. “Who would want to harm Meg?”

“How do you know her?” Gabriel said.

“We went to high school together,” Brooke said, “and became best friends.”

“When’s the last time you saw her?” Gabriel said.

“I…uh…not for a while.” Brooke stood to look at the social media post. Then she scrolled to see more pictures. Her heart sank. She’d hoped that she was mistaken, but it was definitely Meg. “We stayed in touch through college. With our careers, it’s been difficult. We have lunch to celebrate birthdays, but I haven’t talked to her in a year, at least. Or maybe longer. I don’t know.”

Gabriel turned to Amalie. “What else do we know?”

“Just what you read,” Amalie said. “Her boss says the party was the last time she was seen. He checked with a friend, who told him that Meghan left early. We don’t know why or what happened except that she was attacked by that man in the alley. There are other posts. I’m trying to piece together as much as I can.”