Page 25 of Fearless Encounter
When Gabriel didn’t say anything, she added, “Lisle is picking me up here, if that’s okay.”
“Sure…of course.” He put his plate in the sink. “Would you mind texting when you’re done with all of that…so I know that you’re okay?”
“Absolutely,” Brooke said. “I was wondering if… Um, can I use the washing machine? I’m kind of running out of clothes.” It sounded like she was his girlfriend or something. Everything she did or said seemed like that. The more she tried to act casually, the more awkward it was.
“Make yourself at home. You know where everything is.”
Gabriel told her that he’d received a text from Abe. The PD had agreed to be his client, so they could work together. He’d agreed to meet with Gabriel to start interviewing the party attendees. “Hopefully, we’ll get a lead.”
Brooke hoped one of the partiers had seen the abductor well enough to identify him, but that might be too much to ask.
Before Lisle picked her up, she managed to get a load of laundry done. It was difficult to get her mind off Meg. Gabriel had already left, but he’d given her a spare key.
On the way, Lisle plied her with questions that Brooke did her best to answer. She wanted to share Meg’s situation, but didn’t spring that on her immediately.
“So, you and Gabriel are a thing now?”
“I didn’t say that. There is no such thing going on. He’s attractive, that’s all.”
“And you’re living with him.”
“It’s not like that, and you know it,” Brooke said. “I don’t plan to stay there much longer. Abe is working on the case with him, so I expect a breakthrough soon. In any case, I intend to look out for myself.”
Lisle gave her a knowing smile.
“Don’t look at me like that,” Brooke said. “Focus on my real issue, the crime that was committed. And I have more to tell you about the victim.”
Lisle widened her eyes. “You’re going to make me wait?”
Pilates required focus, so during the session only the instructor did the talking. Afterward, Lisle suggested coffee, so they walked to a nearby café.
“I could use this,” Brooke said, sipping her hot brew. “I only had one cup this morning.” She put her cup down. “I should have gotten an extra shot.”
“Spill it,” Lisle said. “What should I know?”
Brooke told her that the missing woman was her friend Meg and how devastated she was over it. “It’s scary to think that a woman I’ve know so long has been taken.”
“You introduced us a few times,” Lisle said. “I don’t know her like you do. But why? I don’t understand what’s behind this.”
“I don’t either, and it’s not like Meg to be involved in anything unsavory,” Brooke said. “Whatever happened, she wasn’t complicit. I’m sure of that.”
Brooke talked more of their friendship, and Lisle helped brainstorm anything that might be useful. But they came up dry. Neither could think of any reason for Meg’s situation, or of anyone she knew who was suspicious. Meg was respected in her field, and her lifestyle was conservative.
“If anyone should be in trouble, it would be me,” Lisle said. “I’m wild compared to Meg and everything you’ve told me about her.”
“I hope for a clue soon.” Brooke was worried.
Lisle chatted about dating, particularly a new guy who seemed promising. She was clearly trying to distract Brooke from the pressure of the situation, and Brooke listened, glad to have the focus on something besides danger. “So, is it serious?”
“Doubtful.” Lisle shrugged. “You know my luck with men.” She drained her coffee cup, then looked up. “I gotta get going. I was supposed to be off all day, but my sous chef called in sick. Jasper needs me this afternoon. Keep me posted. I’ll be thinking about you…and Meg too.”
“Sure,” Brooke said. “Can you drop me at Genevieve’s place? She’s expecting me.”
On a day off, Brooke often visited her sister. Performing was a nighttime occupation. Staying up late and sleeping in was Genevieve’s routine.
When Brooke rang the bell, her sister was still in her robe. “Come in. I’ll get some coffee.”
“You’re too late for me,” Brooke said. “I’ve already had two cups. But take your time. Once you get ready, we can grab some lunch.”