Page 28 of Fearless Encounter

“Do you communicate with Meghan on a regular basis?” Gabriel said.

“Not really,” Pamela said. “She has a very busy career, so her social life is limited. We texted prior to the party about costumes and food and things. Occasionally we meet for a drink. But we hadn’t done that in over six months.”

“Take a minute to think about it,” Gabriel said. “In any of her communications with you, were you aware of anything wrong, anyone threatening her?”

Pamela shook her head. “I’ve thought about it a lot since she was reported missing. It doesn’t make sense. She’s more of a homebody and works a lot. I don’t know of any enemies she had. Meghan is an intelligent, likeable woman. I just don’t understand what could have happened to her.” She took a deep breath. “I hope you find her soon. Maybe it’s a misunderstanding. Even though it doesn’t seem likely, possibly she ran off with that guy.”

*****

Once back in the car, Abe said, “I think she was being straight with us. But we didn’t learn much. I had a background check done on her. She’s worked for the school system since college, has a conservative lifestyle—no record except for a couple of traffic tickets.”

“I guess Sandra Wilson is next,” Gabriel said. “Put her address in the navigation and we’ll head over there.”

“She’s at work today,” Abe said, “but we got her employer’s address.”

On the way, Abe gave an update. “Our team is working hard. We tracked her cell phone, which was easy enough to find but not helpful. It was dumped a block from the incident. Clearly, the perp was smart enough to know we could track it.”

“That figures.”

“We are researching her call and text records,” Abe said. “If she had any calls with the perp or his cronies, I’ll let you know. And we provided a list of databases to her boss so he can put the missing person report online, including to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.”

“What else?”

“We are tapping into all avenues,” Abe said. “We’re running down anything that sparks interest, using a list of any nicknames used, places she frequented. Plus, we have a list of medical conditions, medications, allergies, and so on that her cousin provided. But that wasn’t too helpful, since she’s not diabetic and has no known disabilities.”

“You were hoping to spot an instance of acquiring meds and such things?” Gabriel said.

“Yes, that leaves a trail sometimes,” Abe said. “But not in this case, it seems. The cousin is working up a list of all relatives and friends with their contact information, so we can interview as needed. She has already alerted those close to Meghan, but no one has come forth with any information.”

“I think our best bet is the party attendees,” Gabriel said, “or her coworkers. I have my team working the cybercrime, dark web aspects, and other angles.”

In the business district, Gabriel found the office building and parked in the lot. Abe had to take a call from the station, so he stepped out of the vehicle.

Gabriel took the opportunity to text Brooke. She’d assured him that she’d be safe during the day, but at this point he preferred confirmation. She replied that she was still with her sister. Everything was fine and she’d see him later. He felt relief hearing that. He was a protector by nature, and Brooke was rapidly becoming a special person in his life.

Shortly, Abe was ready to proceed with the interviews, and Sandra Wilson was next. She worked as a legal secretary. The door to the office read:Christensen & Associates, Attorneys-at-Law.

“Contract law,” Abe said. “I looked them up.”

“Boring stuff,” Gabriel said before stepping inside. The interior was stuffy, as he might have imagined. The entry was a wide expanse of polished floors, with a receptionist at a long desk behind a glass enclosure. He guessed that you couldn’t be too careful these days. Although he couldn’t imagine who would want to break into a contract law office.

The receptionist buzzed Sandra, who came out to greet them. She was attractive, despite the conservative attire. But professional garb, including jackets, was obviously required even of the support staff. Another reason Gabriel was glad to be off the force and preferred his PI business. He could wear what he wanted. They took seats in a conference room with fluorescent lights that were nearly blinding.

Coffee and water were available. The introductions were made. Gabriel sized her up. She didn’t seem like the artsy type. “You took the photos at the party?”

“I do that every year,” Sandra said in a clipped tone.

It seemed that she wasn’t going to be chatty.

“Sharing the photos was helpful,” Abe said. “Do you know the guy that Meghan Reid left with?”

“I have no idea. I took a lot of photos. I just happened to capture one of him.”

“You’re aware that your friend is still missing?” Gabriel said, hoping to get her to open up.

Tears formed in Sandra’s eyes. “I’m aware. Meghan and I were close. We both have demanding careers, but we tried to meet at least one a month—for lunch or something.”

“Did she mention anything going wrong in her life, anything she was worried about?” Abe said.