Chapter 8

EIGHT

"Is it possible your mom left for her own reasons?" It's a good question considering the rift between Ronnie and her family. From what I'd garnered about her father he sounds like a man who's used to having his way. Ruling the roost so to speak.

She says, "Rebecca doesn't think so. She wants to involve the police but is unsure if she should."

"Rebecca?"

"My sister."

Rebecca. Of course. "So why does Rebecca think this is a police matter?"

"Mom's been gone for two days with no word to anyone. Dad didn't want Rebecca to call me or the police. But she called me and I told her to call the police anyway. She agreed with me and called the local Sheriff Department."

"So the police are looking for her?"

Ronnie's face drops. "No. They told Rebecca they had to wait forty-eight hours to report her missing. But it's Sunday morning now, almost the full forty-eight, and they still haven't taken a report."

Her dad doesn't want the police involved. Ronnie knows, as well as I do, that most domestic murders start this way. But I say, "I'm thinking maybe your dad knows where she is. They've had a fight. It happens."

"Rebecca doesn't think so. You'd have to know our dad to know how prideful he can be. He's going to try to handle this himself. He'll hire investigators that he can pay to keep quiet."

"Has there been a ransom demand?"

"Why? Do you think she's been kidnapped, Megan?"

"I'm just throwing out ideas. Do you think she's been kidnapped?"

"I'm worried. I don't know what to think."

"Let's start at the beginning. Tell me what you know."

"First, you need to know my parents are extremely wealthy. I've already told you some of that, and that Dad owns a law firm and Rebecca works for him. "

So kidnapping's not off the table.

"My dad bought a resort in Semiahmoo, and my mom and Rebecca were staying there the day before Mom went missing." She pauses and then clarifies, "They checked in on Thursday, had dinner and visited, and Friday morning Rebecca couldn't find Mom.

"Rebecca said Mom seemed anxious about something on Thursday night when they had dinner. They planned to meet for breakfast or a walk along the beach on Friday morning but Mom didn't show. She called Mom's cell phone several times but didn't get an answer. She said Mom had promised to tell her what was bugging her. Rebecca was told a note was left at Mom's room and the manager said the note was stuck under Mom's door."

"What did the note say?"

"It said something like ‘You promised Dinky'."

"Dinky? Is that a name?"

"We don't have a clue. I've never heard a name like that."

"What does your father think?"

"He hasn't said much to Rebecca, and I haven't called him. Rebecca doesn't think he knows she called the police."

"Could your mom have left the note for your father? Is there another man?"

"Rebecca and I talked about that but of course it's ridiculous."

"Why?"

"Well. Because it just is. You'd have to know my mom. According to Rebecca, Mom took enough clothes and necessities to stay a week, but she always does that. And her best jewelry is still at home. She wouldn't have gone anywhere without her jewelry or without telling Rebecca."

"Okay. I take it you only found out today."

"Last night. I've barely slept."

"What has your dad or Rebecca done to find your mom?"

"Rebecca's getting Mom's phone records. She's checked with the bank and credit card companies and there's been no activity. She called the police again this morning and they don't seem interested. My dad is furious."

"With your mom?"

"Everyone. He didn't want Rebecca to call me. He doesn't want me to come. He doesn't want the police involved because it's an embarrassment to the family. He's mad at Mom for worrying everyone."

Boy. What I thought was a rift is more of a Grand Canyon. I had no idea. "Has Rebecca called your mom's friends? Relatives?"

"We only have grandparents on Dad's side but they wouldn't know anything. We seldom see them except on some holidays. Mom's parents are deceased and we've never talked about other family members. I seem to recall she has a brother. They must not have been close. Mom is on several committees. Charities, art museum, unwed mothers, Friends of the Library book club, and the library's restoration committee. As far as real friends, I don't know of any."

"Has your sister called the committees?"

"Dad finally gave in and he is going to call the committee co-chairs."

"Will he ask if they know where your mom is? Or is that too embarrassing for him?"

"My dad doesn't like airing family business. I don't really think he'll make the calls. He said she'll come home when she runs out of money. He has already put a hold on her accounts."

He's more worried about his money than his wife. Now I really don't like him. "Maybe she has accounts he doesn't know about."

"I highly doubt it. My dad keeps a tight rein on the money. His accountant probably keeps track of Mom's transactions."

Of course he would trust his accountant. Not the police, or his daughters.

"What can I do, Ronnie?"