Page 37 of Lost Hours
Nolan added that item to the board.
“I can handle that,” Gabe said. “I did my fair share of door-knocking and bush-beating in the past.”
“I was going to volunteer Detective Lyons for that,” Mina said. “She knows the residents and area. Plus, she’s an official member of our team.”
“What if they pair up?” Nolan asked. “We could get a better read on the neighbors’ truthfulness with two people observing their responses.”
Mina nodded and offered a tight smile. “Sounds like a good compromise.”
“I’ll put down both names.” Before recording the action item, Nolan kept his gaze on Gabe. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
El sat straighter. “When it gets light out, I’ll head up a search party. Then we can knock on doors.”
Gabe’s sharp nod and lack of comment was more telling than anything. He rarely held back like this.
“I’m not sure if now is the time to mention this,” El continued, “but I’ll be heading up this investigation. All reports and information will come to me, and I’ll keep Sheriff Park in the loop.”
She looked around the table as if waiting for someone to argue, but no one did. Surprising, as far as Nolan was concerned. His team was rarely silent when someone tried to take control of what they believed to be their investigation. But they’d already been notified that Veritas would be reporting all of their findings to Mina’s office, so it probably came as no surprise that Mina and El would control the rest of the information too.
“Thank you for understanding.” Mina glanced around the table. “Nolan and I’ll be interviewing Daisy later in the morning. We’ll ask her to make that friends list, and we’ll also question her regarding Becca’s disappearance and the mayor’s murder.”
“I’m assuming two investigations will overwhelm your records clerk,” Abby said. “With my background, I know exactly what you need in your files for a successful prosecution. I could handle the recordkeeping for you, if you want.”
Mina nodded. “I’ll be glad of that, but all documents will come through my office first, then we’ll pass them along to you.” She stood and looked around the room, pausing to let her gaze linger on each team member. “I want to be sure that point is understood and complied with. We’re very thankful for your team’s expertise and help, but you’re civilians and this is a law enforcement matter. I hope you’re all on board with working within these parameters.”
Gabe grinned. “Promise me a Frenzy Burger at Submarine Burgers, and I’ll make sure to keep these goofballs in line.”
“I guess it’s true then.” Jude eyed his teammate. “You’ll do anything for a burger.”
“You gotta admit a great burger alone is worth so much.” Gabe’s grin widened. “But eating one in an old submarine? Wouldn’t that be the highlight of everyone’s day?”
“Not that I think your team will need anyone to spy on them,” Mina said. “But El loves burgers, too, and I’m sure she’d be glad to take you there if necessary.”
Normally Gabe would’ve laughed. Maybe even give Mina a high five, but his jaw tightened. Had he finally met the woman who might challenge his single-for-life philosophy? Or was Nolan just reading something into it so he could keep his focus off his own relationship—or lack of one—with Mina?
Problem was, later that morning he would be alone with her, except when interviewing people, and Gabe wouldn’t be around to distract them. Nolan would just have to ensure every moment together was packed with interviews. If not, he might find himself with the same uncomfortable expression plaguing Gabe.
11
Nearing eight a.m., Mina stepped into the outer area of the mayor’s office, Nolan accompanying her. Daisy Ellington sat behind her wide, wooden desk, the top neat and tidy and still holding an old-fashioned Rolodex. The fifty-something woman was perfectly groomed, as usual. She’d slicked her dyed blond hair back in a bun and wore a flowery dress with a fitted waist, much like the ones she often wore.
Mina had known Daisy for years. Exactly how many, she wasn’t sure. She’d first met the mayor’s assistant when she was in grade school. Daisy and her husband had left Georgia for him to take the job as Lost Lake’s local sanitation and waterworks expert. They lived five houses down from Mina’s family home, and within the first two weeks of arriving, Daisy had called on everyone on the block, bringing her famous poundcake and southern charm with her.
It had taken only six months before she went to work for the mayor where she received the report listing every new person who’d moved into town. She baked and delivered a poundcake each to them, welcoming them on behalf of the mayor and town. She continued that warm welcome to this day, knew most everyone in the area, and was a deep well of information.
She literally was Lost Lake’s form of Google. If anyone would know who killed the mayor, it would be Daisy.
She looked up, and a broad smile crossed her face. “Sheriff and Nolan. I don’t have you on Mayor Sutton’s calendar today.”
“We’re not here to see him.” Mina approached the desk but didn’t sit. “We’ve come to see you.”
She raised her hand to clutch her short strand of pearls. “Me? Whatever could you want from me?”
“It’s about the mayor.”
“Ernie?” She blinked mascara-coated lashes. “Is he okay?”
Mina took a seat across the desk.
