Page 139 of Crow
On the secondday of the search, the sun beat down from a clear sky as scores of people assembled by an open field two miles from Alina. Several tables housed flyers, water, protein bars, and sunscreen. The day before, volunteers had spread out into two groups and combed the town’s streets and parks, but nothing had turned up. It was as if Jim had never existed. The homeless stayed in the shadows, not wanting to answer any questions or be involved. For Crow, it was an exasperating and disappointing day. Angie kept reassuring him that more volunteers would show up as the word got out, but he didn’t think the average citizen would give a damn about someone they didn’t even know, especially a homeless person.
Studying the crowd that morning, Crow had to admit Angie was right: scores of volunteers milled around waiting for instructions. She had taken the initiative to contact a few reputable people in the media, giving them an explanation of Jim Lawlor’s disappearance and the fear among the friends who knew him. A surge of pride ran through Crow as he watched his woman hand out flyers, T-shirts, and water, as well as chat with reporters and badges.
“You got a good crowd here,” Sheriff Wexler said.
“Yeah.” Crow put on his sunglasses.
“You should have told me you were arranging this. I could’ve helped.”
“We did all right.”
“So Jim Lawlor was your friend?”
“Yeah.”
“When was the last time you saw him?”
“It’s been three weeks. I should’ve organized this sooner.”
“Are you sure he didn’t move to another area?”
He glanced sideways at the sheriff. “I’m sure.”
“Let’s hope he’s just been living off the grid for a while. A lot of people do.”
Crow’s jaw tightened. “He’s an addict, so living off the land isn’t something Jim would do. I gotta go.” He turned around and strolled over to Angie.
“Hey.” A huge smile spread across her face. “It’s a great turnout.”
“It is. How’re you holding up?”
“Fine. Some of my friends are here again today. Regina’s been great about helping me organize things, and Silvia brought a bunch of friends from the nightclubs.”
“That’s good,” Crow said, scanning the crowd. “What is that pansy-ass you work with doing here?”
“Joey or Damon?”
“I don’t remember the fucker’s name. He’s the one wearing the stupid wide brim hat.”
“That’s Joey, and he’s here to support me.” She giggled. “And the hat he’s wearing is great for the sun, especially since he’s an avid hiker and spends a lot of time outdoors.”
“Isn’t he the one who didn’t give a fuck about Abe’s death?”
“Yes, but we ironed that out.”
“I’m surprised someone like him would give up his day off to look for a homeless man.”
“I told you he’s doing it for me. I’m grateful Joey’s helping since he’s very familiar with this area.” She took a sip from the water bottle. “Damon being here is what’s throwing me.”
“Is he the dude wearing the HUD T-shirt and looks like a fuckin’ doofus?”
Angie chuckled. “That’s him.”
“He’s kissing ass. You can tell by his T-shirt.”
“I don’t know, but it’s weird that he’s here.”
“I bet your boss is here.”
