Page 20 of Once Hidden
Ida shuffled back to her recliner and sat down, her eyes immediately drawn to the television screen.The four law enforcement officials stood awkwardly in the small space.Ann Marie noticed a collection of framed photographs on the wall—a younger Ida with a stern-looking man who must have been Curt, holiday portraits over the years, and several showing a woman with long brown hair that had to be Amanda.
“That man shouldn’t be on television,” Ida muttered, gesturing at the game show host.“He’s too stupid to live.Look at him, carrying on like that.”
Ann Marie moved carefully into Ida’s line of sight, positioning herself between the woman and the television.“Mrs.Lindeen, would it be alright if we turned this down for just a few minutes while we talk?”
Ida squinted up at her.“I suppose.”
Ann Marie located the remote on the arm of the recliner and gently reduced the volume to a background murmur.She knelt beside Ida’s chair, bringing herself to eye level with the older woman.
“Mrs.Lindeen, I know Chief Rawley explained this earlier, but we’re concerned because Amanda hasn’t been seen for a while.Not since yesterday evening.Her delivery truck was found abandoned on her route.We’re trying to find her.”
Ida’s face clouded with momentary comprehension before it slipped away again.“Well, she’s definitely not here, so you should go look elsewhere.”
“When was the last time you saw Amanda?”Ann Marie asked.
Ida’s eyes drifted to the muted television before she answered.“She wasn’t here to fix my breakfast today.Or lunch.It isn’t like her to leave me alone like this.”A flicker of genuine worry crossed her face.“She knows I need help with my pills.”
“Do you know of anyone who might want to harm Amanda?”Riley asked from where she stood by the doorway.
Ida looked startled by the question.“Harm her?Why would anyone harm Amanda?”
Ann Marie shot Riley a warning glance before turning back to Ida with a softer approach.“Has Amanda seemed worried about anything lately?Anyone giving her trouble?”
“No, no.Amanda’s fine.She just went away for a while.”Ida’s fingers plucked at a loose thread on her bathrobe.“She probably told me where, but I can’t remember just now.”
Ida frowned.“It’s strange that Curt isn’t around either,” she added.“Have you seen him?”
Chief Rawley stepped forward.“Ida, remember?Curt passed away two years ago.”
Ida’s eyes filled with tears that didn’t fall.“Oh.Yes.The stroke.”She stared down at her hands.“Sometimes I forget.Now I depend on Amanda more than ever.She takes such good care of me.”
Ann Marie noticed Riley and Captain Hodge exchange a glance.
“Mrs.Lindeen,” she said in a softer tone, “has Amanda mentioned having problems with anyone lately?Maybe someone who made her uncomfortable?”
“No, she’s a good girl.Keeps to herself mostly.”
Ann Marie tried a different angle.“Was there anyone she didn’t get along with?Maybe someone from work, or an old friend?”
Ida seemed to consider this, her gaze wandering to a photo of her daughter on the wall.“Well, she did mention that Marcus has been getting kind of pushy lately.”
Ann Marie watched Chief Rawley’s face transform, a flash of recognition that clearly meant something significant.“Marcus Alstead?”
“Yes, that boy never forgave Amanda for breaking up with him in high school, even after all these years.”She shook her head disapprovingly.“You’d think he’d have moved on by now.”
“And you say he’s been bothering her lately?”Rawley said.
“Yes, she complained about it just yesterday.Said he keeps following her around.”
“Thank you, Ida.You’ve been very helpful.”Rawley’s tone had shifted, a new urgency underlying her words.“We’re going to keep looking for Amanda, and we’ll let you know as soon as we find out anything.”
Ann Marie felt caught off-guard by the sudden conclusion to the interview.She’d had more questions prepared, more gentle ways to probe for information, but Chief Rawley was already moving toward the door.
“Is there someone who can stay with you, Mrs.Lindeen?”Ann Marie asked, reluctant to leave the confused woman alone.
“My sister comes by sometimes,” Ida said vaguely, as she reached for the remote control.
“I’ll call Maureen to come sit with her,” Chief Rawley assured them.“She only lives a few blocks away.”
