Jimmy arrived twenty minutes later. A couple of cops, carrying what looked like soft-sided computer bags, trailed after him. Georgia jumped up from the chair in the lobby and ran to him. He hugged her tight. “I’m so glad you’re okay, babe.”
“I’m so sorry,” she said.
“For what?”
She searched his eyes. There was no malice or dark look in them. Had she blown their argument out of proportion? “We’ll talk later. What’s going on here?”
“I just spent all my capital and goodwill persuading these guys a crime was committed here and they should process the scene.”
“How did you manage that? This isn’t your turf.”
“O’Malley gave them the okay. Hold on a minute.” He turned to the two cops and motioned for them to follow him. “Her place is this way. Actually, it’s my place, but I sublet it to her, and I think she’s been compromised.”
“So you said,” one of the cops said.
“Right. Sorry. I’m a little tired.” He led them to the front door of the apartment. “We’ll stay out here while you work. I did go inside, so you might find my prints. The blood is in the kitchen sink and on the floor.”
The cops nodded and carefully entered the living room.
“Hey, please thank the Chief for the professional courtesy. I know there’s usually twenty-four hours before you act on a missing person.”
“No problem, man. You’re part of the family.”
Jimmy turned back to Georgia. “Sorry I couldn’t call you back. There was a robbery up in Lake Geneva, and then Vanna called. It’s been busy.”
“I understand.” Still, Georgia was surprised he hadn’t mentioned the argument. “You’re not mad at me?”
“For what?”
“For last night. I was a bitch. I’m sorry. I was angry at myself. I’ve been trying to apologize all day.”
“It’s forgotten. We have more important things to think about at the moment.”
She wanted to kiss him right then and there. She would do anything for this man. But he was on the job. Focused on her mother. She understood.
“What makes you think it’s a crime scene?”
“Evidence. Blood drops in the kitchen sink and the floor of the living room.”
Vanna cut in. “Mom can be pretty brave. I think she tried to stab whoever was in here. I bet it’s not her blood.”
Georgia looked from Vanna to Jimmy. “Is that a possibility?”
“Everything’s a possibility at this point.”
“I don’t know,” Georgia said doubtfully.
“What?”
“Could she have done a runner? Like she has in the past? You know, when she can’t cope with responsibility.”
“You think she would just check out? Without saying anything to either of you? That’s irrational. She adores you both. And don’t get me started on how she feels about Charlie.” He wolfed down the rest of his pizza.
Georgia must have still looked skeptical because Jimmy went to her and took her hand.
“Come with me.”
She followed him into the apartment. The techs were already working. They wore elastic paper shoes over their own, plastic gloves, and hairnets.
“Here.” Jimmy said. “Put these on.” He handed her the protective gear the techs wore. She slipped it all on. Then he walked her into the bedroom. “I see signs of a struggle.”
Georgia looked at the bed. “Why?” She said defensively. “Because the covers are rumpled and messy? Lots of people never make their bed.”
“It could also be that two people were rolling around. And not enjoying it,” he added.
“So you think she was attacked?”
“It’s possible.” He beckoned. “Go to the bathroom door. Don’t go in, but tell me what you see.”
She followed him and studied the surfaces, then the floor. “The corner of the floor. There’s something wedged behind the toilet.” She squinted. “Looks like a nail file.” She paused. “But something’s on it.” She turned back to him. “Blood?”
“That’s what I think,” Jimmy said. “Vanna has a point. Your mom might have tried to stab her attacker, but he could have blocked her arm or even twisted it backward, so the nail file flew out of her hand and ended up there.”
“Did you tell the techs?”
“Yup. They’ll process this when they’re done in the kitchen.”
“So you think Vanna is right? And that JoBeth tried to stab one of her attackers?”
“What do you think?”
Georgia let out a breath. “It’s possible. She could have grabbed the nail file, stabbed him on the wrist. Or maybe on the hand.” She paused and turned back into the bedroom. “He yells out, maybe smacks her across the face, and runs to the kitchen to wash it off, trailing blood drops along the floor.”
She and Jimmy exchanged a glance. Georgia had to admit she probably had it wrong. The evidence suggested her mother had been attacked, tried to fight off her attacker, but ultimately lost and was then abducted. But if that was what happened, where did they take her? Why? And how were they going to find her?