“Sarge, KEY News in New York is calling about Belinda Winthrop.”
“Jeez, good news sure travels fast,” said Warrenstown Police sergeant Mo Weaver as he reached for the telephone on his desk. How did KEY News know already? He had gotten off the phone with Victoria Sterling only a few minutes ago.
“Sergeant Weaver speaking.”
“Hello, Sergeant. This is Annabelle Murphy. I’m a producer with KEY News.”
“What can I do for you?”
“We’ve had a report that Belinda Winthrop may be missing.
What can you tell me about that?”
“We’re looking into it.”
“So she is missing?” asked Annabelle.
“I didn’t say that.”
“But you have reason to believe that she’s missing?” Annabelle persisted.
“I didn’t say that either.”
“Well, what can you tell me?”
“I can tell you that we are fully aware that a person of Belinda Winthrop’s stature holds enormous public interest. I understand why you are calling, Ms. Murphy, but I really have nothing else to tell you at this point.”
Annabelle went to Linus’s office to report back.
“Well, the police weren’t surprised by my call.”
“Oh?” said Linus, raising an eyebrow. “So Belinda Winthrop is missing?”
“They wouldn’t confirm it, but my gut feeling …?”
Linus nodded.
“Something’s up.” Annabelle knew as she spoke that she wouldn’t be taking the twins swimming this afternoon.