We enjoyed breakfast at a leisurely pace, as well as our time alone. After the food was gone, we ordered more coffee.
Nathan looked at his watch. “When I called last night, I left a message for Bostwick. I told him we’d come in to see him this afternoon. But first, I guess we should get to the office and check that my crew’s okay. Now that I’m back, it’ll be business as usual.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to stop by the hospital for a quick exam? You’re famous now. I’m sure there won’t be any waiting for Mr. Celebrity.”
He scoffed at the idea that he’d get special treatment. “I’m sore around my wrists where the tape rubbed. But if I had to be kidnapped, I’d pick those two. Get this: One day, Larkin comes in with a whole chicken dinner. Mashed potatoes, slaw, biscuits—the works. He’d even put it on china plates. After he pulled the tape off my mouth and arms, he set me up. And while I’m eating, he held a gun on me but kept apologizing over and over.”
“Could you hear me when I came to the house on Wednesday?” I asked.
“You were there?” He looked surprised.
“I retraced all the calls you made on Friday. Larkin was the first stop I made.”
“No, I never heard a sound. But I was all the way upstairs, on the other side of the house.”
“But you heard when Brock and I came back. That’s why you banged your feet against the floor, right?”
“I heard voices and knew they didn’t belong to Larkin or Charlie. I just hoped I’d attract some attention.”
“Did you overhear anything between those two?” I asked. “Or a woman’s voice? When I visited with Mr. Larkin, he told me his wife was out of town on business.”
“No, I don’t think so. The house was pretty quiet most of the time. Except for that construction work going on. Seems it started as soon as the sun came up and lasted until dark.”
“Did you know that Charlie was one of the on-site workers? He got the job because his girlfriend was the construction company owner’s daughter.”
“I suppose we could go talk to the foreman. Maybe he—”
“Brock and I questioned him. That’s what led us to the Larkin house.”
“So what did he have to say about poor ole Charlie?”
“Not much, really. He had a record. None of his coworkers liked him much. I suppose they resented him because of his pull with the boss. But there was a blonde who came around. She drove a blue Porsche, and one time, the foreman saw her drive right up to Larkin’s house. He figured she was his daughter because of the age difference. But from what Polly found out, Mrs. Larkin is much younger than her husband and has blonde hair.”
“Well, you know what I always say about coincidence.” Nathan grinned. “And I also know that you’ve never agreed.”
“Maybe I’m starting to come around,” I said sheepishly. “I’m not saying that I agree with you about everything being fraught with meaningful signs. But here’s something else I saw yesterday.” I went on to tell him about the painting I found in Ray DeYoung’s trailer and how it matched a set in the Larkin house where one was missing.
Nathan leaned back and folded his arms across his chest, looking satisfied with himself. “Well, well, Mrs. Sullivan. Score a point for me. Now that’s got to be more than coincidence. Why don’t we go and ask him? But first I’ve got to go see my people.”
* * *
The crew looked annoyed when they saw us walk through the door.
“The phone’s been ringin’ off the hook,” Rosie called from her desk.
“And we’re jammed with e-mails,” Polly added.
Brock joined in. “I had to chase away a whole gang of lookie loos standin’ in front of the office. They were blockin’ traffic out there, an’ the other store owners were mad.”
“Looks like you’re living your fifteen minutes of fame, boss,” E.T. told Nathan. “Enjoy it while you can. It might even be good for business.”
“Maybe if you give a statement to the press,” I advised, “everyone will leave you alone.”
Rosie walked over to where we stood. “Your story has a happy ending, ya know? People can’t get enough of good news. Me included, boss. They just want to see that you’re okay.”
I could tell he was embarrassed. After all, as far as he was concerned, he’d never been in any real danger. He hadn’t been beaten or tortured. And the only pain he’d suffered was from the duct tape.
“You’re a survivor, no matter what happened to you in there,” I whispered.
“How’s everyone in here?” he asked.
They nodded and said they were all good.
“Well, it’s not as if what we do here is life-and-death important. And today’s Friday, right?” He looked around to check with the others. Everyone nodded. “Okay, all of you take the rest of the day off. Have a nice long weekend. Polly, would you call and cancel today’s appointments before you go?”
“There’s only one. I’ll reschedule for sometime next week.”
“Great. Then you can switch the phones over and leave. I’ll talk to the press and get everyone calmed down.”
“But first I think we should go to the station and tell Bostwick everything that’s happened, in person,” I said.
Nathan considered my plan for a minute. “Sounds good. Any questions?”
A unified “No” filled the room.
“Then I’ll see everyone on Monday. And thanks again. Thanks for everything.”
Brock spoke for the group. “What can we say? We love ya, boss.”