As they approached the front of the mansion, Josie listened for noise coming from inside the home. There weren’t any sounds she could hear.
Their knock didn’t get a response, so Bender pressed the doorbell, then knocked again for good measure.
A minute later, a female voice yelled out, “Just a sec!”
After another few minutes, the door opened, and Tami Conrad poked her head around the side. She clutched a pink robe together at her chest, and her disheveled hair looked oddly sexy. “Why are you here? Is something wrong?” Her eyes got wide. “It isn’t Simon, is it?”
Ferrari stepped forward. “No. Nothing is wrong. I know it’s early, and I’m sorry we weren’t able to call first. I’d like to speak to your daughter again.”
“Chloe? Why? She told you everything she knew yesterday.”
“I need to confirm a couple of things she told us.”
Worry furrowed Tami’s brow. “I think I should contact our attorney.”
“If you feel that’s best, go ahead and reach out to him.”
Josie watched as she mentally debated letting them into the house. “I’m not even dressed yet. Won’t you come in?”
“That would be great.”
She pulled the door wider, allowing them entry.
“Where would you like us to wait?”
“I guess the library. I’ll put on some coffee, rouse Chloe, and we’ll join you downstairs once we’re decent.”
“There’s no need to get fancy,” Ferrari said.
“I know you’re busy. I’ll throw on whatever’s handy.”
She led them to a room off the foyer and opened the double doors. Custom bookshelves, loaded with books floor to ceiling, lined the space. A massive stone fireplace dominated a corner. A leather sofa along with overstuffed chairs were placed in front of the hearth. Between two sizable windows sat a carved mahogany desk and a calf-skin executive chair.
Once their hostess had left, Bender gave a low whistle. “This could be a movie set or a spread in a magazine.”
“It’s gorgeous,” she agreed.
Ferrari nodded and sank onto the sofa.
She perched herself on one of the wingback chairs, not wanting any polish or oil from her equipment to transfer to the furniture.
Bender walked the room looking at the books, photos, and tchotchkes on the shelves.
Fifteen minutes later, a more composed Tami returned. She wore aqua capris and a coordinating shirt, and carried a tray weighted with a pot and mugs.
Josie wondered how the woman had whipped up a batch of coffee and pulled herself together so fast. She’d created a chic updo and applied makeup.
The detective leapt to his feet and took the load from her.
“Before coming down, I knocked on Chloe’s door to get her up. How do you folks take your coffee?”
Josie saw a hint of frustration on Ferrari’s face. She knew he just wanted to interview Chloe and be on their way.
“Black,” she said, glancing at Ferrari. She hoped the detective understood she was being cordial and was acknowledging Tami’s efforts.
“Nothing for me.” The detective lifted his hand protectively over the top of his mug.
Bender wandered over to collect his hit of caffeine. “Cream and sugar, please.”
As soon as she was done serving them, Ferrari smiled at her.
“Do you think you might check on your daughter?”
“Of course. Would anyone care for a croissant?”
He shook his head, and she and her partner followed his lead.
Tami hurried from the room.
A few minutes later, there was a commotion coming from upstairs. She rose from her chair. The men reacted to it too.
“Detective. Detective!”
Together, they moved to the foyer.
Tami peered at them from the second story catwalk. “Chloe isn’t here. I don’t think she slept here last night. I’ve searched everywhere, and she isn’t here.”