Page 68 of Backwater Justice

“Better. I am so relieved Mill is going home today. I don’t think Benjamin has slept in the past three days.”

“I can only imagine.” Myra gave Danielle a kiss on the cheek and followed her into the foyer. “Such a lovely home,” Myra remarked.

“Thanks. It’s been a great place to raise the kids. Most of their friends preferred hanging out here, so we could keep a close eye on everyone.” She paused. “Such a shame about that missing girl.”

“I suppose there’s no news.” Myra hid her knowledge very well.

“A very strange thing happened, but we don’t know if it’s connected. A woman found a young girl in the woods several miles from here. She and her husband brought her to the hospital, but she took off before a doctor could take a look at her.”

“That is very odd. Do they think she ran away from the hospital because she didn’t want her parents to find her?”

“The couple said the girl barely said a word. She was cut up and bruised. They managed to get her to the hospital, the same one where Milton was, but she took off. So odd. Her parents must be worried sick.”

“I am sure they are.” Over the years, Myra had become a very good actress, able to conceal vital information and her emotions.

“Come. Let’s go sit on the deck. I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I ordered a charcuterie and salad.”

“Sounds wonderful. The food at the hotel is quite good, but it’s nice to have a change of taste.” She smiled at her pun.

“Funny,” Danielle said. “How long do you plan on staying?”

“I’m not really sure. Annie is out with Oliver looking at sports cars.”

“Sounds like that will be right up Oliver’s alley.” Danielle popped open a bottle of champagne. “Mimosa? Bellini? Plain?”

“Plain, please. She’s threatening to drive a new sports car cross-country.”

“I really appreciate you both coming out here. Patricia is a complete disaster.”

“It’s understandable. I don’t know what I would do if Charles had a heart attack.” Myra took the champagne glass from Danielle’s hand. “Thank you.”

Danielle looked around, not that there was anyone else there. “Patricia wouldn’t know what to do if she had to cancel her hair appointment.” She paused. “I really shouldn’t say anything about my mother-in-law. Sorry.”

“It’s okay. In-laws can be tricky.” Myra waited for Danielle to offer more gossip. Or facts. Whichever.

“So, how are your children? I haven’t seen them in ages.”

“They’re all doing well. Logan is away at school, and Addie will be going to Pratt. I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle the distance.”

“It will be an adjustment for everyone.” Myra clinked Danielle’s glass with hers. “Here’s to bright futures. For everyone.”

“I’ll drink to that. Benjamin looks a fright. I was worried he’d get sick during this ordeal. I mean, his father, the missing teen, and now the young woman in Eugene. It’s been quite a heap of trouble.”

“I understand Benjamin is planning on visiting the young woman’s family this morning. He’s going with Maggie Spritzer, Annie’s top journalist.”

“Yes. I thought I’d hear from him by now. I’d say no news is good news, but not for the Rowans or the Georges. It breaks my heart thinking about what they’re going through.”

“We have to keep the faith, my dear.” Myra began to fidget with her pearls. “Maybe Maggie’s interviews will shed some light and give the public additional information. I heard the young woman’s family was going to call the Bureau of Indian Affairs.”

“I don’t blame them. The local police were very slow to move on the case. But if the Bureau gets involved, that could cause a lot of headaches for Benjamin and the family. Who knows what they’ll do? They might blame us for her disappearance.”

“That would be dreadful.” Myra decided to call her friend Ellie. If she could talk to the marshal, she might be able to get some advice from him.

“Let’s talk about happier things, shall we?” Danielle downed her glass of champagne and poured another. “I know I probably should slow down, but the past few days have been a nightmare.”

“What about Oliver? He surely must have been helping Benjamin.”

Danielle almost spit out her drink. “Oliver? Helpful? He only helps himself. And if you ask me, I think he’s been helping himself to the petty cash drawer.” She placed her fingers on her lips. “Oh, my. I’ve said too much. See, this is what happens after one glass of champagne.” Myra was hoping Danielle might finish her second so she would blather on. “Don’t get me wrong. Oliver has always been good to the kids. But lately, well, I just don’t know.”

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