Page 47 of Every Which Way

“This one belongs to a friend.” Kenna pulled out of the parking lot. “Tell me about this fire chief, the one who is our victim.”

“Chief Hadley. First name Carlton. Married for nine years. No kids. He’s forty-two; she’s thirty-one. And no one reported him missing? That’s crazy.”

Kenna said, “This is more interesting than his family and colleagues having no clue and being totally in the dark. There’s got to be a reason they don’t think anything of it. Which means there might be something to find out from them.”

“Huh.”

Kenna found a spot to park outside the fire department building, not far from the main police headquarters in downtown Denver. A gleaming building with glass windows all the way up to the top floor. From down here, it looked like the building touched the sky.

Langford walked beside her up the rise of concrete steps.

“I don’t miss cities when I’m not in one.” Kenna figured it was as good as talking about the weather.

“You know, I looked you up.”

“Guess you’re not so surprised I like to roam around, then?”

Langford smiled a little. “I guess not.”

“Have you lived here your whole life?”

“Born and raised. I’d go other places but the altitude, I’m used to it.” She shrugged. Seemed like she knew it wasn’t such a good excuse. “Plus, what else do I need? I’ve got city amenities and mountains to look at. All four seasons, sometimes in one day.”

Kenna grinned. “A beach. I prefer them in winter, though. When it’s windy and you have to wear a sweater.”

Langford frowned, tugging open the front door to the building. “You’re an odd one.”

Kenna’s phone buzzed in her pocket, so she pulled it out. Ramon had texted that Maizie was good, checked out, and ready to be discharged. “I need to get to the hospital after we’re done so I can pick up my friends.”

“Probably won’t take long since this is the last place we’re actually going to find Chief Hadley.” Langford got them signed in, and they went up to the top floor where the commissioner’s office was located.

Derek Shannon was at least seventy but looked like he kept fit. Not just because he had a treadmill in his office.

Langford explained who they both were but nothing about the case.

“Have a seat, please, ladies.” He waved them to the two chairs in front of his desk, making the gold ring on the pinkie finger of his left hand reflect the light. He smoothed down his tie and sat in his chair. “You’re asking after Chief Hadley? I’ve made some calls. It’s been at least a week since he came into the office, and that doesn’t necessarily indicate foul play.”

The door opened.

Commissioner Shannon waved in that direction. “This is Chief Martin. She works with Chief Hadley. She will, hopefully, be able to shed some light on the situation.”

Chief Martin’s uniform was crisp and buttoned up. Her hair pulled back, and her makeup sedate. “Sir, you asked to see me.”

The commissioner said, “Enlighten us about Chief Hadley.”

“Sir?” She swallowed.

“Explain to these investigators how a man can fail to show up for work for several days and never be reported missing.” Commissioner Shannon laced his fingers together on his desk.

“Oh. Well. You see…it’s just not all that…unusual.”

Kenna glanced at Langford.

The detective said, “He goes missing regularly?”

“I mean,” Chief Martin said. “Maybe a couple of times a year. He blows off steam. We all…well, his stress levels rise, and if it’s not a busy time and we can take on his duties, it’s better for everyone if he takes some time off.”

“Paid leave, Chief?” the commissioner asked. “He books out vacation days?”

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