Page 18 of Special Agent Joseph

Concerned and not thinking, she knocked on his open office door and stepped in without waiting for a response. “Sir, have you seen Lucia?”

Two men rose, Vinnie and Agent Marcus. “Miss Whittall, come in. Explain what you mean. Where is Lucia?”

Megan ignored the younger man, giving Vinnie her attention. “I hoped she was with you. I’ve looked everywhere else for her. She’s nowhere to be found. You remember she was very upset last night, even after we talked but she gave me no indication she would bolt.”

Megan chose not to mention the backpack Lucia had been filling, deciding to cover for the girl until she knew for sure that she had left the estate.

Vinnie shouted for the guard. “Jie. Check with security and see if anyone saw my granddaughter leave the grounds.” Turning to Megan, he asked, “You say she settled down after our spat?”

“Not completely, but she was certainly calmer. Like we talked about, I suggested she choose a private school and get her education. At first she hated the idea, but I hoped it would sink in as another way to escape rather than just running away and hiding out somewhere dangerous.”

Joe suddenly spoke. “I can get out an alert through my FBI channels.”

Vinnie held up his hand. “Not yet. Let’s check everywhere on the grounds again before we bring in the law.”

Jie suddenly appeared, his face expressionless. “We scrolled through the security tapes from last night. She hitched on the back of one of the gardener’s trucks leaving the grounds after their shift. Don’t know where she jumped off.”

“Bring him to me.”

Megan interrupted. “Chances are, he didn’t even know she was there. I’ll go and see if I can find any trace by the corner where he’d have had to stop. She might have jumped off before he could spot her.”

Vinnie waved her away and again frantically grabbed the house phone before yelling after her, “Get her back, Megan. I mean it. She’s in danger out there alone.”

Megan nodded and left the room, her heart thudding from sensing the anxiety Lucia’s grandfather didn’t try to hide.

***

Meanwhile, Joe waited until Megan disappeared before interrupting Vinnie on the phone. Using common sense, he pointed out, “I can help Megan. With the ship being delayed for God knows how long our business is on hold, right?”

“Not by a long shot. We have more to discuss. But I can’t deal with that right now.”

“I understand. How about in the meantime we put Lucia first?”

Vinnie stood with the receiver still in his hand. After listening to Joe’s plea, he slowly nodded his agreement. “Yes, you’re right. And use those FBI connections. But keep your eye on that Megan girl… there’s something about her I can’t quite put my finger on. And Joseph, remember, I need Lucia back home as soon as possible, capiche?”

Joe’s yeah rang in the air as he ran to catch up with Megan near the outside door. “Hey, wait up, Miss Whittall. I’d like to come with you. I’m thinking two pairs of eyes are better than one.”

Agreeing with a quick nod, Megan hurried from the house and began to run toward the now open gate. She passed the security post and headed for the closest corner where virtually all the traffic would have to pass by. Joseph was right behind her, letting her have the lead. Appreciating his consideration, she slowed when she got to the stop sign where she figured Megan might have split from her transportation.

Both with heads lowered, they scoured the area for any traces of the girl. It was Joseph who picked up the wrapper from the gum Lucia often chewed. He held it out to Megan. “Not sure if this might be a sign she was here, but it’s fresh.”

Megan took the wrapper by the corner and nodded. “Lucia’s favorite brand. She chews gum all the time. So, this means she’s probably on the run again. Son of a bitch.”

Joseph turned to her, “You sound upset. Scared you’ll lose your job?”

Her serious blue eyes turned his way so fast it made the mass of dark curls swirl around her shoulders. “Fuck you. I care about the girl. She’s young and hurting… a rebellious sixteen-year-old making stupid choices that can lead to a whole lot of trouble.” The lack of humor gave her statement that much more impact, and he accepted her honesty.

Stepping back, his expression changed from sarcastic to thoughtful. “You care about her.” This time it wasn’t a question.

“Of course. Unlike some who don’t give a shit about what they do or who they hurt.”

***

Megan stomped away from the man and headed back to the house, her legs flying, trying to outrun the mantra in her head.

You were supposed to protect her. You dropped the ball.

Before she’d gone far, Joseph caught up to her and ran in front to stop her. “Wait. I can help. Do you have any idea of where she might have gone?”

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