Page 46 of Vanish From Sight
Tanya was known for making a mountain out of a molehill, it’s what had led to the demise of her first marriage, at least according to Ray. Everything was an issue even if it wasn’t.
“It’s Ray. Youknow him.”
“And I know he’s not like this.”
“Look, take a breath and calm down.”
“Don’t tell me to calm down. I’m worried. I can’t find him.”
Noah inhaled and let it out.
“Did you check his house?”
“What do you think?”
He raised his eyebrows and exchanged a glance with Callie who was feasting on fried potato skins. “What about the casino?”
“Already phoned there.”
“Maybe he got called into work.”
“Noah. I know his schedule.”
He sighed. “It might be overtime or an emergency. Local PD is helping with the case of the woman pulled from the lake.”
“That’s not it. He phoned me last night. Drunk. A mess. Apologizing. Saying I deserved better. That he wished things could have been different. You know, the usual crap that he tries to pull to get me to come back. I hung up on his ass. Then when he didn’t call back, I got worried and decided to swing by his place today.”
“And?”
“His truck was outside, the curtains were drawn. I figured he was sleeping it off. But he didn’t answer his phone. So, I went back around there this afternoon and his truck was gone and the door to the house was unlocked. He never leaves it unlocked, Noah. His phone and wallet were inside too.” She paused. “I’m worried. I’m scared he’s going to hurt himself.”
“Tanya. Ray wouldn’t do that.”
“You don’t know him like I do.”
“He’s my brother. I think I do.”
“Yeah? Did he tell you he’s in the hole?”
“What?”
“He owes a shitload of money. That’s why I left the first time.Somehow he managed to dig himself out of that mess, I think it was with the help of your father, but this time. Noah. Please, would you just look around and see if you can find him.”
“You’re sure he’s not at work?”
“I dropped by. He’s not there. No one’s seen or heard from him.”
“Are there any bars, motels, places he’s gone to before?”
“I don’t know.”
“Great. That helps,” he said in a low voice under his breath. “All right. All right. Leave it with me.” He hung up and sat there for a second or two. Callie was chewing, studying him.
“What’s happening?”
“Look, we’re going to have to stick a pin in this. Do you think you can find out who that phone number belongs to and when the Academy calls back, let me know.” He got up.
“Noah. Where are you going?”
