Page 9 of Twice Missing
"Sorry to cut you off," Noah interjected politely, "if you don't mind..." He made his way across the street as a young woman in her early twenties climbed out of the SUV. She clutched her phone and a handbag, her blue scrubs visible beneath her coat. An ID card dangled from a lanyard around her neck. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and Noah was struck by her resemblance to Emily from his high school days.
"Gina," he called softly.
She turned, her eyes widening. "Yes?"
"Noah Sutherland. State Police."
Recognition flashed across her face, followed quickly by fear. "You've found her, haven't you?"
Noah hesitated. "Why would you say that?"
"Because we haven't had an update in years."
After a moment, Noah suggested, "Probably best we go inside and talk."
"Gina!" Jim called from across the street. "You need me to come over?"
She nodded, and Jim wiped his hands on his pants before joining them. As they approached the house, Noah noticed the worn welcome mat, the faded paint on theporch steps, small details that spoke of a home well-lived in but perhaps neglected in recent years.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of cinnamon and pine, remnants of holiday cheer that seemed at odds with the tension in the room. Gina and Jim settled on a well-worn couch, its cushions sagging slightly under their weight. Jim's arm found its way around Gina's shoulders, a protective gesture that spoke volumes about their relationship.
Noah took a deep breath, his gaze moving from the family photos on the mantel to the faces before him. "I'm sorry to inform you, but Emily's body was found today."
Gina's breath caught, her fingers tightening around her grandfather's hand. "Where?"
"Upper Saranac Lake."
"The cops said they searched it," Gina said, her voice trembling.
Noah nodded, understanding the frustration. "She was inside her truck."
Jim leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "So what, they think she drove into the lake?"
"It's unknown right now," Noah replied, choosing his words carefully. "The medical examiner will provide us with a preliminary report, but after all this time, I'm not sure what they'll be able to tell."
As the conversation unfolded, Noah found himself navigating a minefield of emotions. Jim's anger and skepticism clashed with Gina's quiet grief. The weight of ten years of unanswered questions hung heavy in the room.
"There's a body to examine?" Gina asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Noah nodded. "The cold temperatures, depth, and lack of bacteria slowed down decomposition, essentially preserving her."
"So you might be able to determine what caused her death," Gina said, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
"Hopefully," Noah replied, not wanting to promise too much.
Jim's voice cut through the moment. "Well, if her body was intact, wouldn't you have seen wounds?"
A wave of tiredness washed over Noah. He was in desperate need of sleep, but he pushed through. "Sir, right now the investigation is still in its early stages. I'm just here to notify you."
"Early stages?" Jim scoffed. "It's been ten years, for goodness' sake. Ten years. How can it take that long for you all to have found her?" He paused, his eyes narrowing. "Which begs the question, who did find her?"
"A father and son who were ice fishing," Noah replied.
Jim groaned. "Well, that's an experience he'll never forget," he said with an almost inappropriate chuckle. The sound was jarring, out of place in the somber atmosphere.
Gina, on the other hand, looked distraught. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and Jim's demeanor softened. "Ah, I'm sorry, darling," he murmured, pulling her closer.
Noah seized the moment, recognizing it might be one of the few times he could get unfiltered answers. "Could you take me through what happened that night?"
