Page 88 of The Fragile Ones
“They would only have the crew sign one DVD. But he did say they were scheduled to be here in Rock Creek.”
“For what?”
“There’s some old haunted cemetery.”
“I can believe that,” he said.
McGaven spotted a single piece of lined paper sticking out of a blank file folder. It had several names listed in order on it and was worn, looking like it had been in a file for a long time. He pulled the paper out and took a quick photo of it with his cell phone camera.
Katie found the cell numbers for both local police officers and took a quick photo of them. “I think we need to call one of his men.” She punched the number for Officer Brad Mason and waited. “It went to voicemail.” She ended the call.
Trying the other number, she waited again. Finally, there was an answer.
“Who is this?”
Katie was stunned. What kind of greeting was that? “Officer McKinney?”
“Yeah.”
“This is Detective Scott and I’m at your police station.”
There was a pause on the other end. “What can I do for you, Detective?”
“Your chief seems to be missing,” she said. “Do you know where he is?”
“No.”
“Can you tell us where we might find him?”
“Running down leads or errands.”
“I see. If you see or talk to him, can you tell him that we’re looking for him?”
“Of course.”
The connection went dead.
“No luck there,” she said.
“Let’s go, and check back in here later,” McGaven said.
Katie headed for the door and was surprised to find Officer Mason on the other side. “Wow, I just called your cell,” she said.
“What can I do for you, Detective?” There was something almost accusatory about his tone and the look he gave Katie.
“We were looking for the chief. Have you seen him?”
“No.”
“I haven’t heard from him. Would you know where he might be?” said Katie.
“He could be anywhere, doing an errand, home, at the diner, whatever.”
“Can you call him?” Katie pushed.
Officer Mason shrugged. “Sure.” He took out his phone, dialed, and waited, “Sir, it’s Mason. I’m at the office with the detectives. Call back when you can.” He hung up. “Left him a message. Don’t worry, he’ll call back.”
“Tell me, does he always leave his office in such a mess?” asked McGaven.
