Page 67 of Peak Suspicion
Jake’s voice had a sharper edge to it that told Dalton this was about more than his story about Ed. “What’s going on?” he asked. “Is something wrong?”
“A call just came over the scanner. A man reported gunshots coming from one of the apartments in that complex.”
Sheriff’s deputies assembledin the parking lot next door to Mira’s apartment complex. Jake had called the sheriff to report what Dalton had relayed to him. “The neighbor is pretty surethe gunshots came from Mira’s apartment,” the sheriff told the assembled officers. “We’ve identified the SUV belonging to Mitch Anders parked in the apartment lot, along with Carter Ames’s Jeep and Mira Veronica’s rental Chevrolet. Mira and Carter aren’t answering their phones. Gage is trying to reach Mitch now.”
They turned to look at the sheriff’s brother, who had a phone pressed to his ear. “Hello, Mitch? This is Sergeant Gage Walker. I’m going to put you on speaker, okay? We need your help with a situation.”
“What kind of situation?” Mitch sounded dazed. Probably awakened from sleep. “What’s going on?”
“Where are you right now?” Gage asked.
“I’m at home. I was asleep.”
Travis nodded. “His ankle monitor indicates that’s right.”
“Is your dad there at the house with you?” Gage asked.
“I think so. What time is it…it’s after three in the morning. Dad’s asleep.”
“We need to talk to him. Could you wake him for me, please? It’s important.”
“Okay. Give me a sec.”
They waited, scarcely breathing. Soon, Mitch was back on the line, sounding more alert. “Dad’s not here,” he said. “His bed hasn’t been slept in.”
“Check the driveway,” Gage said. “Is his Jeep there?”
“What is this about?” Mitch asked.
“Just tell me if his Jeep is there.”
“His Jeep is there. But my SUV isn’t.”
“Is anything else missing, that you’re aware of?”
“No. What is going on? Is Dad in some kind of trouble?”
“Check his room again,” Gage said. “I need to know what he might have taken with him.”
“I can’t tell you anything. It’s not like he has much…wait a minute.”
“What is it?” Jake leaned forward, anticipating the answer.
“His walker is here. He doesn’t go anywhere without his walker. He can’t.”
“Are you sure about that?” Gage asked. “Is it possible your father isn’t as debilitated as he wants people to think?”
Silence.
“Mitch? Are you still there?”
“I’m still here. And I guess…yes, it’s possible my dad can get around better than he lets on. I’ve suspected that for a while.” He sighed. “I guess I don’t really know him that well. He only got back in touch with me a few months ago. I was trying to rebuild a relationship with him, but it hasn’t been easy. What’s this about, Gage?”
“Your father’s name isn’t really Ed Anders, is it?” Gage asked.
“No. It’s Ned Solomon.”
“Why go by Ed Anders?”
