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“Because you’re sitting in front of me. The FBI told Reid and Tilly that you were given up for adoption. And although I have no idea how that happened, I know Annabelle and Preston were not part of it. You were their entire world. They loved you to death and would never have willingly given you up.”
Another lump formed in Sloan’s throat, a tumor made of guilt and angst. In the course of just a couple of weeks, her birth parents had morphed from mythical figures who crossed her mind only in fleeting glitches of thought, to people she felt a deep connection with. Her obligation to them was like a snowball rolling downhill, picking up speed and girth as it went and becoming a relentless force that only answers could stop.
“And if the theory about Annabelle and Preston going on the run is wrong,” Nora said, “it means what I’ve feared all along is true.”
“What’s that?”
“That something very bad happened to them.”
CHAPTER 23
Cedar Creek, Nevada Friday, July 26, 2024
“WERE THERE EVER ANY SUSPECTS?”
“Oh, sure,” Nora said. “But none panned out. With as much news coverage as your disappearance generated, there were never many answers. The Harrison County sheriff who originally investigated the case provided updates every day or two. But once the state police took over, the updates ended.”
“Why did the state police take over the case?”
“Probably for many reasons. It was a big case, and the sheriff’s department here in Harrison County hadn’t handled a lot of missing persons cases. Certainly none that were as high profile as yours. But also because the sheriff died shortly after he started investigating. Got doped up on heroin and drove his car into Cedar Creek.”
Sloan remembered Eric Stamos’s words.
The man never took a sip of alcohol in his life. I don’t believe for a second that he overdosed on heroin.
“After the state police took over, the investigation got very formal and very distant. The town got its updates from the news outlets. I got some tidbits because the state police were speaking with Reid and Tilly, and by default a few details trickled down to me through Ellis.”
“Was Stella Connelly ever questioned? Just off the top of my head, the woman had a hell of a motive to cause harm to both Preston and Annabelle.”
“Of course, but she was protected by her parents’ wealth and their law firm. Stella was never formally considered a suspect or person of interest.”
“Did anyone else’s name come up as being tied to the case?”
“Depends who you ask. There was a big divide in the town. Half the folks thought Annabelle and Preston went on the run to avoid being charged with Baker Jauncey’s death. The other half suspected foul play. On that front, the only other name that came up was Lester Strange.”
Sloan narrowed her eyes. In all the research she’d done, she’d never come across the name.
“Who was he?”
“The family’s handyman. Back then he was a young guy who was doing work at Preston and Annabelle’s house, which was under construction at the time you all disappeared. There were rumors that Lester was infatuated with Annabelle. They went as far as to suggest the two had some sort of torrid affair.”
“What happened to this man?”
“Nothing. He was a kid back then—nineteen or twenty. He’s fifty or so today and still works for the family. The Margolises are always building something—homes, buildings, fences, you name it. And good ole Lester Strange still runs every project. He also does a lot of work up at the winery, Margolis Manor. It’s up in Oregon. We use the main home up there as a getaway sometimes. Lester maintains the property. It’s a full-time job.”
Sloan made a mental note about Stella Connelly and Lester Strange. Leads she would pursue with Eric Stamos.
“Well, listen,” Sloan said, checking her watch. “It’s getting late and I don’t want to take up any more of your time tonight. And I’m exhausted from travelling all day. Thanks for all the background information on my birth parents, and sorry for asking so many questions.”
“Please. It was my pleasure. And I’m so glad you decided to come out to Cedar Creek. Reid and Tilly know that I was meeting with you tonight. They don’t want to put any pressure on you, but they wanted me to pass along a message that they’d love to meet you if you’re comfortable with that.”
“Of course. I’d love to meet them, too.”
“Try not to judge them too harshly,” Nora said. “I give them a lot of grief, but they’re good people. And they’re wonderful grandparents to my children.”
Sloan smiled. “I can’t wait to meet them.”
“Tomorrow? They were hoping.”
