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“Who? Did you see him?”
“No. The guy jumped through a window and took off. I’d have put out a search for him, but technically, I wasn’t even supposed to be in that house without a warrant, and I suppose, it could’ve been one of them.”
“So, what does this have to do with Voss?”
“You said he scared Harvey off that night in the parking lot. Any chance he’d have a connection with the two?”
Knowing Beth, she’d certainly try to make a connection with Voss, but I doubt she’d get anywhere with him. Just a guess, but he seems to like a bit of chase. “Like what?”
“I don’t know. You said the two of them like to swing.”
“I said no such thing.”
“Okay, Diane told me. So what. You told her.”
“Are you implying that Voss had sex with them?” The thought of kissing Beth’s sloppy seconds is enough to make me gag, even if it isn’t likely.
“I’m trying to make a connection. I’m also trying to figure out who the hell was in that house.”
“Well, it wasn’t Voss. He’s had a number of opportunities to … hurt me, and hasn’t. And I don’t think there’s a connection to Harvey, either. The guy does nice things, but he’s not the type to go all vigilante after Harvey for leaving twisted little love notes. He’s not like that.”
“Like what?”
“He just … he’s not a …”
“Good guy?”
“No. I mean, yes. He’s … kinda half and half. He doesn’t go out of his way, but when he does, he’s very sweet. Kinda bad, secretly good.”
“And you’re attracted to this?”
I freeze at that, clearing my throat as I press the heels of my hands into the clay. “What? What … what makes you think that? I didn’t say that.”
“Because your face hasn’t stopped burning red since I got here.”
“You’re frustrating me. I like him as a neighbor, okay? He doesn’t blare his music, or have women coming and going every day. He’s just a quiet guy who values his privacy.”
“You just described about half the killers in state prison.”
“Can you just tell me what you have on Beth and Harv, please?”
“I’ve asked around. Neighbors. Some of the bars they apparently hang out in. Beth hasn’t been active on her social media account in the last week.”
“So? I haven’t been on mine in over a year. Doesn’t mean I’m dead in a ditch.”
“No, but she’s far more involved than you ever were. Some interesting groups she follows.”
“Yeah. She’s weird. We know this. So, what happens at this point?”
“Dale reported her missing, so the two of them are in the system. I’ll keep you updated if I hear anything, but I’m not going to lie, Nola. There’s not much we can do with adults. Overall, there doesn’t seem to be any overwhelming evidence of foul play. Technically, they’re allowed to disappear. It’s not a crime for them not to show up at work, or slack off on their social media posts. But my bigger concern is the note you received from Harvey. He has a record of harassment, so I’m advising you to watch yourself and call either myself, or the station, if he tries to contact you again.”
Lips pursed, I wipe my hands on my apron and offer a nod. “Yeah, sure.”
“I’m serious, Nola. You know, it’s bad enough you work these late hours. Some days, I wish I could lock you up just to keep you safe.”
“That’d be sibnapping and I’m pretty sure it’s just as illegal as kidnapping.”
“You’re not even serious about it. That’s the worst part.”
