Haunted (Michael Bennett 10)

Sandy said, “This really is important. Not just crowd control at a parade.”

“What do you got?”

“A couple of missing teenagers. I mean really missing. Disappeared from the local hangout and left their car running. There’s a patrol officer over there now, and she says she needs as much help as we can send.”

I was silent for a few more moments.

Then Sandy said, “These aren’t criminals, Michael. These are decent local kids. Both of them are supposed to go to college in a couple of months. I’m really worried.”

I could hear the strain in her voice. I knew what looking for a missing kid could do to a good cop. Failing on a job like that was worse than not finding a killer. At least psychologically.

I looked over at Mary Catherine, who whispered, “So go. Go save the state of Maine, Michael. Go save the world for all I care.”

Mary Catherine wasn’t happy, but I knew that she understood the issue.

I said in a clear voice into the phone, “When can you pick me up?”

Sandy said, “I’m parked in your driveway now.”

Chapter 47

The spot Sandy was talking about was up in the hills on the other side of town. It looked like what I imagined lovers’ lanes looked like across the country. In New York City, we had other places to take our girlfriends, like the rear seats of theaters or Central Park. Nothing as isolated as this. I could understand its attraction for kids. For one thing, you could see a vehicle coming up the winding road for ten minutes before it got there.

It was a wide space just off the road, intended to be a scenic overlook. Instead kids could park here at night without too much fear of getting in trouble.

We found the young patrol officer standing by a new Dodge Challenger. It was sporty with wide tires and looked more like something a middle-aged man who missed the muscle cars of his youth would drive.

The officer, a tall, athletic-looking young woman with straight brown hair tied in a ponytail, was all business as we approached.

“Someone called in about an hour ago because the Challenger was sitting here running with no one in it. I ran the plate, and it comes back to Tom Bacon.”

Sandy said, “The contractor?”

“Yes, ma’am. I haven’t called the house yet. I thought it best that we check the area. I think they might’ve walked up the path across the street higher into the hills.”

I looked into the dark woods and decided I was happier stepping away from the overlook. My fear of heights became more acute the closer I stood to the edge. But with the railing and a couple of cars around, it didn’t bother me too much.

Sandy looked at me and said, “You up for a little hike through the woods?”

I just nodded, relieved to be backing away from the precipice.

Sandy gave me a Windbreaker that said POLICE on the back. She handed me a big Kel-Lite, like the one I used to carry on patrol. It lit up the woods and can be used as a club if need be.

Sandy said, “You carrying an off-duty weapon?”

I patted my hip, where my small Glock 27 rested.

She raised her right hand and said, “Do you swear to uphold the law, blah, blah, blah?”

“Yes?”

Sandy smiled and said, “Good. You’re now an authorized reserve officer with the Linewiler Police Department. Your powers will lapse after one year.”

I just stared at her.

She slapped me on the shoulder and said, “It’s good to have you as a partner again. Now, let’s go find us a couple of missing teenagers.”

Chapter 48