Chapter 50

Now Jim grins as Alan takes another sip. “If you don’t like it, don’t drink it.”

As if it’s that simple.

“She might be watching me,” Alan mutters, half into the mug.

Jim starts, “I really doubt she’s—”

The radio between them blares to life. “Dispatch. Go ahead, 223.”

Jim talks into the mic. “Any news on the 10-57 from this morning?”

Alan winces as he sips from the mug. “What’s a 10-57?”

“Missing persons,” Jim explains.

Really, like I had to ask.

Alan waits, anxious, until the dispatcher speaks again. “Nothing yet. Forensics is finished with the scene and an officer is posted there until further notice. What’s your twenty?”

It all sounds so foreign to Alan. “Twenty?” he mouths.

Jim shakes his head, distracted. “Outside the girlfriend’s house. He isn’t here. She gave me a possible lead so I’m headed to the mall now. Keep me posted.”

“Ten-four.”