The Reticence 1 (Nantahala River) Read online

  “Wait,” Marcia said. “Aren’t computers sensitive to power fluctuations? Wouldn’t they quit if the power dropped?”

  “Good question. Because power has always been a bit dirty, computers are designed to work within a certain range, especially new computers. As long as the drops are not drastic, everything keeps running as it is. But when your computers start acting funny, you’ll know.”

  “All right, Datum, I think we understand,” Margo said. “What about our new cold case?”

  “The Mandy Salter murder,” Datum began. “Twenty years old. Naked body found on a riverbank in the North Carolina mountains. Missing four days before being found. I emailed you the autopsy report and the case file from the Culpepper County Sheriff’s office. While they did a fair amount of investigating and interviews, they never got enough evidence to arrest anyone. In fact, they never had any suspect of interest. Their main targets were Mandy’s volleyball coach, the assistant principal, a neighbor who had some unsavory habits, and her boyfriend. While there were issues with all of them, they all had alibis. Some of the alibis were flimsy, but you have to expect that. Three of them still live in the Havermill area. I don’t know if they’ll take interviews. The neighbor moved away a year after the murder. All current addresses are in the report.”

  “Any guesses?” Margo asked.

  “Datum doesn’t guess,” Datum replied. “I’ll only say that each suspect has good and bad sides, which makes a conclusion impossible at this time.”

  “Missing teeth and burns,” Marcia prompted.

  “The teeth are interesting, as there aren’t that many cases where a killer pulled out teeth. Cigarette burns and fingertip burns are more popular. A conspiracy theorist might suggest that the victim was actually part of a cult or criminal enterprise. The fingertips were being altered to confuse the police. The cigarette burns could have been some sort of initiation rite. I ran the pattern through my system and came up with Perseus.”

  “Perseus?”

  “In Greek mythology, Perseus was the founder of Mycenae and the slayer of Medusa, the Gorgon. Quite a hero, if you ask me. But I’m not going to swear by the computer results. The burns might have been random, and the algorithm only found the pattern.”

  “That’s how computers work, right?” Margo asked.

  “Exactly. But that doesn’t make them right.”

  “I don’t suppose there are many Greek gods hanging around Havermill,” Marcia said in a disbelieving tone.

  “None. But wouldn’t it be cool if some Greek gods managed to reach the States and took up residence in the mountains?”

  “Are you writing sci-fi stories again?” Margo asked.

  “Moi? Why would you think that?”

  “Don’t be coy.”

  “Don’t worry, I’m not in the cold case business, except as a researcher.”

  “That’s good to know. So, that’s it?” Marcia asked.

  “One last point. This is not written in ones and zeroes, but I did some digging about Mandy’s father. He claimed he was on the road, and his logbook said so. But the mileage on his truck didn’t match the logbook. No one found it at the time. He was a lot closer to Havermill than anyone ever knew.”

  “Her father?”

  “Wouldn’t be the first to play handsy with a daughter.”

  “That’s enough,” Marcia said. “We’ll add him to our list of people to interview. You did send his current whereabouts, right?”

  “On the road, as we speak. He still routes through NC. I’ll alert you when he’s close enough to chase down.”

  “Great. And thanks again.”

  The screens filled with more fireworks as a song began playing some kind of Sousa march. Margo and Marcia both burst out laughing.

  “Well, that was almost enlightening,” Margo said with a smile.

  “We need to read all the reports.”

  “Today, Marcia. So, we can put together an itinerary and start planning. Becky Salter is relying on us to find some answers, and I don’t want to let her down.”

  “She’s dying, I know. But we know better than to rush the process. We should still take our time; that’s when we get the best results, anyway.”

  Margo glared at her.

  “Today,” Marcia finally relented. “We’ll make plans starting today. On the road, day after tomorrow.”

  “Can we carry a concealed weapon in North Carolina?”

  “I believe so. You’re thinking of packing?”

  “Yes. I don’t think the Carolina mountains are especially dangerous, but there are rattlesnakes there. I assume we’ll be out in the woods a lot, and a firearm is always welcome.

  “No ‘gators, though.” Marcia gave her a teasing grin.

  “Thank god. Now, let’s get to work.”

  Margo turned to her computer and pulled up the package Datum had sent. A list of documents filled the screen. She was not particularly excited at the idea of wading through this mountain of information, but it had to be done. While Marcia was the real nerd about Datum’s data dump, Margo often preferred to focus on any odd detail, which didn’t jibe with what they knew or suspected about a case. It was work, plain and simple. Margo took a deep breath, preparing herself for the worst, and opened the first document.

  By lunch, Marcia had gone through more than half of the documents in her inbox. While there was a fair amount of writing, there wasn’t a great deal of actual information to go on. The detectives involved and the newspaper reporters who had covered the case came up with theories, but they were just that: theories. They weren’t grounded in facts. The investigation presented more conspiracy theories than anything else, really. Everyone, from the victim’s immediate family to marijuana growers, had once become the prime suspect. Marcia tried not to let any of those wild guesses affect her perception of the case. Still, some had more merit than others. She doubted that Mandy Salter had been a drug runner for the local mob, for instance.

  Lunch wasn’t lunch for Marcia. It was a quick walk around the neighborhood to get some sunshine while raising her heart rate and grabbing a cheese sandwich with a lemonade. She then checked her emails before plunging back into the Datum’s intel.

  Marcia’s eyes burned by the time she finished read what Datum had sent. It was a common occurrence whenever Datum sent them something. While Marcia didn’t like how much her eyes burned, she did appreciate the information. Datum was worth all the money they paid her, and they paid her handsomely. Someday, Marcia would meet Datum in the flesh. That would be fun—at least for Marcia.

  Looking over her shoulder, Marcia found herself alone in the office. Margo had left without telling her goodbye, and that was not unusual. Or maybe, Margo had said something, and Marcia had blocked it out. It wouldn’t be the first time she failed to hear Margo. And it wouldn’t be the last either.

  She went back home and settled for a gin and tonic by the pool. She noticed that Margo was on the tennis court with their father, who could still hit the ball like no other, even if he no longer ran as he once did. Marcia could tell that Margo was not playing to the corners, even if their dad did. That made Marcia chuckle. Margo was being kind while dad was his usual cutthroat self. The sisters had learned well from him.

  Dinner was lively, and the conversation flowed smoothly, but no one said a word about their new cold case. There was an unwritten rule in their family, after all. It was bad luck to discuss any case at dinner. Mom and dad had the unfortunate habit of speculating, and speculations were not what the sisters needed at the moment. They wanted cold, hard facts.

  Marcia returned to the guest house and their office after dinner. She pulled up her investigation template and started to fill in all the names, places, and facts that she knew. The template wouldn’t be completed until the next day. That was a day quicker than usual. Since Margo wanted to head out as soon as possible, the plan wouldn’t be as detailed as others, but it didn’t bother her. She would add to the template as they worked the case. When the case ende
d, the template would provide the basic outline for their next book. None of her work would go to waste.

  Thirty-six hours later, their SUV packed with bags and computers and firearms, Marcia and Margo said goodbye to their parents.

  “Keep in touch,” their mother said.

  “Stay safe,” their dad added.

  The girls promised to take any and all precautions necessary. They climbed into the SUV, set the GPS destination to Havermill, and rolled out of the compound. The Florida sun had disappeared that day as October rain cascaded over them. Marcia wasn’t given to omens. If she had, she might have decided to stay home an extra day. She couldn’t help but wonder what Perseus might have done if faced with an inauspicious beginning.

  He would’ve stayed home.

  That was the long and short of it. He would have taken the pouring rain as evidence that the gods did not look favorably on this new beginning.

  But time and tide...

  Marcia didn’t have the luxury of consulting with any auguries, unfortunately.

  “Did you call Becky?” Marcia asked.

  “I did,” Margo answered. “She found a cabin for us. Nothing big or expensive, but close to her. I trust her judgment.”

  “As far as I can,” Marcia said.

  “Perseus,” Margo said.

  “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.”

  “Think any of the suspects is an amateur astronomer?”

  “That would be too easy.”

  “We don’t do easy, do we?”

  “I don’t remember being given a choice.”

  “Wake me when it’s my turn to drive.”

  Marcia glanced at her sister as she reclined her seat before closing her eyes; she kept her eyes forward and clenched the wheel more tightly.

  Why did the rain bother her so much?

  CHAPTER4

  The drive was an all-day affair. The rain finally relented in Georgia, a good sign, as far as the sisters were concerned. They stopped several times. Driving was a chore that they both shared. They had considered flying and renting a car, but the NC mountains were not that far away. Driving during the autumn seasons, with the leaves shining brightly, kept them captivated enough from nodding off behind the wheel. They made even better time whenever Margo drove since she was more reckless and kept her foot on the gas.

  It was dark when they arrived in Havermill. Well, they didn’t really arrive. They passed through Havermill and found the cabin that would become their home base while investigating this cold case. The cabin was small compared to their guest house. Made of logs with a large front porch, it was complete with wooden rockers, which warmed the sisters’ hearts. Someone was expecting them. As soon as they climbed out of the car, the cabin door opened, and Becky Salter stepped out.

  “Welcome to Havermill,” Becky said.

  “Not exactly a metropolis,” Margo said as she stretched her sore muscles.

  “It’s big enough,” Marcia said. “Mind if we just stand out here a bit?”

  “This is October,” Becky said. “You’re going to get cold soon.”

  “I love the smell,” Margo said, admiring her surroundings. “Everything is clean and sharp.”

  “You’re upwind from the sewage plant.”

  Marcia laughed. “We live in Florida. We know all about bad odors.”

  Becky pulled her cardigan sweater tight and crossed her arms. “I’m going back inside. Come in when you’re ready. I’ll give you the rundown of the place.”

  The door closed behind her, and the sisters glanced up at the stars, which looked decidedly brighter than in Florida.

  “We’re closer to them,” Margo said.

  “And there’s not as much humidity,” Marcia added. “What did we get ourselves into?”

  “What we do for a living,” Margo said. “It can’t take any more than a week, right? Ten days max?”

  “Ten days max. One way or the other.”

  “You don’t think we’ll solve this one, do you?” Margo asked.

  “You know I don’t go by feelings, alone. I’m a numbers gal. The numbers aren’t in our favor. Twenty years. No witnesses. No arrests. And we’re looking for Perseus. Doesn’t look too promising to me.”

  “We always solve the case. That’s our thing.”

  “We’re five and two, as I recall.”

  “Those two misses don’t count.”

  “Don’t count? Why not?”

  “Because we were misled from the start. In the Rimes thing, there was no murder, as the person died of natural causes. And the Garner case was fake. That YouTube director wanted to do an exposé of us. Those two don’t count.”

  “You have a point. But we still came away without a good book.” Marcia rubbed her arms. “It’s dark out here, isn’t it?”

  “And quiet. There are no interstates nearby.”

  “And it’s too cold for crickets and cicadas.”

  “How will we sleep?”

  “Better than ever.”

  They laughed and walked back to the cabin.

  Inside, the sisters were greeted with a small fire and the smell of hot soup. The table was set for two. Becky sat in a chair, looking as if she hadn’t slept in a week. Her smile was halfhearted.

  “The bedrooms are upstairs in the loft. One and a half baths, so you’ll have to take turns for the shower.”

  “We’ve done that before, believe me,” Margo said.

  “I know you probably won’t believe it, but there is Wi-Fi, so you can communicate and surf to your heart’s content. You also have the TV for a month. If you’re here longer than that, you’ll have to pony up.”

  “We hope to be finished before then,” Marcia said.

  “The beds are almost comfortable. The coffee machine works just fine. Coffee is the drink of choice around here if you discount beer. Oh, the back right burner doesn’t work. The oven is temperamental. You have to keep a sharp watch, or the biscuits burn. Make sure the screen is in front of the fire when you go to bed. Fires are the number one cause of insurance claims around here. Your cell phones will work, of course. Keep the doors locked at night. Bears don’t normally come inside unless they’re starving. Everything else you can handle. You know how to shoot a gun?”

  “Yes,” Margo said. “We can handle ourselves.”

  “Great. If you go out after dark, make sure you take a flashlight and a pistol. Vermin come in all shapes and sizes.”

  “Don’t we know it,” Margo replied with a small shake of her head.

  “Now, if you don’t mind, I have to be going,” Becky said, walking to the front door.

  “We’ll give you a ride,” Marcia said.

  “No, thanks. I’ll walk. I’m just down the road. Half a mile away,” she explained.

  Marcia grabbed her keys. “You’re not going to walk. If I thought you could stomach it, I’d make you eat a bowl of soup.”

  Becky gave her a weak smile. “You sound like my mother. But you’re right. No soup. But I will take the ride.”

  Marcia walked Becky out the door.

  Margo moved to the stove and smelled the soup as her stomach growled. She knew she should wait for Marcia, but she couldn’t help herself. She ladled soup into a cracked bowl and set it down on the table. It was delicious.

  Marcia helped Becky to the door of a nice cabin, and while Becky protested, Marcia didn’t stop at the door. She escorted Becky to a chair and fetched her a bottle of water.

  “You have my number,” Marcia said. “We’re just down the road. Call if you need anything.”

  “You have a job to do. And if you’re successful, it will be the best present I’ve ever received.”

  “We’ll do what we can. But I can’t promise anything.”

  “I have faith in you and your sister. You’ll succeed. You’re good people,” Becky replied with a faint smile and drooping eyes.

  “Don’t let Margo hear you say that. She thinks she’s one bad woman.”

  On the way back to the cabi
n, Marcia chastised herself for not telling Becky the actual truth. They had very little chance of solving the case.

  Marcia found Margo ladling soup into a bowl.

  “Sit down,” Margo said. “This soup is terrific.”

  “You’ve eaten a bowl already?”

  “It was a long drive,” Margo replied sheepishly.

  Marcia laughed as the bowl of soup was placed in front of her.

  “Did you tell her?”

  Marcia shook her head and picked up her spoon. “I didn’t have the heart to do it.”

  “It’s not like we’re doomed for failure,” Margo said. “We’ve faced tougher cases.”

  “Right.”

  “I mean it. Hell, we fought off an alligator. I don’t see us doing that here.”

  “She wants it so bad, though,” she said before eating a spoonful and moaning at the taste. “This is amazing.”

  “Isn’t it? But we’ll try really hard, won’t we?”

  “We always do our best. Have you picked out your room yet?”

  “No, we’ll do the usual.”

  “Oldest gets dibs?” Marcia fired back, hopeful.

  “Flip a coin,” Margo simply said with a glare.

  Later that evening, Margo turned off the bedside lamp and settled under the covers. That was when she heard the owl. It was close. Since owls hunted rodents, mice, and rats, did that mean the cabin was infested? Becky hadn’t said anything. That didn’t mean much. She told herself she would look for traps in the morning.

  The smell of brewing coffee finally woke Margo the next day. Just like at home, Marcia was up first. In her pj’s, Margo walked across the wooden floor and out into the hall. She turned as Marcia came out of her bedroom. They looked at each other.