Run For Your Life, page 11
“Damn it.” I picked up my phone and dialed Patrol. “Corrine, it’s Mitch Cannon again. Hey, could you send that report on the missing Civic to my email? Yep, thanks a lot.” I gave Royce a head tip. “We need to make sure it’s the same car before we give up the search. Then we’ll put a BOLO out on it. After that, we’ll head out to Talahi Island and check out that fishing cabin on East Point Drive.”
“A kidnapper isn’t going to call in his own vehicle as missing, Mitch.”
“Stranger things have happened, maybe to throw us off track, plus I’m sure the neighbors out that way know the guy leaves that car there but doesn’t live in the area. It wouldn’t hurt to take their temperature. Get a feel for them and Mr.…?”
Royce checked his notes. “Daniel Jacobsen.”
I opened my email to see if the report had come in, and it had. “Here we go.” I read aloud Mr. Jacobsen’s description and plate number of the car. “Sounds like the same description we got from Devon’s neighbor who was walking the dog. Let’s issue that BOLO and take a drive out to Talahi Island.”
Chapter 26
“Marie, make some noise if you can still hear me.” Devon waited and heard the thud he was hoping for. “Okay, good. I know you’ve been here for several days and are likely weak, but I need you to think hard. Is there anything at all you can do to free yourself? Any sharp objects you can scrape your bindings against? Can you rub your face against the barrel lid to peel away the tape? Try something, Marie! If he’s been reusing the same tape on your mouth for the last few days, it has to be losing some of its stickiness.”
He heard louder noises, a sign that she was doing her best to get free. Marie wasn’t alone anymore, and Devon hoped that fact gave her the courage to fight. He called out to Liza and heard the same muffled noise he’d heard earlier, but she seemed to be farther away than Marie. No matter what, if Marie was able to free herself, she could help both Devon and Liza escape their fate too.
He waited and prayed for a miracle. They didn’t have phones, nobody knew where they were, and their captor would probably come back when he realized he’d forgotten to replace the tape over Devon’s mouth. Devon shouted at the top of his lungs, hoping anyone who might be in the area would hear his yells for help. His throat burned and his voice cracked, but nobody came.
A loud crash sounded from Marie’s side of the building. Something had happened, but Devon had no idea if it was good or bad.
“Marie, are you okay?” Devon wasn’t expecting a response, but he heard a voice.
“Devon, I got the tape off my mouth and tipped the barrel over in the process. I was jerking around too much.” It sounded like Marie was frantic and crying. “When he comes back, he’ll kill me. I know he will.”
“Not if you get away before that. Now, pay close attention, Marie. Our lives depend on it. First, can you tell how you’re bound?”
“My hands are taped behind my back.”
“And your legs?”
“They’re free.”
“How much room do you have in that barrel? Can you move around inside?”
“Somewhat. I’m scared.”
“We all are, but there’s a chance you can get out if you listen carefully.” Devon heard her moan. “Marie, time is of the essence. You have to focus one hundred percent. Can you do that for me?”
“I think so.”
“Good. I’m jammed in this barrel and can’t move at all, but if you can, you have to feel around for a bolt, a screw, a sharp edge, anything that may tear through that tape. Can you lower your head back inside the barrel?”
“Yes, but it stinks in there. I’ve had to pee, you know, and now I’m lying in it.” She began to cry loudly.
Devon groaned. “You need to keep it together. I’ve tried yelling, but nobody is around. It’s going to be up to us if we live or die.”
“I don’t want to die. I have kids and a husband.”
Devon wasn’t about to tell her what her husband had been up to. She might lose her focus and give up. “Duck your head back in, reposition yourself with your feet facing the lid, and kick like hell. My lid is only secured by the thin metal strap, so maybe yours is too. You can kick it off if you try hard enough. I know you can. Please, it’s our only hope. If you get out, you can help me, and then we’ll get Liza out too. We can do this, Marie. Just be strong and kick like hell.”
“I don’t know who Liza is.”
“It doesn’t matter. She’s being held in another room, but I know she’s here. I’ve heard commotion from a different area. Now do it! Fight for your life, Marie!” Yelling was Devon’s only option to get her to do something, and she had to act quickly.
He heard Marie curse, cry, and curse some more, then she began what sounded like violent kicking. “That’s it, Marie. Give it all you’ve got!”
“I did it, Devon! I’ve kicked off the lid.”
“Okay, now get out and do it fast. Follow my voice until you find me. Look for something that can cut through the tape securing your hands.”
“I can’t see anything. It’s too dark in here.”
“Find a light switch, then. I don’t know if this place has electricity or not, but feel along the walls.” Devon waited, but it was taking too long. “Never mind. Just find me, and I’ll tear the tape off your hands with my teeth. Hurry! There’s no time to waste.”
She followed his voice, and after crashing around in the darkened structure, she found Devon’s barrel. “Where are we?”
“I don’t know, but place your hands next to my face. With any luck, I can tear the tape off your wrists. I just need to find the end.”
She tried to stay still but shook violently from either fear or weakness. Devon figured it was both.
He found the end of the tape and pulled with his teeth until it began to unwind. He let go to speak. “Turn in a slow circle so I can keep unwinding it.”
She did as told, then the sound of a car door opening and closing froze them in place.
“Marie, you have to go. Hurry! Get the hell out of here now before he comes in.”
“How?” She was nearing hysteria.
“Find a back door or a window. Kick it out or knock it down, but do it now and then run for your life. Go! Get the hell out of here!” By that time, the person had reached the door. The padlock rattled as the key was inserted. Devon didn’t know if Marie had gotten out, but he heard what sounded like a window being pushed up. She needed to reach civilization fast and bring back help for him and Liza. He was sure the man in the shadows would be furious as soon as he realized Marie had escaped. Devon was also sure that the man’s anger would be taken out on him.
The door opened seconds later, and Devon heard two sets of footsteps. Although he was still stuck in the barrel and couldn’t have facilitated Marie’s escape, he knew he was in for a beating. There was a chance he would be spared, but he wasn’t counting on it.
Chapter 27
By the time we got on the road, we didn’t have much daylight left. Our drive to Talahi Island and the East Point Drive fishing cabin, as Mr. Jacobsen called it, was eight miles. We would get there shortly before the sun went down, and Mr. Jacobsen had agreed to meet us there.
Royce and I arrived at 6:50. We had forty-five minutes before evening shadows would darken the sky. We wanted to see the spot where Mr. Jacobsen kept the Civic as well as the neighborhood around the home.
Royce turned in to the driveway of a home that didn’t look anything like I’d imagined. The term “fishing cabin” sounded like a dwelling that had a sagging roof and needed paint. What stood in front of us was a small, quaint, but well-kept house with a lean-to and a shed directly at its rear. The man I imagined was Mr. Jacobsen stood outside and waved as Royce slowed to a stop. We exited the cruiser, introduced ourselves with a handshake, and asked to be shown around outside before it got too dark. Afterward, we would conduct our interview with him inside.
Mr. Jacobsen, who said he’d prefer to be called Dan, led us to the lean-to. “This is where I always kept the Honda. My buddies know where I leave the house key, and then the car key would be right inside on a hook. I’ve never had any problems before, and the car has been here for years.”
“Do you mind?”
He waved me on. “No, go ahead. The shed has all my fishing equipment inside, but I keep that secured with a combination lock.”
“And your buddies have that combination?”
“Sure, but they always bring their own tackle boxes. People have favorite lures and fishing supplies they use. When my friends show up, it’s usually on a boat after a day of fishing. They dock the boat at the marina and come up here and grab the car.”
“Would you mind opening the shed just so we can make sure nothing has been taken?” I asked.
“Yep, although I did check when I got here and saw that the car was gone. The house looks undisturbed too.”
Dan opened the shed, we popped our heads inside, then he locked it up again. I scanned the property.
“How big is your lot?”
“Only a half-acre. Most houses around here are small—second homes or just little places to get away to, if you know what I mean.”
Royce nodded. “And the neighbors and neighborhood in general?”
Dan shrugged. “All nice people from the ones I know. We come from different walks of life—some city folks, some come from a state or two away—yet there’s only a few people who live out here full-time.” He shook his head. “Although, those online rental opportunities are becoming real popular with the owners who don’t spend a lot of time here.”
“So strangers staying in the homes every so often?”
“Yep, people I’ve never seen before. Can tell by the out-of-state plates or just the fact that there’s several cars and multiple people who aren’t the owners.”
“Understood. So your home would appear vacant to anyone who’s out here. You don’t leave lights on inside the house or on the porch?”
“Nah, never gave it much thought, but in hindsight, with those renters coming around more often, I probably should have been doing that already.”
I tipped my head toward the front door. “How about we go inside and get more information?”
“Sure. I just put on a pot of coffee.”
Dan led the way inside the house. It looked like a comfortable retreat, the kind of place I could see myself having if I ever had time away from the job. Fishing was one of my favorite pastimes, and I wondered if those carefree, lazy days would ever show themselves again, yet at that moment, only Marie, Devon, and Liza filled my mind.
We sat down in the living room with Dan. A river rock fireplace took up the entire back wall, and the rest of the room held a couch and two chairs. Royce and I took the chairs, and Dan faced us from the couch. I pulled out my notepad, and we began.
“When were you last here prior to today?”
Dan scratched his chin. “Weekend before last. I only came out today to stock the fridge for this next weekend. The buddies and the wives are having a fish fry here next Saturday. I stopped in to replenish the beer stock and snacks. That’s when I saw that the car was gone.”
“So there’s no way of knowing when it was taken unless a neighbor noticed something.”
“That’s right, but if it was a neighbor I know well, they would have called me right away. It isn’t like we really watch each other’s property, but they’d know if I was here.”
“Any neighbors that seem sketchy to you?”
“Nah, none of the regulars. I can’t speak for the renters, though.”
“Okay, and have you spoken to the buddies who know where the house key is located?”
“Yep. None of them have been here except John and his wife, Eve. They stopped by on Thursday following an afternoon on the river then went to Fishbone Grill for supper. It’s only a couple of miles from here but not on the water. They took the car, were out for a few hours, and then brought it back before heading home on the boat.”
“And where do they live?” Royce asked.
“On Battery Crescent, several miles upriver. There’s a boat launch right next to their house, and they spend a lot of time on the water.”
“Sounds nice. And what’s John’s last name?”
Dan chuckled. “Would you believe Smith?”
Royce grinned. “Yep, that’s a good one. You did make sure the Civic keys were returned to the hook, right? John didn’t accidentally leave them in the car?”
“Nope, nope. They’re here.”
“And no forced entry into the house?”
“None that I noticed. It’s a shame, though.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Well, the car is only insured for liability because of the age. I mean, it can’t be worth more than a few thousand dollars, but it sure was useful.”
I stood, and Royce followed suit. “We’ll do what we can to track it down for you, Mr. Jacobsen. Meanwhile, we’re going to see what neighbors happen to be home and have a word with them.”
“Sure thing. Thanks for stopping in.”
“And thank you.” I passed my card to Dan before we left. “If anything else comes to mind or if you see any suspicious activity, just give me a jingle.”
He frowned as he stared at the card. “Homicide detective?”
I nodded. “Had extra time on my hands.”
Three other houses were within visual range of Dan’s. Only one had a car in the driveway, but we knocked at the other doors anyway just to be certain nobody was there. We saved the house with the car for last. The sun had set, and lights were on inside. Royce gave the door two knocks, and we waited.
Seconds later, the porch light came on, and the curtain was pulled aside on the picture window to my right. A woman who appeared to be around forty looked out. I showed her my badge. She frowned but came to the door anyway.
“Can I help you, Officers?”
“Yes, ma’am.” I pointed my thumb over my shoulder and began. “Mr. Jacobsen reported that his green Honda Civic has been stolen. He doesn’t know exactly when since he doesn’t live out here full-time, but I’d say within the last week at most. Have you noticed anyone in the area who doesn’t live back here? Or maybe someone too interested in his property?”
“Gosh, no, I can’t say that I’ve noticed anything off. It was unusually quiet this weekend. No renters, if you know what I mean. My hubby and I live here year-round, but we haven’t seen anything unusual lately.”
I tipped my head. “Okay, thank you for your time.”
Royce and I headed back to town, and as he drove, I used the cruiser’s computer to look up John Smith in the Savannah police arrest database. I knew that if I searched the state, hundreds of John Smiths would come up. Nothing was shown, so I did one more search in the people finder’s database. His name and address came up exactly where Dan said he lived. I checked the time—7:22. It wasn’t too late to call on somebody in their home, and we were only a few miles away.
“What do you think? Should we stop in and ask a few questions before heading back to the precinct?”
Royce let out a slow groan. “Yeah, let’s get it over with, or somebody else will have to do it tomorrow anyway. Meanwhile, call Patrol and ask if there’s been any sightings on that Civic.”
“Roger that.”
I made the call as Royce drove. Nothing had come in on the BOLO, which made me wonder if the car was being garaged somewhere. The smartest thing a thief could do was offload it as soon as possible. It would be far too risky to use again unless they had no idea that a BOLO was out on it already.
Royce pulled into the short gravel driveway along the wooded road. “I guess this is it.”
“It is according to my phone’s map and the number on the mailbox.
The porch light was already on, and since the blinds facing the front of the house hadn’t been drawn yet, we could see people inside. I was sure they’d seen our headlights as we turned in. A man came to the door before we even reached the sidewalk.
“Evening,” he said. “Can I help you gentlemen with something?”
I was sure he could see that our vehicle was a police cruiser by the large spotlights at the side mirrors and the government-issued plates. I introduced Royce and myself as we approached the man. He confirmed with a chuckle that he was indeed John Smith, then he invited us in.
We promised to keep the questions brief since it looked like they were about to sit down for supper.
We sat in the living room, and I asked him to recall the last time he’d used the Honda Civic and what had taken place that day. John’s account sounded nearly identical to Dan’s. John and his wife went out on the boat for the afternoon, docked it, and took Dan’s car out for dinner at Fishbone Grill.
“We had six o’clock reservations there since later, it’s impossible to get in. Feel free to check.”
“And that was which day?” Royce asked.
“Thursday, I believe. Right, honey?”
John’s wife, Eve, joined us. She rubbed her cheek. “Yes, I’m sure it was Thursday since I wanted to be home by eight to watch the reality show I like.”
“Yep, that’s right. We headed back to Dan’s house at seven fifteen, parked the car, put away the keys, and headed to the marina. The boat ride home only takes fifteen minutes.”
“You sure you locked the front door when you left?”
“Well, yeah. I mean, I always do. It’s kind of an absentminded task, not something you think about. Just something you’re sure you did.”
“And you think you did?”
He chuckled. “I know I did, but if you keep asking me, I might begin to wonder myself.”
“Okay, and you didn’t see anyone suspicious in the area when you picked it up or dropped it off?”
“Nope, but it was nearly dark out when we took it back, plus we weren’t looking for anything unusual.”
Royce nodded toward the door. “Understood, and thanks for your time. We’ll see ourselves out.”
I plopped down in the passenger seat with a thud and a grunt. That was more time wasted. Nothing we’d done in the last hour had gotten us any closer to finding Marie, Devon, and Liza.
“A kidnapper isn’t going to call in his own vehicle as missing, Mitch.”
“Stranger things have happened, maybe to throw us off track, plus I’m sure the neighbors out that way know the guy leaves that car there but doesn’t live in the area. It wouldn’t hurt to take their temperature. Get a feel for them and Mr.…?”
Royce checked his notes. “Daniel Jacobsen.”
I opened my email to see if the report had come in, and it had. “Here we go.” I read aloud Mr. Jacobsen’s description and plate number of the car. “Sounds like the same description we got from Devon’s neighbor who was walking the dog. Let’s issue that BOLO and take a drive out to Talahi Island.”
Chapter 26
“Marie, make some noise if you can still hear me.” Devon waited and heard the thud he was hoping for. “Okay, good. I know you’ve been here for several days and are likely weak, but I need you to think hard. Is there anything at all you can do to free yourself? Any sharp objects you can scrape your bindings against? Can you rub your face against the barrel lid to peel away the tape? Try something, Marie! If he’s been reusing the same tape on your mouth for the last few days, it has to be losing some of its stickiness.”
He heard louder noises, a sign that she was doing her best to get free. Marie wasn’t alone anymore, and Devon hoped that fact gave her the courage to fight. He called out to Liza and heard the same muffled noise he’d heard earlier, but she seemed to be farther away than Marie. No matter what, if Marie was able to free herself, she could help both Devon and Liza escape their fate too.
He waited and prayed for a miracle. They didn’t have phones, nobody knew where they were, and their captor would probably come back when he realized he’d forgotten to replace the tape over Devon’s mouth. Devon shouted at the top of his lungs, hoping anyone who might be in the area would hear his yells for help. His throat burned and his voice cracked, but nobody came.
A loud crash sounded from Marie’s side of the building. Something had happened, but Devon had no idea if it was good or bad.
“Marie, are you okay?” Devon wasn’t expecting a response, but he heard a voice.
“Devon, I got the tape off my mouth and tipped the barrel over in the process. I was jerking around too much.” It sounded like Marie was frantic and crying. “When he comes back, he’ll kill me. I know he will.”
“Not if you get away before that. Now, pay close attention, Marie. Our lives depend on it. First, can you tell how you’re bound?”
“My hands are taped behind my back.”
“And your legs?”
“They’re free.”
“How much room do you have in that barrel? Can you move around inside?”
“Somewhat. I’m scared.”
“We all are, but there’s a chance you can get out if you listen carefully.” Devon heard her moan. “Marie, time is of the essence. You have to focus one hundred percent. Can you do that for me?”
“I think so.”
“Good. I’m jammed in this barrel and can’t move at all, but if you can, you have to feel around for a bolt, a screw, a sharp edge, anything that may tear through that tape. Can you lower your head back inside the barrel?”
“Yes, but it stinks in there. I’ve had to pee, you know, and now I’m lying in it.” She began to cry loudly.
Devon groaned. “You need to keep it together. I’ve tried yelling, but nobody is around. It’s going to be up to us if we live or die.”
“I don’t want to die. I have kids and a husband.”
Devon wasn’t about to tell her what her husband had been up to. She might lose her focus and give up. “Duck your head back in, reposition yourself with your feet facing the lid, and kick like hell. My lid is only secured by the thin metal strap, so maybe yours is too. You can kick it off if you try hard enough. I know you can. Please, it’s our only hope. If you get out, you can help me, and then we’ll get Liza out too. We can do this, Marie. Just be strong and kick like hell.”
“I don’t know who Liza is.”
“It doesn’t matter. She’s being held in another room, but I know she’s here. I’ve heard commotion from a different area. Now do it! Fight for your life, Marie!” Yelling was Devon’s only option to get her to do something, and she had to act quickly.
He heard Marie curse, cry, and curse some more, then she began what sounded like violent kicking. “That’s it, Marie. Give it all you’ve got!”
“I did it, Devon! I’ve kicked off the lid.”
“Okay, now get out and do it fast. Follow my voice until you find me. Look for something that can cut through the tape securing your hands.”
“I can’t see anything. It’s too dark in here.”
“Find a light switch, then. I don’t know if this place has electricity or not, but feel along the walls.” Devon waited, but it was taking too long. “Never mind. Just find me, and I’ll tear the tape off your hands with my teeth. Hurry! There’s no time to waste.”
She followed his voice, and after crashing around in the darkened structure, she found Devon’s barrel. “Where are we?”
“I don’t know, but place your hands next to my face. With any luck, I can tear the tape off your wrists. I just need to find the end.”
She tried to stay still but shook violently from either fear or weakness. Devon figured it was both.
He found the end of the tape and pulled with his teeth until it began to unwind. He let go to speak. “Turn in a slow circle so I can keep unwinding it.”
She did as told, then the sound of a car door opening and closing froze them in place.
“Marie, you have to go. Hurry! Get the hell out of here now before he comes in.”
“How?” She was nearing hysteria.
“Find a back door or a window. Kick it out or knock it down, but do it now and then run for your life. Go! Get the hell out of here!” By that time, the person had reached the door. The padlock rattled as the key was inserted. Devon didn’t know if Marie had gotten out, but he heard what sounded like a window being pushed up. She needed to reach civilization fast and bring back help for him and Liza. He was sure the man in the shadows would be furious as soon as he realized Marie had escaped. Devon was also sure that the man’s anger would be taken out on him.
The door opened seconds later, and Devon heard two sets of footsteps. Although he was still stuck in the barrel and couldn’t have facilitated Marie’s escape, he knew he was in for a beating. There was a chance he would be spared, but he wasn’t counting on it.
Chapter 27
By the time we got on the road, we didn’t have much daylight left. Our drive to Talahi Island and the East Point Drive fishing cabin, as Mr. Jacobsen called it, was eight miles. We would get there shortly before the sun went down, and Mr. Jacobsen had agreed to meet us there.
Royce and I arrived at 6:50. We had forty-five minutes before evening shadows would darken the sky. We wanted to see the spot where Mr. Jacobsen kept the Civic as well as the neighborhood around the home.
Royce turned in to the driveway of a home that didn’t look anything like I’d imagined. The term “fishing cabin” sounded like a dwelling that had a sagging roof and needed paint. What stood in front of us was a small, quaint, but well-kept house with a lean-to and a shed directly at its rear. The man I imagined was Mr. Jacobsen stood outside and waved as Royce slowed to a stop. We exited the cruiser, introduced ourselves with a handshake, and asked to be shown around outside before it got too dark. Afterward, we would conduct our interview with him inside.
Mr. Jacobsen, who said he’d prefer to be called Dan, led us to the lean-to. “This is where I always kept the Honda. My buddies know where I leave the house key, and then the car key would be right inside on a hook. I’ve never had any problems before, and the car has been here for years.”
“Do you mind?”
He waved me on. “No, go ahead. The shed has all my fishing equipment inside, but I keep that secured with a combination lock.”
“And your buddies have that combination?”
“Sure, but they always bring their own tackle boxes. People have favorite lures and fishing supplies they use. When my friends show up, it’s usually on a boat after a day of fishing. They dock the boat at the marina and come up here and grab the car.”
“Would you mind opening the shed just so we can make sure nothing has been taken?” I asked.
“Yep, although I did check when I got here and saw that the car was gone. The house looks undisturbed too.”
Dan opened the shed, we popped our heads inside, then he locked it up again. I scanned the property.
“How big is your lot?”
“Only a half-acre. Most houses around here are small—second homes or just little places to get away to, if you know what I mean.”
Royce nodded. “And the neighbors and neighborhood in general?”
Dan shrugged. “All nice people from the ones I know. We come from different walks of life—some city folks, some come from a state or two away—yet there’s only a few people who live out here full-time.” He shook his head. “Although, those online rental opportunities are becoming real popular with the owners who don’t spend a lot of time here.”
“So strangers staying in the homes every so often?”
“Yep, people I’ve never seen before. Can tell by the out-of-state plates or just the fact that there’s several cars and multiple people who aren’t the owners.”
“Understood. So your home would appear vacant to anyone who’s out here. You don’t leave lights on inside the house or on the porch?”
“Nah, never gave it much thought, but in hindsight, with those renters coming around more often, I probably should have been doing that already.”
I tipped my head toward the front door. “How about we go inside and get more information?”
“Sure. I just put on a pot of coffee.”
Dan led the way inside the house. It looked like a comfortable retreat, the kind of place I could see myself having if I ever had time away from the job. Fishing was one of my favorite pastimes, and I wondered if those carefree, lazy days would ever show themselves again, yet at that moment, only Marie, Devon, and Liza filled my mind.
We sat down in the living room with Dan. A river rock fireplace took up the entire back wall, and the rest of the room held a couch and two chairs. Royce and I took the chairs, and Dan faced us from the couch. I pulled out my notepad, and we began.
“When were you last here prior to today?”
Dan scratched his chin. “Weekend before last. I only came out today to stock the fridge for this next weekend. The buddies and the wives are having a fish fry here next Saturday. I stopped in to replenish the beer stock and snacks. That’s when I saw that the car was gone.”
“So there’s no way of knowing when it was taken unless a neighbor noticed something.”
“That’s right, but if it was a neighbor I know well, they would have called me right away. It isn’t like we really watch each other’s property, but they’d know if I was here.”
“Any neighbors that seem sketchy to you?”
“Nah, none of the regulars. I can’t speak for the renters, though.”
“Okay, and have you spoken to the buddies who know where the house key is located?”
“Yep. None of them have been here except John and his wife, Eve. They stopped by on Thursday following an afternoon on the river then went to Fishbone Grill for supper. It’s only a couple of miles from here but not on the water. They took the car, were out for a few hours, and then brought it back before heading home on the boat.”
“And where do they live?” Royce asked.
“On Battery Crescent, several miles upriver. There’s a boat launch right next to their house, and they spend a lot of time on the water.”
“Sounds nice. And what’s John’s last name?”
Dan chuckled. “Would you believe Smith?”
Royce grinned. “Yep, that’s a good one. You did make sure the Civic keys were returned to the hook, right? John didn’t accidentally leave them in the car?”
“Nope, nope. They’re here.”
“And no forced entry into the house?”
“None that I noticed. It’s a shame, though.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Well, the car is only insured for liability because of the age. I mean, it can’t be worth more than a few thousand dollars, but it sure was useful.”
I stood, and Royce followed suit. “We’ll do what we can to track it down for you, Mr. Jacobsen. Meanwhile, we’re going to see what neighbors happen to be home and have a word with them.”
“Sure thing. Thanks for stopping in.”
“And thank you.” I passed my card to Dan before we left. “If anything else comes to mind or if you see any suspicious activity, just give me a jingle.”
He frowned as he stared at the card. “Homicide detective?”
I nodded. “Had extra time on my hands.”
Three other houses were within visual range of Dan’s. Only one had a car in the driveway, but we knocked at the other doors anyway just to be certain nobody was there. We saved the house with the car for last. The sun had set, and lights were on inside. Royce gave the door two knocks, and we waited.
Seconds later, the porch light came on, and the curtain was pulled aside on the picture window to my right. A woman who appeared to be around forty looked out. I showed her my badge. She frowned but came to the door anyway.
“Can I help you, Officers?”
“Yes, ma’am.” I pointed my thumb over my shoulder and began. “Mr. Jacobsen reported that his green Honda Civic has been stolen. He doesn’t know exactly when since he doesn’t live out here full-time, but I’d say within the last week at most. Have you noticed anyone in the area who doesn’t live back here? Or maybe someone too interested in his property?”
“Gosh, no, I can’t say that I’ve noticed anything off. It was unusually quiet this weekend. No renters, if you know what I mean. My hubby and I live here year-round, but we haven’t seen anything unusual lately.”
I tipped my head. “Okay, thank you for your time.”
Royce and I headed back to town, and as he drove, I used the cruiser’s computer to look up John Smith in the Savannah police arrest database. I knew that if I searched the state, hundreds of John Smiths would come up. Nothing was shown, so I did one more search in the people finder’s database. His name and address came up exactly where Dan said he lived. I checked the time—7:22. It wasn’t too late to call on somebody in their home, and we were only a few miles away.
“What do you think? Should we stop in and ask a few questions before heading back to the precinct?”
Royce let out a slow groan. “Yeah, let’s get it over with, or somebody else will have to do it tomorrow anyway. Meanwhile, call Patrol and ask if there’s been any sightings on that Civic.”
“Roger that.”
I made the call as Royce drove. Nothing had come in on the BOLO, which made me wonder if the car was being garaged somewhere. The smartest thing a thief could do was offload it as soon as possible. It would be far too risky to use again unless they had no idea that a BOLO was out on it already.
Royce pulled into the short gravel driveway along the wooded road. “I guess this is it.”
“It is according to my phone’s map and the number on the mailbox.
The porch light was already on, and since the blinds facing the front of the house hadn’t been drawn yet, we could see people inside. I was sure they’d seen our headlights as we turned in. A man came to the door before we even reached the sidewalk.
“Evening,” he said. “Can I help you gentlemen with something?”
I was sure he could see that our vehicle was a police cruiser by the large spotlights at the side mirrors and the government-issued plates. I introduced Royce and myself as we approached the man. He confirmed with a chuckle that he was indeed John Smith, then he invited us in.
We promised to keep the questions brief since it looked like they were about to sit down for supper.
We sat in the living room, and I asked him to recall the last time he’d used the Honda Civic and what had taken place that day. John’s account sounded nearly identical to Dan’s. John and his wife went out on the boat for the afternoon, docked it, and took Dan’s car out for dinner at Fishbone Grill.
“We had six o’clock reservations there since later, it’s impossible to get in. Feel free to check.”
“And that was which day?” Royce asked.
“Thursday, I believe. Right, honey?”
John’s wife, Eve, joined us. She rubbed her cheek. “Yes, I’m sure it was Thursday since I wanted to be home by eight to watch the reality show I like.”
“Yep, that’s right. We headed back to Dan’s house at seven fifteen, parked the car, put away the keys, and headed to the marina. The boat ride home only takes fifteen minutes.”
“You sure you locked the front door when you left?”
“Well, yeah. I mean, I always do. It’s kind of an absentminded task, not something you think about. Just something you’re sure you did.”
“And you think you did?”
He chuckled. “I know I did, but if you keep asking me, I might begin to wonder myself.”
“Okay, and you didn’t see anyone suspicious in the area when you picked it up or dropped it off?”
“Nope, but it was nearly dark out when we took it back, plus we weren’t looking for anything unusual.”
Royce nodded toward the door. “Understood, and thanks for your time. We’ll see ourselves out.”
I plopped down in the passenger seat with a thud and a grunt. That was more time wasted. Nothing we’d done in the last hour had gotten us any closer to finding Marie, Devon, and Liza.
