‘True. What I’d like to hear is that the girls have somehow found their way home and were never in danger, but since the chances of that happening are less than slim to none, let’s get this show on the road.’ She turned to Hal. ‘Could you light a fire under the tech team regarding those prints found on Addis’s phone? Even if we rule it out as hers…’

‘Consider it done.’

As they headed for the door, Alyssa realized Sandra was still standing in the same spot she’d been earlier, unsure what she was supposed to be doing, and gestured to her to come on. ‘You can ride with Cord and me.’

Their newest team member wasted no time catching up.

Chapter Ten

Friday, October 4

Kensington Investigations was housed in a quaint brick building nestled at the end of a commercial cul-de-sac that was tucked between two quiet residential streets. According to Grace, Gabriel had taken great care in choosing this location. It gave the respectability of being in a professional area while still giving the privacy many of his clients craved.

Armed with the search warrant, Alyssa climbed out of her Tahoe, taking note of the black Escalade with gold-colored trim and shiny rims parked in the space designated President. It made the powder blue Prius parked next to it look like a toy. ‘Wonder who’s here.’

Cord tapped the hood of the Cadillac as he moved past it, hurrying forward so he could hold the door open for her and Sandra, something she was finally getting used to. It had only taken five and a half years. ‘Whoever it is can’t have been here too long. Engine’s still warm.’

Inside, the first sounds that greeted them were snuffles from a copper-haired woman perched behind a desk with a placard that read Marnie Hanson. When she heard the chime above the door, her head jerked up, putting her red-rimmed eyes and cherry-tipped nose on full display.

In front of her stood Mack Kensington who spun around when they entered. If the expression on his face was anything to go by, he was less than thrilled to see Alyssa and her team. Which was fine because she was less than thrilled to see him, as well.

‘I—I’m sorry. I’m afraid we’re closed right now,’ Marnie said, yanking several tissues from the box near her phone, blowing her nose into one, blotting her eyes with another, and dabbing her cheeks with the final one before tossing the lot into the wastebasket.

From her jacket pocket, Alyssa retrieved the search warrant and handed it over to Gabriel’s secretary. ‘Albuquerque Police Department. We’re here to search the office.’