“I called Cleveland PD to talk to Wesley Masterson. He’s one of the Brothers Grim,” she added, because Diesel hadn’t been with her when Jeremy had visited the night before. She told him about the partner’s response. “It’s like she wasn’t expecting him to come back.”

He considered it. “Didn’t you say the other brother was an accountant? Call him.”

“His name is Grant.” She looked up his firm and placed the call, putting it on speaker.

“Hello, Masterson Accounting. This is MaryBeth. How can I help you?”

“May I speak to Grant Masterson, please?” Dani asked.

“He’s not in the office at the moment.”

“All right.” Lunchtime, she signed to Diesel. “Can I leave my number and ask him to call me back? It’s urgent.”

MaryBeth sniffed. “It’s always urgent this time of year. He’ll get to your tax return as soon as he can.”

“This isn’t about my taxes,” Dani said, irritated with the woman, but maintaining her calm. “It’s personal. When do you expect him back in the office?”

Another beat of hesitation, almost identical to the one when she’d spoken to Wesley Masterson’s partner. “Who is this?” MaryBeth demanded.

“My name is Dr. Dani Novak. I’m calling from Cincinnati.”

The woman’s intake of breath was audible. “Give me your number. I’ll let him know when he returns.”

Dani gave MaryBeth her cell, then pressed, “When do you expect him back?”

“Mr. Masterson has taken some vacation time. I’ll pass on your message.”

The line clicked as MaryBeth ended the call.

Diesel’s brows had lifted. “An accountant doesn’t just ‘take vacation’ a month before April fifteenth. They’re pedal to the metal, practically living in their offices.”

“I know. I wonder if he took his wife on ‘vacation’ with him.”

Diesel reached for her laptop. “I can find his home number.”

Dani didn’t doubt that for a moment. “Go for it.”

Less than a minute later she was placing the call. She again put it on speaker.

“Hello?” a woman answered.

“Hi. I’m trying to reach Grant Masterson. Is he home?”

“No, he’s not,” the woman said. “This is his wife.” Dani didn’t miss the emphasis on wife. “Can I help you?”

“I hope so. My name is Dr. Dani Novak. I’m calling from Cincinnati.”

The woman sucked in a panicked breath. “Oh my God. Is he okay? What happened? I told him to get a hotel.”

Dani looked at Diesel, her eyes wide. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Masterson, I didn’t mean to frighten you. I’m not your husband’s doctor. I’ve never met him. This is a personal call. I’d like to ask him about Laurel.”

Dead silence. “What?” the woman finally asked.

“Laurel,” Dani said gently. “Your husband’s sister.”

“I know who Laurel is,” the woman snapped. “Do you have her? Is she alive?”