‘Detective, I don’t know where my daughter is, and I’m worried. Yes, she can be a bit spoiled and dramatic, but this goes beyond even her wildest stunt. So, I’d like to know what I need to do to officially file a missing person’s report.’

‘Consider it official. Thank you for calling. We’ll let you know as soon as we find anything out. And please do the same. If you hear from her, or if she comes home, do give me a call.’

As soon as she hung up, Alyssa changed lanes so she could make a U-turn. ‘Since we haven’t heard back from Hal yet on that address for Chance Williams, let’s go have a chat with Beau Cambridge.’

Cord’s face could’ve been carved from stone the way it hardened. Without responding, he tapped the navigation screen and entered the Cambridge family’s address.

It took less than ten minutes to reach Tanoan East, the gated community situated around one of Albuquerque’s golf courses. The Cambridge residence was in the center of the subdivision, and it boasted oversized windows which allowed passers-by to glance into and through their home to the Sandia mountains nestled behind them.

In the driveway sat a souped-up four-wheel-drive Rubicon that Alyssa knew from Holly belonged to Jersey’s boyfriend. Next to it was a newer model BMW convertible with buttery yellow leather seats that looked like they hugged the bodies of its passengers. Situated on two pillars in front of the house were two humongous brass lions.

‘Apparently, I missed the memo that all our interviewees today were going to be swimming in currency.’

‘You’re telling me.’ Cord’s head swiveled as he took in the surrounding area. ‘But next to the Otis residence, this one kind of looks shabby, don’t you think?’ Though his words held a note of humor, there was none to be found in his gaze. She wondered when or even if he’d share what was eating away at him.

Shoving her partner’s frame of mind aside, Alyssa led the way up the walkway and through the courtyard to the front door. Pressing her finger on the white button, she rang the bell, listening to the chime echo throughout the house. Seconds later, the clickety-clack of high heels across tiled floor reverberated as someone hurried to see who was calling.

They heard the sounds of an alarm being disarmed, a series of rattles from a chain lock being removed, and the clap of a deadbolt turning before the door opened to reveal a woman in her early to mid-fifties who appeared to be trying her best to look at least a decade younger. From a distance she probably pulled it off. Up close, however, the stretched look from Botox injections told a different story. Her blonde hair was perfectly styled, make-up airbrushed into perfection so that it gave her face the appearance of a porcelain doll. Large sparkly sapphires dangled from her ears, completing the look.

‘Mrs. Cambridge?’ Alyssa asked.

The woman’s gaze flickered between Cord and Alyssa, and she sucked her bottom lip between her teeth, worrying it before she finally answered. ‘Yes. Who’s asking?’