Murder at Kindle Creek: A Gripping Small Town Female Detective Mystery Crime Thriller by Christopher Greyson

Author:Christopher Greyson [Greyson, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Greyson Media
Published: 2025-12-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty-Two

Charlie Westbrook

Charlie closed the curtains on the Bells’ bay window, but wasn’t able to completely shut out the glow from the emergency lights. Lisa’s mother and father sat on the couch, holding hands. They both looked like they were about to throw up.

Luke had volunteered to meet with forensics before directing the canvassing of the neighbors. As Charlie prepared to interview the panic-stricken parents, she wished Luke hadn’t given up so easily when she offered to do it.

Don’t make any promises, she cautioned herself.

“I’m sorry to make you do this, but the first few hours after a disappearance are critical. I need your help in order to find Lisa. I'd like to ask you some questions, is that okay?”

That got their attention. Anthony Bell squeezed his wife’s hand, and Grace looked up and nodded.

“When Lisa went to take the dog out, did you notice anything different about her behavior?”

“No.” Her mother’s lips trembled. “She was happy. Dancing around the table.”

She was happy about taking the dog out? Or was she meeting someone?

“Why do you think she was so happy?”

Grace leaned into her husband. Her eyes were red-rimmed and glazed over. “We just started giving Lisa daily chores, and walking the dog was one of them. She was saving up for lessons.”

“Dance lessons,” Anthony explained. “We just moved here from Fort Lee, New Jersey. Lisa always wanted to be a dancer⁠—”

Grace’s lips twisted, and she looked ready to break down.

“We need to stay focused to make sure Lisa still can do that.” Charlie’s voice had a bit of an edge, but it worked like a slap in the face.

Grace straightened up to listen to Charlie.

“So, Lisa was happy before she left with the dog. Did anything seem unusual? Was she dressed up or wearing makeup or jewelry?”

“No, nothing unusual. She was wearing jeans and a pink top and she doesn’t wear makeup. She’s only thirteen.”

Charlie leaned forward, softening her voice. “The reason I’m asking is, do you think there’s a possibility she went down to the gazebo to meet someone?”

Grace shook her head and tears began to flow down her splotchy cheeks. “Lisa would have invited a friend over. She wouldn't have snuck out to meet someone without telling me.”

“She did just make a new friend,” Anthony said, “at the dance studio.”

“Do you know the friend’s name?” Charlie asked.

“Savannah.” Grace inhaled. “But she’s just a girl Lisa said ‘hi’ to. Lisa’s at that age where everyone she says ‘hi’ to is a friend.”

“How long have you been in town?”

“Just a few weeks,” Anthony said. “I got a new job at R. R. Conway.”

“The transportation company?” Charlie scribbled a note. That’s the same company Harper Burke’s mother works for.

“I’m the IT security supervisor,” Anthony said.

Charlie scribbled a note to save for later. Does he know Karen Burke? Charlie wanted the answer now, but was afraid that when she asked the question, Grace might fall apart.

“Does Lisa have a computer?”

“A laptop,” Grace said. “Do you want me to get it for you?” She seemed eager to be doing anything other than sitting there, out of her mind with worry.

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