The Fragile Things by Mary Cantell

Author:Mary Cantell [Cantell, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798385210398
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Published: 2024-03-25T20:53:15+00:00

Chapter Twenty-three

“The girls were last seen at the Stacks,” Officer Earl Jamison explained to the HRD Cadaver K-9 unit. “The search will take place at the entrance just off of Founders Way and that will include a 10-mile radius in the area between Fountain Hill and Wind Creek with an emphasis on the downtown district between Hayes and Wyandotte. Any questions?”

“What’s the status come nightfall?” asked one of the men in the unit.

“We’ll cross that bridge when it comes, lieutenant.”

“Copy, sir.”

“So, we’ll canvas the river as well. All of the facts we know are that the girls apparently walked from the campus on foot and left to go back the same way. You each have a map of the area. We’ll go as far as the bridge up toward the entrance at Founders Way and throughout the lower end. Follow all of the rules and protocols; you know what they are. Make sure you make note of any additional procedure you use. You can use the ICS-214 form.” He looked down at his clipboard. “Anything else, gentlemen?”

“Any other units with us or on stand-by?” the lead agent inquired.

“We’re working on that right now. We’ve made a call to Allentown and Hanover. All my staff is extended as far as we can go. We can use all the help we can get.”

All seven men on the HRD team stood silently with their dogs by their sides.

“Okay, if there are no more questions, I’ll be in touch by radio. Good luck to all of you.”

Nick watched from his car while the K-9 team dispersed and then approached.

“Officer,”—Nick extended his hand—“I’m Sergeant Detective Nick Durham, Plymouth police, Montgomery County.”

Officer Jamison’s eyebrows raised, “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“I’m here to help out—if you need another set of eyes. I’ve got a vested interest in finding the girls—particularly, Emily Harding.”

“How’s that?”

“Well, she’s the daughter of my old girl—well. . .someone I used to know.”

Officer Jamison looked intently at him and then gave a sideways grin.

“I’ve got a soft spot for her, and when I heard. . .” He shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets.

“Yep, terrible situation for these girls.”

Nick rubbed his nose. “You said they were at the Stacks, earlier?”

Officer Jamison nodded. “Got so many citing calls so far, but it’s still a crapshoot for sure.”

“What’s the Stacks?”

“The entertainment center they made out of the old Bethlehem Steel plant.” He signaled the direction behind him.

Nick stared down the street where people mingled at outdoor dining tables and milled in and out of boutiques, all oblivious to the situation at hand. His heart sank at what could have been with Sarah vs. his present reality. In the warmth of the gorgeous summer day, he watched a couple sitting at one of the outdoor cafés and pictured himself with Sarah sitting in their place. . .her reddish-brown hair gleaming in the sun. . .a margarita in her hand as she laughed at one of his lame jokes. The image of her lingered in his head. A moment later, he realized there was zero time for daydreaming.

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