Page 52 of Hell Hath No Fury

“Not as much as we do, no, but the reason these guys have been so difficult to bring down is because they have a sixth sense about law enforcement. Hell, they’re probably flushing their stashes right this minute because we’re standing here.”

Matthias closed his eyes and exhaled as the realization struck him. He hadn’t spotted anyone or any security cameras, but that didn’t mean they weren’t being watched. While it was true that, in his T-shirt and jeans, his appearance didn’t scream detective, he was standing outside a business that dealt in illegal activities, talking to known police officers.

No doubt, he’d been made.

* * *

Emma’s phone buzzed, and an unfamiliar number lit the screen. She answered before the device had a chance to vibrate a second time.

“Is this Emma Anderson?”

“Yes. Is this Jim?”

“Yes. Diane asked me to call you about your sister.”

“That’s right. Nell. I think you picked her up this morning.”

“I did. She was standing there, hitchhiking, which scared me to death. You never know who might pick you up, especially a young thing like that.”

Emma didn’t take the time to agree. “Can you tell me where you took her?”

“She asked where I was going, and I told her I was headed to Little Washington. At first, she asked me to take her to a liquor store. I refused. I’ve been in recovery for twenty years and told her so. Gave her a good talking to.”

“I appreciate that. So where did you take her?”

“I offered to buy her a meal. She looked like she needed a few groceries under her belt. She agreed that she was hungry but said she didn’t need me to buy her food. She asked me to drop her off at the Save Rite Market. It was a couple miles out of my way, but that’s where I left her. Do you know where that is?”

“Yeah.” Emma knew the supermarket well, as did Nell. It was a huge store that carried a lot more than groceries. “Did you happen to see her go inside?”

“Yep. She went into the Starbucks entrance. Said she wanted to get one of their everything bagels with avocado spread.”

Emma swallowed hard. While it was true Nell loved everything bagels, Emma was all too aware that the coffee shop opened directly into the liquor department. “Thank you for calling me back, Jim. You’ve been a big help.”

“I hope you find her safe. She seemed… depressed. I asked her if she had any family around, and she said no.”

Emma fought back a sob, mumbled another thank you, and hung up.

After splashing water on her face in the bathroom, she placed her next call.

Matthias answered immediately.

She babbled about what she’d learned—the trucking company, the driver, and Nell’s new last known location—before asking him, “Where are you?”

He hesitated then replied, “Outside the Highlander. I ran off some kids trying to steal the wheels off my Jeep, but in the process, may have been made as a cop by the people inside.”

“Have you seen Nell?”

“No. I would’ve told you.”

Emma wasn’t sure about that. If Nell was in bad shape…

“Do you want me to check the Save Rite Market?”

“I want you to come pick me up so we canbothcheck it.”

“You need to rest.”

She wanted to scream but restrained herself. “I’m not going to get any rest while Nell is out there. I’ve done all I can do on the computer. Please, Matthias, come and get me.”