Page 77 of Midnight Creed

“Are you saying you already know her real name?”

“It actually was very easy.”

“Her prints are in the criminal database?”

“No. But they are filed with the federal government since she had classified clearance.”

“Classified clearance?”

“Her name is Vanessa Sambrook. Up until five years ago, she was employed by the State Department. More specifically, the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. She speaks Russian, German, French and Italian. Never married. No listed close relatives.”

Nessie had joked about it, and Maggie waved it off as the imagination of a mentally challenged homeless woman.

“So what happened? How did she end up on the street?”

“Looks like she handed in her resignation. No indication whether it was forced. I haven’t dug that deep. Do you want me to?”

“No. Not right now. It’s more important we make sure she’s okay. And that she’s definitely not treated like a co-suspect. Please tell them she was working with us. With me. As an informant. Tell Detective Sheldon. Can you do that for me?”

“Absolutely. I’m on it.”

Maggie clicked off the call, then walked back out onto the balcony. She rubbed at the knot of tension between her shoulder blades. Unsuccessful at dismantling it, she sighed and stared out at the water.

What a mess. And the fact that she had caused it was eating away at her. Maybe she could counter her mistake with a good deed.

She scrolled through the contacts on her phone. The number was here, though she had never used it. When the senator gave Maggie her private cell phone number, the woman was genuinely humbled and beyond grateful for what Maggie had done for her and her family. At the time, Maggie knew she meant it when she told her, “If there’s ever anything I can do to repay the favor, please call me.”

Maggie tapped the number. It was worth a shot.

50

Linden Estates

Santa Rosa County, Florida

Taylor had met Santa Rosa County Sheriff Francis Norwich back in June. However, it was only weeks after the sheriff had suffered a heart attack and was still on the mend. It was difficult to match that convalescing woman with the person who waited on Dora’s portico. Dressed in uniform, she looked every bit the authoritarian figure Jason talked about, lean with square shoulders and sleek gray hair.

She watched and waited as Taylor parked along the Ramsey’s circle driveway behind the sheriff’s SUV. She continued to wait for her even as Dora opened the door. Unfortunately, Taylor wasn’t close enough to hear the exchange. But she did see Dora’s expression. Her mother-in-law looked surprised to see the sheriff, then her face turned into a scowl when her eyes found Taylor making her way to the front door.

Nevertheless, Dora led them into her formal living room, then sat down without offering them to do the same.

“Is your husband here? It would be a good idea for him to join us.”

“He was in Biloxi today for business. He’s making his way home as quickly and safely as possible. Besides, I’ve already taken care of things,” she said to the sheriff, avoiding even acknowledging Taylor.

“You’ve taken care of things?” Sheriff Norwich continued standing, and Taylor followed her lead. “Because my office hasn’t heard from you. Or are you saying your grandson is not missing?”

“I called Kevin Perry. He’s handling the situation.”

Taylor looked from Dora to Norwich as the two women seemed to stare each other down.

“I don’t understand,” Taylor finally said. “Who is Kevin Perry?”

“He’s an FBI agent,” Norwich answered, her eyes not leaving Dora’s. “From what I remember, he’s with the Jacksonville office. This isn’t his jurisdiction.”

Now Taylor understood why Dora hadn’t called Sheriff Norwich. She’d already called the FBI.

“I’m the one who decides if and when to call the FBI, Mrs. Ramsey.”