Chief Harper flipped through the pages then stopped and examined them before answering. “No, he said he didn’t see anything, but he heard a car driving by at about the same time he heard the clanking noise. We interviewed all the neighbors, but nobody else in the neighborhood heard or saw anything. Of course, it was later in the evening, and most of the neighbors were already in bed.” He looked up from the notes and removed the glasses from his face. “As you can see, I have an inch-thick folder here full of notes, but it’s mostly interviews that amounted to nothing.”
They sat quietly for a moment until Ryan finally broke the silence. “We’re not sure where to go from here. Can you point us in the right direction?”
“I really don’t know.” He contemplated for a moment, then said, “I guess the first thing you should do is call the FBI. They don’t investigate abandonment, but they do investigate kidnapping and missing persons. I don’t think that applies to your case, but I could be wrong. It’s worth checking out.”
“I was thinking,” Bailey said, “maybe I should submit one of those mail-order DNA kits. The kind that links you to your ancestors. Have you heard of those?”
Chief Harper’s eyes grew sympathetic. “Bailey, I realize how hard this must be for you. I also realize there’s a ton of stuff on the internet nowadays. But I’d advise you to try law enforcement first. I’d be afraid of what kind of people you might be connected to if you took this into your own hands. What if you submit your DNA and let one of those ancestor sites connect you with someone who doesn’t have your best interests at heart? I’d hate to see you fall prey to a scam. Try the FBI first and ask them for suggestions. Let the online DNA option be your last.”
Bailey nodded, fighting with the disappointment that swamped her. She thought the online DNA option was a good one. She’d seen stories about families or siblings trying to find the rest of the family after having been split up, and she’d hoped for the same happy ending. “I understand. You’re right. I don’t need any trouble or drama in my life right now. I’ll start with the FBI.”
Ryan nodded and stood. “Thank you for giving us your time.”
Harper stood, too, and held out a hand to Ryan. “My pleasure.” He handed over a couple of business cards. “I’ll make some calls. I have a friend over in the local FBI office. I’ll see if he can help get you in contact with your local office. Until then, feel free to call me if you have any other questions.”
“That would be great. Thank you so much, sir,” Bailey said.
He turned toward her. “I know this is hard, but the Mortons fought really hard to keep you. That must count for something.”
“Yes, sir, thank you again for everything.”
“It’s a blessing to see you all grown up. Please feel free to give me a call if you have any other questions or if you get any leads you need help with.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Bailey slid into the passenger seat of the rental car and rubbed her face with her hands, keeping them there, holding her eyes closed. “Let’s go home.”
“What?” Ryan started the car and let it idle. “Bailey, don’t give up so easily.”
“Oh, my God. Stolen from my mother’s womb. I never imagined something so sick.”
Ryan closed his eyes and shook his head for a second. “I know. That one got to me, too.” He opened his eyes and reached for her, grabbing her wrist until she dropped her hands to look at him. “Let’s at least visit your uncle. Then you can decide if you want to continue with the search. It’s a pointless trip if we don’t talk to Patrick.”
She nodded. “I also want to visit my aunt Lucy.”
“Which one is she?”
“My mother’s sister.”
“Right, forgot. Let’s do Patrick first.” He punched the address into the navigation system and followed the directions.
They pulled into the circular driveway of a large, custom-built home with a three-car garage and a long winding walkway through a beautifully landscaped yard that led up to the double front door. There was a wide porch that ran the entire length of the house with huge, tree-trunk-sized log pillars. Bailey was a little surprised. She knew her uncle was a car salesman, but she didn’t realize car salesmen made enough to afford such a beautiful and large house.
“It looks like he’s home,” Ryan said, nodding toward the BMW parked in front of one of the garage stalls.
They approached the front door, and Ryan knocked. It was nearing noon, and the sun was bright in the clear sky. It was hot, too. She was glad she’d packed a cool summer dress to wear. Jeans would’ve been miserable.
When the door opened, she turned. A woman in her twenties answered, looking them up and down. The expression made Bailey wonder if people here knew on sight that she and Ryan were from out of state. It hadn’t been the first time she felt as if she wore a sign that said, ‘I don’t belong here.’
“Hello, hi,” Bailey said, not sure where to start. “I’m Bailey. I’m looking for Patrick Morton.”
“Um, he’s not here.” The woman gave her a strange look, as if she wasn’t sure what to think.
Bailey tried to smile through the tension. “I’m his niece. Can you tell me when he’ll return?”
“Oh…you’re Bailey Morton?” she said, holding out her hand in surprise.
“Yes, sorry, I should have said that first.”
“No, I’m sorry. I’m Anna, Pat’s daughter, and your cousin.”
“Oh, wow, hi,” Bailey said again, feeling a little nervous.
“Come in.” Anna held the door for them. They entered to the glorious feel of air conditioning and the smell of fresh lilies. Bailey took in the large foyer and the expanse of shiny hardwood floors and smiled.
