“That’s a nice, neat scenario. And it may be true. But I’m going to take down the details and log this as a crime.” He stepped back, viewing the small house through narrowed eyes. “And, before I leave, I’m going to check out your security system.”
“Are you always this bossy?” There was a smile in her eyes and a teasing note in her voice. He liked them both. A lot.
“I’m a police officer. Bossy is what I do.”
The smile faded at the reminder. “And you’re here because of Eliza.”
There was no way he could avoid giving her the bad news. “I went out to the AAG Center and asked a few questions. I got the same answers you did. Several members say she left two days after the earthquake. They said she may have been a little strung out around that time.”
“No one mentioned that to me.” Her smooth brow creased. “If she was upset, or in trouble, it seems kind of an important detail to mention, don’t you think?”
“You were already worried. Possibly, they didn’t want to share that sort of sensitive information with you in case it distressed you further.”
“I was unhappy when I realized Eliza had left the AAG ranch and no one knew where she had gone. I wasn’t hysterical.” Her lip curled. “So what does this mean? You’re telling me they’re the nice guys?”
He held up his hands. “I’m not making a judgment. Just letting you know what I found.”
“Which is a big, fat zero. Exactly what I discovered on my o
wn.” She watched the dogs for a few moments as they played a three-way game of chase. “What happens next?”
“You need to complete a missing-person-adult-waiver form. This form is essentially an affidavit that details your relationship to Eliza and states that you accept any civil liability for invasions of privacy that may take place during the course of the investigation. I have a copy here. If you fill it in and return it within seventy-two hours, Eliza will remain a missing person on our files and in the National Missing Persons System. We’ll do what we can to find her.”
She had told him that she’d filed a missing-persons report for Eliza before, so Katrina probably already knew how the investigation would progress. Inquiries would include speaking to friends, family and other known associates. It could also progress to checking with banks and a call history, and monitoring internet and social-media use. Even so, if Eliza chose not to be found, there were things she could do to keep her whereabouts hidden.
And, in the case of missing adults, the role of the police was only to verify the person’s welfare. They would not reveal the whereabouts, or any other details, to the reporting person. Similarly, Spencer could not promise Katrina that he would “pass on a message” or provide contact information to Eliza.
“You’ll take charge of this yourself?” Katrina asked.
An image of his overloaded desk came into his head. “I’ll oversee the case, but I won’t be able to undertake the routine tasks.”
Her expression clouded. “But you’re the investigating officer.”
For an instant, he wanted to promise her he would drop everything except this case. He would find Eliza if he had to work around the clock. Actually, when he looked into those incredible hazel eyes, he wanted to promise her the earth...
Try explaining that to Chief Barco.
“I’m in the middle of investigating the Payne Colton shooting—”
“Fine.” She swung away from him, stooped to pick up a tennis ball and hurled it across the yard. “You have your priorities and clearly your family comes first.”
“Katrina, it’s not like that.” It had been a long time since he’d tried to reason with an angry woman, and his skills were a little on the rusty side.
“It’s okay. I’ll investigate Eliza’s disappearance on my own.”
“No.” She raised her eyebrows at the forcefulness of his tone. “You are not to do that. It’s too dangerous.”
Arms folded across her chest, she turned to face him. “So you won’t assist me, but I’m forbidden to go it alone? Thanks, Sergeant Colton, you’ve been a great help.”
“I’m offering you the best I can do with the resources available.” It sounded like a lame official line even to his own ears.
“Well, I appreciate your input.” She huffed out a breath. “If that’s all?”
“It’s not.” He understood that she was hurt, but if she was trying to annoy him, she was succeeding. “I need to check out your security system, remember?”
* * *
“I suggest you upgrade the locks on the downstairs windows,” Spencer said after he completed his inspection of the house. “And I’d recommend a video-entry system for the front door.”