Mrs. Gable started counting on her fingers. “Sarah Jenkins. That was in the early 2000s.
Beth Panin. Just a kid, really. Had just graduated high school. Then there was… what was her name? Amy Bell, I think.
She worked at the post office. And there were others, girls from out of town who worked at the diner. And those are just the ones I heard about.” She shook her head.
“You know, Alex, I once told the deputy—it wasn’t right, all these girls vanishing. And he just told me, ‘Don’t worry your head, Mrs. Gable. They all left on their own. No foul play.’ He had this look in his eyes… I didn’t bring it up again.”
“Which deputy?” “Jim Garrett, who else? He was the one who always handled those calls. He was just a sergeant then. Now he’s the Sheriff.”
Alex clenched his jaw. “Mrs. Gable, what do you know about the Garrett family?” She hesitated. “Well… they’re respected people.”
“George Garrett is a wealthy man. He handles everyone’s arrangements. He gives to the church, the youth center. His son is the law. His brother—God rest him—was our priest.”
“Father Bill. Everyone loved him. He was a good man.” “But…” “But what?” “You hesitated. Is something wrong with them?”
Mrs. Gable looked away. “It’s just… there are people everyone respects because they’re afraid not to. The Garretts are like that. They smile and shake your hand, but there’s a coldness there. Especially George.”
“I ran into him at the grocery store once. He held the door for me, said ‘Good morning.’ But it made my skin crawl. Like I was talking to a wolf.” She shuddered. “Do you think it’s them? The Garretts?”
“I don’t know,” Alex said honestly. “But I’m going to find out.” “Be careful, Alex. They’re powerful people. If they really… well, you know, they won’t let you just walk away.”
“I know.” Alex finished his tea and stood up. “Thanks, Mrs. Gable. You’ve been a big help.” “I don’t see how. I’m just an old gossip.”
“Sometimes gossip is all we have.” He was at the door when she called out to him: “Alex, I just remembered something about Mary.” He turned back. “What?” “That day she went missing…”
“I saw her that morning, walking to work. But then at lunch, I was looking out the window and I saw her get into a car.” Alex’s heart skipped a beat. “What kind of car?” “A black one.”
“Or dark blue. Big, expensive. Mary was on the sidewalk, and the car pulled up. She got in, and they drove off.” “Did you see the driver?” “No, it was too far. Just the car.”
“Did you tell the police?”
