Chapter 18
With traffic, it took an hour to get down to Marina Del Ray. It was insane. Just running a few errands would put you in the car all day. We parked in the lot and strolled the dock, looking for the Pacific Spirit.
I banged on the stern and shouted, "Ms. Larson, county sheriff.”
I neglected to say which county.
"We're investigating a string of murders and disappearances that may be connected with your daughter's case.”
Holly climbed into the cockpit, more than eager to talk to us. She welcomed us aboard, and we joined her.
“Other cases?" she asked, her brow knitted with confusion.
I gave her an overview of the connections. "What can you tell me about Brooke’s disappearance?"
Holly frowned and shrugged. "She was here one minute, and gone the next.
We had planned on having lunch. She just never showed up.
No phone call, nothing. Highly unusual. I had been texting her prior just to confirm we were still on, but I hadn't heard back.
I figured she'd gotten busy. It wasn't unusual for her to work nonstop on a project.”
"You know what kind of work she was doing for Meridian Aerospace Technology?”
It was another company owned by RSS.
Holly shook her head. "I really don't. She always told me she couldn't talk about it. Nondisclosure agreements, classified, that kind of thing.”
"She was a meta-materials expert," I said.
"That's pretty much a fancy way of saying she came up with new metal alloys. Lighter, stronger. Perfect for aircraft, drones, missile systems. I didn't ask too many questions.”
"She had a condo in West Hollywood, right?"
"Yes, on Doheney.”
"But she worked in Pasadena?”
"That's where the company is located, from what I understand. I've never been. I do know she did a lot of work from home on the computer.”
"When was the last time you talked to her?”
"The day before she went missing. We were supposed to meet for lunch the next day. I talked to her that evening briefly. We tried to get in touch every day. I called the police, but they haven’t done much. I talked to the FBI. That was it.” She paused. “You said you’re with the county.”
"Out-of-state.”
She looked impressed. "And you came all this way?"
"Yes, ma'am."
“I wish we’d get that kind of service around here. That's dedication. I don't think anybody around here cares. So much happens in this city, what's one more missing person?" Holly's eyes filled, and she frowned.
"We think these are connected, but we’re trying to rule out other possible suspects. Was Brooke having any problems with anyone in her life? Jealous ex-boyfriend, that type of thing?"
Holly shook her head. "Brooke didn’t have time for a boyfriend.
I kept getting on her. I told her, I want grandkids, and you're not getting any younger. She was so focused on work.” Holly stopped herself, and her throat tightened.
"I shouldn't say was. Is. I can't help thinking… I mean, she's been gone for so long. What do you think? Is there a chance she’s still alive?”
"I think there's always a chance until proven otherwise.”
Holly forced a grim smile. "I’ve got a key to her apartment. I went by there to see if, you know, maybe something happened. Maybe she fell and hit her head. I don't know. All kinds of crazy things go through my mind.”
"Did you find anything unusual?”
"Her phone, computer, and tablet were missing. Stuff that she'd probably take with her if she went somewhere. I looked in the closet, and I think a suitcase was missing, along with some of her clothes. But I’m not sure. She would have told me if she was going somewhere. She wouldn’t just leave abruptly. That's not like Brooke.”
I shared a look with Jack, then asked Holly, "Is there anyone else she may have confided in?”
"You should talk to Autumn. That's her best friend. I've talked to her. She has no idea where Brooke is. She’d tell me if she knew anything.”
"Do you have contact information for Autumn?”
Holly nodded. "Sure, I can get that for you.”
I dug into my pocket and handed her a card. She texted me Autumn’s information a moment later and told us Autumn lived a few blocks from Brooke in West Hollywood. Autumn was trying to be an actress and had done a few B movies.
I told Holly we’d keep in touch, then said our goodbyes. We hustled back to the Ferrari, and I called Brooke’s friend.