Chapter 32
THIRTY-TWO
“Quinn.”
Drew’s voice was like a rumble of distant thunder, but she instantly felt comforted. Drew got things done, and, despite the years of noncommunication, he didn’t sound like a man who’d moved to a retirement village and started his own murder club with other bored retirees.
“How have you been, Drew?”
“Not too bad.” There was a brief pause. “I considered reaching out when Quinngate first broke but thought you probably had enough to contend with. I’m glad to see it’s all water under the bridge now. Or is it? Has something happened? Did someone threaten you?”
“I’m not calling about myself. But I do need your help.”
“I’m all ears,” Drew said. And she told him everything.
“I can see why you wouldn’t feel reassured,” Drew said when she finished. “That DI should have had considerably more information by this stage.”
“What sort of information?” Quinn asked.
“Well, for one, it’s not that difficult to find out the name of Logan’s surrogate and trace her movements. Likewise, he should have contacted Rafe and asked about his movements on the day Logan was followed home. At the very least, he should try to rule the two of them out of the investigation.”
“Why would someone burn Logan’s car?” She could think of a reason, but she needed to hear it from a professional.
“My guess would be that someone wished to destroy evidence.”
“But evidence of what?” Quinn cried.
“Illegal substances, or the more likely possibility is that they hoped to destroy any traces of DNA. Now, don’t go jumping to any unfounded conclusions,” he warned. “The police did not find human remains in the car, which is reason to hope that Logan is still alive.”
“I haven’t heard from him in several days.”
“He either can’t or won’t make contact because he believes he’s in danger.”
“But why would someone want to hurt Logan? What could he be involved in that would make him a target?”
“I can’t answer that just now, but I will have something to share with you tomorrow,” Drew promised. “But I do need you to answer a few questions. It will save time.”
He took down Max’s date of birth, the name of the hospital where he was born, Rafe’s details, and the address where Quinn and Gabe would be until Sunday.
“I’ll be in touch. If you hear anything or if something gives you cause for concern, ring me straight away.”
“I will,” Quinn promised. “And thank you, Drew.”
“Thank me when I find your brother.”
Quinn felt infinitely better by the time they ended the call.
She stopped at the supermarket, picked up some groceries and bought ice cream for the kids, and set off for the boathouse.
When she got back, Gabe and the kids were gone.
Quinn felt sick with apprehension but ordered herself to remain calm.
There was no reason to suspect that anything was wrong.
She tried phoning Gabe but heard his mobile ring in the bedroom, where it was plugged in to charge.
Emma’s mobile was on her bed, still attached to her headphones.
Quinn looked around frantically for anything that might tell her where they had all gone.
She let out a hysterical giggle when she finally went to put away the melting ice cream.
There was a scrap of paper pinned to the fridge, the note scribbled in Gabe’s hand.
Gone fishing
She supposed the kids had become restless and Gabe had decided that this was a safe way to keep them occupied. Letting out a sigh of immense relief, Quinn put away the groceries, then took out the earring and settled in a deckchair. She’d go fishing too. For information.