Chapter 18
"Failure to check in is a felony," I said.
"Yep, and there is a current warrant out for his arrest. I’m going to send you his mug shot.”
"Thanks. You're the best."
“I know," she said in a cutesy voice before ending the call.
My phone buzzed with Jesse's picture a moment later. He was 38 years old, with curly brown hair and a bushy beard. He matched the description Talia had given me. She was the first person I sent the photo to.
I texted the photo to the property manager of both locations and to the other residents we had spoken to, hoping to get a hit.
I pulled myself out of bed, took a shower, and went through my morning routine. Afterward, I stumbled down to the main deck, banged on the hatch to JD’s stateroom, then started grilling breakfast in the galley.
Crash joined me not long after. With bleary eyes and hair in all directions, he said, "Smells good."
I was surprised to see him at this hour. "You're up early.”
"Couldn’t sleep.”
"What's that about?"
He shrugged. "I don't know. Just kinda wired up.”
Jack joined us a few moments later, and I filled him in on the situation. We dished up plates and feasted on the sky deck, stuffing our faces with blueberry waffles, smothered in maple syrup and butter, crunching on bacon, sipping gourmet coffee.
Talia texted back. [That’s him. That’s the guy who’s been panhandling around the complex. Is that the guy who killed Polly?]
[Don’t know yet. If you see him, call me immediately.]
[If I see him, I'm running the other direction.]
[Smart move.]
The amber rays of morning gleamed the water, and a cool breeze drifted across the deck. If it weren’t for the two homicides, it would have been a brilliant start to the day. I tried to put that out of my mind for a moment and enjoy breakfast.
After we filled our bellies, we bused our plates, and I told Crash to have the boat cleaned by the time we got back. I had no doubt he would recruit the others. It was the unspoken rule of the boat. They could party as much as they wanted, but they had to keep it clean.
Teagan stopped by with the animals, looking as delightful as ever in her bikini top and short shorts. Buddy burst into the salon when I opened the door. He pounced, and I hugged the little Jack Russell.
“I missed you, boy,” I said.
Fluffy seemed slightly less enthused. The aloof white cat took her throne on the sofa and surveyed her underlings.
“Thanks for taking care of them,” I said to Teagan.
“I thought about running off with them, but I figured you’d come looking for me.”
“I would,” I teased.
“What are you guys up to today?”
“Running down leads. Interviewing suspects.”
“Well, I’ll let you get to it.”
“Thanks for everything.”
“Anytime,” she said with a smile.
“We’ll walk with you to Diver Down.”
JD and I gathered our things and escorted Teagan to the bar. We said our goodbyes, then hopped into the Porsche. We set out to find Jesse, but that would be no easy task. He drifted like the wind. If he was smart, he’d have gotten himself out of town.
We cruised around the island, listening to classic rock with the sunroof open and the windows down, enjoying the sound of the flat-six. We hit all the usual spots where vagrants congregated.
It wasn't hard to figure out we were cops by the questions we were asking.
We talked to a few guys who were living over by the Mega Mart behind the dumpster. We talked to guys in the warehouse district and drifters around Oyster Avenue. It was more profitable to panhandle at the tourist spots. We spoke to a few individuals near the boardwalk.
Nobody had seen Jesse.
Either that, or they were keeping their mouths shut. More likely the latter. Code of the street. Shut up and stay out of other people's business.
We handed out business cards, but I didn’t expect anyone to call. Quite a few had prepaid cell phones. Others had disconnected completely. Off-grid and invisible. Never filed a tax return. Didn't have bills. Maybe they were on to something.
That took up the better part of the morning.
We headed back to the marina and grabbed lunch at the bar at Diver Down. Teagan greeted us with a cheery smile.
"You boys look a little frustrated."
"We can't find who we’re looking for," I said.
"Who are you looking for?”
"A bad man."
She frowned. "Does this have to do with that girl who was murdered last night?"
I nodded.
"Such a shame. I gotta tell you, it's freaking me out a little."
"I would be extra cautious until we sort this out."
Teagan groaned. "I'm so looking forward to getting out of here for a bit."
"You'll miss us,” JD said.
She smiled. "Of course I will.” She sighed. "I’m just over the drama. I need a little peace and quiet. Not forever. Just like a week. Time to recharge. Then I'll be in a better headspace."
"Take all the time you need,” I said.
"Don't say that. I might go on an extended vacation.”
"You deserve it."
In an adorable voice, she said, "I know.” She made a cutesy pose then asked, "What will it be?”
"I'll have the shrimp po’boy," Jack said.
"I’ll take the lobster roll," I added.
“Coming right up!”
She punched in our order and sent it back to the kitchen.
"Do you know when you're leaving?” I asked.
"Two weeks. They are in the Outer Banks now, sailing this way. Then we’re off on a tropical adventure.”
"Where are you going?"
"I think we’re going to hit every island chain all the way down to San Montego.” She smiled. "I'm going to drink strawberry margaritas, shop, lay out, and do a whole lot of nothing.” Dreams of paradise filled her teal eyes.
"I'm sure you'll have a blast," I said.
Harlan sat at the end of the bar, sipping a longneck. "Who's gonna be here to mix my drinks?"
Teagan's face scrunched as she gave the old Marine a look. "All you ever drink is beer."
"I know, but nobody twists the tops like you.”
"Aw, you’re sweet."
We shot the breeze, filled our bellies, and kicked around theories.
My phone buzzed with a call from Isabella. “I’ve been doing a deep dive on the Vault. Whoever did this had help.”
“Do tell.”