Page 70 of Asher's Assignment
“Hi, Landon. I heard about Leah and her dad. She’s my student. I came to talk to Mrs. Tyler.”
“I’m not supposed to let anyone in.”
“Why not? Is Mrs. Tyler a suspect?”
“No. Detective Stroud didn’t say why. Probably so we don’t upset her.”
“How about you ask her if she’ll talk to me?”
“I can pass along a message.”
“Officer Garner? Who’s at the door?”
Esther leaned around Landon at the sound of Connie’s voice. “It’s me, Mrs. Tyler. Esther Campbell. Leah’s teacher.”
“Let her in,” Connie said, walking closer, holding Buster. The dog’s bark turned to a whine, and he wiggled in her arms as he saw who’d come to visit.
“Ma’am—”
“I’m not a prisoner, Officer Garner. And this is my house. Either let her in, or I’m going out.”
Landon sighed and stepped back.
Esther didn’t hesitate. She hurried in and quickly took charge, fretting over Connie like the best church grandma in existence.
“How are you holding up? I can only imagine how you’re feeling.” She wrapped an arm around Connie’s shoulders and steered her toward the kitchen, giving Buster a quick scratch. The dog licked her hand. “We should have some tea and chat.”
She glanced back, spearing Landon with a look as he attempted to follow Edie. “Would you mind giving us some privacy? I’m sure we’d all like to unload some stress without a stranger listening in—no offense.”
His mouth flattened, but he nodded. “I’ll be in the living room if you need me, Mrs. Tyler.”
Esther didn’t give Connie a chance to respond. She ushered her through the kitchen door to the small table.
“Rob never mentioned you were so pushy.”
“I’m not normally. We need to talk.”
Walls went up in Connie’s eyes, and her shoulders went back.
“Have a seat.” Esther gestured to the table.
Edie crossed to the cabinets and started opening them. “Where do you keep your tea? Or would you rather have coffee?”
Esther knew what her sister was doing; she was giving legitimacy to Esther’s spiel for Landon’s benefit. Edie could also see the living room from where she stood. He wouldn’t be able to eavesdrop if he couldn’t get close enough without being seen. She just hoped he didn’t call Stroud.
“I’ve had enough coffee to keep me awake for the rest of my life,” Connie said. “Tea is in the skinny cupboard by the fridge. Mugs are to the left of that. What’s going on?”
Esther and Edie shared a look, then Esther decided to just rip the bandaid off. “We know who you are.”
The walls in Connie’s eyes slipped, letting panic shine through loud and clear.
Esther held up a hand. “We won’t tell anyone. In a minute, some of our friends are going to knock on your door, pretending to be concerned co-workers. You’re going to convince Landon to let them in, then we’re going to have a frank discussion about who took your daughter and our friend Asher.” She motioned between herself and Edie. “We know you had your reasons for running all those years ago, but you need to come clean. It might be the only way we find them.”
Connie’s panic turned to despair. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this,” she whispered.
“We’re going to fix it,” Esther promised. She nodded to Edie, silently telling her to text Audra.
“No.” Connie shook her head. “No one can.”
