Chapter 67
Before Suzy could answer, Ken snatched her phone. “Let me talk to him.”
“You’re too emotional. Let me explain the situation.”
Paige huddled in a corner and cried while Ken stood defiantly, arms crossed.
Talking fast, Suzy informed Lt. Montgomery about the pizza guy, the alleged party, open bedroom window, and the two missing girls. After she explained, she asked, “Mind if I put you on speaker so my husband can hear?”
“Go ahead,” Lt. Montgomery’s said. “This is Lt. Montgomery. Who’s speaking?”
“I’m Izzy’s father, Ken. Suzy is her stepmother.” He paused as his voice wobbled. “Please find my daughter.”
“Where’s Izzy’s biological mother?” the cop asked. “Could she be with her?”
Suzy couldn’t wait to hear the answer to this. Izzy’s mother was like a ghost, never seen and rarely discussed.
Ken took a deep breath. He turned away from Suzy and lowered his voice. “Izzy’s mother is out of the picture for now. Izzy is going to be living with us full time.”
The lieutenant pressed, “Are you sure Izzy isn’t with her?”
Ken became even more agitated. “Not unless Izzy became a young, muscular guy from Hollywood.”
Suzy’s heart nearly stopped. Hollywood. With us full time? Since freakin’ when? And why didn’t I know this? She rubbed her throbbing right brow. I wonder when Ken planned to tell me about this little revelation. She knew she couldn’t confront him now. Not with his daughter missing.
The cop continued with his line of questioning. “Exactly where in Hollywood are they?”
Ken’s tone became testy. “I don’t think we need to pursue this line of thinking. Izzy doesn’t get along with her mother and certainly doesn’t approve of her new boyfriend, plus why would she take her friend with her?”
“Stranger things have happened. And I’m not interested in your ex’s relationship. Just give me the facts.” Lt. Montgomery repeated, “Do you know exactly where her mother is staying in Hollywood?”
Ken stiffened. “Last I knew they were staying at a Hampton Inn in Burbank. We aren’t exactly on speaking terms. That’s all I know.”
“I’ll contact the hotel. Does Izzy have a boyfriend?”
“No,” Suzy said. “She’s with her best friend, Nelly. They’re teenagers. Please find them.” She paused. “At least I don’t think she has a boyfriend. Like I said, a pizza guy came to the door last night and mentioned a party according to their other friend who is still here. Can you file a ‘Missing Persons’ report?”
“I’m filling it out as we speak. I’ll also issue an AMBER Alert if we determine she’s in imminent danger. How old are the teens?”
“Fifteen,” Suzy and Ken echoed.
Ken’s voice shook. “Who is notified of the AMBER Alert?”
“Basically everyone,” the cop said. “Alerts will appear on cell phones, highway signs, and broadcast on radio and television.”
Ken ran his fingers through his hair. “Thank God.”
“Remember, she might be out having some teenage fun. Going on a joy ride or cruising Kearney Street. I’ll need the make and model of the suspect’s car to get this on our CCPD website and Facebook page.”
“I don’t think we have that.” Suzy glanced at Paige for confirmation. Paige shook her head.
“Too bad,” Tony said. “Is this someone your daughter could have met online?”
Suzy looked at Ken. He shrugged. “We don’t think so.” Her voice shook. “What can you do? I thought maybe you could help us since, well, Alex.”
Tony paused. “I know you and Alex are good friends, Suzy. I’ll call dispatch and get some patrol cars in your neighborhood right away. We’ll blanket the city. What were the girls wearing? Text me recent photos of them after we hang up. If you have a photo from their clothing last night even better.”
With Paige’s help, Suzy breathlessly described their clothes and physical descriptions. “I’ll forward photos of the girls in a minute.” Her voice broke. “Thank you so much.”
After Lt. Montgomery hung up, Suzy instructed Paige to find pictures of Nelly on Instagram or Facebook. Meanwhile, Suzy forwarded three close-up photos of Izzy to the cop.
Ken clenched his jaw and cursed. “Dammit to hell. How could this have happened? How could you have kept this ‘hot’ pizza guy conversation from me, Suzy?”
“Seems like you’ve kept a few se—” She bit her tongue. This wasn’t the time to discuss his ex. Her eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry. I never dreamed—”
Ken paced. “Let’s focus on finding Izzy. I’m going to drive around the neighborhood. I can’t sit here. I’ve got to do something. Anything.”
Suzy saw the distress in her husband’s face. “Paige and I are on it.” She glanced at the pale teen, who nodded. “We’ll find Izzy and Nelly.”
“We’d better find her.” Ken stormed from the room, keys jangling, and slammed the door.