Unravel // Van McCann

16. How Did You Know?

It was almost 2 PM before Theo finally came back. I had to resist jumping out of my seat to question what he's been up to. He walked to his desk, took his jacket off, and sat down. I gave him a few minutes before making my way towards his desk.

"Theo!" I called loudly which caused him to jump. "Where ya been, mate?"

"I—uh—out," he replied.

"You avoiding me or summat? I thought we'd eat lunch together today but you were gone," I continued, hoping he would tell me more. Theo began rubbing his eyes.

"I've been busy interviewing people. There have been a ton of sightings and I had lunch with the Callands."

"You had lunch with the Callands?" I repeated.

"It's Megan's birthday today and I used the opportunity to give them a brief update on the case."

I paused, not expecting it to be Megan's birthday today. She gave no sign of it being her birthday but I wondered if it was because she didn't want to be a bother or if she truly didn't care for her birthday. I don't think anyone doesn't care for their birthday. Even though people make it out like it's no big deal, birthdays are a big deal. It marks another year around the sun which is a huge accomplishment. Fuck, even I celebrate even though I'm not big on celebrating myself.

"How old would she have been?" I questioned.

"27."

Only a few years younger than I was. If I remember correctly, she's been missing since 2010. That's a lot of years to go without having a proper birthday and I was determined to make today special for her.

"Are there any leads?" I asked. Theo shook his head.

"I haven't had time to sit down and review my notes. Ever since her parents' plea was aired, sightings have gone through the roof. Luckily they've slowed down but they're still trickling in. I had to ask Cam for help this morning. I'm falling behind! I asked for you but Cam said you have to close the Clemons case and you're working on a new case as well?"

I stared back at him blankly, surprised he asked that I help him. To be honest, I'd love to help but my falling behind has come to bite me in the arse seen as Cam believes I'm too busy. Fuck. Theo's phone went off and he answered it. He seemed a bit hesitant to answer with me around but answered anyway.

"Hi Jeff, how are you doing?" Theo answered, cupping the end of his phone. He paused to listen to what Jeff had to say and continued. "I haven't forgot. It's just—I've been busy with work. I can stop by after work today to take a look and give you an estimate. What's your address again?" Theo went to find a pen and paper and began scribbling down Jeff's address. "I'll be there around 5:30 PM. It should only take half an hour max."

I considered going back to my desk so I wasn't a bother but it seemed like the conversation was ending so I stayed put. Theo hung up and put his phone away.

"Sorry about that..." he trailed off. "My friend is remodeling his kitchen and wants me to do an estimate for the electrical work."

"You know how to do electrical work?" I questioned, raising my eyebrows in surprise. I honestly thought he's been in this industry all his life.

"Yeah! I've worked many different jobs in the past. Dabbled as an electrician for a few years and then switched to admin work before coming here. This job is much better than past jobs I've had."

"Well I guess your knowledge as an electrician will come in handy then," I started.

"What d'you mean by that?"

"Didn't the Calland's house burn down because of faulty wiring when the house was first built?"

Theo stared at me wonderingly, his lips in a straight line, and that's when I realized I said too much. He told me the Calland's house burned down but he didn't tell me how. I found that information on my own.