In the Dark of Night: Book One of the Dark Series

Chapter Nine

~ Emotions ~

Alex's observation skills went into overdrive as he accessed the Jensen family. Robert, Dara's father, was approximately 6'1 and extremely fit. He took very good care of himself and looked much younger than 60. His skin tone was a few shades lighter than Dara's and his hair was dark brown and very short. In the short time that Alex had known him, he knew immediately that Robert was the type of man who was used to giving orders and having them followed to the tee. He was an impatient man who wanted things done yesterday.

On the other hand, Carrie Jensen was just the opposite. She was patient and willing to listen. She had a quiet strength which was obviously helping her deal with her daughter's disappearance. Physically, she and Dara could be twins. Her skin tone was the same rich mocha color. She was around the same height as Dara, give or take an inch or two. Her reddish brown hair was shoulder length and it framed her face in soft curls. Like her husband, she looked much younger than her 55 years.

"We saw the ad in this morning's paper. Thank you for moving so quickly, Detective," said Carrie, as she sat next to her daughter on the sofa.

"We wanted to get her picture out there as soon as possible. There may be a chance that someone has seen her and will..." Alex began, but was interrupted by Robert.

"A newspaper ad is a good start Garcia, but what else do you plan to do?" he asked, impatiently.

"Daddy, Alex is following proper procedure."

"I don't give a damn about proper procedure. I want my daughter back. How long do you think this will take?"

"I hope that this investigation will not take long and that we'll find your daughter and bring her back safe and sound. But, as I have mentioned, the first 24 hours are crucial. Right now, we're looking at 36. Each day she's out there, the colder the trail becomes," Alex explained.

"I should have called the police the moment she slammed out of the door," Carrie said.

Dara wrapped her arms around her mother. "You didn't know she was serious. Dawn has never done anything like this. This is so out of character for her. You couldn't have known."

"I'm her mother. I should have known," Carrie sighed. She felt so helpless. Her baby was out there, God knows where, and there was nothing she could do to help her.

"Your little sister has changed a lot since you've moved here. She got in with the wrong crowd. She's been more than a handful lately," Robert replied with a frown.

"Now, Robert..."

"What Carrie? You know what I'm saying is true. Spending time with musicians almost twice her age..."

"He was her friend. There was nothing more to their relationship than that," Carrie said with a hint of anger. From her set tone, Alex could tell that she and her husband had discussed this before.

"Who is this musician friend?" Alex asked. "I'd like to have a talk with him."

"He doesn't know anything."

"Mama, how do you know that? Alex may be able to get something out of him," Dara said with concern.

"I know that he's gone. He's been gone for a few weeks now," she replied.

"Where has he gone, Mrs. Jenkins?"

"He's gone on tour," interrupted Robert. "She's right. He doesn't know anything. Now, how long are you going to sit here twiddling your thumbs, Detective?"

~*~*~

Tommy took a deep breath. Ivory smelled good on his skin and the taste of Crest wasn't so bad either. The clothes Audrey found for him were a little baggy, but they were clean. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this clean.