Gone Boy

By chuck swope

Jack Snow, Consultant and sometimes detective for the Diamondhead Casino, is asked by the owner to consider taking the case of one of his very rich patrons.

The patron, Grace Lynch, tells him that her sister's one year old toddler has been kidnapped a week ago. Her sister is fighting battle with cancer and needs her son found.

Jack expresses doubts but agrees to try.

His investigation is somewhat derailed when his main suspect is murdered. Now he has to solve the murder as well as the kidnapping.

Can he do it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: chuck swope
• Release date: Aug 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386350484

chuck swope

Chuck Swope was born in Evansville Ind. But One Day He Announced to his wife they were moving to Las Vegas, NV. They have now been there for years. He likes to bet horse races, read and of course write in the Mystery Genre and Science Fiction Genre. He has also written humor and Children's books under pen names.

Book preview

Chapter One

The woman wheeled the stroller into JACK’S COFFEE AND MUFFINS and ordered a coffee and blueberry muffin. She wheeled the stroller over to a table and drank the coffee and tore the muffin into two pieces, shared it with the one year old toddler that occupied the stroller. Then she wiped the toddler’s mouth and left. She rolled the stroller across the parking lot, went past her car, proceeded to the sidewalk and sat down on the unoccupied bus bench. When the bus stopped she waved it on. She gave the little boy one of his toys, then got up and left.

Down the block a couple sat in a van. There she goes, the man said. Get going."

The woman exited the van and walked briskly to the child. She sat down on the bus bench and talked to the boy for a minute or two, then got up and wheeled the stroller to the van. The man jumped out, the woman grabbed the little boy from the stroller while the man opened the side doors of the vehicle and put the stroller in. Then they both got back in the van and left, the woman holding the boy clutched him to her bosom.

Gonna be an easy fifty grand, Rosie, the man said. Easy as pie.

Sure is. He’s a cute little tyke.

The Wolfson’s are gonna love him, and we’re going to love their money.

They drove to the Wolfson’s home and were pleased the couple were waiting with open arms.

Oh, he’s a doll, Mrs. Wolfson exclaimed.

Just like we promised, the man said. I hope you have the money.

Mr. Wolfson handed him the money, five clips of ten thousand each. The man nodded, Here’s your receipt. The lawyer’s will be in touch in a few days to complete the adoption proceedings. He left and climbed back into the van. The woman did likewise. Enjoy, the man said to the new parents and pulled away.

Count the money, Rosie.

You don’t think the Wolfson’s would cheat us, do you?

Not really. Those people were awfully anxious to get themselves a baby. But I still want you to count the money.

She counted it. Don’t forget, ten thousand of it goes to Marilyn Jennings.

Really? You want to pay her? Why don’t we just blow her off? It’s not like she can get the cops on us.

I know, but it’s not good business. She could help us in the future.

Maybe, her partner said. Maybe not. I say let’s keep all the dough.

Short sighted, Kevin. I have a feeling about her. She’s wound up pretty tight. She brought us the the child because she needed money. I think she’s going to need more.

The driver sighed. Okay, Rosie. We’ll play it your way.

Fine. Let’s go meet her like we said we would before you change your mind.

****

Alden Dax sat behind his desk in his plush office suite at the DIAMONDHEAD CASINO. He picked up the phone. Get me Jack Snow, he barked. And tell him not to drag his heels getting up here. He smiled at the woman that sat in one of his comfortable chairs. He’ll be here shortly, Grace.

Alden, I don’t know how to thank you for this.

No need. He might not be able to do a thing. In fact, the odds are way against it. But if it can be done at all, Jack’s the man that can do it. But are you sure you want to spend the money? Like I said, the odds aren’t very good.

I’m sure. I would spend every dime I have to get that boy back for my sister.

The door opened and Jack Snow came in. You wanted to see me?

I sure did. Jack meet Grace Lynch. Her nephew is missing. She needs help. I told her you might be able to help her.

Uh, well, I’ll do what I can. I assume you’ve been to the police?

Yes, the police and the F.B.I. But it’s been over a week. I’m at my wits end.

Jack grimaced. I’m sure the police have told you the odds are not good for your nephew’s return."

I fully realize that. I’ve been told often enough. But I still have to try. You see, he’s my sister’s boy, and she has cancer. Her ordeal has been bad enough and now this…

It’s probably a waste of money, but I’ll try if you really want me to.

I do. Alden tells me you’re a good man and that you’ll give me full value for my money.

The casino owner broke into the conversation. I see you two have a lot to talk about. Why don’t you use the conference room and I’ll get back to running this casino.

Jack left his seat. Come on, uh, Miss Lynch. I’ll show you the way to the conference room and let Alden get back to the business of making millions.

The conference room consisted of a long mahogany table with a dozen chairs around it. Jack pointed to one, and when his new client was seated, he took one across the table from her. Let’s start at the beginning. Where was your nephew when he went missing?

My sister says he was in the care of our other sister, Marilyn Jennings.

Jack took out a small notebook. Where are you from, Miss Lynch? What city did this happen in?

I’m from Bridgeport Connecticut. But my nephew went missing right here in Las Vegas.

I see. So your sister lives here in Vegas? How old is the child?

Yes, she lives here. My nephew is only a year old.

Where can I reach both your sisters, the mother of the child and the sister that was supposed to be taking care of him?

She told him the addresses and he jotted them down in his notebook. And where can I reach you?

I’m staying here, room 1236.

I’ll get started.

You don’t want to know anything else from me?

"If