Slip from Sight: Maggie Sloan Thriller, #6

By Judith A. Barrett

Runaway girls. Calculating charmers. Human trafficking. Maggie sees the link; the kingpin sees her as an easy kill.

Maggie's on the trail of a human trafficking organization that she believes includes a ring of kidnappers and charismatic men that lure vulnerable women to a remote "resort." When friends die in their efforts to uncover the criminals, Maggie steps up her game; as young, one-eyed Maggie closes in, the mastermind is confident she'll step into his trap and die.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Judith A. Barrett
• Release date: Nov 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9781953870292

Judith A. Barrett

Judith A. Barrett is an award-winning author of thriller, science fiction, and mystery novels with action and twists to spark the reader's imagination. Her unusual heroes are brilliant, talented, and down-to-earth folks who solve difficult cases and stop killers. Her novels take place in small towns and rural areas in the southern states of the US. Judith lives in Georgia on a farm with her husband and two dogs. When she's not busy writing, she's enjoying the outdoors with her husband and dogs or watching the beautiful sunsets from her porch.

Book preview

PREVIOUSLY…

My name is Maggie Sloan Ewing; my tall, blue-eyed husband is Larry Ewing; his original name was Kevin, but he’s become so accustomed to being called Larry that he claims Kevin is his undercover name.

Larry; Lucy, our sweet, old, brown German short-haired pointer; the imaginary men, Palace Guard and Spike; and I are in Tennessee while Larry attends crime scene specialist training for his new position with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. I am excited that we’re here because Larry has always wanted to investigate the technical aspect of crime scenes.

You might have noticed I mentioned imaginary men. There’s a long story behind that, but the short version is I was severely injured several years ago by a massive explosion in the library where I worked as I hurried to tell my boss to get out of the building; the force of the blast tossed me across the lawn, almost to the parking lot.

Palace Guard and Spike helped me when I struggled with physical therapy then stayed with me after I left the hospital. Palace Guard ran with me to build up my strength and taught me how to throw a knife; Spike toughened me up and taught me how to cheat.

Lucy originally lived with Kate Coyle, my best friend who taught me how to cook, shoot, and fight. Her parents, Jennifer and Glenn, have become my safety net.

My severe injury days weren’t quite behind me, though; after I caught a custodian at a senior center in the act of replacing valuable jewelry with fake, the jewel thief sprayed my face with a powerful alkaline cleaning solution. The surgeon couldn’t save my left eye but has hopes my right eye will eventually heal enough that I’ll have at least partial sight which will be an improvement over the blurriness I have now. One positive side effect of my loss of vision is that my sense of hearing has become extremely sensitive, probably to compensate for my sight limitations, but that’s enough about dreary medical stuff.

I don’t know why it didn’t occur to a serial killer that a young, petite woman with only one eye and limited sight, at best, in the other eye would stop him from killing her and her friend, but with Palace Guard’s help to guide my aim, I did.

CHAPTER ONE

Larry burst into the apartment and snatched me off the ground. He nuzzled my neck and whispered, Don’t hurt me when I set you down.

When I laughed, he kissed my open mouth and kicked the door closed behind him. After an incredibly passionate kiss, he said, Let’s celebrate by going out to dinner. Wear something fancy, like your sparkly eye patch.

I covered my mouth with my hand as a barrier to another ambush kiss when I giggled. Sounds great; do I have a sparkly eye patch? What are we celebrating?

I’ve finished the ten weeks of training, but I have two more weeks of school; most importantly, there isn’t another bad guy around here to kidnap, wound, maim, or kill you.

Palace Guard smacked his own forehead, Spike put his hands around his own neck and pretended to strangle himself, and Lucy growled in her sleep.

Larry frowned. Yeah, that was a rookie mistake: I shouldn’t taunt any possible killers.

Why are we celebrating two more weeks of school? Are you taking classes for a certification?

Exactly; I’ll have chemistry certification after the two drug classes. My advisor told me my degrees in chemistry and biology and the chemistry and firearms certifications will give me more options with my career.

I’ve always been impressed by my super-smart cop. I kissed him lightly on his chin as he set me back down, so we could change.

Larry chuckled. Sweetie, I’ve been in awe of you since the first time I saw you right after you started working at the library. I happen to know you have not always been impressed by me, but you can keep telling me that anyway.

While Larry changed out of his uniform, I changed to clean jeans then stood in front of my shirts. Today’s Friday: the fifth day of the week, so I’ll wear the fifth shirt.

After I put on the fifth shirt, Larry said, You haven’t worn your hot pink shirt in a while. It looks good on you.

I peered down at my shirt and frowned. I thought it was a grayish-lavender. I thought it might be nice to bust out of the Gray Lady mold; does it match my sparkly eyepatch that Jennifer made?

Not exactly, but do you really care? He kissed my forehead.

No. I smiled and grabbed my jo, my cane that was actually a martial arts staff with built-in audio and video recorders, courtesy of Heather, an undercover police detective in Georgia, who had access to awesome surveillance equipment that she liked me to test.

When we headed to the front door, I asked, Who’s going with us?

Spike pointed to the sleeping Lucy and shook his head; Palace Guard joined us as we climbed into the truck.

After we were on our way to town, I asked. Where are we going?

What’s your favorite? That’s where we’ll go.

Cassandra’s café, but they’re not open.

Larry parked and fake-coughed into his fist.

Did you forget that everybody except you, Palace Guard, Spike, and Lucy are blobs to me? I see your face; are you smirking? What are you so pleased about?

He climbed out of the truck, opened my door, and helped me step out. I’ll show you.

When I stepped onto the sidewalk, I squealed. It’s the café. Why are they open?

I’ll let Cassandra tell you the entire story.

Larry opened the door, and Cassandra said, Gray Lady’s here, Anna; tell Chef.

Cassandra hugged me. You’re looking hot tonight; that pink looks good on you.

Why are you open? I asked.

Palace Guard nudged me, and Larry snickered.

I cleared my throat and added, Thank you.

I won’t reveal any names, Cassandra whispered, but some certain decision makers from a nearby training center came into the shop for lunch earlier this week and didn’t realize that a private conversation in a corner is easily overheard by the staff, and papers spread out on a table aren’t as private as they seem. When I learned that a small group of talented individuals would be attending additional classes for the next two weeks, Chef and I decided we’d open Friday and Saturday evenings as a special treat.

She led us to our table near the kitchen.

There’s more to your story, I said.

I can’t pull the wool over your eye. Cassandra’s chuckle was musical. Tonya asked Justin to call us while she was in the hospital because she knew Chef would be worried about her, so I had his number. I called Justin and asked him to tell your brilliant husband that we’d be open for dinner tonight.

Larry didn’t tell me we were coming here or that you were open. It was a wonderful surprise.

See how brilliant he is? We’re thrilled that you are here. I’d offer y’all menus, but Chef has already decided what she will prepare for you. You’re having wine with your dinner, Gray Lady; Mr. Ewing, I assumed you would want sweet tea, but if not, Anna will bring you whatever you would prefer.

Sweet tea is perfect; please call me Larry.

After Cassandra-blob hurried to the host stand, Anna brought our drinks. I brought you ice water, Gray Lady, but I can bring you sweet tea if you like; I knew Chef would plan wine with your dinner. Sweet tea for you, Mr. Larry. She placed our drinks on the table.

Ice water is perfect. Thank you. You can read upside down, can’t you? I asked.

Yes, ma’am. I learned to read upside down when I was little because I sat on the floor in front of my older sister while she read to me and my four brothers, who crowded around her. I read upside down in school instead of right side up, but nobody noticed.

After our server left, Larry asked, How did you know?

I’ve watched her and decided she must be an avid reader; I think reading whatever happens to be on a table is her entertainment. My entertainment has been watching her as she puts herself in a position to read without being obvious because she moves around so much that she gives the appearance of being hyperactive.

Larry chuckled. You see more with one eye than anyone else does with two eyes.

While we sipped on our drinks, Larry told me about his day until Cassandra and Anna brought our plates from the kitchen.

Your fine dining experience this evening is brought to you by the traditions of the Volunteer State: country ham with red eye gravy, macaroni and cheese, turnip greens, and biscuits with a side of fresh-churned butter, Cassandra said. Enjoy.

After Cassandra and Anna left our table, Larry whispered, Where’s the tofu?

I smiled when Anna-blob, who was across the room at the drink station, giggled.

Larry glanced at her then leaned forward and said in a quiet voice, You heard me, didn’t you, Anna?

Anna nodded, sweetie. Larry chuckled.

Anna has amazing hearing, doesn’t she? Cassandra asked as she breezed past us toward the kitchen.

We have no complaints about the entertainment, and the food is wonderful. Larry glanced at the ceiling then grinned. Sweetie, the ceiling is a parabola. Anna, is the drink station the focal listening point?

Anna strode to our table with a pitcher of tea. I heard you were smart, Mr. Larry. More tea? She refilled his glass then headed to the other tables with her pitcher.

After Larry cleaned his plate, and I ate what I could, Cassandra asked, Would you like to relax a bit before dessert? Coffee, Larry?

I’ll wait and have coffee with my dessert, he said.

Anna walked past our table with two plates of fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. Your friends just came in, Mr. Larry.

Larry glanced at the door. She’s right, sweetie. They’ll be taking the drug classes too.

Would you like to visit with Chef, Gray Lady? Cassandra asked as she carried a large platter of cornbread past us.

You can visit your friends if you like; I’d like to see Chef, I said.

Larry smiled then strode to his classmates’ table.

Cassandra stopped on her way back to the kitchen, and I rose from my seat then walked alongside her with Palace Guard’s guidance. That was pretty slick, Cassandra. What’s up?

We’ll talk in the kitchen.

Palace Guard led me to the barstool at the counter in the kitchen, and I climbed up on it with his help. I pushed on the middle pearl on the back of my jo to record. I have no idea if Heather will hear this or even why I think this is important to record, but I have a feeling.

Chef can’t hear us, but she knows what I’m telling you. She’ll watch our faces and let me know if she has anything to add or any questions. Keep your hands away from your mouth, so she can read your lips.

Cassandra exhaled then pulled out the stool at the end of the bar, so she could see me and Chef. A large number of girls from town have run away from home in the past month. I heard it was at least five, and some are saying twelve, so I’m guessing it’s between five and eight, which is quite high because our normal number of runaways is one or two every other month. All the parents reported that their home life was perfect; I’m certain they meant perfectly normal: their moody teenager slammed doors and screamed, and the parents yelled and argued with each other and their offspring.

Anna came into the kitchen. Cassandra, I’m sorry to interrupt, but the folks at table two would like to talk to tell you how much they love Chef’s food.

Cassandra sighed. I just gave Gray Lady the background. Tell her what you heard.

After Cassandra left, Anna sat on the stool at the end of the bar. It was lunchtime on Wednesday, and two men came in that I haven’t seen before. The first one was cute, young, and wore a nice shirt, jeans, and brown loafers, which is a little dressy for around here. The second guy was a little older, looked rougher, and swore a lot. They were talking about the runaways, and I didn’t pay much attention until the tough guy complained about the grooming and how much effort it took; he asked when they could leave this jerkwater town. That’s derogatory, right?

Yes, let me know when you want a full explanation of where the term originated.

Chef chuckled and spoke in her loud, flat tone. Once a librarian, always a librarian.

Anna nodded. I thought it wasn’t very complimentary, Gray Lady. At first, I thought the young guy was in charge; he tensed up and glanced around then told the other guy in a voice that could be heard two tables away that it was not easy to run a cheerleading camp. I continued taking and delivering orders, and they glared at each other and didn’t talk until the tough guy told the other guy that even though they’d met their quota, one more would be a bonus, and the drink girl would be great because she could be easily convinced to cooperate. The cute guy told the tough guy he was being greedy, and that would get him into trouble. The tough guy asked if they would be taking the cheerleaders to Atlanta or somewhere else because he’d heard Atlanta was too hot right now, so he hoped it was Charleston because he has a girlfriend there.

We’re sure Anna is the drink girl, Chef added.

Anna nodded and continued, I kept serving my customers, but I didn’t miss a word of their discussion. The tough guy said the caretaker gave him the creeps, and the cute guy laughed at him and told him that being creepy was the guy’s job, then the tough guy mentioned a high school track runner and a lonely girl who was always in the library by herself. The cute guy got pretty agitated and said it would take too long to go through another round of grooming and mentioned several people in town that would be great followers. The tough guy said he had another possibility for a bonus, and the younger guy told him their priority was to identify a few potential followers for the big boss who would be here next week to recruit them. The tough guy grumbled that he had two jobs and said he wasn’t interested in a third; the younger man told him he would quit complaining when he saw his bonus. I don’t understand any of this, but Cassandra wants me to leave for my brother’s ranch in Texas right away.

I have some good friends that might have some suggestions for what would be the best course to take. Can you give me until tomorrow, and I’ll get back to you? I asked.

Anna nodded. Will you help me with Cassandra, Chef?

Yes, Chef said.

Good. Anything else? I asked.

Palace Guard smirked.

I know I stole that from Larry. He won’t mind.

I took a photo of them. Should I send it to you? Anna asked.

Please do.

Hold out your phone. Anna tapped my phone with hers.

That’s it? I shook my head. I’m an old codger.

Yes, you are. Anna giggled as she left.

I exhaled and rose. After Chef turned back to her stove, I said, I’ll make a phone call tomorrow if I don’t get one tonight.

I pressed the bottom pearl on my jo and turned off the recording. When my phone buzzed a text, I said, Before I return to my table, I’ll go to the restroom.

After I left the kitchen, Anna hesitated as she breezed past me, and I quickly pressed the record pearl before she said, Cassandra reminded me to tell you the drink girl would cooperate because of a threat to Chef.

I turned off the recording then glanced at Palace Guard, and he glowered then guided me to the women’s restroom.

After I checked to be certain I was the only one in the room, I lowered the volume on my phone then tapped to listen to the text. From Paul. Got it.

Heather must be working undercover somewhere. Paul Vargas from the Coyle Detective Agency must have volunteered to cover any recordings from my jo for her.

I quietly spoke to my phone. Reply to Paul. Thanks. I sent a follow up. Talk tomorrow.

When I stepped out of the restroom, Palace Guard waited in the hallway with his arms crossed. After he guided me to our table, I relaxed and listened to the excitement in Larry’s voice as he and his two classmates discussed their plans for their two drug classes.

Cassandra brought two small bowls with large scoops of ice cream melting on hot cherry cobbler and giggled as she set them on the table. Shall I tell Larry his dessert is here, or do you think you could eat both of them before he notices?

Anna bumped Larry on his shoulder with her elbow as she passed him; he rose from his friends’ table then sauntered to join me.

No way could you eat two desserts, Gray Lady, and that’s not a dare. Anna poured Larry a cup of coffee before he made it to our table.

After Larry polished off his dessert, he sipped his coffee and told me the study plans for the drug classes. I continued eating but didn’t mention I’d heard everything they’d said because his perspective was much more interesting.

On our way home, Larry continued talking about his upcoming classes and what he and the guys expected. He was so excited that he didn’t notice when my phone buzzed a text. After we were home, he took Lucy out back, and I listened to my text.

From Paul. Tell drink girl to never be alone and to stay inside at all times. Send me the photo.

Send a reply to Paul: Will do.

I sent the photo to Paul then called Cassandra; Palace Guard stood close to my phone to listen. When she answered I said, This has to be quick. Tell Anna to never be alone and to stay inside at all times.

Consider it done. Chef told me that Anna forgot to tell you one more thing: the tough guy said he thought the one-eyed girl would be another quick bonus because she was married and would be easy to manage into cooperating by threatening to hurt the husband, but then they changed the subject, so Anna must have forgotten about it.

Thanks. I’m glad Paul didn’t hear that; he’d have told Larry.

Palace Guard’s face reminded me of the expression on Larry’s face when he was really mad.

I flipped my hair back. If Larry knew about that one-eyed girl comment, I’m afraid he’d cancel his classes. I won’t be alone, so we’ll be following Paul’s advice.

Palace Guard marched to the front door and left. Maybe he’s going for a walk to cool off.

I sent the photo of the two men to Paul then sat on the sofa and put up my feet before Larry, Lucy, and Spike came inside with Palace Guard following them. When I raised my eyebrows, Palace Guard smiled and shrugged.

Oh, good. He’s not mad at me anymore.

I haven’t given you a chance to talk all night. Larry rinsed Lucy’s water bowl and refilled it with fresh water. Tell me about your day.

It hasn’t been very exciting…

I love it already. Larry smiled as he joined me on the sofa. Sorry, I interrupted you.

Lucy, Spike, Palace Guard, and I walked around campus this morning; after lunch, I took a nap, then we called Tonya to see how she is doing with her recuperation at her mom’s. Tonya told us her mother is hovering, and she misses Justin who has one additional week of advanced training for his specialty.

Spike raised his eyebrows at me then Palace Guard, who rolled his eyes. Lucy nudged my hand, and I rubbed her face and shrugged. Maybe the nap part was a bit much.

That’s the kind of day you deserve: taking a walk and catching up with a close friend. Justin and I talked about having coffee early tomorrow morning. Would you like to go?

Not really; I’d like to call Jennifer in the morning, and if you aren’t here, I won’t feel guilty about a gab fest. We’re still going to your graduation tomorrow, aren’t we?

If you feel up to it, but everyone will understand if we can’t make it, Larry said.

I wouldn’t miss it for the world. When he hugged me, I mumbled into his chest, You’ve really worked hard to get this far.

*  *  *

I woke to the sounds of Larry cheerfully singing in the shower and smiled at his off-key tune.

When he tiptoed into the bedroom, I smiled. I’m awake.

I’ll get the coffee going; what would you like for breakfast?

I headed to the door for the shower. If you’ll pour me a cup of coffee, I’ll have yogurt later.

Are you sure you don’t mind if I have coffee with Justin and the guys? Larry asked while he dressed.

I smirked as I turned on the shower. I caught that little slip, honey; you went from only Justin to Justin and the guys. Your class is getting together one last time before all the families arrive for graduation.

After I showered, I dressed then hurried to the kitchen.

Your cup is on the table, sweetie. As soon as Lucy eats her breakfast, she and Spike are going outside. I poured a carafe of coffee for you, and I’ll start a load of laundry; is there anything else I can do before I leave?

Thanks for the coffee; I’ll be fine. 

After Larry left, I ate my cup of yogurt, then while I made our bed, my phone buzzed a text.

From Paul. Is it too early to call?

I called him. I have the morning to myself.

Maggie, I’ve listened to that recording a dozen times. I researched recent runaway stats, and there are a disproportionate number in south Georgia and north Florida in comparison to the Georgia and Florida urban areas and the surrounding states. Heather is scheduled to resurface from her assignment by Monday. I have some ideas of what might be going on, but she’s the expert. The smooth, attractive, young man and the tough young man seem to have stereotypical roles: nice guy and bad boy, especially with their reference to grooming. I’ll have to talk to Heather before I go too far off the deep end though. Don’t go wandering off anywhere by yourself; their reference to the girl who ran track and the one in the library definitely points to young women as their target. What does Larry think?

Larry’s excited about his classes in drugs the next two weeks that will give him the chemistry certification in addition to the firearms certification.

Paul laughed. You haven’t told him a thing, as usual.

I’d feel awful if he was this close to what he wanted then let it go because of me.

I’ll keep my mouth shut until I have a chance to talk to Heather. If she tells me to blow the whistle, I will.

I just need two weeks, I said.

I’ll let Heather know. We’ll do what we can to help you. Call Jennifer Coyle when you have a chance. She would fire me from the Coyle Detective Agency if she found out I’ve talked to you and won’t tell her what you said, and Glenn would back her up on it.

After Paul hung up, I called Jennifer. Can’t blow my cover story.

When Jennifer answered she said, I’m so glad you called. Glenn and I miss you, Larry, Lucy, and the imaginary men. Are you okay? Doesn’t Larry graduate this weekend? Do you know yet where you’ll be going?

His graduation ceremony is this evening, then he has two weeks of additional training for the chemistry certification; we’re hoping to find out soon where his assignment will be.

Jennifer caught me up on all the news: the Coyle Detective Agency had gained quite a reputation, so Glenn and Paul were busy, almost to the point of being overloaded.

Ella is enrolled in classes to become a detective, and she and Moe, I mean police detective Lester Ross, can’t agree on a date to get married. You’ve been a terrible influence on me. I still have trouble calling Moe ‘Les,’ but Ella doesn’t speak to me the rest of the day when I slip up; Glenn says that’s not all bad.

I snickered.

Ella and I decided to hire someone to replace her in the office, so after Ella gets her certification, she’ll be able to start working with Glenn right away. Kate’s working; we never know where. Glenn said as long as no law enforcement shows up on our doorstep, we’ll know our FBI daughter is okay. How is your sight?

I haven’t noticed any improvement; people are still blobs, except for Larry, Lucy, and the men.

Jennifer chuckled. Your self-preservation kicked in.

I hadn’t thought about that, but you’re right. Larry knows I see him clearly, but he forgets, and I’ve caught a few things I wouldn’t have when I saw him as a blob.

We talked for another hour before we reluctantly hung up.

I moved the laundry from the washer to the dryer then called Tonya.

How did you know? she asked. Mom, Kiki, and I are coming to graduation to surprise Justin, but don’t tell him. We’ll be there in ten minutes.

I chuckled. I called to tell you we talked for a long time yesterday on the phone, so you have to cover me.

She giggled. I’ve missed you. See you before you see me.

I grinned as we hung up. Tonya and Kiki will be here in ten minutes to surprise Justin. I’m waiting outside for them.

When I put on my warm coat, Palace Guard blocked the front door.

I planned to wait in the backyard. I tossed my hair, and Spike mocked me by pretending to toss his hair with his hand. When he sashayed to the back door, I snort-laughed.

I do not walk like that, I growled and sashayed to the front door then whirled and sashayed to the back door. Lucy howled, Palace Guard rolled his eyes, and Spike did his wacky dance as Larry came in the front door.

What is going on in here? Larry asked.

When I turned to glare at Larry, a blob stood in the doorway with him.

Looks like the normal Ewing shenanigans if you ask me, Justin said.

I recognize your voice, Justin; thank goodness it’s only you, I said.

She meant it exactly the way it sounded, didn’t she? Justin asked.

Larry laughed.

An SUV pulled in front of our apartment; when the driver honked, Justin dashed to the SUV and opened the passenger’s door.

I saw you first, Tonya said as she came into the apartment. What do you see?

A Tonya-blob. Where’s Kiki?

Tonya laughed as she hugged me. Our tiny dragon, Kiki, has abandoned both of us for an older woman; she stays close to Mom. Come to our apartment; Mom wants to put up her feet.

We’ll be there after lunch to give you a chance to get settled. Are you staying or going back to your Mom’s?

I’d rather stay, but I hate for Mom to make that long drive by herself. We’re leaving on Monday.

After Tonya and Justin left, Larry asked, What was going on when I opened the door?

Spike started it. I was on my way to the back door to go outside, and Spike mocked me by doing a really prissy walk, so I copied him.

"All I caught was your walk and Lucy howling, and I knew it had to be something, but I sure