Otherwhere

By Andrea Smith

For lovers of "Gone Girl" take a trip to Otherwhere . . .

Joelle Lawton wishes for a simpler life . . . a life where her husband doesn't cheat, her children don't resent her, and her career doesn't pose veiled threats. She wishes she could get past the depression that seeped into her life over a year ago, after the loss of her third child.

But you know what they say about being careful what you wish for...

Soccer mom Joelle Lawton's life is about to get way more complicated when danger lurks at every turn, and she suddenly disappears without a trace to . . . otherwhere.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrea Smith
• Release date: Sep 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223858010

Andrea Smith

Andrea Smith is a USA Today Best-Selling Author of over thirty novels! She self-publishes in mutiple genres:  Romantic Suspense, NA Romance, M/M Romance, MMF Romance, NA Suspense, Romantic Comedy, Cowboy Romance, Single Daddy Rockstar Romance, True Crime Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Taboo Romance and Psychological Thrillers! In case you haven't noticed, her biggest fear is being tagged a "One-Trick Pony!"  Check out her backlist - there is something for all reading tastes and enjoyment!

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 by Andrea Smith and M.J. Rigel

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Contents

Part I

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Part II

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Part III

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Part IV

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Part V

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

Chapter 81

Chapter 82

Chapter 83

Chapter 84

Chapter 85

Chapter 86

THE PLAYLIST

About the Author

Part One

Prologue

Friday, November 20, 2015

Day #1 of Investigation

Detective Victoria Mason sat at her desk, shuffling through an abundance of paperwork yet to be filed. She’d volunteered… actually pleaded for a new case to investigate since her sister’s death. Instead, the lieutenant had benched her, assigning her desk duty until the psych evaluations cleared. He claimed she hadn’t grieved long enough over the unresolved homicide.

How long should one grieve? Where was it stated that grieving was a generic process one had to follow? Victoria didn’t appreciate the sexist double standards since her male counterparts in the office had been encouraged to bury themselves in the job when facing similar circumstances. Well, she didn’t need to grieve. Victoria needed to work, and a new case was her only fix.

She overheard a call come in a few desks over, McKenzie took the order. Yes, this is Detective McKenzie. There was a slight pause.

Ma’am, please calm down. Start again.

I understand you’re upset, but I can’t help—

So, your sister didn’t go home last night, and you think she’s in some kind of trouble?

How do you know she’s not staying with a friend?

Maybe you don’t know all of her friends.

Ma’am, please stop crying. I’m sorry.

Please hold.

Detective McKenzie walked into the lieutenant’s office; Victoria kept her ears on high alert. She heard his footsteps head back to his desk where he took the phone call off hold and simply said, Come in when you can.

Victoria stopped eavesdropping at that point. She wanted this case. She would argue for this case. She hurriedly jumped up from her desk and was in her lieutenant’s office within seconds.

Lt. Kruse barely looked up from the desk calendar he was making a note on, as if he’d expected her small frame to appear in his doorway.

Yes, Mason? he addressed her with an audible sigh. What is it?

Victoria took that as a signal to enter the office and stand in front of his desk to make her plea. Lieutenant Kruse, you know I can do this one. Please. I can really help this woman, and her missing sister.

Kruse dropped his pen, leaned back in his swivel chair, and rubbed his forehead with a hand. He sighed… again. Mason, we don’t even know if she’s missing yet.

Sir, she said, taking the seat in front of his desk, if you give me what details we’ve got so far. I can at least give you a quick assessment.

He gazed over at her and shook his head. Alright, fine. The sister’s name is Joelle Lawton. She’s mid-thirties. Married with two children. They live in a wealthier neighborhood, on the northeast side.

Mrs. Joelle Lawton. I’ll see what I can dig up in the next few minutes. Thank you, sir.

Mason!

Yes Lieutenant? She turned and tossed him a smile.

Work fast. The sister will be here within the hour.

Got it.

***

Victoria tapped away on her laptop at lightning speed, gathering information and scribbling down anything about Joelle Lawton that could prove helpful later. She prepared for her meeting with the sister, learning the alleged missing woman was a teacher, and before that, she worked for her father’s accounting firm. Her husband, Eric Lawton, had at one time also worked for her father’s accounting firm; most likely it was how they met based on the timeline. He then took a job in insurance, working as an agent for the same company for the past several years.

The Lawton’s had two children, a boy, and a girl. The perfect little family, like Victoria’s sister. Chills ran down her spine at the similarity. Maybe this case was too soon. Victoria prayed Joelle Lawton was still alive, unlike her own sister.

Just then she heard the lieutenant’s page over the intercom system. Detective Mason, please come to my office.

She grabbed her pen and notebook, hurried into her boss’s office, and advised him she’d gathered some background information.

"Okay, she’s here, along with a man. Maybe Lawton’s husband? Let’s walk out together. We want them to know we’re here to help, especially if Joelle Lawton really is missing. Today is Friday. Mrs. Lawton disappeared yesterday evening. It hasn’t even been 24-hours."

Victoria knew the policy well. And in this instance, she despised it. Once inside the interview room, she read the pain that had devoured Mia Parker’s face. They hadn’t even been introduced, yet the anxiety was obvious. As Victoria walked toward the olive-skinned beauty, she noticed that she had her arms wrapped around her torso as if she was cold. Victoria knew that feeling. She wondered if experiencing a family tragedy was the only thing they’d have in common. She recalled the first in-person report concerning her own sister.

Detective Mason, I’m Detective Jordan. I’m handling your sister’s case. Since you understand my job, we can get to it. Detective Jordan was tall and quite handsome.

Detective Jordan, with all due respect, I should be working this case. This is my sister. I know her better than anyone, even her own husband.

"Look, Victoria— I’m good at what I do. No, I’m great at what I do. We will find your sister. Alive. Or dead."

Well, I’m hoping for alive. And if you’re as good as you say, then you should hope for the same.

Victoria shook her head, shaking off the memory. Detective Jordan, a real nightmare.

Her lieutenant extended his hand to Mia, and then to the gentleman who stood beside her. She stopped hugging herself for only a moment to return the physical contact. Her body language, partnered with the knitted sweater and pleated skirt she was wearing, made her look like a tall high school student, certainly not a grown woman. The charm on her neck resembled jewelry Victoria would’ve bought as a gift for her niece.

Hello. I’m Lieutenant Kruse, and this is Detective Victoria Mason. She’s assigned to your sister’s case.

She noticed Mia looked her up and down, as if considering if she were the right person for the job.

Hello, Mrs. Parker is it? Victoria greeted.

Yes, I’m Joelle’s younger sister, Mia. And this is my husband. Luke.

Victoria motioned for Mia to follow her, pulling a vacant chair out for her at the long wooden table. Please have a seat. Mia obeyed, nervously twirling a lock of her hair. Luke took a seat on the opposite side of the table. First of all, what makes you think your sister is missing?

Mia sat up straight in the chair and looked directly at Victoria. Well, Joelle is a good and dedicated mother. She wouldn’t just desert her family like this.

You’re the one who called in the report?

Yes.

Not her husband?

No.

Do you know why he didn’t call it in?

I don’t know why he didn’t call it in, but I did. I know my sister, and I know she wouldn’t just not come home like that.

Does he think she’s missing? Victoria pressed her.

No, he doesn’t.

What’s his take on it?

He thinks she’s been under a lot of pressure lately at work, and maybe needed a break.

Has she done that before?

No, never. Mia paused.

Victoria knew she needed to push a button or two to find out more. It was all part of the process. Does it make you upset, or perhaps even angry with her, if this turns out to be some kind of game she’s playing?

Victoria saw the flash of anger cross over Mia’s face. What?! No, she’s my sister for Chrissake! She’s out there all alone. I’m sure of it, she snapped, pulling a slender navy leather-bound book from her Coach bag. Here, check this out. It’s some kind of a journal I found at her house. Her husband doesn’t know I have it, and I don’t want him to.

What do you mean?

I mean, her husband could’ve done something to her. I don’t know. I hope it’s not true, but it wouldn’t be the first time a man tried to hurt his wife.

Do you think your brother-in-law would want to come in and talk to me about his wife, even though he doesn’t believe her to be missing?

Mia Parker was getting frustrated. Look, I can’t explain or know what my brother-in-law believes or thinks. I can tell you this, Joelle has never taken off for being stressed or under pressure. It makes no sense. I just want my sister back. I’ve already lost a brother; I can’t lose her too. Tears were now streaming down the young woman’s face.

Victoria Mason felt compassion for the young woman. She understood her pain and concern. Look, Mia, why don’t you head to the restroom and freshen up? While you’re gone, I’ll get some coffee and water for us. How does that sound? I’ll need some further information.

Yes, I think that sounds fine, Mia replied with a nod. Victoria pointed in the direction of the restrooms as Mia stood to leave. Her husband followed her out and down the hallway.

Lt. Kruse walked over to Victoria wrinkling his forehead. You know, it’s okay to show emotion on this one. I know it must hit close to home with you losing your own sister and all. Empathy is not a bad thing, Victoria. Are you sure you can handle this? he asked gently.

Victoria nodded. Yes, sir. I told you, I want this case. She needs to know that I’m strong, capable, and will be attentive to her sister’s case no matter what the outcome.

What’s your first impression of the absentee Joelle Lawton? her boss asked.

I’m puzzled that the husband appears to have no concern about her absence. I mean, he doesn’t call in the missing person report, and he’s an insurance agent? Makes me wonder how much his wife’s insurance policy is worth. Something is not adding up is all I’m saying.

Well, let’s not jump the gun too quickly. It looks like she’s back, Mason. Good luck, Kruse said as Mia entered the room, and he left. Victoria closed the door behind him.

Have a seat, Mia. Here’s water, or coffee if you prefer. I want you to just take a deep breath, and let’s get some more information.

Mia nodded, opened a bottle of water, and took a sip. Victoria continued, I wasn’t trying to be a hard ass earlier, I just want you to know that. It’s important for me to be certain that this is truly a missing persons case, and not some domestic dispute, etc.

"I understand, Detective. But what you need to understand, is that my sister is everything to me." She pulled out two pictures of her sister: the first was a photograph of Joelle and Mia together when they were younger, and the second was a more recent photograph of Joelle Lawton alone.

Victoria examined the photos. Does she always wear this charm? I notice you wear something similar.

Yes. We lost our brother when we were kids and became even closer as sisters. The charms were given to us by our grandmother, to never forget. We both loved Nathan. We called him Nate. I watched Nate die in front of me at the hands of a drunken driver. I’m not going to let something bad happen to Joelle. And that’s what I told Eric…

Eric, her husband? Victoria interjected.

Yes.

"And why do you think he’s taking this so lightly?"

Mia was thoughtful. You know, I think there’s something he’s not telling me. Maybe they had a fight. I don’t know, but something forced her out that night, I’m sure of it.

Is that it? Are you sure there’s nothing else. Please, don’t hold anything back. The more I know, the quicker I can determine where to start. You must be honest with me. Put it all out there, even if it is pure speculation on your part.

I don’t know. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened—unless it’s something she hasn’t shared with me.

Is it possible your sister, Joelle, could be suicidal? I’m sorry, but I have to ask.

No. She would never! Not to her kids.

Okay then, Detective Mason continued, what if she’s out there, and not alone?

Mia shook her head vehemently. No, Joelle would never step out on Eric. And I haven’t been able to reach Nikki. Eric said she and her fiancé went out of town. They’re camping in the woods somewhere, so I know Joelle isn’t with her. They would have left long before Joelle went missing. Nikki Brookman is Joelle’s best friend.

I’m going to need a number for Nikki.

I don’t have it on me, but you can probably get a hold of her through the prosecutors’ office. She works there. I’m sure she checks her messages, even when she’s out of town.

Victoria thumbed through Joelle’s journal, briefly reading some of the entries which seemed to reflect incidents or situations without directly naming the players. She wasn’t sure how much significance this would bring to the investigation. She did, however, make a few notes to explore in depth later. She also jotted down specific questions about Eric to research. Current finances. Previous bankruptcies. Any possible addictions, such as gambling or substance abuse. And, of course, his wife’s life insurance policy.

What else do you think will help me?

Mia sighed; her eyes looked toward the worn gray carpet on the floor of the interview room.

"An affair. I hate putting it out there. Joelle would kill me if she knew I shared this with anyone."

"At this point, I think Joelle needs you to share this."

Okay. Well… Eric had an affair with a woman in their neighborhood. And do you know that tramp actually had the nerve to come to my wedding? Joelle was so upset at the audacity of it. I think her name is Samantha. She’s around Joelle’s age, bleached blonde with big boobs. Mia rolled her eyes.

No last name?

No clue. Sorry.

Well, that helps. Here, please take my card.

Thank you, Detective Mason, for believing me.

I must be honest here, Mia. If the leads don’t pan out, there won’t be a full investigation. Without a crime scene, or a body— Victoria watched Mia’s face cringe, and she immediately stopped mid-sentence.

I apologize, Mia. I know this is hard.

You can’t possibly understand how difficult this is. I mean, what if she’s really gone?

I do understand. I’ve been in your shoes.

You have?

Victoria nodded silently. My own sister. We didn’t move fast enough. She’s, um, no longer with us. Victoria sighed.

Mia fell silent, shaking her head as her eyes teared up. I’m so sorry. Her quiet voice seemed worlds away.

Me too. Victoria paused, straightened her back. Remember, if anything else comes to mind, you have my card.

Thanks, detective. Mia turned to walk out as Victoria sat back down, scribbling a few more notes to herself.

Um, there is one more thing. Last night, when Eric and I went to look for Joelle, we met the guy who found their dog, Bella.

Victoria shifted her eyebrow upward.

Mia continued, Apparently, Bella had run off, and somehow ended up with one of her neighbors a couple of blocks away. That’s not too strange, I guess, considering Joelle takes the same walking/jogging route every day. She’s very personable and friendly.

She walks daily? Good to know. Victoria jotted that down.

He seemed nice enough, the neighbor I mean. His name is Logan. Logan Foster, Mia finished.

Got it.

Victoria returned to her desk on the floor and watched as Mia met her awaiting husband with an embrace.

Victoria sighed. She was told she was attractive, sexy even. She was certainly still in her prime, but she hadn’t made time for dating since Casey, her last serious relationship, and that seemed like a lifetime ago. She and Casey had been so happy together, that was until she decided the police force was exhausting competition. It was just as well, she supposed.

***

Victoria spent some time researching, going over her notes before she picked up her receiver, and dialed the number listed on her laptop’s screen. She found his direct line from his company’s website.

Eric Lawton, the male voice greeted.

This is Detective Victoria Mason. Would you be willing to meet with me at the station to discuss your wife’s disappearance?

My wife’s disappearance?

Yes. Your sister-in-law was here earlier.

I’m sorry, Detective… Mason, was it?

Yes.

"I’m sure my wife is fine, just taking some much-needed rest and relaxation. She has a very stressful job, and sometimes our home front can also give her grief. She’s not missing, I assure you."

Mr. Lawton, just in case, there is something wrong—

"But there’s not. She’s done this before when things in her life boil over. It’s how she copes, trust me. I’ll tell you what, if you do find anything, let me know."

Then you’re not concerned whatsoever? I must admit, I find that strange. When was the last time you actually talked to your wife?

Do I need an attorney?

Victoria sighed. Not at the moment, Mr. Lawton, but I promise, you’ll be the first one to know if that changes.

Thank you for calling, Detective.

Click.

Victoria dialed a second number, this time to her second lead. It took some digging, but she found through her research that Logan Foster was a local school district employee as well.

Hello, may I speak with Logan Foster?

Please hold.

This is Logan Foster.

Hello, Mr. Foster, this is Detective Mason with the sheriff’s office. Would you be willing to discuss the dog you found last night? I believe Bella was Joelle Lawton’s dog.

Yes, of course. However, this really isn’t a good time right now, I’m in the middle of a class.

Could you possibly meet with me after school?

Yes, I can be there right after school lets out.

Please ask for me when you arrive.

Victoria spent the next hour reading the leather-bound journal; a diary of sorts. She envisioned herself at each pivotal memory, turning points in Joelle Lawton’s life. Victoria was also amazed at how a woman who was supposedly so likable, could have so many enemies.

One

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Approximately 4 months before disappearance...

Stop driving Daddy away, Natalie Lawton said, slamming a dish on the counter. He’s going to leave us, you know. All because of you.

Hey young lady, that’s enough. You need to calm down. Joelle examined the dish and confirmed a slight chip on its bottom. Natalie, you could’ve broken this.

She glared at her daughter and unconsciously tapped her fingertips upon the calming green and white color coordination contained in the granite countertop. She sighed loudly, shaking her head at the tension in a space that had once been designed to create a peaceful atmosphere.

Oh yeah, I’d better protect your precious dish. That’s much more important than me. Natalie stormed out of the kitchen, stomping her feet on each of the stone-colored ceramic tiles.

Joelle shrugged her shoulders, rolling her eyes. Her daughter had entered a phase she was not at all prepared for. Unnecessary outbursts. Unwarranted tantrums. But this time she understood the outburst from Natalie.

Eric had strayed. And although Joelle had denied it repeatedly, she knew the truth in her heart. Now Natalie knew it too. Fortunately, Micah was too young, too innocent to realize his father’s indiscretions.

Joelle pushed his infidelity from her focus. A ton of bricks. Always there. Too heavy to unload. Instead, she’d just covered up the unwanted truth.

Jo, do you need some help in here? Everything all right? Eric asked, popping his head in the kitchen.

Joelle brushed the tears from her eyes.

"Yes, I’m fine. It’s just Natalie. She’s having another one of her…her episodes. That’s all. Typical tween stuff." Joelle was a terrible liar. She knew it.

Okay, I’ll go and talk to her. Eric headed for the stairway before Joelle could convince him otherwise. She was confident Natalie would keep her opinions to herself when around him anyway. Eric was Natalie’s hero. Always was. Always would be. Joelle was sure of it.

Two

Friday, July 10, 2015

Have you done this before?

No. You? Mia asked. She studied her older sister’s face, searching for peace of mind.

Nope, Joelle replied.

I do know others who have though. Like Grandma Webb, who would have been around your age at the time, went to one before grandpa had his heart attack. This woman told her that she could see a man who was close to her sitting upright in a chair, his feet propped up with a pill underneath his tongue. She also said this man was not old, maybe before retirement age. She swallowed. After his heart attack, Pops was prescribed heart medication which had to be placed under his tongue. He also bought a La-Z-Boy recliner, and for the first time in his life, actually lounged around on the weekends. He was only forty-nine.

That’s interesting. Joelle kept walking.

Interesting? Well, I thought it was pretty freaking incredible! I never knew that about Granny and Pops until Dad told me. Man, I wish Pops was still around. She paused. Well, I’m hoping this one can give me insight on the wedding. I’m so nervous.

Well, I hope so too. Then I can forgive you for dragging me here.

Oh c’mon, Jo-Jo. It’ll be fun, I promise. She gave a childlike smile.

I’ll make the most of it, Joelle said, reaching for her younger sister’s arm while giving her a half hug.

The two sisters entered the tinted glass office building, searching for Suite 400. A sign was posted near the elevator announcing the popular psychic and medium Caroline Moray’s presence in the suite.

Ahh, Jo-Jo, look! Her sister pointed to the sign. I’m so excited… and nervous.

Well, let’s just see what she has to say. Joelle pushed the up arrow on the metallic door elevator. I don’t know what you’re so worried about anyway. You’re marrying a really good guy who loves you so much, and you’ll be Mrs. Mia Parker. What could possibly go wrong?

Uh, the flowers, the cake, the food, the church, the priest, the music. My list goes on and on. A lot can go wrong in planning a wedding.

And that’s why we had a small wedding.

No, you had a small wedding because Eric likes to suck up to his mother-in-law, a.k.a. our mother, and father would rather save a few bucks! Well, they weren’t getting away with that for my special day.

Mia Webb! No, we did it to avoid all of the stress.

Mia rolled her eyes and sighed. Whatever.

The elevator doors chimed and opened to the fourth floor, but the sisters remained quiet. An oversized orange upright sign read Welcome. Caroline Moray, Popular Psychic and Medium in large bold letters, and underneath in much smaller text "July 10th and 11th at Paranormal Truth Seekers (Suite 400).

They walked into Suite 400 and spotted the receptionist who had a phone growing from each ear. The middle-aged woman with glasses gave a