Hando, Part 2
by Atonia and Bridgid
Something cold and dreaded began to settle over Hando. He picked up her cell phone and called the sheriff. While he waited for an answer it occurred to him this was the first time in his life he’d ever asked the law for help…but this was Marce and nothing was adding up here…something was bad wrong.
"Sheriff’s department, Deputy Hennessy," Siobhan answered. Her facial expression became grim when she heard the man on the other line. All she could do was wonder what the hell that piece of shit of a man did to Marce as she listened to his frantic plea. She knew something like this would happen, eventually. She didn’t trust him no way no how. Composing herself she ended the call with a "We’ll be right there."
It troubled her some that she had this mental block about him. As a cop she should be fair and objective but she’s seen his kind before, many times.
"Hey boss, "she called to John. "Think we got a problem here. It seems Marce is missing and it doesn’t look too good. Skin said he found her bike in the lake and there’s no trace of her anywhere. Hasn’t been at work either."
John just nodded. Taking the keys to his prowler off the desk he headed for the door with Siobhan on his heels.
They were both silent as they drove out to Hando’s place. Deep in thought and suspicion no doubt. Her worst thought seemed to be answered when they arrived as the skin was not cooperative.
The both got out of the car but she approached Hando first. "Take it easy, pal. We’re here to help."
John unsnapped the keepers on his holster out of habit. He’d not used the piece very often but he was not comfortable with this situation.
"Where’s the bike?" he asked
Hando looked at both of them a little uneasy at their approach and turned walking down to the edge of the lake, he pointed out the outline of the bike, "I dove in there and swam around but....there's nothing but the bike.."
John and Siobhan looked at each other briefly. It was one of 'those' looks. As the sheriff moved to the shoreline of the lake, Siobhan reached for Hando's arm.
"Why don't you and I have a little talk. Sit down on the porch and you can give me a play by play of how your day went."
She gave a tug to lead him toward the cabin.
Hando jerked his arm out of her hand what the hell was she doing anyhow they were supposed to be looking for Marce. Hando moved past her and set down on the porch steps. He looked up at her and glanced down by the lake, why didn't the Sheriff talk to him why this bitch. "What do you want to know?" he asked.
"Don't give me attitude, Hando. I'm just doing my damn job," she huffed "When
was the last time you saw Marce?"
"Early about 7:30 this morning, she was just waking up when I left." He rested his hands on the step beside him, without a shirt and dressed only in a pair of jeans his tattoos were very prominent. He looked up at the deputy.
John was wiping his hands as he came up from the lakes edge. He moved up beside Siobhan and stood with his arms crossed. Seeing the handbag near Hando he asked "That hers?"
He knew in his heart what the answer was and he felt deep down that Marce had met with foul play. The questions he wanted answered where the why's how's and whodunit.
Hando looked over toward the small table,"yeah that's her gear and her phone, I put it back where she left it" he said quietly.
To Siobhan, Hando behaved like a guilty man. He was well aware of his emotions and he seemed to keep them in check. John on the other hand felt that Hando was as perplexed as he was about what happened. There in lies the difference between a big city cop and a small town sheriff.
Before another word was spoken, John's cell phone rang. He answered it quickly. "Biebe,"
After a few acknowledgements and a "We'll be right there." John sighed and looked over at Siobhan. "Millie, she says one of her new tenants is there and he's frantic. Found something suspicious by the lake."