Cut & Run Read Online Free PDF Page A

you told me the other night? How everything happened?”
    Chris nodded, rubbed his hands together, and then cracked his knuckles. “Last Wednesday night, my wife and I had plans to meet Matt for dinner at his house. Matt and his family were returning home from soccer practice when he apparently got a flat tire. I had just talked to him a few minutes before this happened. He told me they were heading to the Quarter to drop off one of Erin’s paintings and would be home shortly after that. This was around six thirty. When we got to their house a half hour later, we were surprised that no one was home. After my wife, Melinda, and I unloaded the groceries, I called Matt on his cell phone but it went straight to voice mail. We called his wife Erin, and again, it went straight to voice mail. I began to worry. I could tell they hadn’t made it home from soccer practice because Matt is meticulous about putting away the soccer balls and gear as soon as he gets home. When I went out to the garage and saw nothing was there, I knew something was out of the ordinary. Melinda thought they must have gone to the grocery store or something and suggested that we wait for a little while longer before calling the police. So we waited about a half hour, constantly trying their cell phones. Finally I couldn’t take it anymore. I had a bad feeling. Melinda offered to stay at the house in case they showed up while I went driving around. While I was driving, I made a few calls.Being in the bail bond business, I know a lot of cops. I called a buddy of mine that is with the NOPD to see if any accidents had happened. Nothing. They put out a BOLO for Matt’s truck. Not fifteen minutes later, I got a call from my friend that Matt’s truck was found in an abandoned parking lot by the Riverwalk.”
    Chris paused and took a long pull of his beer. Rachel noticed that his hands were slightly shaking. “The back of the truck was opened and there was blood on a tire iron.”
    Everyone was silent while the waitress put down plates of food for Rachel and Red. Chris stopped his story long enough to give the waitress his to-go order and then continued.
    “We searched all over the French Quarter and Riverwalk area, and up and down every side street in the vicinity of where his truck was found. I finally got back to Matt’s house around one in the morning to pick up Melinda. We were both worried sick. Melinda suggested that I spend the night at Matt’s house in case they turned up, so I took her home and then went back. The next day, I called you guys.” Chris finished his beer and gave Rachel a little smile. “Your reputation precedes you. One of the cops suggested Florida Omni Search after hearing about your involvement in the missing-firefighter case in Florida.”
    Rachel smiled back. Chris was doing a good job of laying out the facts of the case. However, she still had a few questions for him. “I’m sure the police have gone over this with you several times, but I have to ask. Do you know of anyone who wanted to harm Matt or his family?”
    Chris considered the question before shaking his head. “No, I don’t. In our business, we deal with all kinds. But I can’t think of anyone who would want to hurt Matt. He is the good guy in our operation. I always tell him that he’s too easy on people. If anyone would hold a grudge against someone in our family, it would be against me. Not Matt or Erin, and definitely not the kids.”
    “Has Matt said anything to you about his ordeal?” Rachel asked.
    “He doesn’t remember anything. Matt’s last memory is getting a haircut and seeing his tax attorney. That was two months ago.” Chris furrowed his brow and turned up his big palms in a gesture of hopelessness. “I don’t know what we’re going to do.”
    Rachel dug a business card out of her purse and handed it to Chris. “We’re here to help you. Our plan is to stay in Baton Rouge tonight. Tomorrow morning we’ll take a look at the truck stop