The Green Children: A Sycamore Moon Novel (Sycamore Moon Series Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

interruption for her, not a curiosity. Her face was pretty, even when upset.
    Maxim cleared his throat. "Yeah. I'm Detective Maxim Dwyer, ma'am."
    "It's early," she said bluntly. "Don't you think we could've done this at a better time?"
    The detective chewed his lip and offered an inquisitive look.
    "The Land Rover," she said. "You came about the vandalism."
    Maxim sighed. "Can I come inside, Mrs. Hayes?"
    "It's Ms. I've been divorced going on seven years. You might as well call me Olivia." The woman let go of the door and let her shoulders sag. The bathrobe fell open slightly and Maxim caught a glimpse of her chest as she turned around and led him inside.
    "Sheesh," whispered Maxim, unsure if he should enter.
    The robe she wore was plush, but it couldn't hide her slim figure. The woman had the confident walk of the hottest girl in the bar. She had no idea what was about to hit her, but at least Maxim's news was mostly good.
    She led him to a large living room and pointed to the couch. "Well, you might as well sit down. I can make you some tea or coffee or—"
    "I'm here about your daughter, Ms. Hayes."
    The woman froze with her jaw open. The gears turned quickly, but Maxim saw her expression switch from confusion to horror. "Annabelle?" she asked softly. Then she strode up to him. "What happened to my daughter?"
    "She's fine," he said. "Please don't be alarmed. She's okay. We found her in the woods last night, lost."
    Olivia was incredulous. "What do you mean, lost? Where is she?"
    "Annabelle's at the clinic on Main Street. She's a little malnourished and received treatment for minor bruises and scratches, but there's nothing serious to mention. She was lucky."
    "Lucky?" she asked with disdain. "Why wasn't I notified immediately? I want to see my daughter right now!"
    Maxim had only known Olivia for a few minutes and already her bossiness overwhelmed him. This was a woman used to getting what she wanted.
    "Slow down," said Maxim firmly. "You daughter was near catatonic when we found her last night. She didn't tell us much, not even a last name. I had no idea who you were until thirty minutes ago, which is why I interrupted you so early."
    Olivia nodded and was about to say something but Maxim spoke over her.
    "And your daughter is currently medicated and getting some sleep. Rest is the thing she needs most right now. So we'll get you right over to the clinic to see her, but I need you to answer a few questions first. Is that okay?"
    Olivia drew her lips taut and nodded.
    "Annabelle is twelve, is that correct?"
    Olivia nodded again.
    "And she lives here?"
    "Yes."
    "When was the last time you saw her?"
    The woman trembled. She dried her arms against the bathrobe and pulled it tighter around her. "Her father had her for the long weekend. Annabelle's school has holidays for Good Friday and Easter Monday, so she was supposed to be back today. I was going to pick her up from school."
    "And the last time you actually saw her?" he asked patiently.
    "Friday morning. I dropped Annabelle off with her father in Bellemont."
    Maxim nodded. The town was just off the Interstate and the closest civilization to Sanctuary. "I'll need his name and address before I leave. Do you know what activities they had planned? Was this a special occasion for Easter?"
    "Not really. Annabelle sometimes visits him for a couple days at a time, but with the holiday she wanted to extend it."
    For all of Olivia's bossiness, when Maxim had asked her to cooperate for the sake of her daughter, the woman had complied. Her concern appeared genuine.
    "Did her father warn you that anything was wrong?"
    Olivia hissed. "Not at all. He should've called me about this."
    The detective grunted in agreement. "And what about you? Do you think anything was wrong?"
    The mother was taken aback. "What do you mean?"
    "With Annabelle. Was there anything strange about her behavior when you dropped her off?"
    Olivia put her hands on her hips and scoffed. Again the bathrobe fell open