MISSING 

By Tessa Harvey

Gabe scowled as he opened his front door. Despite herself, Blanche, the junior police officer found herself stepping back slightly. Her mother had told her once of visiting a vicar. He had opened his door with a pleasant smile, wearing dark colours and a very white dog collar. Next to him had sat a smug-looking cat, black with a white neck patch! She had told the story, saying she had found it so hard not to giggle at the time.

    At the back of her mind, Blanche realised she had been expecting someone similar. Maybe not the cat - but certainly someone meek and mild. But, this man was definitely not gentle, or meek or even mild for that matter. His jeans and tee shirt looked rumpled and none too clean.

 And no one could ever assume that he was anything but very hostile.

    Smoothly, James stepped forward and seemingly unperturbed, introduced them both.

    "Why are you police back?" demanded the youngish man. "Is it because the husband is always the number one suspect? Demand a confession, case resolved, and you can go back to persecuting loiterers and lead-footed vehicle owners!"

    "May we come in?" James smiled, unfazed. Gabe gestured awkwardly for them to enter. He almost slammed the door, but seeing an old lady peering around her blinds opposite, contented himself with a sarcastic wave and a swift closing of the unfortunate door.

    The pastor waved them to a seat. The lounge area was very dusty, very untidy. Half-full and empty cups and dishes were scattered on various tables and other surfaces. The room smelled musty and airless.

    "No housekeeper," remarked Gabe. Blanche flushed slightly and looked down.

"Well, what now?" queried the man, but his tone was far more tired-sounding now than hostile.

"I can't sleep much," he blurted suddenly, "and when I do, I hear her calling and I say...Hi Angel!" as usual, but she isn't here. I wake up alone. The house is silent and empty. Why?"

    Softly, James Roberts, the senior police officer and detective broke some more shattering news to the beleagured man of God.