Vanished by Margaret Daley

front of for the past few hours. “I think my eyes have crossed.” She made a face as though her eyes really had.
    A smile leaked into Kim’s sad expression. “I’ll get you a couple. There’s some soft drinks. Do you want one?”
    Madison held up her mug, half full of lukewarm black coffee. “I’ll stick with this. Thanks.”
    Susan’s gaze followed Kim’s progress toward the break room. “Do you think she should be here?” She swung her attention back to Madison. “Don’t get me wrong. I have appreciated the help with the phones. They have been ringing off the walls, and with all that needs to be done she’s been a big help, but she’s really taking this hard.”
    Madison came to her feet to stretch and work the kinks out of her muscles produced from sitting in the same hard chair for hours. “As to be expected. She needs to help. This seemed the best way. We’re here if she needs help dealing. More importantly J.T. is.” She looked toward the break room. “Hopefully when they return to their house tonight, things will be better. Being away from familiar surroundings can add to the stress for everyone involved.”
    â€œNot just Kim?”
    â€œNo, J.T., too. He’s been camped here since the kidnapping. I think spending some time at his home with his family will be good for him.”
    â€œAmong familiar surroundings?”
    â€œYes.” Madison twisted from side to side.
    â€œWon’t that spark memories of Ashley that would make it harder for him?”
    The quick stretches eased the aches enough for Madison to sit again. “Maybe. I’m no psychologist, but I think it will help in the long run for the whole family.” Peering beyond the older woman, Madison glimpsed Kim emerging from the break room with a paper plate full of cookies and a soft drink. “Thanks, Susan, for letting us know about these.”
    â€œI’m going to go across the street to the café to get some food in an hour. I’m taking orders. Do you want anything?”
    â€œWhy don’t you bring a turkey sandwich for me and one for J.T.? Knowing him, he’ll probably not take the time to eat lunch.”
    â€œWill do.”
    Kim placed cookies in the middle of the table. “I already had one. They’re great!”
    Susan shuffled toward Rachel and an FBI colleague, Paul Kendall, both situated before another computer working on the list of criminals. With a quick scan around the large room, Madison noted the price this abduction had exacted from the various members of J.T.’s team. Tired lines aged Susan’s face and worry painted her complexion a pasty white. Dark smudges circled Rachel’s eyes, dulled to a lackluster brown. None of Derek’s usual cockiness was evident now and Kirk ran on cup after cup of coffee, which made his movements jerky.
    Madison glanced down at her own hands poised over the keyboard. Their slight tremor brought a smile to her lips. Obviously not just J.T.’s team was affected. Hours ago coffee probably replaced the blood coursing through her veins.
    Before getting back to her task of checking the criminal list, Madison grabbed a cookie off the paper plateand took a bite. The delicious sweetness melted in her mouth. She finished that one and got another.
    â€œI probably should warn you that Mrs. Goldsmith’s cookies are addicting.” Kim snagged one for herself as the phone rang.
    While the teenager answered it, Madison munched and thought about what J.T. had revealed this morning over breakfast. He was a recovering alcoholic. Having witnessed his strong personality and control, she was surprised by his revelation. As she finished a third cookie, she again surveyed the people in the room. What were they hiding? The realization that others often hid behind a mask like a clown strengthened her earlier idea. She still couldn’t rid her mind of the thought