The Missing Piece: A Paul Phillips Mystery

The Missing Piece

A Paul Phillips Mystery

Philip DeLizio

Copyright © 2024

All Rights Reserved

Dr. Philip DeLizio, Ed. D., is a retired schoolteacher. Upon his retirement, he decided to pursue his passion for writing.

Teen/Young Adult Inspirational Books

Rekindled Faith

Emma’s Dilemma

A Light on the Horizon

Darkness to Light

A Letter of Hope

Crossroads

Paul Phillips Mysteries

Twisted Reckonings

Shadows in the Jungle

The Missing Piece

The Cricketer’s Conspiracy

Shadows of the Past

Retired Detective Paul Phillips had been enjoying his quiet life on the tropical island of St. Anne until five-year-old Emma Webber was kidnapped from the beach. The head of the local police force, Sergeant Marcel Dumas, admits they are out of their depth with this carefully orchestrated crime. Against his wishes for peace, Paul's sense of duty compels him to assist with the investigation when Marcel pays him a visit.

Paul interrogates the distraught parents, Thomas, and Amelia, digging for clues within their stories. Nothing adds up and several suspicious contradictions emerge. As Paul expands his search, he discovers that Webber's marriage is far from harmonious. Thomas had been having an affair with a local woman, and a significant life insurance policy gives both lovers a motive.

When new evidence points to an insider involved in the planning, Paul focuses his search on the couple's inner circle. The island's close-knit community provides many hiding places for a kidnapper trying to evade the law. As Emma's captor becomes increasingly desperate, keeping the young girl becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Driven by his experience and instincts, Paul methodically works through a growing list of suspects, carefully placed clues, and red herrings designed to mislead. With time running out for Emma, it becomes a nerve-wracking race to unravel the mystery before it's too late. After a climactic confrontation, Paul finally exposes the truth in a shocking conclusion that brings swift justice but a bittersweet end to his hoped-for retirement.

Contents

Chapter 1: A Violent Awakening

Chapter 2: Shaken Foundations

Chapter 3: Schemer's Masquerade

Chapter 4: Affairs and Insurance

Chapter 5: Widening the Net

Chapter 6: Trail Goes Cold

Chapter 7: Doubtful Disclosures

Chapter 8: Targeted Search

Chapter 9: Confronting the Calm

Chapter 10: Frayed Nerves

Chapter 11: Closer than Known

Chapter 12: Aftermath

Chapter 13: Old Wounds, New Beginnings

Chapter 14: Full Circle

Chapter 1: A Violent Awakening

The Caribbean... it's a paradise but shadows lurked beneath the sunny facade. The beaches, pristine and inviting, were a stark contrast to the darkness that sometimes washed ashore. The sand was golden and warm beneath your feet, a reminder of the calm before the storm. And the sun, relentless in its brilliance, cast both light and shadows on this beautiful yet troubled island. It's a place where beauty conceals danger, where one must tread carefully to uncover the truth.

St. Anne, Paul Phillip’s adopted home. It's a small yet vibrant island in the heart of the Caribbean, where the lush greenery meets the crystal-clear waters that hug its shores. The town exuded a quaint charm, with colorful buildings that lined the cobblestone streets, telling stories of years gone by. The locals, warm and welcoming, had woven a tapestry of traditions and legends that permeated every corner of the island. The rhythm of life here was slow and steady, like the gentle sway of the palm trees in the ocean breeze.

The pulsing beat of the music at the local taverns blended with the laughter of children that played in the streets created a symphony of island life. St. Anne was a place where time seems to have stood still, yet beneath its tranquil surface lay a tapestry of secrets waiting to be unraveled. Living here, amid the beauty and mystery, reminded Paul that even in paradise, darkness could take root if left unchecked.

The French influence on St. Anne was unmistakable. From the charming architecture that reflected a blend of French and Caribbean styles to the mouthwatering cuisine that married flavors from both worlds, the island bore the marks of its colonial past. The locals, proud of their heritage, speak a melodic mix of French and Creole, which adds a musical cadence to everyday conversations.

The French culture had seeped into the very fabric of life on the island, shaping traditions, festivals, and customs that were celebrated with passion and gusto. Whether it was the lively street markets that brimmed with fresh produce or the colorful carnival parades that lit up the town square, the French influence was evident in every aspect of daily life. Living here, among this vibrant tapestry of cultures, reminded Paul of the rich history that weaved through every corner of this enchanting island.

The tropical sun rose warm on Paul's face as he awoke to the familiar sounds of island life drifting through the sea breeze. Stretching with satisfaction, he savored another lazy morning in this palm-fringed paradise that had become his quiet home. The best part about living on a Caribbean beach, according to Paul, is the sense of freedom it brings.

The endless expanse of the ocean stretching out before you, the soothing sound of the waves lulling you into a peaceful state of mind. The sea breeze carried whispers of adventure and mystery, which mingled with the salty scent of the ocean.

The sunrise in the Caribbean was a sight to behold. As the first light crept over the horizon, it painted the sky in hues of pink, orange, and gold. The gentle waves reflected the colors like a mirror, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow on the water. It was a moment of calm before the day's chaos began a brief respite in a world full of mysteries waiting to be unraveled. And the spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in a riot of colors, a reminder that even in darkness, beauty can be found. Living here, in nature's raw beauty, reminded Paul that even in the most tranquil places, chaos can still find a way in.

After getting dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, he started breakfast of eggs, fruit, and strong coffee. Local songs played softly on the radio as always, soothing island melodies. News reports brought no trouble, just weather, and festivals. All remains well in our tranquil community, the radio assured listeners. A rueful smile ghosted Paul’s lip. If only it were true.

He tried focusing on routines, not letting any foreboding cloud the sky. But as Paul ate, memories intruded, and past crimes obliterated innocence with brutal efficiency. Another victim needed his skills to find justice, which endangered the calm that blanketed this sheltered place. Its people lived simple, untroubled lives while he coursed dark streets hunting predators. Could he shield them still?

As he fetched his coffee, the movement on the beach below caught his eye. People were running toward the water's edge, gesturing wildly. His detective's intuition ignited a spark of concern, this was no ordinary activity. Shielding his gaze from the sun, he scanned the surf and saw a frantic man wading back and forth, splashing violently as others shouted. He sat down his cup and hurried out the front door wearing just his shorts, t-shirt, and no shoes, and out onto the sand.

What's happened?, he asked the gathered onlookers, who were now joined by more alarmed faces. A distraught woman collapsed sobbing into another's arms. A man turned to Paul, panting. It's Emma Webber...she's missing! One moment she was building castles, the next just...gone!

Dread pooled in Paul's stomach. This was no accident. Someone had taken that little girl from her kingdom of sand. He tried to soothe the crowd as the local police arrived, knowing their panic could contaminate clues. Through the chaos Sergeant Dumas appeared, solemnly meeting Paul's eyes. We need your help, my friend. This is no ordinary missing person’s case.

Paul nodded, steeling himself once more for the hunt. His tropical paradise had been shattered, and a new case had unfolded, one that would test both his skills, and his retirement's fragile peace. Paul breathed deeply. There, daily sun saluted and posed, keeping his aging body lithe amid island leisure.

In the city where Paul was from, dawn brought another damaged body demanding justice. But here in paradise were only the songs of birds, the laughter of children and adults, and surf, nature's cure that healed wounds the world had inflicted. For six peaceful months, Paul had immersed himself in this rhythmic life, leaving violence and its aftermath behind locked files. Six peaceful months since his last case helping the local police department. It too was a missing person’s case. A mystery of a fellow islander gone missing.

As he delved into that case, Paul uncovered secrets that powerful people were willing to kill to keep hidden. With his determination to seek the truth, Paul found himself in the crosshairs of dangerous enemies who wanted the case closed permanently. Now its shadow fell across his beach, and duty called him back into the fray, hoping this case would be easier to solve. And less dangerous.

Paul readied himself once more. His gift was needed. This girl's plea could not be denied. He would maintain safety here as diligently as serving any city. With a last glance at the waves and sky, Paul hurried to meet the sergeant and learn what shadows now plagued their paradise.

The sun hung low in the sky as it cast a warm glow over the crystal-clear waters that lapped gently at the sandy shore. Seagulls circled overhead, their cries mingled with the distant chatter of tourists oblivious to the tragedy that had struck.

The salt-tinged breeze carried a sense of unease, a stark reminder that even paradise could harbor dark secrets. Amid the picturesque backdrop, the presence of frantic onlookers and concerned locals added a somber note to the usual tranquility of the beach. It was as if the peaceful façade of the island had been shattered, revealing the harsh reality that even in paradise, danger lurked.

His tranquil days were truly shattered now. A predator stalked their island, and he would find him before he claimed another victim. This time, he would not fail.

Sergeant Dumas arrived, urgency shadowed his normally genial features. The beach now sectioned off as Paul listened grimly to the Webbers’ shaken accounts. One-minute building castles as always, laughing...then gone!

Amelia Webber wept into her husband's chest. Paul watched discreetly, his intuition tingled. Something troubled Paul as he watched and listened to the Webber’s tone. Something was amiss with their display of emotions. Thomas paced, chain-smoking. We only looked away for a moment...how did anyone take her so fast?

Dumas' brow furrowed deeper. This was no opportunist, the planning involved is unprecedented here.

Paul joined the sergeant hoping his experience offered answers this good man lacked. But the crime tore all logic, no trace of any evidence, save a child's toy and a family shredded by unknown motives.

Dumas sighed heavily. Whoever this fiend is, they certainly covered their tracks well. I am afraid we are lost without your skills, my friend. Are you willing to assist us in finding who did this, and why?

Paul nodded solemnly. Nightmares ruled here now, and he would chase each shadow till dawn. Paul watched neighbors comfort the grief-stricken couple as his instincts were telling him the Webbers were telling the whole story. Street-smarts told him these good people, unused to malice, floundered in the darkness that was now descending.

As the crowd dispersed reluctantly, Dumas drew Paul aside. His eyes reflected the community's trust and betrayed his private doubts. This crime goes deeper than any we've seen, mon ami. We are out of our depth.

Paul understood the admission took guts and failure. Terrified leaders tasked with protecting others. Yet security came from facing truth, not false bravado. He placed a steadying hand on Dumas' shoulder. I promise to give it my all, sergeant. If I can help it, this crime will not go unsolved. I’ll use all my resources and skills to assist in the best way I know how, and together, we will spare the town any further pain. We’ll find the bastard who did this.

Dumas sighed gratefully. "Your willingness and experience give us hope,