Unexpectedly, Milo - Matthew Dicks [0]
Something Missing
For
Jim Bengiovanni,
an only child
who became a brother
acknowledgments
This book would not have been the same without the assistance of countless friends and experts, but it would not exist at all if not for my wife, Elysha, who inspires me every day. I was recently asked by a reporter to describe what “gets me up in the morning.” The answer is simple: an insatiable desire to convince my wife that I am worthy of her love and not quite the fool that I often appear to be.
Much love and appreciation to my in-laws, Barbara and Gerry Green, who have reminded me what the unwavering love and constant support of parents can feel like.
Many thanks to all of my ever-faithful readers, who continue to read each chapter with a boundless enthusiasm, a critical eye, and a generous heart. I know there are many authors who can write entire books without allowing anyone to see a single word. I do not understand these people, nor do I try. The constant audience that I enjoy is a blessing that I do not take for granted.
A special thanks to Matthew Shepard and Cindy Raynis, who never failed to read and provide insightful commentary on each chapter within twenty-four hours of distribution. Shep’s analytic style, Cindy’s discerning eye, and their shared affection for Milo have improved this story by leaps and bounds.
Thanks to Carole MacKenzie for her keen insight into obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Great appreciation goes to Alison Kerr Miller, the copyeditor for this book. I have begun to believe that editors’ names should appear on the cover of every book, in recognition for all the work that they do in bringing a story to the finish line. Alison’s expertise has spared me countless moments of literary embarrassment and has helped to craft a clearer, more cohesive narrative. Her invisible but vital imprint is hiding on every page of this book.
Thanks to Melissa Danaczko, my editor and friend, who once again has demonstrated that when an author and an editor seem to share the same brain, true collaboration can flourish. How fortunate I have been to find an editor whose opinions I respect and value without hesitation.
Lastly, thanks to Taryn Fagerness, my agent and friend, who is too humble to acknowledge how she has changed my life forever. From assuaging my flagging confidence to lending her expertise in crafting this book, Taryn has stood alongside me every step of the way. It is a strange and wondrous thing for your top-of-the-mountain, all-time heroine to be your agent and friend as well, but Taryn has been all this and more to me and my family.
Contents
Cover
Other Books by this Author
Title Page
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Epilogue
Copyright
prologue
The moment that Milo Slade had attempted to avoid for nearly his entire life finally arrived under the sodium glow of a parking lot florescent at a Burger King just south of Washington, D.C., along Interstate 95. His wife, Christine, about three hundred miles north of his position, was completely unaware of his present location. Though his sudden and unexplained disappearance may have been a cause of concern for her just one week ago, Milo suspected that it was significantly less so now.
Things had changed so much in such a short period of time.
The camera and the tapes, the objects that had ultimately led him to this moment, were also back in Connecticut, left there purposely lest he be unable to stop himself from watching. These items had been in his possession for less than two weeks, and he felt guilty enough for what he had seen already.
It was