Read Online Private Screening by Richard North Patterson - Free Book Online Page B

late at night, followed by strange absences. Parnell began waiting for something to happen.
    But Alexis seemed certain that she could make Robert whole. At first, he spurned her impulsive hugs and invitations to some film or play. Then, as though seized by childhood cravings or sure that he had punished her enough, Robert began to ask that she play sonatas for him, or come to his room to watch a musical they had enjoyed when he was younger. Encouraged, Alexis asked him to the opera. He spent more time with her, and showed no sign of leaving.
    â€œWhat’s he planning?” Parnell asked her.
    â€œIn what sense?”
    â€œIn the sense that he never finished prep school.”
    â€œPlease, Colby—don’t push him away yet. We’re so close to where we were.”
    The following afternoon, for the first time since his son’s return, Parnell heard Paganini coming from the music room. That night, leaving with Alexis for the opera, Robert smiled at his father. The smile struck Parnell as so triumphant that he could not sleep.
    The next morning, as Alexis dressed, Parnell put on a robe and went to Robert’s room. Within an hour, Robert was gone.
    Six months later, Parnell shook hands with the FBI agent who met him at the cabin.
    Special Agent McCarry brought two others with him. They searched the area as he questioned Parnell, his red-veined face expressionless.
    â€œDo you know who’d want to do this?”
    Parnell shook his head. “No. But that my family owns a newspaper is no secret. Or that we own this cabin.”
    â€œWhy was he living here?”
    â€œHis school performance has been disappointing.” Parnell had rehearsed his answer carefully. “This cabin was a kind of retreat. To reflect.”
    â€œWho else knew he was here?”
    â€œHis mother—perhaps a few of our friends. I don’t know Robert’s friends. He’s been East until recently.”
    â€œAny involvement with drugs, or sudden need for money?”
    â€œHe’s smoked marijuana. About the other, his mother gave him money whenever he needed it.”
    â€œHow about problems over girlfriends?”
    â€œNo—nothing like that.” Parnell hesitated. “What are you after?”
    â€œSeveral things.” The agent’s gaze was steady. “Any unusual conflict, for one.”
    Parnell waited.
    â€œWas there?”
    â€œMy son and I had the usual conflicts—lifestyle, and grades.”
    â€œNothing deeper?”
    â€œHe seemed troubled.…” Stopping, Parnell took off his glasses, and began to clean them.
    â€œHow well did Robert get on with his mother?”
    Parnell looked away. “Quite well.”
    â€œBetter than with you?”
    Parnell put on his glasses. “She was his mother.”
    Hands in his pocket, McCarry watched him. “You said he fought. Was there ever violence between you and Robert?”
    â€œIt—it didn’t come to that.”
    â€œWhat about toward his mother?”
    Slowly, Parnell shook his head.
    â€œWhen was the last time you saw him?”
    â€œSix months ago.”
    â€œOr spoke to him?”
    â€œThen.”
    McCarry looked up sharply. “Was there some specific incident?”
    â€œYou keep harping on that. Am I a suspect?”
    â€œShould you be?”
    Parnell felt tired. “No—of course not. I’m sorry.”
    â€œWhat about Robert?”
    â€œHow do you mean?”
    McCarry seemed to choose his words.
    â€œWhen a teenaged child disappears, the reason often has less to do with money than with hatred—something within the family that makes the child want revenge.”
    Parnell turned to the cabin. A second agent walked toward them, holding a pair of hiking boots. “Are these your son’s?”
    Parnell nodded. “I believe so. Yes.”
    The man spoke to McCarry. “We’re lifting a boot print from near the window—a size and a half