Free Angels in Disguise by Betty Sullivan La Pierre

grinned. “Why?"
    "Because, I'd about decided to give Paul back his check and tell him to hire another investigator."
    Jennifer shook her head vehemently. “No way. You'd drive me crazy hanging around here. I don't want us changing our life style because of some minor health problem. You keep working on the case and I'll keep writing my books."
    He reached over and touched her cheek. “It's a deal."
    After he hung around observing Jennifer for an hour, he felt it would be safe to leave her. He placed the sketches in a binder and took off for Medford. Stopping by the police station, he showed Detective Williams the drawings.
    After Williams studied the portraits, he folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. “This one looks familiar.” He pointed at the one of Derrick. “But right off the top of my head, I don't recognize these two. You certainly might find them in the mug book. They definitely don't have the appeal of upstanding citizens."
    "My impression exactly."
    "Let me know."
    "Will do."
    Hawkman found a vacant computer room where he could study the mug book without being interrupted. He had the pictures of the two men pretty much in his mind, but placed the sketches on the table so he could compare the shots. He booted up the computer and clicked on the mug book icon. Meticulously studying each picture, it didn't take long before he spotted the photo of the so-called Jack Smith. His real name appeared to be Alfonso Gomez. He quickly went to the data file and discovered the man had been arrested a year ago on a felony drug charge, but then released for lack of evidence. He'd also been hauled in for involvement in a bar brawl, but again the charges were dismissed. After printing out the file, Hawkman continued his search for Derrick.
    Several minutes later, he found a clean shaven man resembling the sketch. Hawkman played with the computer until he had a mustache and small beard placed on the face. The photo fit. The man's name was Derrick Altbusser. No wonder Tiffany didn't catch the German last name. He pulled up the data on this man and found similar charges, also dismissed.
    Both men had associated with drugs. No biggies, but they were connected with the drug world and obviously knew dealers to supply their habits. Could it be Carlotta decided to get a few kicks and experiment? This might put a whole new approach on investigating her disappearance.
    He rubbed a hand across his face and fingered his own mustache. The thought of dropping such a bomb on Paul would probably put him into shock, but he'd have to find out if he ever suspected Carlotta of doing drugs. It might explain her uncaring attitude toward her daughter's school activities, along with her unusual behavior toward Tiffany's friends and their parents. He'd talk to Paul first, then approach Delia.
    He gathered up the printed materials, put them into the folder and strolled back to Detective Williams’ office.
    "You busy?"
    "I'm always busy. But have a seat and tell me what you found."
    Hawkman placed the printouts of the two men in front of the detective. “The data file had fairly recent addresses, so they may still live in the same places. Anyway, this is where I'll start my search."
    Williams tapped his pen on the desk top as he looked over the information. “Appears our little lady may have gotten involved with the wrong crowd."
    "Yes, and it bothers me. I have a feeling she's very naive. Could have easily been swept along with the crowd and who knows where she's ended up. Maybe in a shallow grave."
    The detective turned a sharp eye toward Hawkman. “You don't usually go for the negative."
    Hawkman swept up the files and stowed them back into his folder. Pushing back his cowboy hat, he sighed. “Yeah, I know. But my gut tells me there's something terribly wrong here. And it's bugging the hell out of me because I can't put my finger on it."
    "You will. The case is young."
    "The lady's been missing over a week. Not a good sign."
    Williams