New to The Dalton Files? Start at The Empty Envelope and follow the leads here.

Dalton File #3:

I got into my car and started driving to the church. I didn’t have much hope. This was the longest of long shots. I would probably have to dig through the membership list to come up with the addresses of people that remembered her. And even if somebody did remember her, I would still have to find somebody who knew where she went. Or at least why she left. And it didn’t sound to me like anybody knew.

This wasn’t going to be an easy task. I took a moment while driving to ask God for perseverance. I had a feeling I was going to need it. I was feeling pretty low. On one hand, I was glad there was nothing in Mary’s police record, but still, part of me wished there was. At least then I would have had a semi-decent lead to work with. I would have some type of clue as to what happened to her in her past and who she was associating with. If I had that much, then maybe I would have had an idea of where she could have gone after that night. As it was now, it felt like I was on a fool’s errand.

Barbara had called the church office to let them know I was coming, but she wasn’t sure if they would let an outsider look at their membership list. I was pretty sure they wouldn’t. This wouldn’t have stopped me in my past life. I had ways of dealing with roadblocks like that. I just would have slid a ten dollar bill over the desk. That usually worked, but if it didn’t work I would break in through a window at night and take what I needed. There were always ways.

Either way, I would have gotten what I wanted. However, I am not the same person I was, so I wouldn’t do it. Besides, this was a church, and even my old self would have felt at least a little guilty at trying to bribe clergy, not to mention breaking and entering into a church. I would have done it though, but I would have felt somewhat guilty. Now I felt guilty at just the thought of it.

I met the Church Director, Mrs. Stapleton, at 10:00 on the dot. She offered me a cup of coffee and we sat down to talk in her office. I took a sip of coffee. It was a little too weak for my taste. I got right to business.

I explained the situation to her–sort of. I told her, “I don’t know how much Babs, um, Barbara told you over the phone, but I need help finding a woman who used to be a member here. She has gone missing and she might be in danger. Her name is Mary Dolen. Anything you can tell me about her will be helpful.”

I understood that just because I didn’t know where she was, technically it didn’t mean she was missing. I also understood that I had no way of knowing if she was in danger. I felt guilty, but there was a chance it could be true, so I justified this little white lie to myself.

There must have been something in my voice, or in my mannerisms that gave me away because Mrs. Stapleton was having none of it. She asked me, “Are you sure she’s in trouble? We can’t give out member names or addresses. If she’s in trouble, maybe you should contact the police.” I must be losing my touch. Five years ago I would have sold that story, hook, line, and sinker. No questions asked. Now Mrs. Stapleton was suggesting I go back to Hank.

I was caught. I apologized for my lie and explained to her I was a private eye and I had a personal interest in finding Mary. I told her my story. I told her about that night, about the empty envelope, and about how she led me to Jesus. I told her how I never thanked her, and how I had questions I needed answers for.

Now I felt ashamed at my attempt at deception.

“Well, Mr. Dalton,” she started, “that’s a much more interesting story, thank you for telling me the truth. I accept your apology.” That little dig about telling the truth hurt more than I cared to admit. She continued, “We have all been concerned about her since she left. I would love to help you, but unfortunately we cannot give out the names and addresses of our members. You would need a search warrant for that.”

Just as I thought, but my heart still sank.

I told her that I understood, but that I was disappointed. This was the only lead I had and I hit a dead end. I thought about laying a guilt trip on her, something like this: You know, if you were really concerned about her, you would help me out…but after being caught in my white lie I knew I couldn’t get away with this line. Mrs. Stapleton would see right through it. With the manipulation card off the table, I then thought briefly about begging her. That would not have been a normal tough guy private eye card to play, but I was getting nowhere and didn’t know what else to do.

But then she said, “I’ll tell you what you can do, Mr. Dalton. Why don’t you come to the church service on Sunday and stay for the fellowship hour afterwards? I can’t give you any information in an official church capacity, but maybe somebody there can. We all cared about her deeply and there is a chance maybe somebody will have something that can help you.”

Then she looked in both directions, leaned over, and whispered into my ear, “Most of the people who cared for Mary will probably be here anyway, but maybe I can make a couple of calls to be sure. Don’t tell anybody, please. Shhhh.” When she pulled away from my ear, she was blushing and put her hand over her mouth. I thought to myself, Mrs. Stapleton! You little rapscallion! But I didn’t know how she would take that joke so I let it go.

“Thanks for your help, I’ll be here on Sunday. I hope that somebody knows something.”

“God bless you sir, and I do hope you find her,” Mrs. Stapleton said as I opened the office door. I looked back and said, “God bless you too.”

I went into the church office this morning hoping a long shot would pay off. Unfortunately, I left with an even bigger long shot…

Coming July 11th: The Dalton Files: Fellowship