That got both men’s attention. “Where?”
“Why do you want to know?” he asked in a menacing tone.
“She ran off from her husband.”
“Oh, one of those.”
“Yes, one of those,” one of the men said. “He wants her found. Where was she when you saw her?”
“At a diner east of here. About fifty miles back.”
“Was she alone?”
“No. She seemed to be getting friendly with an older couple. I heard them say they were headed to Salt Lake City, then on to Idaho. They offered her a ride.”
The other man eyed him curiously. “You heard an awful lot.”
“I was sitting in the booth next to theirs. Evidently, the old man had a hearing problem and was talking a little too loudly. I figured he thought everybody’s hearing was just as bad as his.”
“Did she leave with them?”
“I have no idea. I left before they did.” He then asked, “Is her husband offering any type of reward?”
“No.” Then they walked out of the store, without even thanking him for the information.
It had all been lies anyway. He watched them get into their car and drive away, heading east. He was glad they’d believed his story.
“This will be all for you, mister?” the guy behind the counter asked.
“No, I need to gather a few more things.”
“Okay.”
Drew grabbed a knitted cap off the rack, a pair of sunglasses, additional granola bars, and more water. After paying for the items, he walked across the lot and back to his truck. Opening the door, he climbed in the back. “Eden?”
“Yes?”
“Here are the things you asked for. By the way, I’m sorry I doubted you. You were right -men are looking for you.” He saw the exact moment panic appeared in the depths of her green eyes.
“You saw them?” she asked in a shaky voice.
“Yes, two of them walked into the store, flashing around a copy of Vogue and asking people if they had seen you. They claim to be working for your husband.”
“I don’t have a husband.”
“I guess they figure people would be more sympathetic to a man looking for his runaway wife than a father looking for a runaway grown daughter. When they asked me, I told them I had seen you with an older couple who were heading toward Salt Lake City. Hopefully, that will send them searching in the opposite direction.”
“Thanks.” She pulled the knitted cap and sunglasses from the bag. “I appreciate all of this. Now what’s your address so I can repay you when I can.”
“Repayment isn’t necessary. Just take care of yourself.”
“I will,” she said, stuffing the granola bars and water into her backpack.
Now the thing looked too darn heavy, and Drew could just imagine her experiencing shoulder and back pain tomorrow.
“Here,” she said, handing him the bag that contained his candy bars.
“Thanks. Come on, it’s time for you to go.”
