Four
Damien showedup at Sunrise Brews every morning for four days before he convinced himself Harmony wasn’t coming back.It was possible he missed her, but when he asked the barista, she confirmed Harmony hadn’t been in.
That was not a good thing.
Damien watched the press conference every day looking for more clues, but all he figured out was that Grant Pickens was a prick who wanted to look good when he gave Harmony that money, and Harmony did not like taking it.
Damien called Captain Patrick on his way to the office, hoping the police captain knew something about Harmony.
“Patrick.”
“Morning, Marcus.This is Damien Joseph.I was wondering if you’ve spoken to Harmony Gibbs.”
“Harmony?No, why?”
“She hasn’t been going to Sunrise Brews lately, and something seemed off at that press conference.”
“I thought the same, but she said she was fine.”
“You talked to her?”
“I escorted her to the bank so she could deposit that check.I didn’t think it was a good idea for her to walk in with it after being on the news.”
Damien huffed a laugh.“Probably true.”
“Why are you looking for her?”Captain Patrick asked with a hint of a smile.
“I wanted to make sure she’s okay.”
“Uh huh.”
“Do you know if she’s okay?”Damien asked, trying not to laugh at the captain’s amusement.
“I haven’t spoken to her since that day, so I can’t say anything, but I also haven’t heard of any reason to worry.You know I can’t give out personal information, but I’m guessing you have ways of finding out where she lives and works.”
“No comment,” Damien said.
Marcus chuckled.“That’s what I figured.Let me know if you need anything.Harmony seems like a nice woman.If she’s in trouble, I’ll be there.”
“Thanks, Marcus.I’ll let you know.”
“Talk soon.”
“Yep.”Damien hung up and parked in the lot in front of Rose Protection Agency offices.The strip mall was unassuming and a good cover for the multitude of vehicles in and out.The simple rose on the front door was subtle enough that most people didn’t think twice or wander in without knowing where they were going.
“Hey, Berkeley,” Damien said when he walked inside.
The office manager smiled up at Damien.“Hey, Damien.Any luck today?”
Damien shook his head.Berkeley was the only person who knew Damien was trying to find Harmony.“I called Captain Patrick, though.”
Berkeley’s eyebrows shot up.“Really?And what did he say?”
“He said she’s nice, and he hopes everything is fine.”
“Did he notice the same thing in the video?”
Damien nodded.He thought he was overreacting, but Berkeley watched the press conference with him once and said Grant Pickens gave off some seriously creepy vibes.Her words.“He said Harmony said something, but she brushed it off.He doesn’t have any reason to think she’s not okay, but…”
