I look at the picture for a moment longer before locking his phone.
“So, we’re going to the medical center.”
Nico shrugs. “Maybe something happened, and that’s why she can’t call them. It’s worth checking to see if they have a possible Jane Doe. And then we’ll drive around, keep an eye out if we see her or her car anywhere.” Nico glances toward thecoffee in my hand. “And you get to apologize so you won’t be grouchy the whole day.”
What is it with people thinking I have to apologize?
“I have nothing to apologize for.”
“Mmhmm…”
“As if you’re one to talk,” I scoff. “I’m surprised you’re still in one piece. I assumed Mae would rip you a new one for acting like an ass yesterday.”
The muscle in Nico’s jaw twitches, his fingers gripping the steering wheel tighter. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Now, back to what’s important…”
I listen to other details Jenkins shared with Nico about our possibly missing woman, my gaze scanning the streets for any sign of her car or the woman herself.
It doesn’t take us long to reach the medical center. The door swishes open, and Jessica looks up, surprise flashing on her face when she sees us.
“Matthew?” She glances from me to Nico and back as she gets to her feet and rounds the counter. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
“Can’t a guy just stop by?”
Her eyes narrow at me. “While at work?”
“Why not?” I quirk my brow at her and lift my offering. “Do something nice for his girl?”
Jessica’s gaze goes to the coffee cup and bag in my hand before returning to me. “Is that supposed to be an apology?”
“No, that’s supposed to be me doing somethingnicefor you just because.” I come to a stop in front of her, and she has to tilt her head to look at me. My voice drops lower, so only she can hear me. “I’ll never apologize for trying to keep you safe.”
She opens her mouth, and I can see the protest is on the tip of her tongue, but she swallows it back. “Thank you.” She takesthe offering. “For the coffee and the treat, not for acting like a caveman.”
I chuckle softly at her words. Lifting my hand, I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “Anytime.”
Nico clears his throat. “Sorry to interrupt, but there actually is a reason we came by.”
Jessica’s cheeks flush as she steps back and clears her throat. “Yeah, sure. How can I help?”
“Did you get anyone unfamiliar in the ER last night?”
“Unfamiliar?” Jessica purses her lips as she thinks. “Not that I know of.”
“No accidents? No Jane Does or anyone from out of town?”
She shakes her head. “I don’t think so. I can check.”
She walks behind the counter and sits at her computer. She’s nibbling on her lip as she searches the screen intently, only to shake her head again. “Nope. Nobody unfamiliar. Why? What’s going on?”
Nico nods and pulls out his phone. “Maybe you saw this girl?”
He turns his phone to her, and Jessica stands to look at the screen. Her eyes widen in surprise. “I know her.”
Nico glances at me before shifting his attention back to Jessica.
“You do?”
“She was at the Reading Nook,” Jessica comments as she looks up. “That day you guys had the charity car wash? We spoke for a bit while she waited for her coffee. She’s on a road trip and was passing through Bluebonnet. Why?”
