“I’m still in school, at City College. Once you get past the loud music and fake boobs, this place pays pretty well.”
“I hear you’re from San Julio originally,” Cindy said.
“Walnut Creek, actually. I graduated last year, so I was a year ahead of Nicole. But I played her in games and tournaments all the time. Both soccer and volleyball. So I totally recognized her when I saw her a couple of weeks ago.”
I said, “Tell us about that. Where were you when you saw Nicole?”
“I was headed to the food court at Stonestown. As I was going up an escalator, I looked over and she was coming down. I called her name, and she turned immediately—then as soon as she recognized me, she turned away again. But it was definitely Nicole Snaff.”
“Was she with anyone, or was she alone?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did she look healthy?”
“I guess so. I mean, she didn’t look strung out or anything. She just looked normal, like the girl I used to play soccer with. But it was weird, you know? So I mentioned it to another high school friend, and she told me that Nicole’s been missing. I looked it up and saw the news stories online. That’s when I called the San Julio police. They were the only ones with a number listed to call.”
I changed subjects. “Did you know Tina Barnes?”
“You mean Cheyenne?” Allie was quick to put the cases together. “Ohmigod, do you think her murder is somehow connected to Nicole?”
“Not right now. But I did notice that Tina worked here. Did you know her?”
“No, not really. I’m only in the building during the day, and I don’t really interact with the dancers or club staff. Buteveryonehere has been talking about what happened to Cheyenne. It’s so scary. I didn’t tell my mom and dad anything about it, though, because I know if they heard, they’d want me to move back to Walnut Creek.”
Cindy and I talked with Allie for a little while longer, then headed out. We hadn’t made much progress, but talking with Allie had convinced me that Nicole Snaff was alive and somewhere in or around San Francisco. We just had to figure out how to find her.
CHAPTER41
I PULLED INTOone of the dozen free parking spots at the Camino del Mar lot, off Point Lobos Avenue. It was just after six. There was still a little distance between the Pacific Ocean and the setting sun. Even with the fog gathering, the view was breathtaking. And that was saying something for a city full of breathtaking views.
I stepped off the rough asphalt. The rocks and spotty grass gradually led down toward the shoreline. Few people were brave enough to make the trek all the way to the water. Fortunately, I didn’t have to go far. About thirty feet down the trail, I spotted Joe sitting in one of two beach chairs situated on a concrete slab. There was a small canvas camp table between the chairs. The olive-drab canvas didn’t match the bright blue-and-white Tommy Bahama chairs. It didn’t matter one bit.
I smiled as I picked my way around the rocks toward him. I called out, “Is Julie with Gloria for the evening?” Our beloved across-the-hall neighbor and friend often stepped in as a nanny, and given our work schedules, Gloria Rose was a blessing for us both. Thankfully, Julie adored her too.
“She’s at Claire and Edmond’s, having a playdate with Rosie. We’ll pick her up later.”
Joe had a broad grin on his face. He’d really outdone himself, and he knew it. On the table sat two lobster rolls from my favorite food truck, Coastal Lobster. Billy, the owner, managed to give them a decidedly California twist: avocado slices. A bottle of wine rested between the two paper plates.
I sat down and picked up the bottle of wine. I looked over at Joe and said with a smile. “Old vine Zinfandel.”
Joe said, “I remember you said it was perfect.”
He opened the bottle and filled a glass for me. I took a sip. “Still is.” I leaned over and kissed my husband. It lingered and I reveled in it.
“You lured me here with police work. You said someone called in a tip to the FBI about Nicole Snaff and you’d set up an interview.”
“All true. I set up an appointment for after we’ve finished our meal. He sounds like a kid. Works at a tech repair shop a few miles from here. He wouldn’t say much on the phone. Just that he had proof Nicole was still alive.”
It sounded intriguing. And it aligned with what Allison Weaver at The Brass Ring had told me, that Nicole Snaff was alive and possibly in San Francisco.
But first I wanted to focus on a rare “date” with my thoughtful husband.
We chatted as we nibbled on our lobster rolls. The fog made the breeze off the ocean a little chilly but invigorating at the same time. I hardly noticed the sound of traffic whizzing by on the road above us. The drivers couldn’t see us tucked away down the hill.
Even though we were talking about work, it still felt more like a date. I loved it. Ineededit.
We each had a single glass of wine. We didn’t want to do aninterview a little tipsy. I’m not saying it has never happened before, but I’m more mature and responsible now. At least that’s what I like to tell myself.
