“You should’ve had lunch.” Kiley gave him a look much like his mother used to when he was in trouble.
“Yes, Mom,” he joked.
She rolled her eyes and chuckled before she looked away. The last thing she probably wanted was to laugh with him, but it sure felt good to him.
“So, you think the suspects spotted Yasdi and Sidiqi and followed them to her place for some reason?”
“Seems like a good possibility,” she said. “Who knows, maybe they were spooked and wanted cover in case they were stopped.”
“If so, they did the right thing, because Pilcher bought the story.”
She looked like she was about to add something when the bartender returned.
Behind him, a worried-looking redhead wearing black pants and a crisp white blouse approached, a half smile on her face. “Laney Wilder. Manager. Can I help you?”
Kiley showed her ID. “I need to get a copy of your security footage for Thursday evening.”
“I ... I’m not...” She shook her head. “I don’t know protocol on this. Never been asked for it before.”
“Businesses often willingly provide footage for our investigations, but we don’t want to put you on the spot and can get a warrant if needed.” Evan gave her a sincere smile. “It’s just been a really long day, and I’d rather not have to go through the hassle of filling out the paperwork and finding a judge. I’m sure you understand.”
She took a breath and glanced at the bartender, who shrugged. “Okay,” she said. “Wait here. I’ll make a copy for you.”
“Thank you,” Evan said.
She nodded and walked away.
Evan got out his phone, swiped to the photos of their suspects, and held it out to the bartender. “While we wait, maybe you can tell me if you’ve seen either of these guys.”
The bartender gave each photo a long look. “Don’t think so, but they coulda been here and I wouldn’t have seen them. Most people don’t come to the bar.”
He returned to his task but kept his head cocked in their direction, so Evan knew better than to discuss anything with Kiley. Instead he recorded the manager’s and bartender’s names in his phone, then added details of the restaurant.
Laney returned and slid a flash drive across the counter. “I put the whole day on here for you.”
“Thank you.” Evan swiped back to the photos on his phone and displayed the pictures for her. “Have you seen either of these men?”
Laney frowned as she looked at the screen, then shook her head. “Not that I remember, but then we get a lot of people through here so...” She shrugged.
Evan handed his card to her. “Please call me if they come in.”
Kiley looked sideways at him, probably wondering why he was handing out his card. But she couldn’t deal with every person in the investigation, and he was perfectly capable of handling a phone call.
They left the restaurant and stepped into the fading sunlight.
“You puteverythingin your phone,” Kiley said.
“You noticed?”
“Hard not to when you’re constantly doing it.”
“I don’t want to miss any details. Might mean life or death.”
She eyed him. “Is this because I’m here reminding you of Olin?”
He shook his head. “I’ve done it since he died. Just a precaution.”
“Like the way you reacted to Yasdi at her place?”
