Nikki held up the librarian’s card. “She had no clue who April was.” Nikki flashed the pharmacy business card. “The clerk needs a warrant to disclose whether April had any prescriptions on file.”
Nikki held up the nail salon card. “Another dead end.”
Emerson flashed a card. “This is the second freelance photographer’s card. I’m hoping she remembers April.”
“What about the first one?”
Emerson showed her Casey Quinn’s card. “No phone number and I couldn’t find a website. There are dozens of men and women with this name. Another dead end.”
“Not dead, just stalled,” Nikki said. “I’ve gotta leave. We’re taking the kids to a family birthday celebration. Tell me you’re not working tomorrow. It’s Sunday. You’ve been working these cases ‘round the clock.”
“I’m spending the day with my folks.”
“How are they doing?”
“One day at a time,” Emerson replied.
“Try to relax tomorrow. I’ll see you Monday.” Nikki grabbed her bag and left.
Emerson’s cell phone buzzed with a call from Stryker and her heart skipped a beat. “Hey, what’s the word?” she answered.
“Pissed off,” he replied.
“That’s two words. Does that mean the man I massaged to nirvana is gone?”
“Long gone. What are you doing?”
“I’m at the office, chasing my tail.”
“You learn that from Pima?”
She smiled. “How’d things go with the FBI?”
“They’re only suspending government accounts during their investigation.”
“That’s great. You gotta count that as a win.”
“Have dinner with me tonight.”
“You mean, at the club, while we work?”
“No, at my place.”
Her pulse quickened.Wow.“I’d love to. What can I pick up?”
“Nothing. After, we can head to the club.” He gave her his address. “What won’t you eat?”
“Octopus, squid…anything with more than four legs.”
That made him chuckle. “You eat steak?”
“Sure.” She hesitated. “You up for this?”
“Yeah. How’s seven?”
“See you then.” Knowing he was her reward, she kicked up the effort and rolled through the business cards. Unfortunately, none panned out. Though frustrated, she didn’t expect the evidence would fall in her lap. She’d just been hoping for a little break, that’s all.
She shut down and went home to get ready. After playing with Pima, she showered, slipped into a sundress and sandals, and put on a little makeup. For Stryker, she threw her hair into a casual updo.No, this is more like a drunk did my hair.She pulled out the clips and pulled it into pigtails that she braided, starting at chin level.
