Page 105 of Forever Gone

Hank turned, reached behind the counter, and took one from a clean tray. “I knew that was coming.”

He placed it beside Jessie. “Enjoy, ladies.”

Jessie cut into one corner before Selena had finished pouring syrup.

“How’s the case going?” she asked.

Selena shook her head. “It’s a difficult one. Three women, all close to our age, and all of them went to Elmsview High.”

“I heard. It’s terrible.”

“Your brother says we need to be careful because we fit the target demographic.”

Jessie rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry. He’s already told me he doesn’t want me walking around at night by myself.”

“And what did you say to that?”

“I told him to scram.”

Selena laughed and ate a spoonful of melting ice cream. “I bet he loved that.”

“Nah, but we’re lucky to have him looking out for us.”

Selena set down her fork. “Who’s looking out for him?”

Jessie’s smile faded. “What do you mean?”

“Has Connor ever mentioned a man named Walton Morimer?”

“No. Why?”

The answer came without hesitation.

Selena glanced toward the counter. Hank was speaking to the server near the kitchen, well beyond hearing. No one else was near.

The details belonged in a case file, not a diner, but Jessie needed enough context to recognize danger. She knew it was a mistake. Deep down, she knew it. But this was Jessie. This was Connor. God, she felt compromised.

After some hesitation, she looked at Jessie. “Morimer runs most of the organized crime in this county,” Selena said. “Gambling, stolen goods, drugs, protection. The FBI has been investigating him for years.”

Jessie sat back. “What does that have to do with Connor?”

“I… I shouldn’t tell you… But I’m worried. Morimer helped him during the last case.”

“What kind of help?”

Selena lowered her voice. “He gave Connor information and had his people locate someone we were searching for.”

Jessie studied her. “Let me guess. Victor Schmidt’s death?”

“Yes.”

“Please tell me Connor didn’t do anything pigheaded. I know he was really cut up about Victor.”

“He paid Morimer for information that might lead him to Victor’s killer.”

Jessie’s fingers closed around the poker chip. “He paid him?”

“Six thousand dollars.”