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“No.”

“They said they’d follow up.”

“When?”

A pause. “I don’t know. Soon.”

I study him carefully while he moves toward the kitchen. He seems jittery today, more than before, and looks like he hasn’t slept in weeks.

“You want coffee?” he asks.

“No thanks.”

“Good. I’m out.”

Then why did you ask, jackass? Still, lack of sleep does funny things to people, and I should know.

I reach into my pocket, fingers brushing the folded note.

This is the moment, I tell myself. Show him the note, watch him carefully, see what reaction slips through first.

But before I can speak, Tom says, "I hear you’ve been spending time with Ben's friends."

Taken aback, I reply carefully, "Yeah. They’re helping me search.”

Tom laughs under his breath. “Uh-huh. I’ll bet.”

I cross my arms, bristling. “Ashby’s been helping with financial searches. Torin’s found PI contacts. Briggs⁠—”

“Briggs?” His head snaps up, eyes fixing on me. “You’re hanging around with Briggs Purnell now?”

I stare at him. “What exactly is your issue with that?”

“My issue?” He lets out a harsh laugh. “My girlfriend disappears, and suddenly you’re playing biker clubhouse with three dudes from your dead brother’s gang, and you ask me what my issue is? Jesus, Laurel.”

I actually rock back half a step before I catch myself. “You don’t get to talk about Ben like that.” My voice is low and carries a warning.

“Oh, come on, Laurel. Everybody knew what that club was.”

“What does that have to do with Maggie?”

“Nothing. I just think it’s real convenient you’re getting cozy over there instead of actually helping find her.”

Anger flashes hot and immediate. “I’m raising your daughter right now or have you forgotten?”

Tom’s expression hardens. “I haven’t forgotten.”

“Then maybe start acting like it.”

Silence seethes between us like a pot about to boil over. Tom steps closer suddenly, jaw tight. “You think I don’t care Maggie’s gone or if she’s okay?”

I don’t move.

“I think,” I say, keeping the anger in check, “that I asked you for information about the police investigation two weeks ago and still don’t have it.”

“There's no information yet.”

“That’s not how missing persons cases work, Tom.”