Page 90 of Jack

In most mornings. “Were they here the same day my friend Penelope was here?”

“Sure. I guess so. Yeah. The place wasn’t very full. Just them and your friends and another guy, if I remember. Suit and tie. He did some computer work, then left.”

“Before or after Penelope?”

“I don’t know.”

“Did she grab an Uber?” Jack picked up a card from the counter. He handed it to Harper.

Ty’s Rides.And a phone number.

“I can’t remember. Listen. I hope you find your friend, but I’m not here to rat out my customers.”

Jack held up a hand. “You’re not ratting out anyone. Penelope is in a wedding, and we’re just trying to catch up with her.”

His phone rang and he swiped it open, stepped away.

“The Oaken Fox wedding?” Tallulah had brightened up. “I thought I saw Ben King in town earlier. He’s here, right?”

Harper shrugged. “I don’t follow country music.”

“Word in town is that it’s going to be at Heritage Church. I hope there’s security, because there will be paparazzi?—”

“We have security, but it’s all very tame. And the reception is at the house, so invite only, very private, very low key.”

“That’s no fun,” Tallulah said.

Harper laughed. “I don’t think we can take any more fun. Thanks for your help.” She stepped away, after Jack.

Stein, however, had followed them in and now ordered a tall coffee to go.

Conrad followed with a breve.

Jack had gone over to stand by the door, his voice low into the phone. Harper shoved her hands into her pockets, feeling like an eavesdropper.

And she got nearly nothing from him.

“Wow. Really? Oh boy. Yes,” and, “Thanks.”

Stein had joined her, blowing on his black brew. He seemed to be looking at someone on the far side of the room.

She followed his gaze and spotted a woman in a booth. Short red hair that poked out from under a white stocking cap, a black jacket, jeans, boots. She nursed a cup of coffee, reading her phone.

When Harper turned back, Stein seemed like he’d dismissed her.

Jack came over.

“I’m not a fan of that look,” Stein said.

“Reminds me of those days when he’d get us out of bed to shovel,” Conrad said. “I don’t want to shovel. I pay people for that.”

“I’m sure you do, bro,” Jack said. “But no, I need you to take Harper home.”

She stiffened. “What?”

He ran a hand behind his neck, winced. “This just got serious.” He looked at Stein. “That was Jenna.”

Of course.