The woman shook her head. “She was supposed to report in last night, but she didn't. She's out the door if she actually does show her face. Help may be hard to find, but I'm not that desperate."
"Don't suppose you can give us her address?"
The woman considered them for a moment and nodded. “I don't suppose I owe her any loyalty, that's for sure. Hang on a sec, and I'll get her records."
She was back within a few minutes, carrying two bagged burgers but no paperwork. “Someone's been through my files,” she said, her expression annoyed. “Everything I had on her is gone."
Savannah blew out a frustrated breath. They were always one damn step behind. “Don't suppose you can remember her address?"
The woman frowned, then leaned back and bellowed, “Frank, where did Blondie live again?"
"Summit Street,” a rough voice replied.
She exchanged another glance with Ronan. Summit Street just happened to be where Lana Lee had died as her house burned down around her. Coincidence? Instinct said no.
"Don't suppose she mentioned anything about her personal life? Friends? Family?"
The woman screwed up her nose. “Not really. I think she was from Merron, one of them cream wolves they have over there, but she never mentioned kin or anything. Though when she wasn't out here chatting, she did seem to spend an awful lot of time on the phone."
Meaning they had better try to get hold of the phone records. “How come you didn't sack her if she was so bad?"
The woman sniffed. “Bad help is sometimes better than no help. And she did bring the men in. Customers are customers.” She glanced pointedly at the burgers.
Savannah grinned as Ronan took the hint and shelled out some money. “Thanks for your help."
"Anytime, rangers. Anytime."
They grabbed the food and headed out the door. Savannah stopped near a bus stop seat and began unwrapping the burger. “Mmm,” she said, as she took a bite and all the rich juices flowed into her mouth. “The mysterious Frank can cook."
"That he can,” Ronan agreed around a mouthful of food. “What next? We cruise over to Summit Street and hope to get lucky?"
"Candy was driving a blue truck last night. If we don't find that, we knock on doors.” She paused to take another bite. “And perhaps we should revisit Rex and see if he ever saw a blonde visiting Lana."
"You think there's a connection between the two?"
"I think there is.” She screwed up her nose. “But there's no logical reason for thinking so at the moment."
"We've all learned to trust your illogical jumps. Well, all of us except Ike, but he's still green."
His words sent a chill running through her. For a moment it felt as if death herself had reached out and caressed her soul. Her appetite fled, and it was all she could do to force down the food she had in her mouth.
"Has Ike reported in yet?” She tossed the remainder of the burger into the nearby bin.
Ronan shook his head. “Not that I know of.” He hesitated, eyeing her, his expression suddenly concerned. “You want me to call the station?"
She nodded. “If he hasn't reported in, get Bodee to do a drive around and see if he can spot him. I'll call his mom."
She grabbed her cell phone from her pocket and quickly dialed Ike's home number. “Maureen,” she said, when his mom answered. “Is Ike home?"
"No,” she said, her concern coming down the line loud and clear. “He didn't come home at all last night."
Oh f**k ... She closed her eyes and tried not to panic. Ike, for all his faults, for all his eagerness, was sensible. And he could protect himself. “He was working late last night. He's probably fallen asleep somewhere. Tell him to call me as soon as he gets home."
"Will do, Savannah."
She hung up and swung around. And saw two things.
Cade was across the road and limping towards them.