“My name is Nest Freemark. I’m a friend. I need to speak with him right away. It’s rather urgent. Can you give him a call for me at his apartment? Or would you let me have his number?”

The woman smiled in a way that let Nest know right off the bat she wasn’t about to do either. “I’m sorry, but our policy is—”

“Well, look who’s back!” Della Jenkins strolled into the room, smiling like this was the best thing that had happened all day. “I thought you was flying home, Nest Freemark. What’re you doing, back in my kitchen?”

She saw Nest’s face, and the smile faded away. “Good gracious, look at you! If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’d been in a cat fight with Stef Winslow! She looks just the same!”

Nest flinched as if she had been struck. “I’m sorry to barge in like this, but something’s come up and I really need to find John.”

“Lord, if this isn’t a day for finding John! Everyone wants to find John! You’d think he’d won the lottery or something. He hasn’t, has he? ’Cause if he has, I want to be sure and get my share. Marilyn, let me use the phone there, sweetie.”

Della moved the woman at the intake desk out of the picture with an easy exercise of authority that didn’t leave much room for doubt as to who was boss. She picked up the receiver, punched in a number, and waited, listening. After a long time, she set the receiver down.

“John’s been home all day, far as I know. He’s stayed clear of here, and I don’t expect him in. Stefanie’s gone, too. Left here a short time ago. There’s no answer at the apartment, so maybe they’re out together somewhere.”

Nest nodded, her mind racing over the possibilities. Had they left town? Had John Ross done as he promised? She didn’t think so. She didn’t think there was a prayer of that happening. He would still be in the city …

“Is Mr. Lawrence here?” she asked quickly.

“Oh, no, he’s gone, too,” Della answered, surrendering her seat to Marilyn once more. She came around the desk and put her finger to the side of her cheek. “You know, Nest—oh, I do love that name! Nest! Anyway, Nest, John might be down at the art museum, helping set up for tonight. That’s where Simon’s gone, so maybe John’s gone there, too.”

Nest was already starting for the door, shouldering her bag. “Thanks, Della. Maybe you’re right.”

“You want me to call and ask?”

“No, that’s okay, I’ll just go down. If John shows up here or calls in, tell him I’m looking for him and it’s really important.”

“Okay.” Della made a face. “Here, where are you going with that bag? You don’t want to be carrying that all over the place. You leave it with me, I’ll keep it safe.”

Nest came back and handed her bag to the big woman. “Thanks again. I’ll see you.”