‘Ms. Monroe, this is Detective Wyatt. We’ve uncovered some important information, and we need to speak to you, so please contact me as soon as you receive this message.’ She rattled off her number, tapped the end call button, and pressed her head into the SUV’s headrest.

With every possible lead ending in some type of roadblock, the ticking clock in Alyssa’s head grew louder as the pressure to find the girls intensified. She knew all she needed was one small crack, just one, and she’d be able to pry the case open. And then she’d be able to bring Addis and Emerson home to their families. She shook her head to erase the idea her team could be bringing home the girls’ bodies.

‘Could we go interview Rosalyn Benson and then try Elizabeth again afterwards?’ Sandra suggested from the back seat.

Cord tapped the side of his head. ‘Great minds. I was just about to suggest the same thing, but you beat me to it.’

Alyssa didn’t say it, but the thought had also crossed her mind. ‘Why don’t you give her a call, then? I’ll start heading in the general direction of Del Luna, and that way we’ll have a head start on getting there.’

‘If she agrees to see us,’ Sandra said.

Alyssa backed out of Elizabeth’s driveway. ‘Even if she doesn’t. If she’s home, we’re heading that way.’ She hoped Sandra realized her snippy tone was directed at the situation, not at her.

Nearly fifteen minutes later, Rosalyn Benson had yet to answer her phone or call back, and as Cord’s finger hovered over the redial button to try again, Hal’s name popped up on Alyssa’s Bluetooth.

‘Hey, Hal. What did you find out?’

Crackling static made him sound like he was talking to them from a spaceship, and she checked to make sure her signal strength was still good. It was, so it had to be on Hal’s end.

‘Talked to Grace. She gave me the name of two restaurants. One was Gabriel and Addis’s favorite; one was Lydia’s, so I decided to contact that one first and hit pay dirt. The manager confirmed that the Kensingtons were frequent patrons at their establishment, and they definitely dined there Thursday evening from seven to eight-fifteen. When I asked if he was sure, he said that Gabriel and Lydia came in at least twice a month, always on Thursday. Since he’s known them, they’ve never wavered from that time frame. He said to give him some time to clear it with the owner because they’re not actually open right now, but he didn’t foresee any issues with us going over their security footage. I wanted to let you know before I sent Joe out.’

‘Thanks, Hal. By the way, what restaurant was it?’

‘The Ranch Steakhouse.’