Deven nodded, confused at how she had misheard but resolved to let it go. “What about the way the person was built?” she suggested. To make her point, Deven lifted her hands and held her palms apart at varying distances. “Was he or she slimmer, or broader? Breasts? Muscles? Shaped more like a man or woman?”

Kennedy’s sigh was laced with irritation. “I’m going to tell you like I told Officer What’s-His-Face,” she said rolling her eyes. “It was dark, the person had on a hoodie. I couldn’t even see the face. And the sweatshirt looked a little baggy. I just don’t get why they didn’t even search the area,” she added with a sulk. “Like they checked in here but why didn’t they check outside? Isn’t that what they do? Check the perimeter or something?”

Deven chuckled. “You watch too much Law and Order,” she teased. “But maybe they’re right. It was probably just some stupid kid.”

“Yeah maybe.” Kennedy was clearly not convinced.

Deven watched her sister. She looked as if something was weighing heavy on her mind. Did she know more than she was letting on? “Do you think it could be anyone else?” She studied Kennedy’s expression as she spoke. “Someone you know? An ex perhaps?”

Kennedy looked as if she were turning over the idea. “There’s this guy I dated once. He was a little . . . possessive. I ended up having to get a restraining order on him.”

“What? Who was he? Did you tell the cops?”

She shook her head. “No, it’s not like that,” she said. “He was harmless, and the restraining order was really me just trying to be petty to prove a point. Besides, that was years ago.”

Deven thought of the coincidence at the mall with the man she saw repeatedly. “Did he have locs?” she asked.

Kennedy frowned. “No, why?”

“No reason.”

Mirroring an expression that Deven used all too often, Kennedy narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips, signaling her disbelief in the statement. Still, she said nothing and neither woman pushed the issue. Guess we’re both hiding something then, Deven pondered. But instead of dwelling on it, she changed the subject. “Are you sure you don’t want to just go back to my place?” she offered again. “You may be able to sleep a little better there.”

“I’ll be fine. But hey, you don’t have to stay if you don’t want to. I know it’s late and you’re probably tired.”