“We smile and say hello. Start a little conversation. I don’t expect them to spill their guts, but you know how men like to brag. Especially if it’s something they’re not supposed to talk about. After a few beers, they may say certain things. Who knows? Maybe the place is hiring! I think it’s worth a shot.”

“We need to clear this with Annie and Myra,” Yoko reminded her. “We don’t deviate without consulting the others unless lives are at stake.”

“You’re right. See if Charles can reach them. Meanwhile, we’ll head back to the diner. I need a piece of pie.” Kathryn sighed.

By the time they pulled into the parking lot, Charles had got back to them on their idea of staking out a bar. “Just one bar. One night. Keep the radio on.”

Rosie welcomed them again. “Hey, girls. Back so soon? I bet you remembered you didn’t have pie! Am I right?”

“You’re a regular psychic,” Kathryn teased.

“No mumbo jumbo about my cherry pie. You never left before without having some or taking a slice with you,” Rosie reminded her.

“Some memory, you have.” Kathryn smirked.

“I know my customers.” Rosie gave them a wink. “Coming right up!”

It dawned on Kathryn that maybe Rosie had some info on the mysterious property. She leaned in and whispered to Yoko, “We should see if Rosie has the lowdown or some info on that place.”

“Good idea. I’ll start the conversation.”

Rosie lumbered across the room, carrying a pot of coffee in one hand and two slices of juicy cherry pie in the other. “You girls spending some time in our lovely county?” She was half joking.

“Kinda,” Yoko answered. “We were talking about what a beautiful state Michigan is and how it gets a bad rep because of Flint and the ups and downs of Detroit. So she wanted to show me some of the countryside.” Kathryn rolled her eyes as Yoko continued. “It’s sad to see abandoned property and buildings.”

Rosie stood with the coffeepot and sighed. “Yep. Way too many of them around here.”

“I noticed one place that had BEWARE signs. Beware of what?” Yoko asked innocently. “Are there dangerous animals around here or something?”

“Or do most people put signs like that up?” Kathryn asked.

“You mean the place about thirty minutes from here? With all the barbed wire?” Rosie asked.

“Sounds about right,” Kathryn said.

“Not sure. They say it’s some kind of secret government location. Hardly nobody goes out that way.”

“Do you ever meet people who work there?” Kathryn asked. “But I guess if it’s top secret, they can’t tell you!”

The three women laughed at the idea.