My intention was to hack away at his relationship with his cheating wife and wild daughter, a task that shouldn’t have been easy. To my surprise, Miles laughed. “You’re telling me. If Camilla hadn’t insisted, we wouldn’t be here this weekend.”

“Camilla, or Jade?” I said. “I get the impression Jade and Jasper are pretty close.”

Miles blinked at me. “She’s a child. He’s a twenty-six-year-old man, not to mention her uncle. If Jade told you they’re close, I assure you that’s wishful thinking. He humors her because he’s a nice guy. Maybe she likes the attention—I won’t pretend to understand girls this age—but that’s all there is to it. Believe me, Jade has plenty of boys her own age chasing her back home.”

“Got it,” I said. There was no way I couldn’t. In a single breath Miles had used three different arguments to make his point. There was absolutely, positively nothing weird going on between Jade and Jasper. Talk about wishful thinking.

“You have to remember she’s upset,” Miles went on. “Something like this can do a real number on a kid—especially with everything else going on. We’re moving next week.”

“Oh?” Tim said.

“Bebe and I are separating.”

All of the emotions I’d expect from the delivery of a statement like that were present and accounted for. Miles looked equal parts confused and pissed off. I kept my eyes off Tim, didn’t want Miles knowing this was news we could use. “Sorry to hear that,” I said. “Can I ask why?”

“Sure thing. My wife is cheating on me with Ned Yeboah.”

I couldn’t help it—my eyes went wide. Miles adjusted his glasses, and despite his matter-of-fact delivery I noticed the bridge of his nose was shiny with oil. “That’s why I came in here,” he said. “I know Bebe doesn’t want to talk to you, but frankly, I don’t give a shit. I think you should interview her. I’d like to be there when you do.”

It was all I could do not to poke Tim in the ribs and hiss, Are you hearing this? in his ear. “Mr. Byrd, do you think Bebe knows something about Jasper’s disappearance she isn’t telling us?”

“I know she does. And for the sake of Jasper, my daughter, and everyone else on this island, it’s time she came clean.”

If Bebe was concealing information, I didn’t see why she’d open up to us with Miles in the room, especially given they were breaking up, but I was happy to oblige this man if it meant we might finally get somewhere with finding Jasper. “That works for me,” I said. “Why don’t you bring her in?”

“Good,” said Miles, and left the room.

Tim and I traded glances and he whistled, low and slow.

“That was weird,” I said.

“Can’t hurt to try. What are the odds she’ll talk?”

I shrugged. “Slim to none, but I’m dying to know what she says.”

“At least there’ll be coffee, right?”

I didn’t return Tim’s smile. I couldn’t stop thinking about Abella. I had my choice of interviews, both of which could be vital to our search for answers—but I also had time. What had Tim said? It’ll keep. With that in mind, I sent Tim back to the parlor and prepared to turn my attention to the unhappy couple.