“Pat did most of the work. I was in college at the time. Pat had been running the bar with my dad, but he couldn’t raise Danny and Jayne and take care of the business solo.”

“You left school.”

“That wasn’t a big deal.” He shrugged it off. At the time, he didn’t have the time or the desire to return to college.

“What was your major?”

“I was doubling in education and history.”

“You were going to be a teacher.” Louisa set down her coffee.

“I was.”

“Weren’t you disappointed?” she asked.

“Not at all.” That level of grief was all-consuming and didn’t leave room for much else. “My parents’ deaths changed my whole perception of the world. It was like someone took a Technicolor film and made it black-and-white. All that mattered was getting Danny and Jayne through it. They were just kids.”

Like Louisa. So maybe he could cut her a break for holding back on him.

“That was a long time ago,” he said. “It wasn’t my original plan, and there were some lean years, but I’m a successful businessman. I like the way my life turned out. After being my own boss for all these years, working for someone else isn’t that appealing.” He got up, put his plate in the dishwasher, and tossed his cup in the trash. “What’s the plan for today?”

“I’m due at work at nine. I’d like to stop by Zoe’s apartment to speak with her roommate, then swing by the boyfriend’s before they both head off to classes or work. If you’re available . . .”

“Kind of early for visiting.”

“Yes, it is.” Determination flattened her close-lipped smile. “But there’s no time to waste with social niceties.” Her eyes strayed to the clock on the microwave. “Zoe has been missing for thirty-two hours.”

“In that case, I’m available.” Ugh. He hadn’t meant for that to sound like a double entendre.

“I’m glad,” she said. “Then I’ll go get dressed.”

I’m glad? What did that mean? “Could I use your shower?”

She pointed to the other end of the apartment. “There’s a guest suite through that doorway.”

Her guest room was stocked with toiletry essentials. Conor liberated a toothbrush from its packaging. He scratched his jaw. He should find a razor, but the small cut on his cheek was nearly gone. Shaving would just irritate it.