"Okay, the whole impulsive vs. non-impulsive thing doesn't matter," said Charlene. "What does matter is that you should not be wandering the streets at night trying to draw the attention of somebody who could be a serial killer."

"I disagree."

"I get that we just met tonight, and that our primary interaction was you watching me make a poor decision at work. I'm not a good source of advice. I'm actually a terrible source of advice. But I don't have to be a genius to say 'Don't do shit like that.' Have you told anybody else? Your parents? Your cousin's husband?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because."

"Because they'd tell you not to do shit like that."

"Right."

"It's top-notch advice."

"I know it is," Charlene admitted. "But what am I supposed to do? Put up signs? Post on social media? Ask for thoughts and prayers?"

"Yes. All of those things. Except the thoughts and prayers."

"Well, I didn't expect you to understand. I was just making conversation. You're right—it's not impulsive. But it's also not stupid or suicidal. Yeah, it's dangerous, but I know how to defend myself, and I won't hesitate to put myself in danger to try to rescue somebody I love. Kimberly has a family. If it's too late to get her back, at least I can try to make sure it doesn't happen to anybody else."

Charlene suddenly felt like kind of a jerk for calling her insane. Not that she thought she was wrong—she just felt bad for saying it. Who knew what she would do if somebody she cared about went missing?

"That makes sense," Charlene said. "Are you going over there tonight?"

"Not after two booze shakes, no. I try to stay sober when I prowl the streets hunting for a serial kidnapper."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"Tomorrow night, though."

The way Gertie looked at Charlene made her uncomfortable, like she was hinting at a favor.

"I'm not coming with you," said Charlene.

"I didn't ask you to."

"I know, but I got that vibe."

Gertie shook her head. "I literally am not asking you to come with me. The women were alone when they went missing. If I walk the streets with somebody, he won't come after me. You'd ruin the whole plan. And we'd have to buy another wig. Those aren't cheap. We couldn't get it over your spiky hair, and brown hair doesn't really go with your complexion, so that could spoil the ruse."

"My hair wouldn't be an issue," said Charlene. "Everything else makes sense."

"Sorry. I've gotta go solo."

"I wasn't offering to join you."

"You sounded like you wanted to come."

"I specifically said no. I was even rude about it."

"Well, you can't come."

"I know. We've established this."

Gertie peered at her glass. "I think they put more Bailey's in my milkshake than usual."