That sounded strangely detached. What I’d heard from so many parents of troubled kids after hope gave way to despair.

Milo said, “So you gave Stevie some money.”

“Usually I make him show me a time card or a pay stub, something to show he’s been working. Or at least trying to find work. That time he didn’t have anything but he claimed he was working on getting a part in a movie. As Ste-fahn, that would be his stage name. I said what kind of movie? He said an independent production, if everything came together he’d be in great shape, just needed something to tide him over, he’d pay me back with interest.”

She sighed. “He caught me on a day when I was tired and missing Glenn and getting over the flu.”

I said, “How much did you give him?”

“He asked for four, I gave him two.”

“Thousand,” said Milo.

“I know, I know,” said Harriet Muhrmann. “But Ste-fahn does sound like a movie name and that girl was pretty enough to be an actress. Actually, that’s what I figured her for.”

“How many times have you seen Stevie since then?”

“None. And yes, he never paid me back. But it was my money, not Glenn’s, so I can do what I want with it, right?”

“Of course.”

“You won’t tell Glenn? Please, that would be horrendous.”

“There’d be no reason to do that. So the purpose of Stevie’s visit was—”

“To use me,” she said. “So what else is new, I’m a mom. But he loves me, he’s always sweet to me. It’s just his problems get in the way.”

I said, “You’re worried the money went for drugs.”

“I didn’t ask, he didn’t tell.” Her eyes clamped shut. “Do you suspect Stevie of harming that girl?”

Milo said, “There’s no evidence of that.”

“He’s never hurt a woman. Never.”

“Do you have a phone number for him?”

“He has no landline, just a cell. But it’s been discontinued.”

“What car was he driving eight months ago?”

“One of those little ones, I can’t tell them apart.”

“What color?”

“Dark? Honestly, I can’t say. It was a long time ago and I wasn’t paying attention to auto paint.”

“Would it be possible to have a list of his rehab programs, ma’am? In case he did meet Mystery at one of them.”

“You’re asking me to betray Stevie’s privacy.”

“It’s about her, not him,” said Milo.

“Hmm. Well,” she said, “Glenn would say absolutely, it’s my duty to help you to my utmost. He’s all for law enforcement, thinks you guys are—okay, hold on.”

She was gone a few seconds, came back with a bowl of peanuts. “To keep you busy while I search.”