“We’re just mere mortals, A.L. Don’t beat yourself up. And by the way, no other cell phone in Kara Wiese’s name.”

He nodded. They sat silently for a few minutes. Finally, he turned to her. “Early on, we asked why Emma Whitman?”

“I don’t think we ever answered that,” Rena said gently.

“But we need to. We aren’t going to find her until we figure out why Emma. We need to look at Troy and Leah harder.”

“You really think it’s possible that they’re responsible?”

“I’m not saying they did it. But I think whoever took Emma did it because of them.”

“To make them suffer?” Rena asked. “Who are the candidates?”

“For Leah, her coworker who didn’t get the promotion. But that doesn’t feel right. She was pissed but more pissed at the system that rewards people who suck up.”

“Okay. Who else for Leah?”

“Elaine Broadstreet. I think you and I both think she’s pretty sharp. What if she figured out that Leah had been modifying her work to make her look bad? Remember when we went to Elaine’s house that first time. She said something along the lines that Leah was determined to find fault with her and to have others find fault also.”

“You’re right. We need to ask her,” Rena said.

“Yeah. And the other grandparents, what if they secretly do blame Leah for the poor relationship they have with Troy?” A.L. said.

“Nope. Don’t buy that. They only got choked up when they were talking about their relationship with Troy. And they love him.”

“Loved him enough to try to prevent him from making a bad financial decision. Even at the risk of alienating him. Okay, they’re off the list. For both Leah and Troy.”

“Speaking of Troy. Who wants to hurt him? Maybe any of the three guys at Garage on Division?”

“All possibilities. But all of them genuinely seemed to like working at the garage. Hurting Troy might hurt them ultimately. Pete and Cory are definitely pragmatic enough to see that. I think Davy is, too.”

“Angry customers? The Thompsons?” Rena asked.

“Not angry enough. Gi-Gi was freaked out but I don’t think Barrett thought it was as big a deal as he was letting on.”

“We didn’t find a spurned ex-girlfriend,” Rena mused.

“Only an exuberant friend,” A.L. said.

“Back to square one,” Rena said. “Tomorrow is five days.”

“Long time to keep a child hidden.” If she was still alive. He didn’t add that part. Rena knew the odds were getting slimmer and slimmer with each passing day.

His cell phone buzzed. He looked at the number of the incoming call. It seemed vaguely familiar. “McKittridge,” he answered.

“This is Peitra Jonet returning your call. I’m sorry to be calling so late but you said it was important.”