“Of course,” Patsy said. “Can I get you something to drink? I have coffee made.” Her tone was pleasant but he didn’t get the impression that she was relaxed. Her jaw was tight and her eyes were wary.

He and Rena both shook their heads. “Thanks but no. We don’t want to take up too much of your time,” Rena said.

Greg motioned for them to take a seat. “Another little girl,” he said. He obviously wanted to cut to the chase.

“Yes,” A.L. said. “She’s five and went missing from her day care. And while not exact, the circumstances are similar enough to yours that we wanted to have a conversation with the two of you.”

“Do you think it’s the same person?” Patsy asked. “Could it be?”

Again, there was the hope. That perhaps finally this would lead them back to Corrine.

“We don’t have any reason to think so,” Rena said, her voice gentle. “The parents are Leah and Troy Whitman. Do you know them?”

Both Patsy and Greg shook their heads.

“Troy owns his own automotive garage business and Leah is a paralegal at the Bailey Shepherd Law Firm,” Rena said.

“I’m sorry,” Greg said. “I don’t think either of us has even ever been to Baywood.”

“I was there once,” Patsy said, correcting her husband. “Maybe seven or eight years ago. For a bridal shower for my younger sister. Her college roommate was hosting.”

“What’s your sister’s name?” A.L. said, pulling out his notebook.

“Toni Krider. She lives in Denver now.”

“And the person who hosted?” A.L. said.

“Uh...” Patsy stopped. “I guess I don’t remember her name. She was a bridesmaid, dark hair, very pretty. I think they were roommates in college.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry,” she said. “So much of those first few years after are really a blur.” She paused. “Like you’re living but not really living.”

Going through the fucking motions of life. “I understand,” A.L. said.

“I could ask my sister,” Patsy said.

Rena handed her a business card. It was a long shot but any information was better than no information. “That would be great. Either my office or my cell is fine,” she said.

“I wish we could be more helpful,” Patsy said. Sincerity rang in her tone. “I hate to think of another family going through...well, going through what we went through.”

Hell, A.L. thought. They’d been to hell and back. A.L. closed his small notebook and put it in his pocket.

Rena stood up. “We’re just grateful for your time. We’ll be going—”

“Do the Whitmans have other children?” Greg asked, interrupting Rena.

“No, sir. They don’t,” A.L. answered.

“I can’t imagine,” Patsy said, looking at her husband.