I’ll admit if this wasn’t exactly like the start of most horror movies, I’d probably stay and try a different tactic. But no, I think I’m good. “Okay, cool, man. Thanks.”

I walk on the stairs, wondering what the fuck I was thinking. Not that I think he’d pull a weapon and shove me in his cage, but I’m not feeling that lucky today. I get in my car without incident and head to the restaurant near the highway where Amanda works.

When I walk in, a few guys in trucker hats turn to stare, not giving me an ounce of leeway to make myself more comfortable. I look back to the right, where some families are sitting, and then to the left.

“Harbor?” Amanda’s mouth twists, and she comes toward me from the right.

“Hey.”

“What are you doing here? Is Lark okay?”

“She’s . . .” I’m about to fill in with “good” or “fine” as expected, but I hesitate because she’s getting by today after the emotional turmoil of the incident last night with Dane. But Amanda knows that, so I don’t have to pretend. “She’s been better. She’s at the library tonight, studying.”

Her expression softens in understanding. “She texted me earlier.” She takes my elbow and pulls me off to the side out of the walkway. Taking a step back, she leans against a column and says, “I’m sorry, Harbor. Everything escalated so quickly.”

“You didn’t cause it, just like she didn’t. There’s history between Dane and me. He knew my cousin.”

“Yeah, Lucas. I remember.” Her gaze slides through the blinds and into the parking lot. “He used to talk about you. He’d actually brag about you, how good you were, always better than him. I wasn’t around him much, but I heard him call you his ride or die.”

“I was his ride. That’s all.”

The comment seems to catch her off guard by how she shifts and begins fidgeting with the pen in her hands. “So,” she starts, rocking back on her heels. “What brings you by? I have a feeling it’s not the god-awful three-day-old apple pie.”

“So you don’t recommend the pie?” I joke. “What do you recommend?”

“Eating somewhere else if you can, and I know you can.”

“Noted.” I chuckle. “Hey, so . . . I’m looking for Dane.”

She cringes just a little, but it’s noticeable. “Think that’s wise?” Her gaze darts over my shoulder but then returns just as quickly.

She has customers waiting, so I pick up the pace, and say, “No, but if it helps me get the brooch back, I’ll do it.”

Leaning in, she whispers, “He’s here, working in the back. He came in last week looking for more work because Larry’s lost a few jobs since Lark walked out. So he came in and asked for a job.” Looking around to make sure no one hears her, she adds, “I guess we know why now. Mia being pregnant.”

“Oh, right. What are the chances I can get back there and speak with him?”