“Sure.”

She turned to McAdams.

“A veggie burger, no fries.”

“You want to sub a side salad?”

“Sure.”

Decker said, “How long have you been working here, Mary?”

The server looked momentarily stunned. “Me?” Decker nodded. She said, “Five years.”

“Long time.”

“Yes. I’m very grateful to have this job.”

“I bet.” Decker pulled out a picture. “Have you ever seen this woman before?”

“That’s Pauline. She used to come here two, three times a week.”

“Used to come here?”

“I haven’t seen her for a while. Why are you asking?” When Decker pulled out his badge, she said, “You’re the police?”

“Detectives,” McAdams said.

“What happened to Pauline? If you’re here, it must be bad.”

“It is. She’s unfortunately deceased.”

Mary looked at the pad in her hand. “I gotta put these orders in.”

Decker said, “If you have a moment …”

“I hardly knew her.”

“Anything you can tell us.” Decker looked around. “Obviously not now. It’s busy. But maybe in an hour or so?”

Mary nodded and was off. When she brought over the food and drinks, Decker sensed a cooler attitude.

So did McAdams. He picked up his veggie burger and said, “We’d better leave a nice tip.”

Decker sipped his ice cream and coffee. “This is really good.”

“Tasty,” McAdams said after taking a bite. “Want to split this?”

“No, I’m fine. I suppose we should let Quay know what we’re doing.”

McAdams said, “I think she’ll talk more freely if the local law isn’t here.”

“That’s a good point. I’ll text him and tell him we’re eating lunch in our car. That way, he won’t want to join us.” Decker’s fingers tapped across his phone. A moment later, he heard a ding. He read the text and responded. “Quay’s going back to the station. I told him we’ll phone him in an hour and compare notes.”

“Did he find anything?”

“No idea.” Decker polished off his iced coffee. “I could use some water.”

“So could I.” McAdams managed to get Mary’s attention. He mouthed, “Two waters.” Within a minute, the glasses were on the table. Her disposition hadn’t turned any friendlier.

When they paid the bill with a credit card, they left an enormous cash tip. Mary noticed. Right after she squared the tab and handed them back the plastic, she sat down at their table. “I can give you five minutes. But honestly, you won’t even need that. Like I said, I didn’t really know her.”

“Ever see her with this guy?” Decker took out the snapshot of Brock Baer and placed it on the tabletop.

She stared at it. “Not with Pauline. She was alone when she came in here. After she moved away, she came in a couple of times with Elsie.”

“So you knew Elsie?”