Decker and McAdams exchanged looks. Decker took out a picture of Brock Baer. “Was the other guy this man?”

Beth’s eyes went to the photograph. “Will you excuse me for a moment?”

“If you’re thinking about calling someone local, try Sergeant Quay,” Decker said. “He’ll vouch for us. As a matter of fact, he should be here in about five minutes.” He tapped the snapshot with a finger. “What did this guy want?”

“He asked if I knew Pauline Corbett. I told him I knew her. When he asked where she lived, I became suspicious. I told him I didn’t know, even though I did. I know she’s missing … Pauline is.”

“Unfortunately, she is deceased, and she died in my jurisdiction.”

The woman appeared stunned. At that moment, Jake Quay walked inside. He was wearing civvies—a black polo shirt and jeans and high-tops. He came to the front desk and noticed the look on Beth’s face. He said, “I guess they told you what’s going on.”

“It’s true, then? Is Pauline dead?” When Quay nodded, Beth said, “Like, was she killed or …”

Decker said, “It’s a homicide.”

Beth gasped. “What about Elsie? Has she been found?”

“Not yet.” Quay noticed the picture of Brock Baer. He picked it up and showed it to her again. “You’ve seen him before, Beth?”

“He was asking about her … Pauline.”

“When was this?”

“A while back. Maybe three months ago. Before Elsie disappeared.”

“And?”

“I didn’t think much about it, because the next day she met him for drinks in the bar. They looked like friends.”

“Then they weren’t fighting or anything?”

“Not to my eye, no.”

“Did he stay here?” Decker asked.

A pause. “I know I didn’t check him in. But Eddie could have been on shift. Want me to check the register?”

“Please,” Quay said.

“It might take me a little time. I don’t remember the exact date.”

“We can wait.”

Decker said, “You said they had drinks together in the lounge?”

“I remember they walked into the lounge. I’m assuming they had drinks.”

“Do you remember who was behind the bar?”

“No, I don’t remember that. Sorry.”

“And that was the last time you saw him?” Decker asked.

“Yes.” Beth started going through the register books.

Decker said, “While she’s checking the records, let’s see if the bartender has anything to add.” Quay nodded, and the three of them walked into the lounge.

The carpet was a deep floral maroon and smelled musty. The furniture was old but polished; same with the bar top. At this hour, the place had few customers. The man behind the bar was bald with a young face. His shirtsleeves were rolled to the elbows, exposing colorful tats. CHET was on his name tag.

Quay showed him the picture of Baer. “He was in about three months ago, Chet.”

“Vaguely familiar.” A shrug.