“She went to the bar hoping to meet someone, and apparently she did,” Judith said. “She called me a couple of times over the weekend to tell me she was okay and having a great time. It wasn’t until late Sunday afternoon that I saw her again. She asked if she could come back the following weekend. I knew Bryan wasn’t coming up, so I said yes. It’s a big house, plenty of room.”

“Do you think she planned to meet the same man?” Ellie asked.

“I don’t know. It was usually a one-night thing with her.”

“But that weekend she spent both nights with the same guy,” Kade pressed, just to be clear.

She nodded. “She said he was really into her, easy to talk to, and good in bed. She said that was how it used to be with Bryan. Barb thanked me, hugged me, and drove back to Denver. That was the last time I ever saw her.”

“Did you tell the police?” Ellie asked.

Judith shook her head, moving the springy curls around her face. “The police have never talked to me. Barb was with Bryan in Denver when she disappeared. I didn’t see any reason to mention a hookup that had happened in Vail. The two didn’t seem connected, and I didn’t want to hurt her husband.”

Kade got up and paced over to the window, turned his hat in his hands as he stared out across the mountains to the empty ski slopes trailing down the side of the hill. Whatever trace of snow they’d had was gone. It would be weeks before the season officially opened. He turned back to the women, who were speaking quietly, their heads close together.

Ellie rose from the sofa. She took a business card out of her purse and handed it to Judith. “If you think of anything else, I hope you’ll call.”

“I will. I promise.”

“One more thing,” Kade said. “Was there any place Barbara particularly liked to go when she went out? Someplace she might have met this man?”

“There were a couple of places. She said she always had a good time at The ShakeUp. It’s a late-night spot. Live music, lots going on. We went there together a couple of times, but I’m not into that kind of scene anymore. She also liked Bullwinkle’s. It’s great for after-ski. People can sit outside on the deck if they want. That’s where the two of us usually went for a drink if we were by ourselves. If Thomas and Bryan were with us, we went to The Remedy. It’s one of the nicest places in town.”

Kade walked back to where Judith stood next to the leather ottoman in front of her chair. “We really appreciate your help, Judith. I know how tough it is to lose someone you care about.”