“Something more interesting came along. Conner Delaney offered me a job doing digital forensics for Nighthawk Security.”

Silence fell. “Are you sure you want to do that? My boss can be, well, he isn’t exactly a rule follower.”

Zoe laughed. “And you think I am?”

Ellie smiled. “Point taken, and when you put it that way, I think you’ll really enjoy the challenge.”

“The good news is, from now on you don’t have to feel guilty when you ask me for help. I’ll be getting paid for it.”

Ellie chuckled. “I remember introducing the two of you, but I didn’t realize Conn knew how talented you were.”

“Apparently all the bragging you did about me worked. Plus, he gave me a couple of test problems, and I solved them.”

“No surprise there. Will you be working in the office?”

“Conn’s setting up a space for me, but I’ll also be working at home. No set hours. I’m really excited about it.”

“So am I.”

“Listen, I gotta run. Now that I’ve got a new job—”

“Now that you’re on the payroll, there’s something else I need.”

Zoe laughed. “What is it?”

“Any chance you can get into Heather Logan’s medical records, see if there’s any sign of abuse?”

“Wait a minute. You’re thinking your guy, Kade, was a wife beater? I don’t like the sound of that.”

“I can’t imagine Kade ever hurting a woman, but it’s my job to be sure.”

“I’ll check it out.”

“Also, there’s a bartender named Rance Sullivan. Works at the Elkhorn Bar and Grill in Coffee Springs. He’s one of Heather’s conquests. I didn’t see anything suspicious, but you might.”

“I’ll take a look.”

“Thanks, Zoe. Can’t wait for a girlfriend lunch.”

“Me either. Talk soon.” Zoe hung up the phone.

* * *

Working at the computer on his big, dark oak desk, Kade looked up as Ellie walked through the open study door.

He rose from his chair and walked toward her. “I’m sorry about this morning . . . about Grace, I mean. Like I said, I haven’t seen her in months.”

A burnished eyebrow went up. “Any other female surprises in store for me?”

The back of Kade’s neck went warm. “No.” Not unless one of the females he had slept with in Vail a few months back showed up. The sex had been hot, the release satisfying, but he didn’t remember either of their names.

“Good to know,” Ellie said.

Kade’s mouth edged up. “Anything else I need to confess?”

She smiled. “Actually I came in to tell you I got a lead on Frank Keller.” Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a slip of paper and handed it over. “Keller has a cousin in Phippsburg. His name is Earl Dunstan. No address. That’s his post office box number.”