The doors of the Giant swished open before them and Danielle went up to the information desk. She took her badge off her belt and held it up for the young man behind the desk to see. He was a good-looking kid, probably barely out of high school. He had tousled blond hair and blue eyes and a name tag that read Anthony. His Adams apple jumped up and down in his long throat and his eyes grew wide as he looked at Danielles badge.

Id like to speak to the manager. She clipped the badge back onto her belt.

Thats, uh, me right now. For this shift. He blushed. Kid didnt look old enough to manage tying his own shoes.

Great, Danielle said, putting her badge away. Were looking for an employee of yours. Cole Hutton. Is he here today?

Anthony turned to the computer next to him and typed a few things in and frowned. Not today. Looks like he was scheduled for yesterday afternoon and called in sick. Havent heard from him yet today, but Im guessing hes still under the weather. He turned back to Danielle. Can I ask why?

Danielle ignored his question and asked one of her own. Does he often call in sick?

He went back to the computer, but then shook his head. No. Hes pretty reliable.

So either he really was sick or he had a good reason to skip work yesterday and today. Morgan didnt like it one bit. Apparently, Danielle didnt either. Thanks, she said to the kid and then she was striding so fast out of the grocery store that Morgan thought he might have to jog to keep up.

Back in the car, Danielle punched his a few buttons on her cell phone. Then she said, Yeah. He wasnt at his place of work. Im going to check out his residence now. She listened for a moment, then said, No. I dont think I need back up. Were just chatting.

She hung up and then pulled out of the parking place and out into traffic.

Hutton lived in a sober living home on Hayes Avenue. Morgan had his first prickle of unease. The guy was clearly making an effort. Had he managed to turn his life around? Of course, that wouldnt stop him from blaming Lexa for making him turn his life around in the first place.

From the outside, the house was indistinguishable from most of the other houses on the block. It was a two-story brick home with a porch that ran the length of the front of the house. The rain had started to let up when they arrived, but the sidewalk was still dark with dampness and the air still held the heavy promise of more moisture. Danielle marched up the steps and rang the doorbell. Morgan stood behind her and to one side.