“Yeah, her generation always connects those cookies with their childhood, but not many can make them just like the old recipe. I predict that Maria will be swamped with orders within a few weeks. She has to let that bakery have the cookies exclusively for six months, and then she can start selling them to other bakeries and hotels if she wishes.”

“I’m thrilled. Maria needed this so bad. Not just for the money, but for her self-confidence,” Quinn said. “I’m scared to ask, but what’s the bad news?”

“Pali. He missed a winning pass at the game last night when he tripped and somersaulted. He got to his feet, and I saw him look up at someone in the stands then stomp off the field. We couldn’t find him anywhere after the game. I went to all his friends’ houses and every beach he likes to hang out at. He won’t answer his phone and turned off the cell phone locator. We had to give up when it hit three in the morning. Maria was beside herself when I finally left.”

“Oh no,” Quinn said. “Are you sure he didn’t maybe slip in?”

“Nope. I just checked. I’m about to call the hospitals. Make sure he wasn’t involved in some accident or something.”

“Did you see what caught his eye in the stands?”

Liam nodded. “Yep. But don’t tell Maria. She’s got enough on her plate right now worrying about Pali.”

“What was it?”

He leaned toward her and whispered, “His dad was there. I spotted him just before he turned and disappeared. I guess they were both scared off after they saw each other.”

“I don’t understand. I thought Pali was upset at his dad’s sudden absence?” Quinn said. “At least now we know the man is alive. Wouldn’t Pali be glad he came to the game? Relieved he finally showed up?”

“Normally, yes. But the love between a father and son is a complicated thing. Pali screwed up last night, and for Jaime to choose that moment to be there and witness it . . . well, that hurt Pali’s pride. And it probably brought all his anger to the top. He’s a good kid. But he’s confused. The kind of mental turmoil he’s been through will make you do stupid things.”

“Maybe you need to check the police station first then.” Quinn drained the rest of her coffee. “Is there anything I can do?”

“No. You’ve got your big meeting today, right?”

“I sure do.” She got a queasy feeling in her stomach.

“Are you nervous?” he asked, sitting down on the step. “Want to talk about it? It might help.”

She hesitated.

“You don’t have to,” he said. “But I’m here if you need me.” He looked wounded.