The two of them started walking up the block. Georgina had the plastic cup with the remains of her drink in hand. She pretended to take a sip. “Here,” she said. “Please have the rest.”

“That’s okay,” Chip said. “I’ve had enough.”

“Think of it as the loving cup,” Georgina said, her tone commanding. “To finish off our night on the town. I heard it’s bad luck if you turn down a drink from a loving cup.”

Anything to placate her, Chip thought. There were only a few ounces left. He swallowed the warm liquid and threw the plastic cup in a trash can.

They were walking west toward Fifth Avenue and Central Park. If we have to walk through the park, so be it, Chip thought. No one we meet there could be as strange as this chick.

Back at the bar a guy came out of the men’s room and handed the bartender a college ring. “Jay, this was next to the sink,” he said. “I almost missed it, it’s so dark in there.”

“Thanks,” Jay answered. “I’m sure whoever lost it will come back tomorrow.” He turned to the crowd. “All right everybody, I’ve got to close up. Let’s get going.”

After the crowd finally dispersed, Jay walked to the window and pulled down the metal shutters. “A sound I love,” he mumbled. “Closing time.” He locked up the cash register and placed the college ring in one of the compartments. That’s a big ring, he thought. How can somebody forget to put that back on? He must have been feeling no pain.

Jay exited the front door and was securing the lock when a car pulled up. Two young women jumped out.

“Excuse me,” one of them said.

“Sorry, we’re closed. I’ve had enough,” he joked. “They better get those lights back on soon. It’s exhausting working in the dark.”

“Please. My name is Regan Reilly, and I’m a private investigator.” She pointed to the young woman standing with her. “If we could just talk to you for a minute.”

Jay’s demeanor changed. “What’s the problem?” he asked.

“We’re trying to track down a young couple. His name is Chip Jones. He’s quite tall, with blond hair. She has long, dark, highlighted hair and bangs. We’re afraid she is dangerous and could be a terrible threat to his safety. They might have been drinking margaritas.”

Jay blinked. “Gee,” he said. “I serve a lot of margaritas. It’s what we’re known for. I was serving so many drinks in the dark tonight, and the place was so crowded, it was hard to focus on what anyone looked like. But a tall, blond guy did order two margaritas at last call. I didn’t see who he was with.”

Regan sighed. “I know this might sound crazy but I’ll ask anyway. You didn’t happen to notice if he was wearing a big college ring did you?”

Jay’s eyes almost popped out of his head. “I can’t believe you’re asking me that.”