Page 10 of Fatal Witness

“He didn’t know but didn’t think it would take long since they’re only comparing the two photos. Mark will call you as soon as we have an answer.”

“Thank you.” She smiled her gratitude as well.

“I hope it is Danielle. I’ve thought about her a lot since I returned to Pearl Springs.” Alex hesitated. “Just don’t get your hopes up too high. It may not be her.”

“It is. I feel it here.” Mae touched above her heart. “I hope you don’t mind, but I already asked if Mark would call the number listed on the website and talk to her.”

Alex didn’t answer right away. “Let’s see what the facial recognition company says first.”

“Of course—but the photos are going to match.” Mae stood. “I need to get back to my studio and check on my kiln ... and pull some handles for the pitchers I made this morning.”

Alex’s face lit up. “Gram loves your pottery, and I want to get her one of your tulip vases for Mother’s Day.”

Mae thought a minute. She had several of the artistic pieces, but Judith wouldn’t be happy if Alex spent that much money. “I think your grandmother would rather have something more utilitarian. I have a pitcher I’ll be glazing and firing tomorrow. It has her favorite flower on it—forget-me-nots.”

“That sounds perfect. I’ll drive up in a day or so. And I’m paying full price for it—no friend discount.”

“Wouldn’t be a gift if it didn’t cost you something.” Mae smothered a grin. Not that she would let Alex pay full price. “See you then.”

Mark stood. “I’ll walk out with you.”

She nodded her thanks. Neither of them said anything until they exited the building with Gem on their heels.

“Do you have time to grab a cup of coffee at the Bean Factory?” Mark asked.

She tilted her head. The K-9 officer had something on his mind, and she wasn’t certain she wanted to hear what it was. But Mark had been so good to check on her periodically, especially when the weather was bad. “Sure.”

A few minutes later Mae followed him inside the busy coffee shop. “Did you leave your motor running?” Mark had left Gem inside the SUV.

“No. She’ll be fine. I have an alert on my phone that lets me know if the temperature gets too warm.”

Mae glanced around and spied one empty table in the room. She shoved a five-dollar bill in his hand. “I’ll grab the table if you’ll get me a plain coffee.”

He handed it back to her. “You’re not paying.”

Mae gave him an exasperated huff. She liked paying her own way, but two more people came into the shop and she didn’t have time to argue with him if she wanted to snag the table. “Whatever.”

It wasn’t long before he brought their coffees along with a scone and some kind of sandwich. “I haven’t had lunch,” he explained. “The blueberry scone is for you—I don’t like eating alone.”

“Appreciate it.” Even to her it sounded more like a complaint than a thank-you. “Really, I do thank you.”

He grinned. “I knew you meant it the first time.”

Her mouth twitched and then curved up in a full-on smile. Mark knew her so well. “All right. What did you want to talk about?”

Mark took a bite of his sandwich, chewed, and swallowed before he answered. “I’m like Alex—I don’t want you to get your hopes up, and there’s something else you need to consider. Even if it is your granddaughter, she might not want a relationship with you.”

His words took the breath right out of her.

6

“Why wouldn’t she want a relationship?” Mae demanded.

Her face had turned as pale as her white porcelain vases, and Mark’s heart plummeted. He hadn’t meant to upset her, but she had to face reality. “You have to consider she hasn’t tried to contact you. What if she doesn’t want her life upended?”

“What if she doesn’t know about me?” Mae crossed her arms.

“Danielle was nine—she should remember you.”

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