Page 113 of Jack

“Really?”

“In this case, the arrest might have been providential.” He noted Conrad’s sleek Dodge Charger in the lot. Along with his brother’s dress clothes. “Aw, I’m late.”

“Very. Everyone’s at dance practice. Except, of course, Penelope and Harper.”

He stopped. “Harper? Where is she?”

“Dunno.” Conrad’s car beeped as it unlocked. “I dropped her off at the inn and went to help decorate for the reception, and when I came downstairs, she’d left.”

Jack stared at him, nonplussed. “I thought the point of dragging her home was to keep an eye on her.”

“I’m not her keeper, bro. She’s a grown woman. Something you might want to get through your head.”

Yeah, thanks,Jack had already noticed that. But he shut his mouth as he climbed into the passenger seat.

“Boo said that Harper promised to be at the rehearsal, so keep your hat on, bro,” Conrad said.

“Fine.” But something else gnawed inside him. “Let’s stop by Echoes on the way.”

They pulled out, night already settling over town. “Is Stein at the dance place?”

“Of course.”

Interesting.

“What happened?”

“I found the guys who torched Aggie. Had a little chat.”

Conrad glanced over at him, eyebrow up, a half grin.

“What’s with that face?”

“Just nice to see you.”

Whatever that meant.

Conrad pulled into Echoes.

“I’ll be right back.” Jack got out, went inside. No Tallulah at the counter. Purple pigtails—Quinn—stood at the counter.

“You’re back.”

“Tallulah gone?”

“Yeah. Morning shift.”

The place seemed deserted, and he noted the late hour. “You’re nearly closed.”

“Can I get you something?”

“Tallulah posted a BOLO for keys that went missing.”

“Yeah. Right off the counter at the end of her shift. She had to get a ride home.”

“Does she own a boat?”

Quinn frowned.

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