Page 19 of Seeking Evil

Zeke opened the door for Cooper, who went ahead. The business was empty of patrons. He and Cooper went up to the cashier’s station. No one was around. Most of the interior lights were still off.

A little bell by the cash register had a note that read, “Use me,” and so he did.

“Be with you in a sec,” a man called out from the back.

While they waited, Zeke glanced around at the lost-in-time diner and tried not to laugh. These were the types of places Sierra loved. She said they were living history.

Cooper nudged him, drawing Zeke’s attention to the wall near the cash register. A Missing Person’s poster was there showing Dawn Collins.

“Help you?” An overweight man in a T-shirt with an apron over it came through from the kitchen. He was mostly bald. Short, he looked like he didn’t appreciate being interrupted.

“Agent London. This is Agent Delaney. We’re with the FBI.” Zeke rarely gave more details than they worked for the Bureau. Most people didn’t understand the BAU’s connection to the FBI, and it just added to the confusion.

“How can I help you?” The man who didn’t offer his name seemed to adjust his attitude slightly.

“For starters, what time does the office next door open? We’d like to have a word with the owner.”

“Soon. This about the missing girl?” He crooked a thumb behind him to the poster.

“Yes, it is,” Cooper told him. “Have you ever seen that girl before?”

He wiped his hands. “I did. She came in a few times. I’m the owner, by the way. Name’s Vernon.”

“Nice to meet you, Vernon.” Zeke extended a hand. “What can you tell us about her? Did she seem worried about anything? Anyone bothering her?”

He scratched his head. “To tell you the truth, I really didn’t pay much attention. Only that she was a pretty girl.” He grinned. “Florence would know more. She’s my afternoon and evening waitress. She pays attention. A gnat doesn’t fart without her knowing about it.”

Zeke arched a brow at the strange comment. “What time does Florence come in?”

“Around three.”

Zeke fished out his card. “Can you have her give us a call?”

He accepted the card and stuck it into his apron pocket. “Sure thing. I’ll ask Nancy too— she’s the morning waitress—and see if she remembers anything.”

“Thanks.” Zeke brought up a photo of Sierra. “What about this woman?”

The owner clearly recognized Sierra. “Oh, yes. She comes in quite often.” His eyes darted between them. “I saw her not last night but the night before. Is she missing too? Oh, man, it’s like before.”

Cooper shot Zeke a surprised look. “You remember the last time?”

“Sure do. I’d just bought this place from the previous owner. Couldn’t believe all those women went missing. They never did find them.”

Zeke made a note to check out Vernon. “What did you say your name was?”

“Vernon. Vernon Fritz.” He pointed out the window. “Looks like Inez is open.”

“Thanks for your help, Vernon,” Cooper said and headed for the door. “If you think of anything else, give us a call.”

“Be sure to have Florence call me.” Zeke waited for Vernon to nod before he followed his partner outside. “Boy, it feels like I’ve stepped back in time.”

Cooper smiled. “I know what you mean.”

They reached the cabins’ office and stepped inside.

A woman in her sixties was busy putting out donuts and apple fritters. She turned as they came in.

“Can I help you gentlemen?”

---