Page 251 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“There was.” The server brought him a water. He nodded in acknowledgment, but there was a sadness in his smile. “Thank you.”

The server requested his drink order, and he asked for a root beer.

Emily reached out. “What?”

“A police department in Virginia requested her dental records.” He took a sip of water. “Maybe nothing.”

“Do my parents know?”

“I doubt it. The records were in the file, so they would’ve transferred them electronically. Your parents would only be told if there was a positive match. No sense in dredging up old news.”

“But seeing her name brought everything back to the surface for you.” It wasn’t a question. She could see the pain written on his face. Why hadn’t she seen the effect Nora’s disappearance had on him? She’d been so wrapped up in her own pain and her parents’ pain she hadn’t considered how their friends and loved ones were affected.

“I shouldn’t have mentioned it. There is no reason to cause you added stress.”

“The human remains found at the park did plenty to bring my memories to the surface. I’ll be fine once those women are identified and their families are notified.”

The server came and took Wade’s order.

“What makes the Virginia officers think it could be Nora?”

“A man down there bought an old farmhouse. He was doing renovations and found bones inside a wall, but they don’t know who it is. I’m sure they ordered dental records from more than one department.”

“That’s disturbing.”

“Exactly.”

After they sat in silence for several minutes, Sam asked Wade how he got into law enforcement, and the conversational mood lightened considerably. By the time Wade finished eating, Emily had relaxed.

“Emily’s car is back at the park. I’m going to have to take her back.” Sam’s matchmaker skills were obvious. She hoped Wade would volunteer to drive her, but Emily didn’t appreciate the gesture.

He turned to Emily. “I can take you to get it.”

“No. That’s okay.”

“I really don’t mind.”

“Sam brought me here. She can take me back.”

“I wouldn’t mind getting on the road as long as Wade doesn’t mind.”

“I’m happy to do it.” Wade grinned.

She shot daggers at her friend before turning back to Wade. “All right. Thanks for offering.” Sam would get an earful when they next spoke.

Despite Emily’s protestations, Wade picked up their check along with his own, and Sam left the tip.

They walked Sam to her car. “Text when you get home, Sam,” Emily said.

“Will do.” Sam wiggled her fingers and backed out of her parking spot.

Emily stood beside Wade, and they both waved as Sam drove out of the lot.

Emily couldn’t standthe silence in Wade’s truck any longer. “So…”

“It was less awkward with Sam around, huh?”

“Ya think?”

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