Page 63 of The Girl in the River

Armond rocked back in his chair, anger deepening the lines around his eyes. “How would I know?”

“Because you know everything,” Kevin said under his breath. “I know you hired someone to investigate Jesse when we were together and after she disappeared.”

The ice in his drink clinked as he sipped his scotch. “I had to protect our interests, ensure she was a solid investment. Unlike you, I don’t make decisions with my dick.”

A muscle ticked in Kevin’s jaw, but he ignored the jab. “I hired a PI to find out where the child is. If she’s mine, I’m going to get custody.”

“What will you do with a child?” his father asked.

Kevin grinned. “Use her to get Jesse back.”

His father cursed. “Fool.”

Kevin let that comment roll off his back, too. All his life he’d tried to please the old man. Done everything he’d asked, even when he knew he was handing his soul to Satan on a silver platter.

But Jesse was his wife. She’d promised to love him until death do us part.

He intended to see that she kept that promise.

EIGHTY-THREE

Ellie parked at the rustic wood restaurant and bar, which had been built on the river. The parking lot was full of SUVs and trucks carrying locals, tourists, and adventure seekers hauling their kayaks and canoes to the put-in spot.

Trees shuddered in the wind that blazed through the mountains, branches sagging. The river had risen from the recent rains and the current tossed water onto the bank, only inches below the dock. Turtles and fish splashed along, children gathering to watch.

Inside the décor was just as rustic, with one wall showcasing license plates from various states, another paddles and photos of rafters. Country music echoed from an old-fashioned juke box. The place was packed, noisy chatter and laughter surrounding them. A chalkboard hung on the wall listing the daily specials.

The hostess, a college-aged girl in a tie-dyed tank top and shorts greeted them. “Table for two?”

“Please,” Ellie said.

She seated them by a window overlooking the water and mountains, and a tall middle-aged woman with a bad perm sauntered over with a pencil tucked in her hair.

“Hey y’all. I’m Thelma. What you having today?”

“The catfish with the collards and tea,” Derrick answered.

Ellie scanned the menu on the chalkboard and spotted a security camera in the corner. “Barbecue chicken with mashed potatoes, and I’ll try that blackberry lemonade.”

“Sure enough.” Thelma fluttered her hand. “Be right back.”

“Kevin Moon and his father are here,” Derrick said, tilting his head to the rear.

Ellie glanced their way. “Looks like they’re arguing,” Ellie said. “Wonder what that’s about.”

After a few minutes, Thelma brought their drinks and food, sliding them onto the table. “Y’all enjoy.”

“Can we ask you something, Thelma?” Ellie asked. “We’re investigating Jesse Habersham’s disappearance. Did you know her?”

She pursed her lips. “Why you asking about her? She ran out on poor Kevin five years ago.”

Everyone in Red River Rock seemed to believe Kevin was the victim. “Her disappearance may be related to another case,” replied Ellie. “What can you tell us about her?”

Thelma cut her eyes toward the Moons then gave Ellie a crooked smile. “She seemed real nice, that is until she broke Kevin’s heart.”

“I take it the Moons own this place,” Derrick said.

“You’d be right about that,” Thelma said.

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