“Not really wrong, just puzzling. We needed to talk to Warren and he vamoosed, left town completely. It was very sudden. Do you have any idea where he might have gone? Does he have friends or family in the area?”
Evan glanced at Zach, who shrugged as if to say,Don’t look at me.“He was always pretty closemouthed. Is this about the murders? You don’t think Warren had anything to do with those, do you? He’s so gentle, I can’t imagine he’d even raise his voice.”
There was no sense in hiding the truth. Blake studied Evan’s expression. “You probably remember Doris. She saw him running from the Aldens’ house a little while before the murders of Paradise’s parents. She thought he knew something. And when he heard we wanted to talk to him after seeing Doris, he checked out early and went home. We passed him leaving town and weretoo late to see where he went. Did you hang out after he came to work here?”
“I have a family and don’t have much time for hanging out. We were friendly here at work, but that’s about it.”
“Did he ever mention he was dating anyone?” Paradise asked.
“Not really.” Evan glanced at his watch.
Zach shifted on his feet. “He invited me to go out for a drink once. He suggested College Social, but I told him I had to get home. Maybe check there.”
The bar catered to college students and was in Nova Cambridge near University Grounds. Blake wasn’t a drinker so he’d never been there, but they could check it out. The place was probably hopping about now, and someone might know. “Thanks, guys, we’ll do that.”
He let them head for their vehicles. “I think we should see if Drew wants to go with us to the bar. He’ll know how to handle talking to a roomful of people.”
“He might be done reading the files by now.”
She started to follow him, and he realized she’d stopped so he turned. “What’s wrong?”
“Abby knows everyone, and I think Warren’s account was at her bank. She might know something.”
Blake nodded. “We could swing by and talk to Abby before we go to the bar. She might want to accompany us. We haven’t seen her since you were in the hospital.”
“I’ll text her.” Paradise pulled out her phone and tapped out a message before they resumed walking toward the garage apartment. “We can go without Drew if he’s busy. I don’t want to wait. We might get lucky and find a lead to Warren before he’s clear out of the state.”
Her phone sounded and she glanced at it. “Abbs says she’llmeet us there. Quinn is studying with a friend, and she has to pick her up at nine, so she’ll have time to hang out with us and talk.”
He’d been tired before all this, but adrenaline put a spring in his step. Solving the murders felt so close. He’d once hoped Paradise would give up her quest because it seemed so hopeless. The turnaround felt destined, and he prayed God was opening the doors that needed to be kicked down. If Paradise could put all of it behind her, a new life awaited her. And him.
Chapter 27
College Social was in the same building as University Grounds but around the right side off a well-lit alley. Tiny lights dotted the ceiling of the large porch, and black iron tables and chairs added more seating than the bar’s interior could hold.
Paradise spotted Abby at a table by the door. “There she is.”
Drew opened his door first and waved. Paradise gave him a startled glance and spotted the animation in his face. Wait, wait, her brother thought her best friend was cute? She swung her gaze back to Abby and saw the same spark of interest. She wore a green dress that contrasted beautifully with her shoulder-length auburn hair and brown eyes. The ruffled cap sleeves showed off her shapely arms, and the skirt skimmed her hips and ended just above her knees, showing off her gorgeous legs. Had she dressed up hoping to see Drew?
When had this mutual attraction started? Maybe at Hez and Savannah’s new house when Paradise had gotten out of the hospital. She hadn’t seen their first meeting since she’d been inside resting, but there might have been sparks then.
Paradise just noticed her brother was wearing a different shirtthan the brown tee from this morning. The blue looked good on him. She hid a smile and glanced at Blake to see if he’d noticed. His wide smile and wink her way confirmed he’d seen it too.
She bounded up the steps and hugged Abby. “I’m so glad you could come.”
Abby glanced at her watch. “I have two hours. What’s this all about?”
“We need to find Warren.” She told her the situation. “I think he banks with you. Do you know anything about him?”
“Not much. He’s quiet. I got the impression he hung out with the wrong crowd when he was younger, then decided to change his life.” Her smile aimed over Paradise’s shoulder. “Hey, Drew, looks like the party is about to get started with all of us here.”
A group of college students spilled out the door, and Paradise herded her group out of the way. “It sounds raucous in there. How are we going to tackle this?”
“I’ll handle it,” Drew said. “Abby, you want to come with me? A guy with a beautiful girl on his arm is less intimidating to the bartender than me barging in asking questions by myself.”
“You bet.” Abby’s smile increased in wattage, and she took the arm Drew offered.
Paradise stuffed down the laughter that wanted to bubble up. She linked her arm with Blake’s. “I hope nothing interferes with their budding romance. It’s a fabulous turn of events.”
