“We’ll walk with you to Diver Down.”
JD and I gathered our things and escorted Teagan to the bar. We said our goodbyes, then hopped into the Porsche. We set out to find Jesse, but that would be no easy task. He drifted like the wind. If he was smart, he’d have gotten himself out of town.
We cruised around the island, listening to classic rock with the sunroof open and the windows down, enjoying the sound of the flat-six. We hit all the usual spots where vagrants congregated.
It wasn't hard to figure out we were cops by the questions we were asking.
We talked to a few guys who were living over by the Mega Mart behind the dumpster. We talked to guys in the warehouse district and drifters around Oyster Avenue. It was more profitable to panhandle at the tourist spots. We spoke to a few individuals near the boardwalk.
Nobody had seen Jesse.
Either that, or they were keeping their mouths shut. More likely the latter. Code of the street. Shut up and stay out of other people's business.
We handed out business cards, but I didn’t expect anyone to call. Quite a few had prepaid cell phones. Others had disconnected completely. Off-grid and invisible. Never filed a tax return. Didn't have bills. Maybe they were on to something.
That took up the better part of the morning.
We headed back to the marina and grabbed lunch at the bar at Diver Down. Teagan greeted us with a cheery smile.
"You boys look a little frustrated."
"We can't find who we’re looking for," I said.
"Who are you looking for?”
"A bad man."
She frowned. "Does this have to do with that girl who was murdered last night?"
I nodded.
"Such a shame. I gotta tell you, it's freaking me out a little."
"I would be extra cautious until we sort this out."
Teagan groaned. "I'm so looking forward to getting out of here for a bit."
"You'll miss us,” JD said.
She smiled. "Of course I will.” She sighed. "I’m just over the drama. I need a little peace and quiet. Not forever. Just like a week. Time to recharge. Then I'll be in a better headspace."
"Take all the time you need,” I said.
"Don't say that. I might go on an extended vacation.”
"You deserve it."
In an adorable voice, she said, "I know.” She made a cutesy pose then asked, "What will it be?”
"I'll have the shrimp po’boy," Jack said.
"I’ll take the lobster roll," I added.
“Coming right up!”
She punched in our order and sent it back to the kitchen.
"Do you know when you're leaving?” I asked.
