Page 76

The sun had begun to drop behind the buildings.

Main Street looked peaceful.

That meant nothing.

Wolf took the west side of the tavern. I moved east with Havoc.

We checked the parked vehicles, the alley, the roof access, and the buildings across the street.

Max’s tip jar sat on the sidewalk where someone had moved it during the dinner rush.

I picked it up.

Forty-seven dollars.

The dog earned more money while lying down than I did working behind the bar.

Havoc checked beneath a truck.

“Clear.”

I looked toward the sheriff’s department.

Judy’s unmarked SUV was parked outside.

No other unfamiliar vehicles remained on the street.

“Who knows Rylie worked at the camp?” I asked.

“Everyone who lived here back then.”

“That narrows it down to the entire town.”

“Pretty much.”

“Any strangers asking about her recently?”

“People ask about all of us.”

“Why?”

Havoc gave me a flat look.

“The books.”

“What books?”

He stared at me for another second.

“Never mind.”

We continued toward the back of the tavern.

A high wooden fence enclosed the delivery area. The gate had been locked from the inside. Dust covered the ground, and no footprints led toward the kitchen door.

Havoc checked the lock.

“No sign anyone came through here.”