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Susan’s pride shone across her face. “Straight-A student. She was her class valedictorian.”
The claim twanged in Jo’s head—something didn’t fit. “With those grades, I’m surprised she didn’t get a scholarship to a four-year school.”
The cloud settled back on Susan’s face. “She earned a full scholarship to UC Davis. But…it didn’t work out.” Her eyes dropped to the portable oxygen tank.
The pieces slipped into place. “She didn’t want to leave you.”
Susan’s eyes filled with tears. “I told her I could take care of myself, but like you said, she’s smart. When I was diagnosed with COPD, she knew it was only gonna get worse. And when I couldn’t waitress anymore and had to go on disability, I couldn’t pay my rent let alone pay for some sort of caretaker. And since April I can’t be separated from this thing.” She flicked her fingers toward the oxygen bag.
Jo’s heart panged. “Well. Madison is obviously hardworking and bright. It may take her a little longer, but she’ll get there. What classes is she taking this term?”
“They change so often I can’t keep them straight.” Susan wrung her hands again. “But she’s probably just off studying at the park, right?”
Jo kept her expression neutral. “If she’s done that before, it’s possible she’s there now. Madison’s friends went over to look for her. Does she normally walk or drive to the park?”
“Walk, so I’ll have the car if I have an emergency. I checked, the car’s in the lot outside.” Panic filled her eyes. “I figured she’d be safe with the dog…”
“What sort of dog is Ginger?”
“Golden retriever.”
Not the most stranger-wary of breeds. Jo forced herself to smile. “Could she be out on some sort of date?”
She shook her head. “She hasn’t dated anybody since she broke up with Kiernan.”
“Kiernan? Is that her baby’s father?”
Frustration flashed across Susan’s face. “She wouldn’t say. But I’m pretty sure.”
Another clang—Madison and her mother were clearly close. “Why wouldn’t she tell you?”
Susan raised a hand only to let it drop back onto her lap. “No idea. All I can think is they broke up before she found out she was pregnant and she didn’t want to get back together with him, so she didn’t want him to know.”
“Forgive me, but I have to ask. Was she dating Kiernan exclusively?”
Her head nodded vigorously. “She’s only had two boys she’s been interested in her whole life.”
“What’s Kiernan’s last name? Do you have contact information for him?” Jo asked.
“Kiernan Wendiss.” Susan’s eyes flicked around the room and landed on the counter that separated the living room from the kitchen, and she started to get up. “I have his number in my phone.”
“Please, let me.” Jo rose and retrieved the phone for her.
“Thank you.” She tapped and scrolled and produced a number that Jo copied down.
“Could she possibly be with Kiernan?” Jo asked.
Susan sighed. “I wish. Kiernan really cared about her.”
“Why did they break up?”
Frustrated skepticism screwed up her face. “She said she wasn’t in love with him anymore.”
“But you don’t believe that.”
“No, I don’t. She wouldn’t look me in the eye and when I pushed her, she shut me down.”
“What about other friends she might be with?”
