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Dan’s gaze grew thoughtful. “No one is above suspicion, except for Cheryl’s dad.”
Gary chuckled. “You really need to stop doing that.”
“Doing what?” Dan appeared confused.
“Coming out with stuff that I’d been thinking only a second or two before.” He liked that they seemed to be on the same wavelength, but all the same, it still felt as though Dan was in his head.
Concern flickered in Dan’s eyes. “I’m not sure I can turn it off. Is that going to be a problem?”
If they weren’t in the office, Gary would have taken Dan in his arms and reassured him with a kiss. “I don’t think so. Now, back to the senator….”
Dan bit his lip. “All I’m saying is… check out his statement before we make a move. Who were the detectives on the case back then? I’m talking about when she first disappeared.”
Gary picked up the folder and opened it. “Detectives Owen Williams and Phil Harris.” He stilled. “Wait a sec. I know that name.” He smiled. “Got it. I’m sure that’s the same Phil who runs the coffee shop on Massachusetts Avenue. I think he opened it when he retired.”
“Isn’t that where you stop for coffee some mornings? The one that does those amazing cinnamon rolls?”
“The same.” Gary grinned. “You know what? I think we need a coffee break.”
Dan was already reaching for his jacket.
THE SMELLinside the coffeehouse was as fragrant and delicious as always. Gary inhaled deeply, breathing in the aromas of freshly brewed coffee, sugar, spice. He’d been coming to Phil’s Place for about three years. It was popular with his coworkers, and Phil brewed a great cup of coffee.
“I’ll grab a table.” Dan headed for the corner.
Gary went to the counter to order coffee. Phil was chatting with the young woman who often served Gary first thing in the morning. He broke off their conversation when he caught sight of Gary and flashed him a broad smile.
“Don’t normally see you twice in one day, Detective. Not that I’m complaining.” He inclined his head toward Dan. “Does he want his americano as usual?”
“Please, and a coffee with cream, no sugar, for me. A couple of danishes too.” Gary paused. “And a few minutes of your time if you can spare them. This isn’t exactly a social visit.”
Phil arched his eyebrows. “I see.” He removed his black apron. “Dee? Take over for me for a minute, would you? And I’ll have a coffee with cream, two sugars.”
“Sure, Grandpa.”
Phil walked out from behind the counter and accompanied Gary to their table. Gary sat beside Dan. Phil pulled out the chair facing them and sat. He regarded Dan with interest. “I recognized you when you came in last month. You’re that psychic who’s been helping out my former coworkers.”
Dan gave a nod. “And we’re here because we needyourhelp.”
“Color me intrigued.” Phil clammed up when Dee came over with the coffees and pastries. “Thanks, honey.” He waited until she was back behind the counter. “Okay, guys, what do you need from me?”
“In 1992, you investigated the disappearance of Cheryl Somers.”
“Ninety-two? Wow. Talk about ancient history. The name’s familiar.” Phil froze. “Wasn’t she the one who turned out to be the body in the tunnel? Yeah, I remember.” He frowned. “But I wasn’t one of the detectives investigating how she came tobein that tunnel. She was only a missing person when I got involved.”
“We know,” Gary said. “But that’s the partwe’reinterested in, the initial investigation.”
“Specifically, if you recall speaking with Senator William Cain,” Dan added.
Phil sipped his coffee. “He and her dad reported her missing, I recall that much. Is that what you’re talking about?”
Gary shook his head. “The senator claims he came to you with an idea about who could have been responsible for her disappearance.”
Phil’s brow furrowed. “Claims?”
“Yeah. There’s no record of him doing that in your case notes.” Gary waited.
“Then why would he—” Phil’s eyes widened. “Wait a minute. Yeah. He had this theory that some guy was out for revenge. Something to do with a car accident?” He frowned. “I don’t recall the exact details, but yeah, I vaguely remember the conversation.”
