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“I was going to eat Kraft mac-n-cheese, so, I would be amenable to skipping that in favor of a real meal.”

“How’s Ricketts Glen Hotel? I hear the food is good there.”

“It is, but it can be a bit cozy. So, if you don’t mind a crowd?”

“Where can we go for more privacy? I’m not keen on people overhearing us.”

“The tables are farther apart at 2 1/2 Street.”

“That’s the name of a restaurant?”

“Sure is.”

“You’ll handle the directions?”

“I will.”

“Then let’s go.”

They parked in the lot and entered through the side door. The steps out front were too steep for Sam’s liking. She chose a seat in a corner where they’d have a bit more privacy. “This okay?”

Gavin nodded and held a chair out for her to sit. She spread her napkin across her lap and perused the menu. Deciding on the taco salad, she set it down.

“What are you going to get?”

“I’m thinking the cowboy chicken.”

“It’s good. You’ll like it.”

The server came to the table and asked what they wanted to drink. “We’re ready to order our food, too.” Sam said.

“Sounds good. What can I get for you?”

After they told her what they wanted, Gavin reached across the table and took her hand in his. She tried to tamp down the flutter his touch caused, but it was no use. “Judge Swisher called.” That did it. The flutters were gone, and she was all ears.

“Yeah?”

“Emmaline contacted him last night.”

“Is she okay?”

“Seems she was last night, but now she’s missing again.”

“How? Didn’t he call the police?”

“It seems his daughter had the number for an FBI Agent that was supposed to help. One of the girls on the inside was working undercover with him and gave her the phone number. The trouble is that the agent says he isn’t running an undercover operation and didn’t receive a phone call. Or, at least, he claims not to have received a call.”

“Was Cate with her?”

“No.”

“I’m sorry, Gavin.”

“Me too, but I’m not giving up. Mason Kennedy invited Grayson and I to join his little club. We’re considering doing it. It might give us the in we need to expose whatever it is that is going on there.”

“Maybe. I ran into Mason Kennedy this morning.”

“You did?”