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She quickly dialed his number as the country music blasted in the background.

“Trevor, is everything okay?” she asked.

“Why didn’t you answer your phone?”

She was shocked by his attitude. As if she purposely ignored his calls? God, this man was like a yo-yo with his emotions. He was kind of insecure she figured, to think she was up to something after what they shared two nights ago.

“Trevor, I’m working. It’s crazy busy.”

“It’s a fucking Monday night.”

“I know, but with the rodeo in town and then Sylvia was a no-show, Carl and I had to work the bar alone. It was nuts. Now Jenny is here, too.”

“Carl was working the bar with you alone? Did he try anything?”

“Trevor, please. Like that would actually happen? I think everyone knows that I’m taken and by three very threatening types of individuals.”

“Threatening? I don’t threaten.”

“Right, so what is this all about? Is something going on?”

“No. Just worried about you. What time are you getting off?”

“I don’t know yet. I think I’m closing because it was Sylvia’s night, but like I said, she was a no-show. I’m worried about her. Carl is, too, and Jenny. She didn’t come home Friday night.”

“I’m sure she’s okay. Did anyone notify the sheriff?”

“Yes, he’s looking into it. Listen I need to go. It is insane here. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“No, call at the end of your shift. One of us will meet you and walk you out and follow you home.”

“Trevor that isn’t necessary. Plus, you need the rest. You’re working on the new construction site and trying to finish the last details to my apartment. Remember that I’m off tomorrow, if Sylvia shows that is. I want you to help me register for that online course I read about.”

“Okay. I love you. Call me when you’re almost done so I can come meet you.”

“Good night, Trevor,” she stated then disconnected the call. As she did, she noticed someone sitting at the table under the palms. It looked like the same guy from the other night she felt was staring at her. She couldn’t be sure though. She couldn’t see his face, just his stocky build. She had an uneasy feeling in her gut, as someone asked her for a draft beer, and as she glanced away then back again, it appeared as if the guy under the palm was staring at her.

She refocused on the customer and then another man who asked for two margaritas. When she ran the blender, she looked back at the table under the palm and now a man and woman were sitting there.

Did I just imagine that?

She damned Sylvia for being a no-show and she damned Trevor’s overprotectiveness and phone call demanding she call him when she was done with her shift. What was going on around here?

She decided to focus on finishing her shift as that uneasy feeling continued to eat at her gut.

* * * *

The sheriff never made it by Carl’s and never called. Carl walked her out and expressed his concern over Sylvia’s disappearance.

“I just don’t get it. I’ve treated her well. I think she’s been happy here.”

“Don’t worry, Carl. I’m sure she’ll show up and have a good explanation. Thanks for walking me out and for the help at the bar tonight.”

“No problem. It was kind of fun. I missed doing that. I used to bartend when I was in college. Anyway, good night and say hello to those men of yours. Lucky bastards,” he said then gave her shoulder a squeeze before he headed back inside.

Shit. I was supposed to call Trevor.

Lori got into her car, pulled out her cell phone, as she started the engine, then noticed the bunch of wild flowers and a card on her passenger seat.