Page 66 of Chilled

Nick nodded. “Sir, do you mind if we take a quick look inside?”

The man’s hand stilled on the key in the lock, and he heaved a sigh. “Why did I know you were gonna say that?” He pulled the door open and waved them in. “Help yourself.”

“I’ll take the office and the ladies’ rooms,” Brenna said and dashed down the dark, narrow hallway.

Nick made a quick pass through the barroom and the men’s bathroom. Nothing.

“Nick!” Brenna called out from the hall. “Get an ambulance.”

“What have you got?” Nick pulled out his cell phone and pressed 911 as he crossed the barroom.

Brenna moved back to let him see into the bathroom, where Adam Weinheimer lay sprawled across the tile. “He’s unconscious. Looks like someone hit him on the back of the head.”

Nick dropped to his haunches and felt for a pulse as the phone connected. “This is Nick Tarver, FBI, working the Drummond murder. Send an ambulance to the Riverton Bistro. We have an officer down, unconscious, but breathing. And put out an APB for Jason Conlin. He’s driving a white Chevrolet pickup.”

“What the hell’s going on?” Mr. Svendsen appeared in the doorway.

“Don’t you check all the rooms before you lock up?” Nick asked.

“The ladies’ room is Robin’s job. I assumed she did it.”

“She probably did.” Brenna stared down into Nick’s gaze, her lips tightening into a thin line. “We need to find Robin. Now.”

Adam stirred and groaned, his eyes opening. “What happened?”

When the cop tried to sit up, Nick placed a hand on his shoulder. “Lie still until the EMS gets here.”

“But the girl. Where is she?” He glanced from Brenna to Nick. “The guy who hit me got her, didn’t he?” He closed his eyes again and let his head sink back to the floor.

“Yeah.” Nick stood.

“Go.” Adam eased his eyes open. “Go find her.”

Nick frowned down at the cop. “You sure you don’t need us?”

“Hell, no.” He lifted a hand to his head and winced. “That girl needs you more.”

“We’re on it.” Nick turned to Mr. Svendsen.

“I’ll stay with him until the ambulance arrives,” the cook said before Nick could get the words out.

“Thanks.” Then he turned to Brenna. “Let’s go.”

Outside, they jogged back to his car and jumped in.

“Where do you think he took her?” Brenna buckled her seatbelt.

Nick turned the key in the ignition, and the engine roared to life. “I don’t think he’s stupid enough to take her to his place, and I’d bet he didn’t take her home.”

“What about the levy overlook Robin mentioned? It was Jason’s favorite place.”

“Yeah.” Nick shoved the shift into reverse and backed out of the parking lot. “You know where that is?”

“On the north end of town. Take a left at the next street.” As the car sped along the dark, wet streets, Brenna prayed they were headed in the right direction. “So, do you think Jason’s our man?” Brenna asked.

“I don’t know. The other kidnappings were directly from the victim’s homes, not work.”

“But we’ve had Robin’s home under surveillance,” Brenna said. “Maybe he’s frustrated and taking a different approach.”