Page 51 of Final Approach

Not his business. People did what they had to do.

“Hey,” Trevor said, “I just thought of this. She’s good friends with Jacob, Marcus’s son. The kid would come in after school all the time and they’d be thick as thieves.” He shrugged. “Haven’t seen him for a few days, but before his dad decided to hijack a plane, he was in here all the time.”

Andrew straightened. “Well, that’s good news. Do you mind asking Ginny if we can talk to Chey?” They could work around parental permission, but it was always easier if they could get it.

“Sure. I’ll send her over when you guys finish eating.”

“Thanks.”

It didn’t take long to devour the rest of the food and get a lemonade to go. A woman stepped out of the back and walked over to them. “Hi, I’m Ginny. I hear you want to speak to my girl.”

“Yes, ma’am, if that’s all right. You’re welcome to listen in, of course.”

She waved a hand. “I’ve gotta keep cooking. Chey’ll fill me in on what you got to say.”

“Before we talk to her,” Nathan said, “do you mind telling us what you know about Marcus Brown?”

“Check the notes of the other dude that was here. He wrote it all down and I ain’t got anything else to add.”

“Right.” Nathan nodded. “Thanks.”

She leaned over the counter. “Hey, Chey?”

The girl looked up from her book with a frown. “What?”

“It’s ma’am.”

“Right.”

“These nice gentlemen need to talk to you for a minute. You be polite and cooperate.”

“Whatever.”

The woman rolled her eyes and sighed, then shot a look to Nathan and Andrew. “She won’t stand up to bullies, but she’ll defy me like no one’s business. Help yourself, boys. I wish you luck.”

Andrew held in a grimace and looked at Nathan. “Maybe one of us would be a little less intimidating?”

“Yeah. I’ll slide into the booth behind you and listen.”

“Perfect.”

Andrew walked over to the young girl, who eyed him with a wary expression. “What?”

“Do you mind if I sit?” He showed her his badge. “I’m a federal agent, but I’m also a friend of Jacob’s and I’d like to ask you a couple of questions if that’s all right with you.”

Her brows rose at the mention of Jacob and she nodded. “Fine. Is Jacob okay?”

“Well, that’s what we’re trying to find out.” Andrew settled across from her in the booth and folded his hands on the table. “I hear you’re homeschooled?”

“Yes.” She mimicked his position, linking her fingers in front of her, forearms resting on the edge of the table.

“But you know Jacob from school?”

“Yes.”

Well, she was a talkative one, wasn’t she?

He cleared his throat. “You know Jacob’s missing.”