Page 34 of The Whispering Girls

“I guess you aren’t hungry?” he said.

Katie nodded. “But I could eat and Cisco needs a break.” She decided to drive around to the back of the restaurant instead of parking in front.

McGaven remained quiet and surveyed the area. It was dirt instead of gravel or pavement. The trees led you down a slight incline where there were two available parking spaces. Katieassumed it was for deliveries and maybe the manager. She easily pulled into a space. On the farther end, there were three cars she assumed belonged to staff. Katie noticed two large garbage bags leaning against the wall near the back door. It seemed odd because the dumpster was only fifteen feet away. There was also a mop, bucket, and wet towels.

Cisco stood up and forced his big head toward Katie.

“Wait…I’ll let you out in a little bit,” she said. She got out of the Jeep and was immediately struck with the intense aroma of the pine trees. She took a moment.

“Front door?” said McGaven.

“Definitely.”

Katie and McGaven opened the front door and walked inside. The small restaurant was busy, with every table and counter space filled with patrons. The conversation levels were high. It was obvious they were all locals and this was their regular eatery.

“Hi, can I help you?” said a middle-aged woman wearing an apron. She looked around and then back to McGaven. “It’ll probably be about fifteen minutes.”

“May we speak to you for a moment?” said Katie.

“Uh, sure.”

They moved toward the far end of the restaurant where the extra supplies were stacked.

“What’s your name?” said McGaven.

“I’m Gladys Miner, owner of this place. And you two are?” She eyed them suspiciously, noticing their badges and guns.

“I’m Detective Scott and this is my partner, Detective McGaven.”

“Detectives? You have to be from out of town.”

“Yes,” Katie said.

“Oh…it must be about that girl in the woods,” she whispered, looking around.

Katie nodded.

“We’re sorry to tell you this, but she’s been identified as Theresa Jamison,” said McGaven.

Gladys looked shocked and deeply saddened. “Are you sure?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Oh, Lord have mercy. She was such a wonderful girl, never complained, and the customers loved her.” The woman looked down, holding back the tears, rubbing her hands on her apron.

Katie saw there were two waitresses and they were busy. “I know this is not a good time, but could you answer a few questions?”

“Of course.”

“When was the last time you saw Theresa?” said Katie.

“Her last shift was three nights ago.”

“Did she seem different? Did she seem like something was bothering her?”

“No, she seemed like she usually did. And, if I remember correctly, it was really busy that shift. So many people coming and going with eat-in and takeouts.”

“Do you know who Devin Bradley is?” said McGaven.