By the time Amy finished her inventory, Harvey’s interview was the main story on all the news. “They know,” Barb whispered loudly as soon as she saw her.

Amy looked around furtively, hoping her worst fear wasn’t confirmed. “About what?” she asked innocently.

“The attack. At the campground.”

“What attack?”

From what Barb told her, there was no other information available, but it was only a matter of time before Alex was exposed as the detective. “I wonder when they’ll find out who those other people are,” Barb finished.

“Anybody’s guess,” Amy said, reading from Barb’s body language that she was willing to keep their secret. She learned later during one of the newscasts that so was the Air Force, who was denying the whole story.

“Hey, I know you!” a woman called out to them from across the floor. Amy turned and recognized her as one of the other patrons at the coffee shop.

“Oh, hi,” Amy said with a friendly smile. Beside her, Barb put on her customer greeting face.

“Please thank your husband for his helpful advice,” the woman said when she got closer.

“He’s not my husband,” Amy corrected her automatically.

“Really?” the woman asked with a surprised look. “You sure act married.”

“We’re dating. I’ll be sure to pass along your message, Miss…”
“Ainsley. Gloria Ainsley. And please, I’m not a miss.” She laughed. “I’ve got three grandchildren.”

“I’m Amy Pacer, and this is my friend Barb Johannson.”

“Nice to formally meet you both.”

“Do you mind if I ask,” Barb asked Ainsley, “how was Alex helpful?”

“Oh, Alex is his name?”

“Alex Rideout,” Amy said.

“I went home, just like he said, and avoided all the nastiness they’re talking about on the news.”

Barb smiled. “All of it?”

“Yes. The phones didn’t work, but I had lights, and I watched one of my videotapes. I have to admit, though, that I cheated and get groceries near my house. It was the only store that had power.”

Amy and Barb exchanged glances. “Where?” Barb asked.

When she told them, Amy immediately recognized the store they had visited on their way home.