Page 70 of The Attercop

“Thanks,” the barista said. “Most people just think it’s weird.”

“What do they know? A name like that is a sign of individuality.”

Charlie pulled out a business card and handed it to him. “I’m Charlie, by the way. Not such an original name.”

Kemberlin read the card. “You’re a private detective?”

“Yeah. We don’t all look like battered muscled brutes.You were working here last night, weren’t you?” Charlie asked.

The young man blushed. “I was. You were in here too, weren’t you?”

“You noticed,” Charlie said.

“Hard not to,” Kemberlin replied, smiling.

Good, he’s flirting with me.“I’m going to show you a picture,” Charlie said, opening up his phone and finding an image. “This girl. Her name’s Jules. She was in here yesterday with another friend who had bright green eyeshadow and blue lipstick. Do you recognise the girl in this photo?”

Kemberlin stared at the picture. “I think I remember her.”

Charlie pressed on. “And is she a regular? Do you think she’s going to come back?”

Kemberlin frowned. “Hard to say, but maybe someone else can help.”

He called over to another employee. “Gracie, do you recognise this girl? She was in yesterday.”

Gracie shrugged. “Who wants to know?”

She spoke with a tough voice. Charlie pegged Gracie as a protector of those who crossed the threshold of Chuck’s Coffee Shop.

“Charlie here,” Kemberlin said pointing to Charlie. “He’s a private detective. He was in with her yesterday.”

Kemberlin held up Charlie’s card. Gracie snatched it from his hand.

“I was hired to protect the woman in this photograph,” Charlie added. “She’s gone missing.”

“If you’re supposed to be protecting her, then why’d she go missing?” Gracie asked.

“Because I think Jules wanted to teach me a lesson and she gave me the slip.”

Gracie gave him a hard stare. “How do I know you’re not just a creepy ex-boyfriend who’s stalking her?”

“Because I’m gay,” Charlie said.

“Sweet,” Kemberlin whispered quietly.

She looked Charlie up and down. “The woman you’re looking for comes in once a week, sometimes more. Her friend is here more often, though.”

“Has she been in this morning?” Charlie asked, taking control.

Gracie shook her head. “Not today.”

“If she does come in, would you call me?” Charlie asked. “It’s essential that I find her as soon as possible. Same goes for her friend if she comes in. I don’t suppose either of you would have contact information for them?”

Gracie looked at him with contempt. “Do I look like a phone directory?”

Kemberlin grabbed the business card back from Gracie. “I’ll call you when either of them comes in.”

Charlie turned, and was about to leave, when a familiar face appeared outside. It was Abela.