Page 22 of My Killer Blind Date

I lower the menu. ‘Hi.’

His eyes go funny, like he’s trying to remember where he last saw me.

‘I have some questions for you, Alex.’

‘Sure!’ I can tell by his expression he still hasn’t placed me. ‘Happy to answer any questions you may have about the menu—’

‘It’s about Liam. Tall, blond, you know, really good looking. Anyway. I was here last night on a date with him. You were our server.’

‘… Oh. Yes! Welcome back!’ Though he’s smiling, it’s forced. Is that a potential sign of guilt?

‘Listen,’ I say in a low voice, because I don’t want to embarrass him. I just want him to talk. ‘Why did you bring me the Margarita Kong last night? We both know I didn’t order it.’

Alex is a really tan guy, but I watch his skin go two shades paler.

‘Ma’am, I’m so sorry. I can explain.’

‘Did Liam put you up to it? I won’t rat you out, I swear.’

He looks miserable. ‘I brought you the wrong order. That was on me. It was a total accident—’

‘You don’t have to cover for him, Alex.’

‘I’m really not. It was an honest mistake. I’m so sorry, and I’d be happy to comp your drink tonight.’

I can’t help a small sound of frustration. ‘Alex, I need your help. Can I please level with you? I think this guy is up to no good. If there’s anything you can tell me—’ I give him my most pleading look.

He looks around nervously, then leans close and lowers his voice to a whisper. ‘Here’s what I can tell you. That guy is a regular here. Ever since he first came in a few months ago, he’s in here multiple times a week, always with a different girl. Basically, a serial dater.’

A cold shiver moves through me. This is exactly the intel I needed. Also, it’s not hard to put Zoe’s face in the imaginary line up of women.

Alex straightens. ‘But he’s a great tipper, and I’ve never seen him do anything shady.’

‘Wait one second,’ I say, whipping out my phone. I pull up a picture of Zoe. ‘Have you ever seen her with him?’ If he says yes, I’m calling Detective Barnett and raining hell down until he agrees to bring Liam in.

Alex leans in close. ‘No.’

I make him take the phone. ‘Look closer. Are you sure?’

Alex expands the image, frowns, then shakes his head. ‘Sorry. But it’s possible? My memory for faces isn’t the greatest. And I’m not here every night.’ He hands the phone back.

‘I saw a camera outside. Do you know how I could get access to the video? I know the exact night she would’ve been here.’

‘I think we use a third party for all that … I don’t know. You’d probably have to contact corporate.’

‘OK. What about these women?’ I swipe to the pictures I have saved of the women who disappeared before Zoe – Kayleigh and Crystal.

‘No, no …’ he says, and then, squinting at Kayleigh’s picture, ‘Wait! Wasn’t this the woman they found dead near the lake?’

‘Yes. And I think Liam may have dated her at some point.’

Alex’s eyes widen. ‘Shit. So you’re saying this guy might be responsible for …’ He glances around us, then suddenly stiffens.

I lean around him, following his gaze. Speak of the devil. I shoot the plastic menu back up in front of my face, because it’s Liam, walking toward the bar, dressed in a suit and tie, looking just as perfect as last night. A woman in a pink cocktail dress leaps off the bar stool and they air kiss each other. Then, as he gestures her back into her seat with a gentlemanly sweep of the hand, his eyes wander around.

‘Did he see me?’ I breathe.

‘I don’t think so …’ Alex breathes back.