The driver nodded. “Gotcha.”
Larkin waved. “It was nice to meet you, Dempsey.”
“You, too. I hope to see you again soon.”
Her mouth turned down. “I … maybe, if I walk past, I’ll wave.”
Dempsey grinned. “Be careful.”
She waved as the taxi drove off.
****
Darian reached out in his sleep and encountered cold sheets. He was instantly awake and looked around for Larkin. The light to the bathroom was dark, so he walked through the condo.
“Larkin?” he called out.
His stomach clenched when he realized she was gone. He raced to the house phone.
“Good morning, sir,” Dempsey answered.
“Morning, Dempsey. Have you seen a young woman?” Agitated, he ran a hand through his hair. “God, I don’t even know what’s she’s wearing.”
“She’s wearing a red dress, and I would guess one of your shirts over it.”
Darian relaxed. “Where is she?”
“She took a taxi home, sir.”
“Goddammit.”
“But I happen to have the address. I told her I wouldn’t give it to you, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t just let you see it.”
“Good man. I’ll be down as soon as I get dressed.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll be here.”
Within five minutes, Darian had showered, dressed, and was down in the lobby.
Dempsey slid the paper onto the counter.
Darian grinned and memorized her address. “I owe you.”
Dempsey shook his head. “No, it was a delight meeting her. She’s very sweet.”
He nodded. “She is that.”
“I hope you find her, sir.”
“Oh, you can count on it.”
Two hours later, Darian walked back into his building.
Dempsey caught the look on his face. “Did you find her, sir?”
Darian shook his head. “I haven’t seen her yet. Her roommates said she was home for a minute to change, and then she left again to go to her best friend’s apartment, and they didn’t know where that was or her number.”
“I’m sorry.”