“Are you sick, babe? You look a little pale.”
Bailey waved him off. “I’m fine.”
“Bailey, if you don’t feel well, we can leave.”
Focusing on him and knowing he still hadn’t heard a word she said tonight, she tried again. “Dex, I realize that you thought you could come here and say a few sweet words, and I’d fall right in line with what you wanted. But I’m not going to. And I’m not going to apologize for it. The fact is, I’m done with this, Dex. If you want to have a drink with me, as friends, great, but I’m moving on. I’m sorry.”
He stared at her as if he had no idea what to say next, but she thought maybe he had at least heard her this time. When the lights shifted, she turned back toward the stage—and Ryan. He approached the piano and started the melody he’d been tinkering around with the last few months. Goosebumps traveled up her arms, and she tried to rub them away. God…his eyes on her… She didn’t know how much more she could take. But she was happy she could finally hear the lyrics he’d been working on. He started slow, then picked it up before the first verse.
It’s true; I’m clean
I’ve kept it covered, my dirty secret
But now I’m bare, naked, exposed
I’ve found me out, for you
Denial’s been my saving grace, my soiled heart hides
I’ve wiped the slate, cleared a space, and now I’m clean
Bailey sucked in a deep breath. She didn’t think she could sit there and listen to any more of the song. He closed his eyes, his expression so intense, she felt it seep into her skin. He leaned in, almost embracing the piano as he played, his lithe body tilted forward, emotion pouring out with every expression.
She tried to pay attention to the lyrics, but her thoughts lingered on everything else about Ryan. The sound of his voice, the way his eyebrows drew in as he sang, the twinkle in his eyes when they met hers.
It’s true; I’m clean
I’ve kept it covered, my dirty secret
But, baby, now I’m bare, stripped, showing
I’ve found me out, for you
Piles of clutter and lies buried my truth
I’ve wiped the slate, cleared a space, and now I’m clean
Bailey stared at him, completely dumbfounded. She turned to Dex and said, “I’ll be right back. I need some air.”
The truth was, she knew this was the end of Ryan’s set. He’d be walking off the stage in a few minutes, and she needed to think for a moment before she talked to him.
Outside, the quiet evening was growing dark. She leaned against the building, taking in a deep lungful of air. When her phone pinged in her purse, she pulled it out to see that she had a voice message.
She hit the button to retrieve the message then held the phone to her ear. When it finished, she dialed the number back. “Chief Harper, hello, it’s Bailey Morton returning your call. Sorry if it’s too late. I didn’t consider the time difference.”
“No problem, Bailey. I’m glad you called me back so quickly. I did some research, and I have an avenue I think you should explore.”
“I’d love to hear it.”
“The FBI has a DNA database for missing persons. The National Crime Information Center manages the database. It’s a long shot. A lot of smaller agencies don’t even know this exists. Hell, I didn’t know until yesterday.”
“Anything would help at this point.”
“The database was created to match up found human remains with missing persons. The FBI encourages anyone with a missing loved one to submit their DNA. I’m thinking there may be some extended family, grandparents, or someone out there looking. I don’t know. It just seems like it’s worth exploring, but I don’t want you to get your hopes up.”
“I think it’s a great idea. What do I have to do to get on the database?”
“I emailed the information to the address on your business card. I already made you an appointment for Monday after next. Bring the completed paperwork with you.”
“Chief Harper, thank you so much for all your help.”
“When you were a baby, I did everything I could to search out your family. That includes scouring missing person reports. I honestly don’t think you’re going to find long lost relatives out there looking for you. But it’s worth the effort, I think.”
“Yeah, but there’s a possibility that, if my mother was strung out, she could be remorseful now and want to know what happened to me?”
“Anything is possible.”
“I’ll do it! I’ll submit my DNA next Monday. If this pans out, we’ll come to Wisconsin and buy you dinner.”
“I hope that happens. I’d love to see you find what you’re looking for.”
* * *
When Ryan played the last song of the set, he felt the dread of having to walk off stage and face Bailey with Dex. He looked out the tall windows and saw the dock bar was crowded. He’d planned his escape route already, knowing Bailey would be looking for him at the main bar and not outside. He finished the song without addressing the crowd, then turned to the guys and said, “Fifteen minutes.”
“Only fifteen?” Ben said. “What’s up with you?”
“Fine,” Ryan growled. “How much time do you want?”
“Twice that.”
“Whatever—half an hour.” Ryan stepped out the side door and walked around the building toward the dock. As he approached the back door, it opened, and he was face-to-face with Bailey.
She grabbed his upper arms and said, “I need to talk to you.”
He felt a little off-kilter and confused. Not fully ready to explain himself to her. “Bailey, I—”
Her eyes grew wide with excitement, “Chief Harper called me. Let’s go to the office.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him behind her. When they entered the office,
