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"I don't know what else it could be." Bryon sighed.
Xander tugged on his beard. "We've all fucked up at some point. He's been working that case with the infants. Maybe he just needed some time away. That shit is more than you can expect anyone to handle without breaking at some point."
"I've been watching him closely. We talk a lot so I can make sure he's okay, but maybe. Hell, I don't know. I can't recall Trenton ever being late to work. The only time he misses anything is when he goes to see his brother." Bryon reached for his phone as it rang.
Xander watched, a feeling of foreboding hitting him as he saw the look on Bryon's face.
Bryon set his phone down. "Kasey says Trenton's car isn't at home and no one is inside the apartment. The place doesn't look like he's been home, but that doesn't mean shit since Trenton lives here half of the time."
Xander stood. "I'm going to drive over to Manny's and see if anyone saw him there. My gut says something is wrong."
Bryon nodded. "Mine too. No matter what, tonight's a go. Go ask your questions and get back."
Xander nodded as he pulled his keys from his pocket. "I won't be long." He bent and kissed Matt on the cheek before heading back out the door.
The bar wasn't far from the team house, and he was there in minutes. It was just after nine and the sun was just setting. The parking lot was crowded, but the moment he got out of his car, he spotted Trenton's vehicle sitting several rows over from his own. "Fuck," he cursed, his stomach knotting even more. This wasn't good.
He made his way over to Trenton's car, bending to peek through the windows to make sure he wasn't inside. Finding it empty, he turned and headed inside the bar.
He'd been to the bar a lot. The team often came over after a long day to unwind if they didn't have a sting that night. The place was casual and they could have a few drinks without being bothered. Tonight, the place seemed no different. People mingled around tables, played pool, and a few danced. He paused long enough to confirm Trenton wasn't among the faces, then headed up to the bar.
"What can I get you?" An older man asked from behind the bar.
"Need some information if you can." Xander leaned on the bar.
"You a cop?" The guy eyed Xander curiously, taking in his long beard and mass of tattoos.
"No, just looking for a friend. He dropped by here last night for a beer and never made it home. His cars out in the parking lot still. I was hoping you might have seen if he left with anyone."
"Sorry, can't help you. I own this place, but I was away most of the night yesterday. I got in maybe an hour before closing. I ended up having to deal with another issue once I got back and wasn't out on the floor." The guy shrugged. "It's not uncommon for people to leave their cars overnight if they've had too much to drink."
"Yeah, but this guy isn't much of a drinker. It's not likely. Is the bartender from last night here by chance?"
"Sorry, he was my issue last night. I fired him. Tina was working the floor after five. If she has a minute, you could check with her." He pointed to the waitress across the room. "Other than that, I don't think we can be much help. Don't worry, though, we won't tow his car until after a week."
Xander nodded. "Thanks."
He turned and headed over to where Tina was wiping off a table.
"Let me finish cleaning it off and it's yours." She glanced up at him with a smile.
"Actually, I was hoping you might be able to help me. I was told you were working last night. I'm looking for a friend who's gone missing. He was here for a bit, and his car is still outside."
She frowned. "I see a lot of faces."
"I know, but he might have stood out. He's blond, about six feet tall, trendy. Might remind you of some rich college kid minus the attitude." He pulled out his phone, hoping he had a picture of Trenton on it. He flipped through the images, finding one of Trenton and Faith together. "This is him."
Tina glanced at the picture and nodded. "He was here. My first customer. He sat at that table. A red-haired woman sat down with him. The last I saw of those two, they were headed to the dance floor. I got busy after that and never saw him again." She glanced past Xander to the bar. "Sorry I can't help you more, but I need to get back to work." She touched his arm softly as she moved past him.
"Wait, did he have a lot to drink?"
She shook her head. "Two beers, but he tipped well."
"Thanks." He nodded at her, then pulled out his phone and called Bryon. "His car is in the parking lot. The waitress remembers him. He was sitting with a redhead, then headed to the dance floor with her. That's the last she saw of him."
"Fuck." Bryon cursed. "Cameras in the bar?"
Xander looked around. "Yeah, several. Not sure if they're hooked up. Want me to ask if I can see the video?"
