Desperately Seeking Dad by Marta Perry

Alex didn’t socialize much.
    â€œI decided this was my best chance to see your Ms. Morden. And baby.”
    â€œNot my Ms. Morden.” And not my baby. But he didn’t need to say that to Alex. He’d said it once, and it was a measure of their friendship that Alex accepted his denial without question.
    Alex’s gaze rested on Anne. “Kate seems to have adopted her already. Are you sure it was a good idea to bring her and the baby here?”
    â€œKate invited them. And once Anne found out Simon Richie might have some information on the girl’s roommate, there was no stopping her from coming.”
    Alex took a step or two toward the wall, so they were safely out of the flow of traffic and of earshot. “Have you remembered anything else about the girl—Tina, was it?”
    â€œTina.” He gave a frustrated shake of his head. “What’s to remember? I barely knew her. She was a nice kid who poured my morning coffee, that’s it. I can’t figure why she’d lie about something like this.”
    â€œI’d hate to believe you’re never going to know the reason.”
    He could see Alex’s mind ticking over possibilities. Even back in high school, Alex had always been the one with the analytical approach to everything. Where Brett had relied on charm and Mitch on strength, Alex had been the thinker of the team.
    â€œThe roommate’s the best bet, I suppose,” Alexsaid. “If anyone knows who the girl dated, she would.”
    Mitch frowned, watching Anne settle Emilie in the high chair. “It just keeps eating at me. Why me? Why did she give my name?”
    Alex was silent for a long moment, so long that Mitch turned to look at him. He encountered a searching gaze. “Have you thought about Link?”
    Mitch’s stomach twisted at the name. Link. His brother. “Yes.” He bit off the word. “Of course I have. I know what you’re thinking. Using my name would be just the sort of sick joke he’d find funny. But you’re forgetting, the girl knew me. Besides, he wasn’t in Bedford Creek then.”
    â€œYou sure?”
    â€œI’m sure.” Link had a tendency to show up on Mitch’s doorstep whenever he was broke or in trouble. “We had a fight the last time he was here, that previous spring. A bad one. I told him I was done bailing him out. He hasn’t been back since.” He managed a half smile. “I’d like to believe that means he’s gotten his act together, but I doubt it.”
    â€œPeople change.”
    â€œNot Link.” Not our father.
    Alex shrugged. “I’ll take your word for it. Look, they’re starting to get the food ready. You need my help with something before I round up my son for dinner?”
    â€œJust keep an eye on Anne. I want to see Simon alone before she has a chance to collar him. But Idon’t want her getting the third degree from any of our local busybodies.”
    â€œAnd you expect me to prevent that?” Alex lifted an eyebrow. “You’re underestimating them.”
    â€œBut I’m not overestimating you.” Mitch grinned. “You know they’re intimidated by the Caine name. And you can flatten anybody with that superior look of yours. Just use it.”
    Simon Richie charged into the hall then, filled with an energy that never ceased to amaze Mitch. Simon had to be close to sixty, but nothing slowed him down when it came to taking care of his flock. If either Tina or her roommate had left an address, Simon would find it.
    â€œI’m going to try and catch him after he says the blessing,” Mitch said. “Remember, keep your eye on Anne.”
    Alex sketched him a mock salute. “Will do.”
    He bowed his head and tried to concentrate on the words of the prayer. Simon had an informal way of addressing God that made Him sound like a personal friend Simon was inviting to share their meal. It