After a satisfied twirl, Zoe Ellsworth grabbed a small bag and hurried downstairs.
Just as she reached the door, Mrs. Ellsworth's voice called out from behind her, "Where are you off to in the dead of night?"
"Mom, I'm just going to see my brother. I'll be staying at his hotel tonight, so I won't be coming back."
Without waiting for Mrs. Ellsworth to reply, she dashed out the door.
Once in her car, Zoe Ellsworth headed for Kiss & Tell. She didn't know if Herman Hawthorne would be there, but he often frequented the same places as her older brother. At night, this was his most common haunt. She was just trying her luck, hoping he'd be here.
She went up to the second floor and asked Ruby, who confirmed that Herman Hawthorne was indeed there tonight, just up on the third floor.
Zoe Ellsworth went up to the third floor.
