Doreen shook her head.


    She didnt say.


    Just took her leave.


    Matthew nodded silently and left without another word.


    As he walked, his mind reyed Stes words from the day before, iming she needed solitude and had booked a nearby hotel.


    Now, discovering her absence from the studio, he realized she hadnt been entirely truthful.


    Why would she lie to him? The thought nagged at him, breeding a mix of concern and curiosity.


    He reflexively reached for his phone to have Fernando track Stes location but paused, realizing how invasive that would seem.


    Thest thing he wanted was to push her away with mistrust. Deciding against it, he dialed Ste directly.


    Her calm voice washed over him, soothing his unease slightly.


    Ste, Im at your studio, but youre not here.


    Could we meet? There are things about Robins case you should hear.


    After a brief hesitation, Ste agreed to meet him at a café.


    Seated across from her, Matthew offered a small smile.


    What can I get you to drink? Ste gave a slight shake of her head and said, Just water for me.


    Lets get straight to the point.


    Her eyes, shadowed with fatigue and urgency, showed she had little interest in the menu.


    Matthew, picking up on her mood, simply ordered a coffee for himself. After passing the menu back to the waiter, he turned his attention to Ste, noticing how drawn she looked.


    With a tone of genuine concern, he asked, You dont look well.


    Are you sure youre okay? Ste brushed off his concern with a weary shake of her head.


    Its nothing, I just had a rough night.


    Wanting to steer clear of personal matters, she shifted the conversation back to their main concern.


    Whats thetest with the pen investigation? Matthew was reluctant to conclude their conversation prematurely.


    He ignored Stes question on purpose and switched topics.


    Grandma rang me up today.


    I mentioned that you were with a friend at a resort.


    We ought to visit the rk family home soon to keep her from worrying. Just as Ste was about to speak, a waiter arrived with the coffee, setting it down in front of Matthew, prompting her to hold her tongue.


    When the waiter had left, Matthew quickly introduced another topic.


    This cafe is highly rmended by Fernando.


    He ims their coffee is top-notch.


    Arent you tempted to try it? He paused, as if recalling something, and then asked, Before my memory issues, did we use to frequent cafes like this? Were there any particr ces you favored? Observing Matthew, who looked both recognizable and unfamiliar, Ste felt a surge of mixed emotions.


    At that moment, however, her primary concern was uncovering the truth about Robins death.


    Therefore, she said, Matthew, the purpose of our meeting was to discuss Robin.


    If youre not ready to talk, please dont waste my time.


    Ill just go directly to the police.