Free Hidden Falls by Olivia; Newport

the men’s room,” Dani said.
    Liam scoffed. “Unless you’re in one of your socially inappropriate moods, I don’t see how you can verify that, Dani.”
    She scowled at him.
    Cabe Mueller and his wife sat across the table. “Maybe someone needed him. Somebody backstage. Some situation. When I was a student, Quinn was always thinking of someone else before himself.”
    “He still does that,” Cooper said.
    “Then I’m sure that’s what it is,” Cabe said. “Somebody else got sick. It will sort itself out soon enough.”
    “No doubt,” Liam said.
    Jessica leaned toward Liam, her hand stroking his knee beneath the table. Her hair brushed against his cheek in that intoxicating way that made him think she did it on purpose.
    “I thought you promised this would be a short night,” she said, the heat of her breath against his ear.
    He touched her face, wondering if her skin tingled as much as his did. “It will be. This is nothing.”
    Her eyes spoke volumes of doubt.
    “Have I told you how fabulous you look tonight?”
    She smiled, but not in a persuasive way. “You’re going to owe me big-time for this one.”
    “And I will gladly pay my debt. Every cent I owe.”
    Liam glanced at Cooper, wishing the subject of debt hadn’t entered the conversation. He was doing his best to act normally around his brother. But Liam knew Cooper’s face as well as his brother knew his. This wrinkle in events had shifted Cooper’s mind into his professional training, and Liam didn’t want to be on his radar.
    Cabe Mueller scooted his chair back. “Perhaps I’ll have a word with Principal Devon. If this were happening at a function associated with the school where I teach, the principal would want reliable assistance.”
    “I’m sure Miles has it well in hand,” Cooper said.
    “Still, I’d like to offer assistance.” Cabe glanced at his wife. “You’ll be all right?”
    She nodded, and Cabe left the table.
    “I’m sure your husband means well,” Dani said, “but he’ll find there’s nothing to do.”
    Stubborn as ever.
Why did she think she knew more about Quinn than anyone else?
    “Did Quinn say something to you?” Liam tilted his head to get a good look at his cousin’s expression.
    “Just that he’d like to go fishing,” Dani said.
    “He couldn’t have meant tonight.”
    “Sure he could.”
    “People are getting restless.” Cooper’s gaze slowly arced the room.
    “Can you blame them?” Jessica said. “I don’t recall anything on the invitation describing a mystery disappearance and a delay of dinner.”
    “There is no mystery disappearance,” Dani said.
    “Dani.” Liam loaded his tone with as much warning as he could muster.
    “People need to stay calm,” Cooper said. “There’s no reason to worry prematurely.”
    “Or at all,” Dani said.
    “Who wants to go to the video booth?” Cooper asked. “Dani? Liam? The three of us can make a message together.”
    “I’ll pass,” Dani said.
    Liam wasn’t surprised. He glanced at Jessica. “Jessica doesn’t know Quinn, but I’ll go.”
    “Let’s do it.” Cooper slapped his palms together.
    The brothers scooted around several tables and found clear walking space. The line seemed to move quickly. They stood behind a young couple.
    “Hello, Gallaghers.” Cooper’s bright tone cut through the subdued waiting. “Do you know my brother, Liam?”
    Liam extended a hand. “Pleased to meet you.”
    “This is Raisa and Bruce Gallagher. They have two adorable little girls you’ll have to meet someday.”
    Raisa visibly flushed with pleasure at the mention of her children.
    “I look forward to it,” Liam said. He sized up Bruce, whose suit suggested he made a steady but not impressive income.
    “Honey, it’s our turn.” Bruce Gallagher took his wife’s elbow, and they entered the booth, an area about six feet by nine feet screened off by a system of PVC pipe and lightweight beige print fabric.
    Liam felt a touch on his back and