The thought made a chill run down her spine. “Are the police investigating, too?”

“The disappearances, yes. The club itself, no. The missing women are only loosely connected to this place, and they don’t see the connection as keenly as I do. There’s nothing yet that ties it directly to the club except for a gut feeling on my part. If I find anything to substantiate my hunch, this place would be shut down in a heartbeat.”

“So you’re telling me to be careful.”

“That’s exactly what I’m telling you.” Graham touched her arm. “Consider it a request from an old friend. Stay safe. Even though it’s a big, lonely city and it’s nice to find someone to be with, I figure it’s way better to be alone and alive than alone and dead.”

A chill went down Eden’s spine. “You think the women are dead?”

“That’s what I’m here to figure out, and I’m not leaving until I do.” He cocked an eyebrow. “And, you know, if I win a journalism award along the way, then it’s all the better. It’s going to be a great story.”

Eden reached into her purse and pulled out a business card. “Here. Take this.”

He did and looked at it. “You’re a private investigator?”

“I. . well, I own half of Triple-A Investigations. It’s just a small office on the outskirts of the city. I assist someone else, mostly, but what I’m saying is if you need some help, I’d be happy to pitch in any way I can.”

Graham smiled and tucked the card into the pocket of his jacket. “I’ll definitely keep that in mind. It was good seeing you again, Eden.”

“You, too. Good luck with the story.”

“I’ll take all the luck I can get.” He touched her face and shook his head. “Twelve years.”