“The transaction used the secondary card issued to Vanessa Whitaker.”

“Does the system show where the cardholder was before the purchase?” I asked.

Warren paused, his breathing steady over the line.

“The transaction note shows an early-morning authorization code tied to the boutique hotel next door,” Warren said.

“It looks like a guest charge went through on their overnight package right before the shop opened.”

The picture came together in my head with sudden, sharp clarity.

Vanessa and my mother had spent the night at the downtown hotel for the private midnight bridal release party.