With the school interview behind them, the trio of law enforcement officers decided to grab an early dinner at Benny's Burgers before parting ways. The visit provided context to Mr. Goldman's situation in Tyler and yielded one or two leads, but they had yet to figure out a motive for the murder.

The restaurant, a sweet little diner with views of the mountains and nearby forests, was popular with the locals, but in the mid-afternoon saw very few customers. Mike excused himself to use the restroom while leaving Pete and Steve to look at the menu.

"If she comes by, tell her I want a chiliburger, fries and I guess I'll try a Tab. I need to watch the waistline," Mike added to get a rise from his partner.

Steve rolled his eyes while Pete grinned. "You two seem to have a good working relationship," Pete commented as the older man walked away. "He's a homicide lieutenant?"

"He is THE homicide lieutenant. Best in the city. And yes, he's really been a great partner and mentor. How about you? Are you a lone ranger with the county?"

"That's me. I work with the local sheriff's offices in the local towns, rotating during my shift. It's a great area to do this - very little crime."

Steve nodded his head as the waitress arrived to take their orders. He was tempted to swap out a tuna sandwich for his partner, but instead went with his original request. Steve ordered a grilled chicken sandwich for himself while Pete got a plain burger.

Before they could get back to their conversation, Pete saw the front door open and Beverly Isaacs enter. She was clearly looking for the team of officers and smiled when she saw Pete looking at her. Walking over to the table, she greeted the policeman and asked to join.

Happening quickly, Steve looked up in surprise. Beverly slid into the booth next to Steve while Pete suppressed a grin.

"I just wanted to catch you all before the detectives left town. I saw their car and thought I'd give it a try," she explained. Her brunette hair framed her face. Steve noticed that she looked very much the same as he remembered when she was his fifth grade teacher. She was perhaps a little heavier and with a few lines around her eyes, but still as lovely as he recalled. She was his first crush.

"Sure Beverly. Was there something you wanted to talk to us about the case?" Pete asked.

"Well yes, I wanted to explain my reaction and give you a little bit more information about David Goldman. I didn't want to say it in front of Julie. Not that she doesn't know the story, but given all that's happened, I didn't want to make it any harder."

"Understood. And say, we just ordered," Pete offered. "Can we get you anything?"

"Maybe just some coffee," she answered.

Mike re-entered the dining area to see his spot next to Steve taken by the attractive brunette. Slightly perturbed but mostly intrigued, he realized he was replaced by Beverly Isaacs. He could feel his partner's discomfort from across the room. He gamely approached the booth and slid next to Pete without saying a word.

"Lieutenant," Beverly Isaacs began. "I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to catch up with you before you and Steve left. I was about to explain a bit more about my reaction to David Goldman."

"By all means, Mrs. Isaacs," Mike said. "Please go ahead."

"It's Ms. I never married," she added. "But please just call me Beverly."

"My apologies, Beverly. Please go on," Mike said as Steve slowly grabbed the notebook from his pocket, prepared to jot down any further details the woman could provide.