No, it wasn’t fair. Maybe it was irrational, but I wasn’t ready to go there.
Tossing my napkin onto the table, I pushed out of my chair. “I said it’s not her. I’m going to say hello to Jake and interview an actual suspect.”
I made my way to the bar, unsure if Caden would follow as planned. Sliding onto the stool near the cash register, I waved as Jake did a double-take and strolled to where I was seated.
“Hey, Elle. Weird seeing you on the other side of the bar without your uniform.” He grinned and held up the fruit tray, offering me the selection of drink garnishes. “Want one for old times’ sake?”
I reached for a cherry, relishing the sweet burst of flavor as I bit into the fruit. Jake popped one into his mouth as well and sent me a wink.
“Are you here to apply for a job? I can grab the manager.”
Waving away the offer, I glanced over my shoulder to find Caden behind me. He rested a hand on the back of my chair and gave me a subtle nod. Our plan was in motion. I relaxed a little knowing he wasn’t ready to throw in the towel after our disagreement.
“Wait—are you two here together?” Jake leaned his elbows on the bar. “Did Elusive Elle actually agree to go on a date? Has Hell frozen over?”
I reached into the garnish tray and tossed an olive at Jake’s head. “Don’t call me that. Just because I have high standards doesn’t make me elusive.”
Jake relocated the tray out of reach and chuckled. “That’s exactly what it makes you.”
“I meet your high standards, huh?” Caden’s hand moved from the chair to my shoulder, giving it a teasing squeeze.
“Please, somebody save me from egotistical men.” Rolling my eyes, I angled my head, trying to give Caden the universal signal tostop feeling me up and start asking questions.He only picked up on one of the messages. His fingers slid down my bare arm, making my skin tingle.
I shivered.Distract Jake, not me!
“How crazy was our last shift at the country club? I still can’t believe an ice sculpture crushed that woman.” Caden said.
Jake blew out a breath and leaned against the bar. “Yeah, man, I’ve never seen anything like it. I couldn’t go back after that, so I picked up some shifts here. The money’s decent and the hours are better.”
“Are you going to the memorial? I think it’s next week. Weren’t you in one of Professor Roberts’ classes?”
“Yeah, I’m in her afternoon class, but that other lady, Professor Henry, took over for the rest of the semester. She passed out reminders for the memorial at our last class, but I’m not going. All that death stuff makes me uncomfortable.”
I nodded and shifted in my seat, trying to find something that would make for a good distraction. The liquor bottles were my best bet. I could use a spell to knock one of them over and then swipe his keys while he was cleaning up.
“She took over for my class too. It’s definitely strange.” I spread my palm flat on the counter and channeled my magic. Knocking over a bottle wouldn’t be easy, and on my first try I only succeeded in jiggling the amber liquid inside. What I needed were my amplification crystals.
On try number two, I achieved a small rocking motion. Caden noticed what was happening and lay his hand over mine, intertwining our fingers. To anyone watching, it was a romantic gesture, but in reality, I felt a surge of power, and the bottle started to tip.
Jake frowned and bent over the bar, signaling us closer. “You know, I didn’t tell anyone this, not even the police, but I saw Professor Henry put something in Professor Roberts’ drink right before the accident.”
“What?” Startled, I lost focus on the spell, but it was too late. The liquor bottle crashed to the floor.
The sound of glass shattering silenced the restaurant until Jake jumped into motion, waving everyone back to their meals, and went to get a broom. I was slow to move, my mind racing at Jake’s admission. What did it mean? And what had she put in the drink?
Caden bumped my shoulder, reminding me of my task. With Jake still occupied, I leaned over the bar, reaching beneath the register. I felt around until my fingers found a set of keys. Flashing the set to Caden, I slipped off my stool.
“Keep him busy. Tell him I went to the bathroom to fix my makeup. That should give me plenty of time.”
Before I could leave, Caden grabbed my arm. “Why don’t you let me go search? I don’t like you going out there by yourself.”
“You don’t even know what his van looks like.”
“Elle . . .”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be quick, I promise.”
Caden reluctantly released my arm, and I weaved through the bustling dining area. I pushed through the door that led to a covered parking garage and walked quickly through a row of parked cars, searching for Jake’s gray van.
