He made a bee-line for the register but turned abruptly when his gaze landed on me.
“Nina Novak?” His too-nice tone sent shivers down my spine.
My blood ran cold. “Y-y-yes.”
I’d never stuttered before, but everything about this guy screamed threat.
He stood next to my table, and I didn’t suggest that he sit.
He held out his hand, inviting me to shake. “I’m Ralph Smith, and I’m an insurance investigator. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a few questions.”
I didn’t want to touch him, so I clasped my hands in my lap to avoid shaking his hand.
When I glanced at the counter, he followed my gaze to see Mary staring at us, her cell phone held to her ear.
“Miss Novak, I assure you, I mean you no harm. I just want to ask you about your family.”
I wanted to jump out of my chair and run, but his dark eyes pinned me in place. It was as if his stare had magical powers, and I found myself answering, “I, uh, I don’t have a family. Just my grandmother.”
“Can I sit?” he asked, pulling out the chair across from me. He unbuttoned his coat as he lowered into the chair without waiting for my answer.
He was already sitting, leaning forward with his forearms on the table, when I finally nodded, powerless to say no.
“Miss Novak, I’m sure this is awkward, but I’m on your side.”
“My side?” As opposed to what?
“Yes, I’m one of the good guys.”
Good guys don’t have to convince you.
Does that mean he’s a bad guy?
If not, did the bad guys want to talk to me? And why?
I’m nobody.
So why did I need a good guy on my side? I leaned back in my chair to add more distance between us.
“Excuse me, sir,” the word sir sounded like an insult, “I’m Mary Sheppard, and I’d like to know why you’re harassing my barista.”
“Miss Sheppard.”
“Mrs.”
He nodded as he stood and held out his hand. “Mrs. Sheppard, I’m Ralph Smith and I have a few questions for Miss Novak.”
Just then, John and Jay marched towards the door. The bell clanged, sounding angrier than Mary looked.
Chapter 10
Austin
The next morning I received a text from Gibson.
Meet me at the coffee cart at the north end of the park in twenty.
OMW
