Page 23 of Shadow

He wrote it down.

She’d correct it later. Besides, it wasn’t totally inaccurate.

He nodded. “Can you come by the station later? We’ll need a full statement.”

“I have a meeting at nine.”

“After that, then. Just don’t leave town without checking in.”

“Understood.”

He moved to Morrison, and the other officer returned to take custody of Knife Girl. Daphne stood, holstering her weapon and rolling her shoulders.

She turned back to the counter. Her eggs had gone cold, the yolks congealed. Bacon grease had solidified. Coffee was lukewarm at best.

Stewart finished with Morrison’s arm, the bandage white and neat against his skin. He clapped Morrison on the shoulder. “Seriously, man. Try not to get stabbed for at least a week.”

“I’ll pencil it in.”

Stewart left, the ambulance pulling away with the two kids and a police escort. The sirens faded.

Morrison stood there for a moment, looking at his bandaged arm. Then he walked over to where Daphne had reclaimed her stool.

He extended his hand. “Thanks for the assist back there.”

Daphne looked at his hand, then his face. Scar through left eyebrow. Strong jaw with stubble he’d probably forgotten to shave. Blood on his sleeve. The face from the file photo, but animated now. Real.

“No problem.”

“You move pretty fast.”

“You looked like you needed help.”

He arched an eyebrow.

She smiled.

He studied her with those sharp eyes. “You local?”

“Just passing through.”

“Right.” His tone said he didn’t believe her. “Well. Thanks again. That could have gone a lot worse.”

He grabbed his jacket from the stool, leaving cash on the counter—enough to cover his meal and a generous tip. Nodded to Millie.

Then he walked out, the door closing behind him with a soft whoosh of cold air.

Silence settled over the diner except for the hum of fluorescent lights, the sizzle of the flattop, and Millie’s shaky breathing.

Daphne sat back on her stool and stared at her cold eggs.

Millie appeared with the coffeepot, her hands still trembling. “On the house, honey. You and Agent Morrison saved my life.” She refilled Daphne’s coffee, then peered at her, eyes narrowing. “You okay, honey? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Daphne forced a smile. “Long drive yesterday. Just tired.”

“Well, you eat up. Food’ll help.”

Daphne pushed her eggs around her plate.