AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Well, if you want the truth . . .”
“I want the truth.” The words rush from her mouth.
“I think you were hot for me.”
Leaning back, her lips purse. “Really?”
“You didn’t come off like the subtle type.”
Her sigh has me waiting for the rest of her reaction. “Do you think I’m still the subtle type?” You’d think I’d just accused her of stealing Christmas by how she pulls her brows together in confusion.
“I think you’re cautious, which is wise in your circumstance.”
“I agree with that analysis. Thank you, Dr. Westcott.”
“My pleasure.”
She nudges me playfully with her elbow just before turning her attention toward the front counter. “All of the employees working that day have been questioned as possible witnesses. Does anyone look familiar?”
I recognize the kid manning the steam machine. “The guy in the corner, red hair. He was the first one to call 911. He also came outside to check on you.”
Tuesday moves between the few tables that fit inside the shop, heading for the barista. I follow, giving her the time and space she needs to maneuver not only through the small shop but also through her emotions.
I pull out my phone to make use of the time but decide that’s not why I’m here.
Then I realize what I’m missing.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
I sigh, letting anger boil in my blood.
“Everything all right?” she asks, sneaking up on me. I guess it’s not really sneaking just because I wasn’t paying attention since she walked right up.
“I forgot my briefcase at my apartment this morning.” I run my fingers through my hair. “I was running late, and I have a meeting as soon as I walk in the office.” Glancing at the barista, I then look at her. “How’d it go?”
“He shared what I ordered. No wonder it took so long.” It’s cute the way she scrunches her nose. “It doesn’t even sound good.” She nods toward the door, so we make our way to the exit. Outside, she continues, “He doesn’t know anything else other than their corporate office has to approve the release of the footage. That seems to be the holdup.”
Horns blare, the sidewalks are packed, and the sun finally appears. She shakes her head, and says, “I don’t think their footage will be any better. So this crime might just go unsolved.”
Moving us out of the foot traffic of the shop, I ask, “Is anything familiar or—”
“No. I could be anywhere, and I’d feel just as lost.” She exhales, her body deflating. Her eyes are still so brilliant, but I can see the clouds moving in. “I appreciate you being here, Loch, but I know you need to go. It’s okay. I’ll find my way back.”
“No, the SUV is yours to use.” Leaning in conspiratorially, I chuckle. “I think Brady prefers you anyway.”
“Let me do something for you.”
“What’s that?”
“You go to work, and I’ll retrieve your briefcase. I have nothing, literally, nothing else to do today and the waiting is killing me. This will keep me busy just for a bit, and it will help you out. What do you say?”
I’ll need to shower and change at the office, which I won’t have time to do if I go home for the briefcase. But I can’t make her run an errand for me. “I can’t ask—”
“Right. You don’t even have to ask. I’m volunteering for the job.”
Hm . . . “It would be a huge help.”
She smacks her palms to my chest. “It’s decided then.”
I suppose it is. “Thanks.”
“Least I can do.” We walk toward the Escalade.
“The office is a few blocks away. It will be quicker if I head there while Brady drives you to my place. The doorman will give you a key. You can run up, grab it, and Brady will get you to my office.”
“Sounds like a plan. Where is the briefcase?”
“Right by the door.” I walk her to the SUV and help her inside. “You won’t miss it.”
Saluting me, she laughs. “I’ve got my orders, and I’m off.”
“I’ll call the doorman to let you in.” When I close the door, she rolls down the window. I back up from the curb and stand there.
She rests her elbow out the window, enjoying this a little too much by the grin on her face. “This has nothing to do with anything, but I like your hair a little messier. You should wear it like that more often.”
Not having time to style it in place, I only ran my fingers through it before leaving. I try to catch my reflection in the shiny exterior of the vehicle, but it starts moving before I do.
“Hey, Westcott?” she calls back to me.
I smirk. “Yeah?”
“You didn’t disappoint.”
I burst out laughing. She plays a solid word game.
But I already know when it comes to this woman, I’m definitely in trouble.
11
Tuesday
As if the building itself isn’t mind-blowing with its high-end modern design, I can practically smell the scent of money filling the elevator. It also might have been the woman who looks like a model giving me a dirty look like I just snuck in off the streets. Little does she know, I did.
