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“Let’s not go too far. I still need some boundaries.” She took the corner onto Magazine Street. She knew there was a popular café close to the square where she could find a somewhat hidden area to have Mel try a hand at eating. There were always spirits around the Quarter, hopefully at least one would be willing to help.
“I managed to drink something once. Maybe I can work off that and can finally have one of those delicacies.”
“How is it you love this place so much and never had a beignet?”
“Dad didn't approve of it when I was younger and it's one thing I never got around to when I was older.”
“So, the day you met me in the park…?”
“I gave you the only ones I would have ever eaten.”
“You gave up a New Orleans staple to cheer up a stranger.”
“It was worth it. It almost put a smile on your face that day. I wished I had done more. When you are truly enjoying something, Stacia, you glow. It’s a sight to see.”
Anastacia just stared up at him, a bit awed. “Glow?”
“I know you don't see it all that often unless you're taking a picture, but you do.”
The warm spark from earlier in the morning felt like it just erupted in her core. Putting a hand over the sensation in her stomach, as if that was going to stop it, only intensified it. She couldn't look away from Mel's blue eyes. They were closer now as if Mel had leaned toward her.
Until her phone buzzed.
Breaking their attention from one another, Anastacia pulled her phone from her pocket as Mel swiped a hand through his hair, clearing his throat.
“Hold on. I think it’s Knight again.” She swiped at the screen with more enthusiasm than was probably necessary.
“And just like that, I’m forgotten," Mel tried his best to tease. It fell flat for them both.
“Hey Knight, how was your talk with Dominic?” Anastacia smiled into the microphone, trying to hide that she was out of breath.
“It didn’t happen. We got there and Dominic was out on the road. Listen, we just got an anonymous tip called into the office.” Knight sounded exhausted with a hint of frustration.
“Anonymous? Having to do with Dominic or Mel?”
“A bit of both, really. It’s about a known name at the station. Ever hear Mel mention a Curtis Dubree?”
“Curtis Dubree?” She looked over at Mel, who shook his head with a frown. “No, sorry Knight. He mentioned nothing to me. What did the tip say?”
“Nothing too much, but all of us at the station know Curtis. He’s a career criminal. If he’s involved in the murder, well… we have suspected him to take on certain violent crimes in a ‘for hire’ status, but haven’t had anything to pin him down.”
“Where is Mr. Dubree now?” Anastacia shifted back toward the streetcars so she could make her way to the station house.
“That’s our task at the moment. I’m out with an officer who recently dealt with Curtis. Then I have to double back and get some answers from Dominic. He’s not telling me everything and I don’t appreciate not being told the whole story. If the tip is true, Curtis is on Dominic’s payroll.”
“Call me a little crazy, but I don’t believe Dominic has much to do with it. I think his involvement began and ended with his meeting with Jason.”
“I’d like to think that’s all it is, but we’ve got to check. Remember—”
“Check all leads, no matter how small. I remember.”
Knight chuckled. “I’ll call you later about meeting at the station, and we’ll go over the details then. I don’t need you in another incident that puts you in the line of fire. Not worth it.”
Anastacia felt her cheeks burn red. “Sure, sure. Be careful, Knight.”
“I will, dawlin’. Talk with you soon.”
Anastacia pushed the end call button, her eyes lingering on the screen until it locked.
