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Maya laughed. “He has a sweet tooth, you know.”
Spencer stood as well and closed the lid on his laptop.
“Spencer, I told Lara Bennit we could install a security system at her place.”
“You told her WE could install a system?” Spencer laughed, and so did his teammates.
“Yes. I’ll help you. Before we head over to the base later for our meeting, I’d like to get one installed. They’ve targeted her place, likely for the sugar she has. But she’s sick of it and wants to capture these thieves on camera. Her father is Officer Bennit. As you can see, he’s doing nothing to help her.”
Spencer chuckled. “I’ll be back down with the system.”
Chapter4
Lara heaved the large plastic bag from the can. The broken cups and glasses rattled as she plopped it on the floor and tied the top together. Her dad stepped into the kitchen with her. “I’ll take that, honey. I’m sure it’s heavy with all that’s in it.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Glancing at the big black and white clock on the wall above the sink, she stretched her shoulders. “It’s almost lunchtime. Can I make you something to eat?”
“No, honey, your mom needs me at home to make her lunch, and I feel better when I know she’s had her medicine.”
She stepped from the kitchen and surveyed her bakery. “What medicine is she on Dad? You change the subject each time I ask.”
Her dad kissed her temple and lifted the bag. Watching as he carried the garbage out the back door, she inhaled deeply. Her parents and their secrets were a sore spot with her.
The bell on the front door announced a visitor. She looked up and stared at none other than Tate Vickers.
“Hi. I’m sorry, but I’m still not open for business.”
He smiled at her. Smiled. It was the most beautiful smile she’d ever seen. Yesterday, she’d noticed that he was attractive. But her mind was clearly not working right yesterday because she didn’t remember him looking this handsome.
“Actually, I have a couple of questions to ask you, if you don’t mind.”
“Why do you have questions?”
Tate looked around at her bakery. She watched him grin when his eyes landed on the little tables with the tabletops painted in bright, cheery colors. She’d painted them herself and her dad had glass tops made for each one to protect the paint. Luckily, only one of them broke in the melee.
“I can’t help but wonder if the reason they targeted your bakery is that they want the sugar. I’ve heard the BRR needs it to make their elixir.”
She cocked her head to the left and studied his face. It was a pleasant face. He had dark hair, and though he’d combed it back earlier in the day, some of it had fallen over his forehead. The length in the back curled at the collar of his shirt. The sides had a nice wave and though it was dark, she could see shades of golds and reds where the sun highlighted them.
She rubbed her lips together, the taste of the gloss she’d applied a while ago still present. The back door opened then closed and Tate’s dark brown eyes lifted above her head, searching for the source of the sound. She heard her father’s footsteps behind her crunch on the floor, still covered in flour and sugar.
“Well, hello, Tate. How are you finding Glen Hollow?”
Tate inhaled. “Well, it was certainly exciting enough in the beginning, but last night was peaceful.”
She stepped back and to the side to see her father, and he nodded. “Yes, I’m sorry your first minutes in town were such as they were. Normally, ours is a peaceful little town.”
She scoffed. “It hasn’t been peaceful for the past month, Dad. Those BRR kids have been hellions.” She turned to Tate. “The last two times they broke in, they stole sugar, which, as you’ve stated, is what they need for their elixir. This time, they wrecked the place for good measure.”
Tate’s eyes stared into hers. “Why do you think they broke things and damaged the bakery?”
“My best guess is that I told them I wouldn’t trade with them anymore. I’ve told them that several times. I guess they don’t like the answer.”
His brows bunched, then smoothed. “They could have hurt you. It doesn’t appear they like the confrontation.”
“I don’t care. I’m sick of them coming here and the sheriff, and”—she looked at her father—“my dad, refuses to do anything about it. They won’t go up in the hills and talk to their president. It’s infuriating.”
Tate’s eyes darted to her father, and she saw it. Her dad flinched and his shoulders dropped.
