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Cara winced. “Yeah. Mr. Snooze City. That was our first and last date. Fine. I’ll concede Jack’s call on that one was out in left field.”
“I rest my case.”
“However ... I do trust my powers of discernment, and I saw how ruffled you got while we talked about your ATF guy at Jack’s. So I’ll reserve judgment.”
“Don’t get your hopes up.”
“It’s not my hopes that are at stake.” She waggled her eyebrows.
Bri held on to her cool. Barely. “Can we move on to a different subject?”
“Sure. How about food? I’ve got a hankering for an almond croissant from Nathaniel Reid bakery.” Cara stood. “Unless you already ate, which wouldn’t surprise me, early riser that you are.”
“Not yet. I had a late night at a fire scene and managed not to beat the sun up this morning.” She rose too. “Give me ten minutes to change. Make yourself a cup of coffee while you wait.”
“Don’t mind if I do. After my almost predawn start, a caffeine infusion would be welcome—and the watered-down brew I got when I stopped for gas doesn’t come close to the decadent Kona coffee you buy.”
“One of my few indulgences.”
“Trust me, I know.” She started toward the kitchen.
“Cara.” Bri touched her shoulder, waiting until her sister turned. “Did you really drive up here just to see me?”
“The truth? I have a list of errands I’ve been saving up for my next trip to the city, and Jack’s news gave me an incentive to tackle them sooner than I’d planned. I do have to be back in Cape by one for a special session with one of my doctoral students, though.” She played with the zipper pull on her jacket, faint creases marring her forehead. “Before we leave the subject of this week’s incidents behind, is there anything to worry about?”
That was a tricky question—and too direct to dodge.
Until the email from Crystal had activated her yellow alert, it would have been easy to reassure Cara. Despite Jack’s concerns and Marc’s suspicions, the episodes had amounted to nothing more than aggravation. Expensive, yes, but not dangerous.
If Travis was involved, however—and if he had other tricks up his sleeve—one of them could have more serious consequences. Fury that hadn’t dissipated in close to three years could be a potent and perilous force.
“Bri?” A hint of anxiety sharpened Cara’s prompt.
“I don’t think so.” That was all she could offer without telling an outright lie. “But I can promise you this. I’ll be watching my back, and I’ll carry on and off the job if that will ease your mind.”
“It would help.”
“Done. Now let’s think about more pleasant subjects. Like those sin-on-a-plate almond croissants.”
The taut line of her sister’s shoulders relaxed a hair, and her mouth flexed. “I’m ready whenever you are. Those alone are worth the drive up from Cape.”
“Aha! The real reason for your trip comes out.” Bri called up a grin.
“You know better. Go change. I’m starving.”
“I’m on it.”
While a mollified Cara continued toward the kitchen, her peace of mind somewhat restored, Bri headed to her bedroom.
Sad to say, her own peace of mind remained wobbly.
Why, oh why, couldn’t Crystal have confirmed that Travis was in Idaho, where he belonged?
Still ... pinning her woes on him seemed like a stretch, even if he was a vindictive jerk.
Bri pulled off her ratty sweatshirt and threw on a sweater. Proceeded to the bathroom to add a modicum of makeup.
If only she had someone to discuss this with. Someone impartial.
