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“Monday at the earliest. With the storm, they have a lot of people in desperate need.”
They turned and started toward the dining room. “What’s for breakfast?”
“Oatmeal. They can only cook on the gas stove so no individual orders this morning.”
Flynn groaned. “Yuck. Is the power out all over town?”
Shah shook his head. “No, the main part of town is fine.”
“And is there a coffee shop in that area?”
“Yes. The Coffee Cake bakery is there. It’s sort of a trendy coffee shop that serves great baked goods and sandwiches.”
Flynn’s stomach rumbled. “Great. A real breakfast. Where is it?”
Shah stood by the entrance to the dining room. “It’s on Main Street, about mid-way down the block.”
“Excellent.” Flynn turned on his heel and started back toward the stairs.
“Bring something for me when you come back. I hate oatmeal,” Shah called after him.
Flynn waved his agreement.
He drove slowly down the street checking the storefronts. It was a typical New England downtown with all kinds of regular stores like sporting goods and hardware mixed with the cutesy touristy things and a lot of clothing stores. Flynn spotted the bakery Shah had mentioned and snagged a parking spot right out front. Maybe the gods were smiling on him today. He sure as hell wasn’t going to take any chances with Carruthers’ oatmeal and coffee. The woman might poison him or at the very least spit in it.
The air was cool and the sky was still gray. Rumor had it there was another storm rolling toward them. This one was a nor’easter. People seemed more excited about it though, kind of like a it was a hurricane. A storm is a storm but whatever. Hopefully, if his luck held he’d be long out of here before it hit.
He pulled open the door to the shop and the tantalizing aroma of fresh baked goods hit him in the solar plexus. His stomach rumbled again. He looked around the shop. A few booths lined the windows and he counted a half dozen tables around the room. The counter on the left held an assortment of baked goods in a case with a cash register at the end. The counter on the back wall had another glass case with more pastries but also sandwiches and salads. The line snaked from the cashier all the way across to the door but it seemed to be moving quickly.
Flynn was studying the case when his sixth sense tingled. He looked around the room. The tables were full, as were the booths. He studied the people but didn’t recognize anyone until he got to the last booth in the back corner. He could see just an arm and a bit of hair, but he knew immediately it was the woman from last night. He didn’t know how he knew and if someone asked him under oath, he’d have to make some shit up but he knew it was her as sure as he was standing there. He smiled. Luck was definitely swinging his way.
After getting a half dozen pastries and a massive bucket of coffee, he ventured over and swung into the booth, dropping onto the bench across from the woman. He set his bag down on the table. She looked up from the file she was reading, startled. Yes, he’d know those hazel eyes anywhere.
“Hello again,” he said quietly.
“I-I’m sorry. Have we met?” She was wearing a deep green sweater and her hair curled about her shoulders.
“Nice try,” he said taking a sip from his paper coffee cup. “Damn, that’s good.”
“First time tasting Kim’s coffee? People have moved here for it.”
His gaze met hers. “This town keeps surprising me in all kinds of ways.”
She smiled and closed the file she’d been reading. “I hope that’s a good thing, Mr…”
“Flynn O’Connor. And you are?”
“Harper Edwards.” She started to stand. “I’m done here. Take my table, I hope you enjoy your coffee and pastries. Kim’s an excellent baker as well.”
“You should stay and chat with me,” he said in a soft voice.
“I’m sorry, Mr. O’Connor, I’m very busy,” she said as she smoothed out her long brown and green plaid skirt. “Maybe some other time.”
Flynn put a hand out and caught her wrist. “Do you usually call the men you kiss by their last names?”
Her eyes widened. “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He cocked his head. “Should I kiss you again just to confirm it? I don’t mind an audience but I’m guessing you do.”
