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“You’d need more than one. It’s easier to grab one in a location you desire.”
“Right, I forget that the world isn’t flat.” A giggle pops free even though I’m super irritated at the moment. “Oh, I got pictures coming for you. There isn’t a ton and nothing juicy, but it’s something to start with.”
Images of Owen pop up on my computer. It’s of him randomly out and about. His face had been picked up on cameras. She’s right; there isn’t anything worth crap in them. This man really does keep a low profile.
“We’re going to have to go out there. On foot.”
“Really?” Ocean gets way too excited.
“Maybe, I don’t know.” Another one of those stupid growls leaves me.
“You know you don’t have to do this.”
I’m not giving up now. It’s not only about beating Parks anymore. My curiosity is killing me with this man. I have this need to know more about him. I stare at one of the pictures of him at the grocery store. A pretty blonde is trying to chat him up. I pull the footage, annoyed that there is no sound. I watch as the woman snags his attention. He responds to whatever she says before the woman laughs.
What’s so funny? You could be flirting with a psycho, you dummy. I face grab her from my screen and run her identity even if he doesn’t leave with her or appear to trade information. The conversation looked more one-sided on her part, but that doesn’t stop my level of annoyance from growing.
“Why are you growling now?”
I cough to cover it because I don’t even understand why I’m reacting the way I am.
“He’s moving! He’s moving!” Ocean shouts into my ear. “Statistically he’ll be going to...” She rattles a list of the places he’s been caught on camera in the last month along with the most likely spots she thinks he’ll visit based on the day and time.
“Coffee shop,” we both agree at the same time.
“I’m going.” I hop up from my chair. “Follow him.”
“Of course I’m following him, but what do you mean you’re going?”
“Like going to the coffee shop.” What should I wear? Why does that matter? He’s not going to notice me. I’m mousy and bland. It works in my favor more often than not. It helps me blend in. People can look right over me, and I don’t mean just because I’m only a few inches over five feet.
“In person?”
“I like coffee,” I lie, hoping she doesn’t call me on my bullshit.
“No you don’t. You like hot chocolate.”
Dammit. “They have that there.” I’ve been to the coffee shop a few times. It sits right inside the city.
“Okay, this might actually work. Do a plant.” I freeze. Ocean has lost her damn mind.
“I wasn’t going to talk. Just watch really.”
“Fine. I’ll do the plant.”
“You’re coming?” Now you can’t miss Ocean. Her hair is always a bright blue. Men notice when she walks into a room. So much so they don’t notice when she’s doing something sneaky while they flirt with her.
“Are you going to plant something on him?”
“No.” I’m too clumsy for that. Ocean not so much. She could pickpocket you if she wanted. I don't love the idea of her getting so close to him. Not because I’m jealous or anything. I’m just looking out for her. I mean, he could be dangerous.
No, heisdangerous. That much is clear. He’s driving me insane.
4
OWEN
It’s a bright day as I park at my usual coffee spot on the western edge of the city. I hop out and step into the building, the smell of a rich brew flavoring the air as people grab their drinks and head out or pick a table by one of the bright windows.
