Page 64 of Lethal Danger

“Feature real women in your books.” One of her hands slid to her hip. “Take them to dinner and all that.” The skepticism in her voice made his behavior sound akin to a serial killer setting up his next victim.

He lifted his hands, palms facing her. “Absolutely not. This is the first time I’ve ever met anyone I’d like to be the protagonist in a book. First time I’ve met anyone as impressive and amazing as Jazz.”

“Hm.” The short sound somehow escaped the woman’s sealed lips. Her eyes stayed narrowed as she watched him.

At least Jazz had someone looking out for her. Hawthorne should include a character like that in his series. A close friend to have Jazz Lamont’s back and be her confidant. Unless she’d be better off as a loner, having to face all her battles alone.

“Jazz said you switched shifts today to go to church.” Nevaeh’s unexpected statement jerked Hawthorne’s attention from his mental plotting. “True?”

Wow, they must talk to each other a lot. And tell each other everything. “Yes.”

“Why?”

“You mean, why did I go to church?”

“Sure.” She held his gaze with a look that seemed to threaten some kind of consequence if he answered wrongly.

“Because I’m a Christian, and going to church to worship is a priority in my life.”

Her eyes relaxed a fraction at the corners. “Good answer.” Then she cracked a startling smile. “I’m a Christian, too.”

“Oh. I’m glad to hear that.” Did that mean Jazz was a believer? He hadn’t expected that.

“Jazz isn’t, though.”

Too bad. Disappointment dropped into his stomach. She didn’t have to be a Christian to be the model for his heroine. But it was sad for her that she didn’t know the Lord. He should pray for her.

“Does that make a difference?” Nevaeh’s smile gave way to a serious expression again.

“You mean in wanting to feature her in my books? No.”

“I mean your interest in her.”

“I’m not interested…romantically.” For some frustrating reason, he tripped on the word. As if he didn’t mean it or felt embarrassed about it.

Nevaeh’s eyebrows lifted. Was she insulted or simply didn’t believe him?

He kept going, hoping to convey sincerity and confidence. “Not that she isn’t worthy of that, of course. I’m just not in the market for that kind of relationship with anyone. But if I were, she would be a great option.”

He smothered a cringe. A great option? Not exactly a flattering thing to say about the woman’s friend.

“Yeah. She’s terrific. But you aren’t sticking around here anyway, right? After the fair is over.”

“Correct. I’m headed to Boise next.”

“Boise?”

He nodded. “Thinking of setting a story there.”

“Hey, security.” A male voice drew their attention to a young guy hurrying toward them, darting around passing people. He wore a ride operator’s yellow T-shirt. Looked like the operator Hawthorne had seen in the security footage of the east Skyride building. Which was near where Hawthorne and Nevaeh were standing.

“I found this by my control box in there.” He thumbed toward the Skyride building as he held out a piece of paper with his other hand. “I thought I should probably turn it over to security.”

Hawthorne glanced from the guy’s tense features to the folded paper. He took it, opening the piece that was about half the size of a normal full sheet of paper.

His gaze fell on typed words.

The evil fair must be closed. Or more will die.

---