Page 18 of Deep Tide

“Tomorrow. That’s what they told me, anyway. They said they need to go back tonight after dark. Something about an alternative light source.”

She dipped her taco in salsa and tried another nibble. Sean was watching her closely.

“Any idea what that’s about?” she asked.

“Probably the parking lot. Or the alley.”

“What about it?”

“I’m guessing they’re looking for blood trails,” he said. “If the victim struggled with her attacker, maybe he left some DNA at the scene.”

A shudder moved through her, and she closed her eyes.

“Sorry,” he said.

“No. I asked.”

She picked at her food for another minute or two, then wiped her fingers on a napkin and dropped it in her basket.

“You finished?” Sean asked.

“Yes. Thank you for dinner.”

He’d eaten every morsel, so at least one of them had enjoyed the food. They gave up their table to a group of tourists who looked to be fueling up for a big night.

The walk back was quiet, but not tense. They reached the bike shop, and Leyla stopped beside the stairs.

“Thank you again,” she said.

He lifted an eyebrow, obviously picking up on her body language. She wanted to say good-bye down here. If he walked her upstairs, she didn’t trust herself not to invite him inside.

“Let me give you my number,” he said.

“Why?”

“In case you need anything.”

“Like what?”

He smiled. “I don’t know. Like a drink some night. Or a walk on the beach.”

He gazed down at her, and a warm tingle rippled through her. The phone number thing had become a game between them, and she still hadn’t decided how she wanted it to turn out.

“When did you say you’re leaving town?” she asked.

He hadn’t.

“I’m not sure.” He looked away. “It depends.”

“On?”

“The weather. The fishing.” He shrugged. “I’m on vacation. My plans are loose.”

She was getting that vibe again, like he was being evasive for some reason.

“Send me a text, and then I’ll have your info,” she said.

“Okay. What’s your number?”

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