Page 69 of Hide Me Darling

My frustration is simmering as I choose an outfit that will cover the mark on my arm. I silently wonder if this is an extreme way of simply getting me to not wear next to nothing in public again. Even if they did say they won’t control what I wear.

I end up choosing a pair of leggings and a light shirt that is strategically cut across the shoulders with sleeves to my elbows, but covers my upper arms where I need it.

Locking up the house I start to make my way toward the beachfront. I walk down the now familiar path, waving to the elderly man outside his house like I always do, and appreciating the fresh sea air and warm sunlight.

I try not to think about the crime scene I left behind last night, about how the water has washed it all away. My thighs brush together as I move and I refuse to let my thoughts focus on why they are so sore. I push it all away in favor of having coffee with someone and trying to forget for just a little while.

Hey, at least I can take a name off my list.

Before long, I'm pushing through the doorway to the bakery. Allegra smiles happily at me as I walk up to the counter.

"Morning, Taylor," she says cheerfully.

"Morning, Allegra," I respond with a smile. "I'll just grab a coffee for now. Someone is meeting me here shortly."

She raises an eyebrow and gives me a sly grin. I roll my eyes. "Not like that," I say, flicking a hand at her. "It's a tourist I met the other day. She's super nice and a city girl like me, so I figured I'd be friendly."

Her laugh is light and carefree. "Don't get attached to the tourists; they disappear before you even know it."

My heart thuds in my chest at the thought of that being exactly why I'm here. But she wouldn't know anything about that, would she? She hadn't given me any impression she was involved and now that I know the masked men aren’t the murderers, it could be anyone again. Well, anyone except Rye.

I force a smile and nod, hoping she doesn't notice the sudden tension in my eyes.

I settle at a table close to the window with my coffee, watching the town waking up, tourists starting to venture out for breakfast and taking to the beach. I can see that the carnival has new additions, like a large Ferris wheel, and there are workers already in there stocking up the sideshow prizes and food supplies. Excitement fills me briefly as I think about it opening tomorrow and what there is to look forward to.

And then I flush as I’m filled with heat at the thought of what I have already done there.

Taking a sip of my coffee I finally allow my mind to reflect on everything I learned last night about the killer, and about myself. I momentarily wonder what happened to Rye’s body, did they let it float out to sea with the tide? I doubt it. They have to know that without anything to weigh it down, it would just make its way back to the beach and cause more issues than I’m sure Cain and Abel want.

What near death experience did the murderer I’m chasing experience to turn him into a killer?

The thought plays on my mind, gnawing at my curiosity. It must have been something traumatic, something that twisted his mind so profoundly that he felt compelled to inflict pain and suffering on others.

I’m lost in thought about the suspects and investigation when the door to the bakery opens again. I glance up eagerly, expecting to see Beth. But it's Makai.

I glance at Allegra to see her just as surprised as me. She had been the one to tell me we would never see Makai in the bakery given his dedication to fitness. His smile is big enough to show his teeth as he makes his way over to me.

"Good morning, Taylor. Sorry, I saw you through the window," he says by way of greeting.

I return his smile. "Morning, Makai. That's okay, I'm meeting someone for coffee," I respond, and something enters his eyes that I can't identify before disappearing again.

"I won't keep you then. I just knew you were interested in the kickboxing nights, and we have one this evening. I wanted to make sure you didn't miss it," he says.

I nod appreciatively. "Thank you. I'll definitely try to make it."

"Great, hope to see you there." He gives me another warm smile before turning to leave.

After he disappears out the door again, Allegra hurries over to me carrying the coffee pot, making a show of refilling my cup.

"What the hell was that?" she whispers, and I stare at her wide-eyed.

"I have no idea. I thought you said he would never come in here?" I whisper back.

She laughs. "Ummm, you will notice he didn't get anything from me. He just wanted to speak to you. Looks like you have yet another fan," she says with a wide grin.

I roll my eyes. "Don't be silly, there is absolutely nothing special about me at all," I say, trying to resist the urge to fold my arms across my chest. I'm probably too old to pout, and the brand on my arm would hurt like a bitch if I did.

She scoffs at me. "Excuse me, are you one of those girls who can't see how fucking stunning you are?"

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