Page 21 of Speak No Evil

“A doggie bag for the rest of my sandwich, please.” She lifted her malt glass and handed over the bills. “And do you have a cup for this?”

The waitress took the money and returned with to-go containers and change.

Gwen had boxed up the rest of her food by the time Will came back inside, his hair windblown. His gaze landed on the carry-out containers. “You’re ready to leave.”

“I am. Is it going to be safe?”

* * *

“This is as good as we’re liable to get.” Will lifted a few dollar bills from the tip tray and left the rest for the waitress. He wanted to ask Gwen if she had figured out yet why the guy in the rock band tee seemed familiar. That would possibly give them a lead to track, but he wasn’t going to bother her with that right now. What he needed to do now was get them back to the city and his apartment before she collapsed from exhaustion.

She dragged her tote off the bench seat and rose, hooking the straps over her shoulder. “Did you see the black SUV that passed our window?”

“Probably. There was one in the lot.” Will reached for the foam containers and extra napkins. “No one was standing around nearby, as if waiting. I even ran up and down the block to double check the other businesses, but didn’t see any cars that looked like the one outside your place. Those senior citizen customers must be driving the sports utility.”

“I’m glad I’m going home with you.” She followed him outside.

He stilled. She sounded eager, and heat rippled along his nerves.

Don’t get excited. She doesn’t mean what it sounds like. She had only agreed in the first place because she didn’t want to be alone, and that was probably the emotion behind her words. But he would have her to himself a little longer, which suited him fine.

He opened the passenger door, waited for her to settle, and handed over the take-home containers. After he climbed in and started the engine, he said, “I think I can remember how to get back to the highway, but feel free to give me directions.”

Between the two of them they reached Henry Hudson Parkway without trouble and headed south.

“Do you mind if I eat my sandwich? I’ll be careful not to drop any food in your car.”

“Go ahead.” He was glad she’d relaxed enough to feel hungry. “You’ll feel better. I know I did.”

Soon the heavenly scents of bacon, tomato, and mayonnaise drifted to him, but he focused on the road. Ten minutes or so later, a soft sigh came from the passenger seat. “That was so good.”

Suddenly, he envisioned a warm and naked Gwen sighing in his arms, and his pulse quickened. Jeeze. He rubbed a palm over the top of the steering wheel. He’d promised her no strings, and he didn’t need to torture himself.

Will stared at the taillights ahead of them. He should simply concentrate on getting home. He wouldn’t mind hearing her voice, though, but they needed a neutral topic. Before he could think of anything, she shifted in her seat.

Eyes front, Will. What was it about this woman that her every word and movement etched itself in memory like a groove laid down on a 45-rpm record?

“Were you okay with my uncle and aunt? I sort of bailed on you,” she asked.

“You did not abandon me.” After checking his mirrors, he merged with the traffic flowing over the bridge. This was the second time she’d mentioned her relatives and their visit. “We’d already agreed we didn’t want to stay long and you took care of what you had to do right away. I enjoyed meeting them.”

“You really did?”

He glanced over to see her twisting her hands in her lap. Why? “I enjoyed talking to your uncle.”

“What did you talk about?” She leaned toward him.

“Ships. His military experience. Who will win the Super Bowl next year. We found out we had a lot in common, including rooting for the Jets.”

“I was afraid you’d be bored.” She rubbed her hands down her jeans.

“Not at all.” Will smiled as he remembered. “I can tell your uncle and aunt are fond of you from the way they spoke of you.”

“You talked about me?”

Was she upset? “Come on, Gwen. You did bring me there. I told them I was a friend of your roommate, Erin, and about the workbook you picked up.”

“That’s good.” She settled back in her seat, her relief evident.

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