Page 35 of Speak No Evil

He gave her a thumbs-up. Gwen spoke to her cousin and disconnected, catching sight of the blood on her shirt. She wouldn’t mind stopping by her apartment first. “When do you think we can leave?”

He checked the time. “If we leave now you can stop by your apartment if you want to change clothes.”

He read her mind again. “I’d appreciate that. I can pack a bag, too.”

“While you’re doing that, I’m going to check around the area where the black SUV parked. You never know.” He pushed open the exit door and led her into the warm summer night. A siren, far off at first, grew louder. “There might be something useful.”

* * *

“Nothing,” Will muttered to himself. He’d been looking for discarded trash or a receipt in the matted weeds across from Gwen’s apartment. They were no closer to identifying the man in the vehicle. Uneasiness settled in Will’s gut. He had to be prepared if that dude showed up again.

Will crossed the street to Gwen’s apartment and rang her bell. After confirming who he was, she let him in. He slid his gaze over her red shirt and the white pants that showed off her legs to advantage. She wore strappy sandals as well. “You look nice.”

“Thank you.” She walked to the window and looked out at the street. “What did you find outside?”

He’d checked her window and door locks before going outside and confirmed everything was secured. “Nothing helpful as far as the identity of the driver or passenger. I could only tell a heavy vehicle had parked there, nothing else.” He looked around the living room. “Where’s your case?”

“Still packing. Do I need work clothes?” she asked, and he nodded. “We’re going back to your place then.”

“Actually, no. My building is already known to Winston.”

She heaved a sigh. “I hate that you’re involved in this.”

I want to be involved. “Don’t worry.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “We don’t want to stay here, either. How’s the forehead?”

“I can tell I’ve got a bandage there, but it only hurts if I press close. Hey, don’t look so distressed, Will. I take full responsibility.”

That was something else he liked about Gwen.

She crossed her arms. “What are you going to do about clothes if you avoid your apartment?”

“I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. Tomorrow’s Sunday. With luck, you won’t need to worry about Winston after that. If he’s caught, the FBI can get him to cough up the name of the man in the dark suit.”

While she gathered a few other items, he studied the bookcase where biology college texts and finance books shared space with novels stuffed in here and there.

She reappeared with a small carryall. “I need to be careful nothing I do will boomerang on the safety of my workplace.”

Will took the bag from her and pulled aside the window curtain. He hadn’t heard a vehicle pass and everything looked as it had been. “Don’t the university cops provide that?”

“They have to cover the entire campus. I’m concerned about leading someone to the lab.”

He cupped her shoulders, rubbing his thumbs in the hollows beside her collarbone. “I don’t see what you could have done differently. We can find a motel after dinner or maybe your aunt and uncle know of one.”

“They’ve arranged for out-of-town guests to stay at a hotel in Mt. Vernon for Leslie’s upcoming wedding, but I don’t know the name and I don’t want to ask. Leslie will give me a hard time until I tell her what we’re doing and why.”

“As far as I’m concerned, we’re not doing nearly enough.” He slipped his arms around her and gave her a long, thorough kiss.

* * *

Another day, another restaurant in Westchester. Will studied the lot before pulling into a spot. Before too long he’d know all of Gwen’s favorite places to eat. Which was terrific. Not complaining.

He’d been so focused on building his engineering career, he picked up food here and there, usually taking the carry-out back to his office or his apartment.

He turned off the motor and smiled at her, doubting he’d ever get tired of looking at her. bandage or no bandage. “Are you recovered enough to face the interrogation squad?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Gwen smoothed the dressing. “That’s what family is for.”

“Right. Probing until you reveal all your secrets.” He pulled the key.

---