Page 17 of David

Even his name sounds familiar, and I get that giddy feeling mixed with apprehension that I might know and hate the answer.

“He’s James Sexton’s business partner,” she says.

“Oh… David Moore…” I murmur, my mouth not wanting to pull shut. “That David Moore?”

She smiles.

“Yes.”

I have a hard time remembering whether I met him at Rain’s place. I don’t think so. I was there once when Thea came back from Turkey. I, um… think?

Oh, shit.

I’d clamp my hand over my mouth if I could, but I don’t want to look suspicious.

"Thank you,” I say, collecting the change, water bottle, and cookies before returning to my table.

Without glancing at my laptop, I call my mother.

“Everything all right?” she pushes out, noticeably worried.

“Yeah… Yeah. I’m sorry.”

That’s what happens when you unexpectedly break a routine. You get people worried.

“I have a question for you,” I say.

“Oh. All right.”

She sighs, relieved.

“I hope it’s about the wedding,” she murmurs, her mood changing.

“Not exactly.”

“Liz??”

“Leave me alone. I’m considering it.”

“Okay, okay…” she says, distrustful.

I shake my head.

“Listen… You know everything about everyone in this town.”

“Most of the time, yes. But everybody does,” she says in her defense and in a slightly better mood.

“The man Rain Sexton was with… In that book. You know what book I’m talking about.”

“Owned by L. Cater?”

“Yes.”

“What about him?”

“He lives in town?”

“Yes. He moved here. Sort of… I don’t know if he lives here permanently. He’s running a part of the Sexton’s empire.”

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