Page 45 of Scorched

“We’ll let Seb know about your conversation with her. It’ll at least give him a place to start,” Maggie said, saving him from having to speak as he brought himself under control.

“Okay. This is crazy. I hope he can figure out what she was doing here.”

“He has to. I think she’s the key to whatever’s going on.” Declan sighed. “Thanks, Macy. We’ll let you get back to work.”

“Oh, yeah. Work. Like I’ll be able to focus now.”

“You had a boatload of customers out there. I’m sure you’ll get back into the groove quickly,” Maggie said as they all turned to go out front.

“Yeah, probably. You guys want coffee before you go?”

“Is the sky blue?” Maggie replied.

“Not today.” Macy pointed out the front window. Rain came down in earnest now.

“Forget the analogy. The answer is yes. Seb woke us up at six-thirty. We came straight here after he left.”

Macy walked over to her industrial coffeemaker and picked up a cup, pouring Declan a cup of coffee. “Maggie, do you want a black coffee or a latte?”

“Latte.” She cast Declan a glance. “Today calls for some prissiness to dress up the angst.”

He groaned. “We’re going to be old and gray and you’re still going to hold that over me.”

She patted his cheek. “You betcha.”

Macy frowned, curious. “What? What’d I miss? There’s an inside joke going on here, isn’t there?” She glanced at them as she steamed milk for Maggie’s latte.

“He thinks I’m prissy.”

“I already walked it back.” He rolled his neck, turning to look at her.

Macy giggled. “You are a bit. But you’re also not.”

“See?” Declan said.

“But shame on you for calling her that.” Macy poured the steamed milk into the espresso and put a lid on the cup before handing it to Maggie.

“Ha!” Maggie took the cup, smiling her thanks. “Vindication.”

“Whatever. Can we go? I’d storm out and leave without you but you’re my ride.” He grinned.

“I should leave you here.”

“No!” Macy said, holding out her hands to ward him off. “He’ll drive me bonkers. Take him, please.”

Declan hooked an arm around her neck, pulling her close. “You love me.”

“Do not. Let me go, dork!”

He placed a smacking kiss on her head and released her. Macy straightened her apron, glaring at him. He just grinned at her. It was still fun to tease his little sister.

“Shoo!” She pushed him toward the end of the counter. “Go talk to Seb.”

Declan sobered at the reminder of why they were here. “Yeah. Keep your eyes and ears open. We don’t know who could be a target.”

She nodded. “I’ll be careful.”

He lifted his coffee cup in a wave, then walked with Maggie out of the café. They hurried through the rain to her car, shutting themselves inside. She started the engine and drove them the few blocks to the police station.

---