Page 116 of Tortured Tones

Cole pulled out a cap from the back pocket of his jeans and jammed it on his head, then grabbed his dark sunglasses out of his black leather jacket and slipped them on. “Ready.”

Charlotte set a pair of pink glittery sunglasses on her face and struck a pose. “Me too.”

Like father, like daughter.

I had a quick chat to hotel security and the two cops out the front to let them know where we were going. Beckett and I scooted across the road with Cole and Charlotte and entered the café. I guided them to a clear booth at the rear of the store, taking mental notes as I went. Twelve tables. Three spares. Three waitstaff. Fire exit, rear left. Restrooms were past the small kitchen. A few patrons’ faces lit up as they recognized Cole, but no one made a move. Most looked like mature folk having lunch and coffee, not screaming teenage fans. But the lady in the corner with long blonde hair tucked underneath her beanie made me double take.

As Cole took a seat with Charlotte, I caught Beckett on the arm and lowered my voice so only he could hear. “Front, right corner. She look familiar? Remember the footage from Cole’s place?”

“Yeah.” He scanned the café, not taking any more time looking at one person than the next. “Different hair color. Rounder face. It’s not her. But best we keep an eye on things. You stay here with Cole. I’ll stand at the front.”

“No. I will. Cole’s your cover—not mine.”

“I know. But you’ll enjoy the view from here more than I will.” He winked, patted my arm, and made his way to stand by the front door.

Damn you, Becks.

“Ava, do you like ice cream?” Charlotte stood on the padded seat beside Cole. His arm was wrapped around her legs, holding her steady.

“Yes.” I summoned a gentle smile and softened my tone. “I love ice cream. What’s your favorite flavor?”

“I like rainbow.”

“Good choice. You enjoy your treat with Cole.” I tilted my head toward the back wall. “I’ll wait over there for you.”

“Why not sit with us?” She pointed at the seat across from her.

Gotta love her sweet innocence.

“Um.” Cole winced and rubbed her little legs. “Ava’s working.”

“But you’re not playing moosic ’til tonight.”

“Yes. But she has to watch over us.”

“But she can do that from here.”

Cole chuckled. “True.” He shrugged and raised a how-about-it eyebrow. “Ava, would you like to join us?”

I scanned the other tables, the suspicious woman in the corner, and then the booth seat opposite Cole. It would be the best position to keep an eye on the café from. I radioed Beckett to let him know and he nodded.

“Okay.” I slid into the booth. “This is only because I can watch everyone from here.”

“Yay.” Charlotte clapped.

A young waitress with a white frilly apron on came over to our table. She wiped her hands on her skirt. “Hi. I’m Ella. I’m such a huge fan.” Her voice shook in her fluster. “What can I get you?”

“Hi Ella. I’m Cole. How you doing?”

“I’m good. Really good.” She giggled.

She took Cole’s order of a pancake stack loaded with fruit, ice cream, and maple syrup for him to share with Charlotte, and coffees for me and Beckett.

“Would you mind signing this for me?” The waitress held out her pen and order pad for him to autograph.

“Sure.” Cole grinned as he signed the page.

Not once had I seen him get annoyed with fans or frustrated when they invaded his personal space or private time. Luther used to hate it when people recognized him and interrupted our dinners or outings to get a photo with him. Cole never did. God, he infuriated me and impressed me. Why couldn’t he be a cocky, arrogant asshole instead of this nice, caring man who treated everyone around him with respect? It made it so hard not to like him.

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