Page 41 of Coffee Break with the Billionaire

They do seem to be enjoying each other’s company, with Jem bustling over like a lost puppy whenever a burst of laughter erupts.

I admit, I feel a little left out when that happens, but so far, Fenella hasn’t been too much of a distraction.

I watch Fenella work the cash register as Leodie makes three tea lattes with vanilla and honey for Mrs. Graves and her book club. The group of ladies come in on Thursdays, supposedlyto talk about their latest reads, but I think they gossip more than anything.

The way their gray heads are bent together convinces me that the sight of Fenella behind the counter will be the highlight of today’s meeting.

There are a lot of good people in Battle Harbour but all of them like to know what’s going on, especially Mrs. Graves’ book club.

“Well, hello there.” Jonathan McKibbon is next in line. From the look on his face, I think he might want to know more about Fenella than the ladies do. “And who might you be?” He looks Fenella up and down and then glances at me off to the side.

I’ve never been very friendly with Jonathan—he’s been a close friend of Prince Kalle since they were boys and they’re a few years older than me—but I’ve always felt a pang of empathy for him. Being friends with a prince would be trying at times. Always a bit behind, never getting the same attention, never quite measuring up.

I wonder if that’s the same for Fenella’s friends.

“I’m Fenella,” she says with a polite smile.

“And I am Sergent Jonathan McKibbon.” Do all police officers puff up when they introduce themselves or is it just Jonathan? “I thought today’s news was going to be all about Coy Schmidt’s car finally moving off his front yard, but I can see it’s all about what you’re hiding in here, Silas.” He grins at Fenella, all toothpaste-white toothy.

I step up to the counter. “I’m not hiding anything. Fenella’s agreed to help out while she’s in town, or until I find a replacement for Nathalia,” I tell him. My tone is pleasant, but I grind my molars at how Jonathan looks at Fenella.

Not that I’m jealous, but… he shouldn’t look at her like that. Like she’s a fresh treat from the bakery he can’t wait to sink his teeth into.

“Wait a sec—Fenella?” Jonathan thumps a hand on the counter. “As in Gunnar’s Fenella?”

“As in my own Fenella,” she says tightly. “Gunnar and I were a long time ago. And the car is mine.” Her shoulders relax when she turns to me. “At least it will be when I get over there to pay him for it?”

“You haven’t paid Coy for the car?”

“He said I was good for it. He wanted cash. I need to stop at the bank, but—” She gives me an impish smile. “Working girl now.”

“She’s working here?Here?” Jonathan cuts in.

I meet Fenella’s gaze and any reservations I may have had about her working here fly right out the window. “She is.”

“To pay for the car? That’s a mighty big machine for a little thing like you,” he scoffs.

Leodie makes a whistling sound as she sucks in her breath.

The little moment between Fenella and me ends as she turns her head ever so slowly back to stare at Jonathan. I wonder if he feels the cold dread in his belly that I would if Fenella looked atmelike that.

“Maybe it’s too much for a little thing likeyou, but I can handle it just fine,” she says and smiles, as insincere as I’ve ever seen her. “Now, can I help you with something today?”

“Ah, Fenella, I don’t think I should say aloud what you could help me with.” Despite everything, Jonathan continues with his leering smile. “But maybe I can do something for you.” He slides a card across the counter to her. “In case you need help with what’s under your hood.”

I start to suggest Jonathan watch his mouth but Fenella—

“I wasn’t aware the Laandian Police Department makes a habit of inappropriate remarks and innuendos toward their citizens and guests when their officers are on duty.” The smile is gone and her eyes spark like amethysts under the light. “I’ll be sure to bring that up to King Magnus when I next see him.”

“I never—what?” Jonathan blusters, his bravado vanishing at the sight of a strong woman who can clearly take care of herself.

“What can I get you this afternoon, Officer?” Fenella repeats in a sugary sweet voice that’s as fake as a package of Splenda.

“Americano, two sugars,” I tell her, gently shouldering her away from the cash register. “Why don’t you get that for him? I don’t think you’ve made one of those yet today.”

Jonathan pays for his coffee without another word to Fenella and mumbles a thank-you when I hand him the cup.

“Have a great day,” Fenella calls after him.

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