Page 78 of Deception

“Are you okay?”

“Sorry. I thought I heard my dad come downstairs.”

“What’s going on?”

“Can we meet? I need advice, and I need it yesterday.”

He ran his hand over the stubble on his chin. “I haven’t eaten. Want to meet me at the Guest House for breakfast? It’s near both of us and quiet.”

“I’m not familiar with it, but it sounds perfect.”

He gave her directions. “It’s also where I first saw Dani.”

“Okay. See you in about ten minutes,” Madison said and disconnected.

Clayton took his coffee to his bedroom and gulped it in between showering and dressing in his park service uniform. Seven minutes later, his hair was still damp as he strapped on his P229 and walked out the door. When he arrived at the restaurant,he saw that Madison’s Impala was parked on the street, and he pulled in behind it. A chill hung in the air, and he was glad he’d worn his park service jacket. Madison sat at a table in the outer courtyard in a lightweight down jacket zipped to her chin.

He took a chair across from her. “Are you sure you won’t be too cold out here?”

“It’ll be more private,” she said. “I’ve already ordered a pot of coffee.”

“Good.” That first cup hadn’t given him nearly enough caffeine. “You must have been ready to walk out the door when you called.”

“I was.”

He leaned back as a waitress approached with a carafe of coffee and two cups. “Are you ready to order or would you prefer the buffet?”

“Could you bring me a yogurt?” Madison asked.

Clayton needed something more substantial. “I’ll take the full breakfast with scrambled eggs and ham.” He eyed Madison. “You sure you don’t want something heartier?”

“I’ll do good to get the yogurt down.” When he raised his eyebrows, she sighed. “Okay. How about an order of oatmeal?”

After the waitress left, he picked up his cup. “This is the best coffee in town.”

“As long as it has caffeine and it’s hot, tasting good is a bonus.”

Neither of them spoke for a minute. He looked up and caught Madison studying him. “Sorry—I didn’t have time to shave.”

The corners of her mouth quirked up in the hint of a grin. “You do the day-old beard well.”

42

Sorry. That’s off topic.” Why did Madison even notice Clayton’s day-old beard? She needed to keep her focus on her mission. “And I’m sorry to drag you out so early, but I need your help.”

“No problem.”

That made her smile. “Nothing is a problem for you.”

Madison pulled a copy of the Hargrove file from her bag and laid it on the table. She’d taken a chance and copied it this morning before she heard her dad stirring.

“What’s up?” He eyed the folder.

“The letter Nadine gave me yesterday mentioned a file I’m supposed to deliver...”

“Is that it?”

“A copy.” She bit her bottom lip. “I’m pretty sure Grandfather didn’t want me to read it, but—”

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