Page 27 of Burning Truth

“I bet he’s amazing in bed,” the second man said wistfully.

Addie laughed outright as Severn clenched his jaw. “Oh, he is,” she said confidently. “Would you like a selfie?”

“God, yes,” they said, crowding in toward them.

Addie grinned for the selfie and prompted them to post it and tag her in it.

Once the gay couple departed, more people began approaching them, wanting pictures from the semi-celebrity. Addie forced another smile and posed for more than a dozen pictures. Some people just wanted a selfie with Severn, which she was totally okay with. It didn’t look like he liked it, though. His eyes had gone cold and his jaw was clenched.

“Heads up, team, that signal is right on top of you,” Gabbie said, and fear trickled through Addie’s gut. She looked around surreptitiously, but there were so many people. She had the sudden thought that it would be the perfect time to throw a pipe bomb at her. It would take her out, Severn, as well as a huge group of people.

Severn moved close, towering over her, his body wrapping around her own as if he could feel her building panic.

“We’re going to move on, guys,” Severn called out to the crowd. “We want to hit a few more trucks.”

The crowd started to break up, and that was when she caught sight of someone she thought she recognized.

Nelson Flynn stepped forward, his eyes on her, a broad smile on his round face. “Hey, Addie. I saw your post and it looked like fun, so I came down.”

What the fuck! Was Nelson the bomber? “Hey, Nelson. Yeah, it’s been a lot of fun, but we only just got here. We still have a bunch of trucks to get through.”

“Oh, you need to try the Neighborhood Ninja,” he said, motioning behind him. “They have some of the best Kung Pao chicken I’ve ever had. Do you like Kung Pao?”

Addie blinked at the ridiculous question. “It’s fine. I prefer General Tso’s, if I’m being picky.”

“Maybe we can get some together, sometime,” Nelson said, stepping closer. It was like he didn’t even see Severn, towering at her back.

“Maybe,” she said, carefully.

Addie wasn’t sure how to proceed. She tried to scan Nelson’s body, but she didn’t really see anything conspicuous. No backpacks, or weird shapes under his clothes. Actually, he was wearing a small, brown fanny pack. It was kind of feminine.

How big did an IED have to be?

Severn motioned to a beer stand. “Let’s head over here, babe,” he said, completely ignoring Nelson.

Addie knew he wasn’t, he just looked like he was ignoring him. He’d used ‘babe’ for that reason, as well. Addie followed along at the urging of his hand. She knew his other hand was probably ready to pull out his gun.

Nelson followed along behind, like a puppy.

“So, Addie,” Nelson said, raising his voice so he could be heard over the crowd and the music, “I wanted to tell you how good I think you’ve been doing on your reporting. I watch your segments at night, and you’ve really grown as a news personality.”

Severn was now pulling her along by one hand. She glanced at Nelson, who was lagging behind. “Thanks, Nelson. I appreciate that.”

“If you ever want to do a piece on the Department of Emergency Services , just let me know. I’m your guy!”

“Okay, thanks Nelson. I have to go.”

Turning, she jogged a little to catch up with Severn’s long strides. “Why are we rushing?”

“Did you hear what Gabbie said?”

“No,” she said, breathlessly. “What?”

“The signal is moving toward the rear of the festival, close to the north exit,” Gabbie said.

Addie frowned. “But, I thought Nelson...”

Severn shook his head. “He doesn’t have the balls to be the bomber. We need to move,” Severn said, and she followed hislead again, stepping lightly on her feet as they made their way through the maze of people.

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