Page 42 of Spark

“Yeah?”

“Aurelio is really a great guy.” Mac’s eyes were not as bright as before. “Be good to him.”

“Okay,” she said, smiling. “See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” He waved goodbye as he drove off.

Mia walked into the chaos of the diner.

Chapter Eighteen

Her shift went by slowly. Time dragged its feet as she dragged hers across the black and white tiled floor.

She let David say his piece, allowing him a moment to berate her as she walked to the restroom to change into her uniform. She took a moment to breathe; her mind was bursting with questions. David finally left her alone as the restaurant filled slowly with patrons.

Mia settled in to her usual pace, until around 7 a familiar figure filled the door frame. Oliver stood there, his eyes scanning the diner till they landed on hers. Mia felt a scowl form but before it could grace her lips, she pulled her waitress smile on and walked over to him.

“Evening, Officer.” She greeted him, Oliver flashing his wolfish smile.

“Evening, Mia.” Oliver said as a second man stepping in just behind him, cleared his throat. Mia looked at the other man, thin and clearly older, his black hair was peppered in greys. He gave Mia smile, extending his hand to her, the dark skin wrinkled as she gripped the handshake.

“Evening, I’m Detective Daniels.” He gave her a sincere smile, his dark brown eyes meeting her gaze. “Charles Daniels.” Mia shook his hand, matching his the firm grip. “pleasure to meet you Mia.” He released her hand and mia looked from one to the other.

“Nice to meet you as well, Detective.” She grabbed a couple menus and headed to the open booth behind her. “Dinner?” she asked over her shoulder, leading them along.

“That sounds splendid.” Detective Daniels said, “But I am afraid we are here with some ulteriour motives as well.” Mia paused, the table just in front of her. She spun slowly, fixing her smile before meeting his eyes.

“Oh?” she feigned.

“Yes, well.” He cleared his throat, moving to sit in the booth. “We do have a few questions we need to ask you.” Oliver slid past Mia, sitting opposite of Detective Daniels. His hand brushed along her lower back as he passed, goosebumps popping on Mia’s arm.

“Well, right now would be a bad time for that.” Mia said quickly, Detective Daniels raising a hand.

“Understood, Mia.” He said, an easy smile on his lips. “I just wanted to take a moment and introduce myself really.” He grabbed a menu. “I didn’t want to keep calling you without a proper introduction.” He smiled once more at her before turning his attention back to the menu.

“Well, the question we have are very important.” Oliver said, mia glancing over to him. “I think you can take…”

“Now, Oliver.” Detective Daniels interrupted, “This young lady is at work. We can wait till she is available for a chat.” Oliver looked to his partner, a sneer playing on his lips.

“I would very much appreciate that.” Mia said. “I would be happy to try and schedule a time we can chat.” She took out her notepad and pen. “but for now, what can I get for you.”

Although he was clearly displeased, Oliver didn’t push further. The two men ordered and sat in silence. When their food was ready, Mia loaded the plates in her hands and made her way back to the table. Oliver was tapping away on his phone, Detective Daniels immersed in the paper. Mia set the plates down carefully, both men turning there attention to her.

“Ah, wonderful.” Detective Daniels said, his eyes growing large at the sight of his burger and loaded chilli cheese fires. “Thank you, Mia.” He said, meeting her eyes.

“Of course.” She said her smile genuine. She placed Olivers before him, his hand covering hers as she tried to pull back. He gripped her fingers, holding her there for a moment.

“Thanks, Mia.” Oliver said, his smile curved, making her feel unease. After a second he released her, Mia snatching her hand away and spinning on her heels quickly She did her best to avoid the table till she couldn’t anymore. Filling two cups, she brought refills to them and asked how everything was.

“Wonderful.” Detective Daniels said as she placed the two cups, picking up the empties quickly.

“Great, if you need anything else, be sure to let me know.” She said, avoiding looking to Oliver. Detective daniels flashed his smile once more before speaking.

“Well, Mia.” He said, dabbing his mouth with his napkin. “I would like to be able to call you sometime soon, to try and schedule a time we could discuss anything you may have seen the other night.” Mia nodded, gripping the cups tightly.

“Of course, right.” She said.

“At your convenience.” Detective Daniels gave her a slight nod. “You drive, I assume?” Mia nodded

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