Page 66 of Evidence of a Folktale

“You’re right.” She reached behind her and pinched his thigh before peeling herself off his chest to rejoin Taron. “Because I’ll have my phone on, and you’ll find me.”

“Bel!”Violet called as the detective walked toward her car. “Do you have a second?”

“What’s up?” Bel asked.

“I realize you’re busy with the case, but I wanted to ask you for a favor.”

“Sure.”

“Would you get drinks with me and Ethan?”

“Who?”

“Sorry, Rollo,” Violet laughed.

“Oh, right.” Bel fake smacked her forehead. “We all go by our last names so often that I forgot his first.”

“Meanwhile, you all say Rollo, and I’m like who?”

“I’m sure.” Bel winked at her friend.

“Oh, stop.” Violet swatted her biceps. “But seriously, would you and Eamon come for a drink with us?”

“When?”

“Right now.”

“I guess I can ask Eamon.” Bel scanned the cars for her boyfriend. She’d spend the day at war with herself. On the one hand, Taron was the perfect suspect, but on the other, the pretty, slightly clueless, good-natured actress was the furthest thing from a monster. Bel’s brain hurt from the incessant back and forth, and a drink with her friend was exactly the medicine her overthinking needed.

“Thanks… I realize you’re busy.It’s justI like Ethan, and you guys work with him.”

“And you want to know if I approve?” Bel asked.

“Pretty much.”

“I mean, he seems nice at the station.”

“Yeah, but that’s work,” Violet said. “I want to know what you think of him as a man, not a deputy.”

“A very hot man.” Bel winked, and her friend shoved her again.

“Stop that.”

“Hey, you teased me about Eamon. It’s only fair. But yes, I’ll ask him. Nothing’s happening with this case, and it’s stressing me out. I could use a drink.”

“Thank you.” Violet hugged her. “We’re going to walk to the bar. Join us when you find Eamon.”

“Will do.” Bel smiled at her friend’s back. If only Olivia were here to witness her matchmaking paying off.

“There you are.” Eamon stood from where he leaned against his truck when he spotted her. “You ready?”

“Violet invited us to get drinks with her and Rollo,” she said. “She wants our opinion before she agrees to a date with him.”

“Smart girl.” He caught Bel’s waist and yanked her against his chest. “When does she want to go?”

“Now.”

“Oh…” His face fell. “I’d love to double date with your friends, but I’ve spent so much time with you on set that I’m falling behind on my work. I have stuff that has to get done tonight. I’m sorry.”

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