Page 5 of Changed Plan

I don’t take the bait on the wealth-shaming. It’s not like I had any control over my family’s financial status. “Are you meeting someone to share your vacation with?”

“Nope. Just a solo week at the beach.”

“You don’t have any friends?”

She laughs, and it’s sexy this time, too. A lot of people would’ve been offended by my question, but she finds it laughable.

“Yes, I have friends. But sometimes, I need time alone to reset.”

“Your friends and family must worry about you traveling alone.”

“They don’t. However, if they knew I was talking to a stranger in an airport, they might be concerned about that.”

“No need to worry about me, I promise.”

“Said the serial killer.”

“Actually, you might fit that profile better than I do.”

“Nah, pretty sure I’d be a one-and-done killer. I get bored easily.”

“You could change up your methods to keep it interesting.”

“Honestly, I’d rather be a detective who catches serial killers.”

“No time like the present. You’re currently unemployed, so maybe that should be your next career move.”

“I’m pretty sure you can’t just walk in off the street and become a homicide detective.”

“Don’t think you could hack it at the police academy, huh?”

“I’d probably make a better amateur sleuth.”

“Because you’re really vindictive?”

“Hmm.” She cocks her head like she’s contemplating the possibility. “Yeah, I could see me being motivated by revenge on behalf of a murdered woman.”

“Vigilante then.”

“Now that’s a career change I could get behind.”

“Probably pays well, if you know the right people.”

“Do you know those kinds of people?” She cocks one eyebrow, making me unsure if we’re still joking or if she’s really trying to determine if I’m dangerous.

“I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”

“Remind me why I’m talking to you again.”

I point at the cash register, where a weary looking young woman waits to take Darby’s order. “You’re up.”

She steps to the counter. “Large cold brew, please. Black.”

The barista nods and offers Darby a slow smile as she rings up her coffee. It almost looks like a show of respect, probably because she knew what she wanted and didn’t hold up the line. But a cold brew?

“You know there’s a blizzard raging outside, right?”

“I drink cold brew all year long. And the heater is working overtime in here, so the temperature outside is irrelevant.”

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