Page 21 of Cold Threat

As they got into the car, she expected him to correct his sister, but he stayed silent, which confused her.

Just what had Tony told his family about her?

CHAPTER

TWELVE

Iparked across the street from the house. I’d already scouted it out. Knew how to get in. There will only be one victim this time, but she is certainly deserving of judgment. Beyond deserving.

Snow is predicted for the rest of the day and into the early morning hours. Three to four inches. Perfect. It’s a clear sign.

I never worry about leaving footprints. The fire department takes care of that. They never approach a fire like a crime scene unit does. They think only about rescuing anyone trapped inside and putting the flames out as quickly as possible. They always cover up my tracks.

My special knapsack is ready. I am ready.

Tonight, I will once again bring justice.

RIVER WASIMPRESSEDwith the Drake from the outside. The large brick building with the wordsThe Drake ... on the Riverfrontwas interesting and inviting. There was an outdoor area that looked out over the Mississippi River. Although she could understand how most people would feel that sitting outsidewith a view of the river was appealing, memories of being thrown into the Salt River, trussed up inside a large chest, and waiting for death as the water seeped in made her heart beat faster. She’d done fine at the park, but they weren’t there long, and she’d been thinking about other things. But sitting for a long time near the massive river’s banks? No, thanks. She was glad it was winter and she hadn’t been forced to explain why she could only eat inside. She forced herself to focus on the building, ignoring the sparkling river to her right.

“You okay?” Tony asked quietly.

She nodded. “I’m fine. Really. It’s been a lovely morning.”

“I’m glad,” he said. “We probably won’t get much more time to be tourists. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. We came to work.”

“What are you two chattering about back there?” Aimee said, turning to look at them.

“We’re talking about you behind your back,” Tony shot back. “We both think you’re a little pushy.”

“I did not say that,” River said, elbowing Tony. “Your brother can’t be trusted.”

Aimee laughed. “Believe me, I’m well aware.”

They walked up the steps to the entrance of the restaurant. A black awning protected them from the swirling snow. When they entered the door, River was pleasantly surprised. The Drake had a wonderful ambience. Lots of wood and brick. Besides the tables and booths, there was a long bar and lots of kitschy decorations. There was an old-fashioned red phone booth on one wall with two figures of elderly women sitting on a bench next to it. There were also lots of antiques featured in various places and interesting photos on the wall. River loved it immediately.

Once they were seated, a waitress came over to take their drink orders and give them menus. River opened hers but noticed that Tony and Aimee didn’t bother to look at theirs.

“I suppose you already know what you want,” she said. “Is it the grilled mac and cheese?”

“You’ve got to try it,” Tony said.

Aimee shook her finger at her brother. “Don’t let him pressure you. But ... the mac and cheese really is to die for.”

River wasn’t willing to die for any food, but if Tony loved it, she probably would too. Their tastes were very similar. “Tony is my partner. Since we work together, if I upset him, he could make life uncomfortable for me. So ... I think I’ll go with the mac and cheese.”

Tony and Aimee both laughed.

“I need to go to the little boys’ room,” Tony said. He pointed at Aimee. “Don’t talk about me while I’m gone. No embarrassing stories, okay?”

Aimee struck an expression of feigned innocence. “Would I do something like that to my only brother?”

“In a heartbeat.” Tony got to his feet but then leaned over next to River and said, “You can’t trust a word she says. Just remember those bullets I took for you.”

“You’re going to hold that over my head forever, aren’t you?” she asked.

Tony shrugged and walked away, a big grin on his face.

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