Page 24 of Scent of Fear

She needed someone who had the same faith and sunny outlook on life that she did. Even in the face of her grandfather going missing.

“Carla’s Café it is,” Shane said, turning down a side street.

“Wait, what about Bryce?” She belatedly realized the dog was in the crate area. Bryce had been so quiet she’d almost forgotten about him.

“I’ll feed him first, then he can come inside with us.” Shane caught her curious gaze. “In my experience, the locals don’t mind. I think that’s because our K9s are well trained and generally don’t cause problems.”

“Or because your reputation is one of serving the public,” she pointed out. “I’m sure people here realize they may need your help sometime and don’t want to burn any bridges with the family.”

Shane shrugged and pulled into a parking space. “That too.”

Feeding Bryce didn’t take long, and she was impressed at how the dog sat staring at Shane, waiting for permission to gobble up his food. She glanced around but didn’t see anything suspicious. She wanted to check in with Paul but knew that if the police had found her grandfather, they’d let her know.

“Come, Bryce.” Shane closed the hatch and turned to head into the café. Libby followed, flushing a bit as Shane held the door open for her.

Not. A. Date.

There were a couple of booths open, so she headed to the closest one. Shane slid in across from her, and Bryce made himself at home under the table. She reached for the menu. When her gaze landed on the pot roast special, she thought of her grandpa. He’d have ordered it if he’d been there with them.

“What can I get you?” Their server placed two glasses of water on the table. Her name tag identified her as Georgina. Her wan expression made her appear to be in her forties, but her curvy figure made Libby feel like a stick. The woman might have had almost ten years on them, but that didn’t stop her from smiling flirtatiously at Shane. “You’re one of the Sullivans, aren’t you?”

“Yep.” Shane appeared oblivious to Georgina’s flirting. “Libby, you should order first.”

Libby bit back a smile. “I’ll have the pot roast special.” She replaced the plastic menu in the wire holder. “Thank you.”

“Same,” Shane agreed.

“I’ll get those orders in.” Looking slightly deflated at the lack of attention, Georgina turned away.

“Does that always happen?” She was genuinely curious. “Does everyone recognize you?”

Shane scoffed. “She didn’t recognize me. She took one look at my dog and made an assumption. I don’t remember ever seeing her before in my life.”

“Guess your family is somewhat famous.” She sipped her water.

Shane scowled. “I guess. But sometimes it’s a pain to be the center of attention.”

“Are you ever happy?” The question popped out of her mouth before she could stop it. “I mean seriously, Shane, look on the bright side. You have a wonderful family. Siblings who drop everything to offer their assistance if needed.” She shot him an exasperated glance. “Be thankful for what you have.”

“I am thankful,” he protested. A flush darkened his cheeks. “But you’re right in that I need to show more gratitude.”

She wasn’t sure why she was lecturing him and decided to let it go. Their dinners didn’t take long, and this time Georgina didn’t flirt with Shane as she set their plates down. “Hope y’all enjoy.”

“Thanks.” Libby didn’t reach for her fork but clasped her hands together and bowed her head. After a moment, Shane took the hint and did the same. In a low voice, she said, “Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for this food we are about to eat. And we also ask that You please keep my grandfather safe in Your care. Amen.”

“Amen,” Shane murmured.

She glanced up at him in surprise. His blue eyes clung to hers for a long moment before he gave her a silent nod, and he reached for his fork.

It suddenly occurred to her that if Shane wasn’t so grouchy, she’d be in danger of losing her heart.

* * *

The pot roast was good.Shane was a little surprised that Libby had chosen the special. Based on her slender figure, he assumed she was one of those who picked at their salads.

Which is why making assumptions is dangerous, he thought with a sigh.

“Do you think we’ll hear from the sheriff’s department anytime soon?” Libby asked. She’d dug into her meal with gusto.

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