Page 272 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“What danger?”

“She’s a perfect fit to the killer’s profile.”

“You’re right. So am I.”

He felt the blood drain from his face. “That’s not good.”

“Brunettes all about the same age, and all with professional careers. It makes sense.”

“Talk to you later.”

“Don’t mess things up with her by being your domineering self.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. Do I need to remind you for the hundredth time? She has a boyfriend.”

“I’m not so sure about that.”

“Goodbye, Jamie.”

Wade steppedout of his car and waved Emily over. When she made eye contact, he tilted his head and smiled. “Can we talk?”

“Nothing good ever came from a conversation that started that way.”

“Is your shift over?”

“It is.” She cocked an eyebrow. “But somehow I think you already knew that.”

“We got the schedule for everyone who works at the park as part of our investigation.” He rubbed his neck. “Would you allow me to treat you to a Wawa coffee?”

“Sure. Give me a minute to drop my keys at the office.” She hurried inside and was back at his truck within two minutes. “You ready?”

He nodded. As he opened his passenger door for Emily, Austin pulled in. “Do you need to let your boyfriend know why you’re leaving with me?”

“No.”

His eyebrows scrunched together, and he searched her face. “You sure?” If he were her boyfriend, he would expect some kind of explanation for her getting into the vehicle of another guy.

“He doesn’t keep tabs on me.”

“All right. Let’s go then.” As they drove away, he raised a hand to wave to Austin, who was walking toward the building. “Are you two fighting?”

“You could say that,” she said.

“Trouble in paradise?”

“Stay out of it.” Her tone was more resigned than angry.

When they arrived at Wawa, he opened the door for her, and they went inside for their coffees. Once he’d paid and returned to the car, he parked in a quiet spot catty-corner to the dumpsters. “I thought we would get more privacy here than a table at McDonalds. Besides, I like Wawa coffee better.”

She tapped her fingers on her thigh. “Why is it we need privacy?”

“To talk about the case.”

She tried to sip her coffee before turning to face him. “It’s too hot to drink.”

“I know, right?” He smiled. “I’ll cut to the chase. You fit the killer’s preferred victim type. We came up with a profile, and you’re it.”

“Don’t say things like that.” She removed the lid from her coffee and stared into the dark liquid. “You’re freaking me out.”

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