Page 59 of The Kat Bunglar

Laila turned away from him. “I’m going to the diner to meet with her. Again, you can accompany me or not. If I do decide to turn her over to the police, I’m sure you can identify her through a zoom call or something.”

Gabriel cracked his knuckles in frustration. “I said I would keep you safe. And I won’t go back on my word.”

“Fine, then we should get going, no?” Laila stood, brushing sand off her dress. Her resolve was steady now, even if the rest of her wasn’t.

Gabriel followed her lead, his presence a quiet reassurance despite everything. When he held out his arm, she hesitated before looping her hand through the crook of his elbow.

“Shall we, my lady?” As he looked down at her, his smile not quite reaching his eyes, she had the strangest sensation that he was saying goodbye.

?Chapter 11

Table for Three

July 20

Los Angeles

Kat Kar

They were late! God, if they didn’t show up, she was screwed. “Positive thoughts, Khatira,” she reprimanded herself. She closed her eyes and began reciting her morning affirmations:

I am capable of achieving greatness.

Today is a phenomenal day.

I have everything I need.

Except, she didn’t have everything she needed. The Haitian goober Joseph Chery had taken all her stuff. Or, Laila’s stuff, she hastily amended in her mind.

The bell tinkled overhead, and she caught sight of them. Oooh, they were a cute couple. But where was Laila’s hubby? So many questions, such little time. Kat waved her arm excitedly.

Laila’s lips twitched in what could have been a smile, but Gabriel definitely grimaced. Kat felt mildly relieved that he wasn’t dead or permanently damaged from their last encounter together. As they slid into the booth across from her, Kat was surprised to find that her palms were sweaty from nerves.

“Hi, guys,” she began excitedly. “So glad you could make it,” her voice nervously trailed off as they both failed to respond.

Laila exhaled slowly, her fingers lacing together tightly on the table. Her eyes fixed on Kat. The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy with unspoken tension.

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