Page 70 of Off the Hook

Faith’s face lit up in a grin when she sniffed the aroma. “I can’t wait to see that place. So fancy,” Faith grinned. Like your cafe con leche, mi amor.”

Running my hand over her round butt, I said, “I love it when you speak Spanglish to me, beautiful.”

“I love it when you make me coffee,” she smirked, turning on her heel to head for the couch. “I’m excited to meet Corinne’s family out there today.”

“You two have gotten quite friendly the past couple of weeks, haven’t you?”

“We have,” Faith beamed. “I loved her from the moment I met her, when she put Oscar in his place,” she snickered, tucking her feet underneath her on the sofa. “But I’ve enjoyed getting to know her better with wedding prep. She’s really cool.”

“She is. Trevor is a lucky man.” My arm slinked around her shoulders, nuzzling her into my bare chest. I couldn’t help but to hope that they’d be future-sisters-in-law and planningourwedding sometime soon. But there was no need to rush things that were going so well. “He’s not as lucky as I am though,” I said, kissing her temple. I noticed her smile fade and a worried look flashed in her eyes. “What’s up?”

“Oh, mentioning Oscar just reminded me that I didn’t have a chance to tell you last night since we were at your Dad’s so late…” She paused to take a sip of coffee.

“Tell me what?”

“Oscar and I got a call from the FBI agent who has Kylie’s killer in custody yesterday. We went to meet him in Florida City.”

A cold chill passed through me. “Good news I hope?” Though I doubted it by the crease between her brows.

“Strange news. Apparently the perpetrator in custody is a hired hitman involved in a big drug operation.”

“A hired hitman targeted Kylie? Why?”

“I keep wracking my brain trying to make sense of it. Maybe she was involved in something that no one knew about?”

“No way was she involved in a major drug ring,” I said without hesitation.

“I don’t think so either. So then I thought…maybe Jake? But that seems even less likely for the squeaky-clean Minnesotan.”

“I don’t know the guy,” I shrugged, “but I think your gut feeling is probably right on that one too.”

Faith had a determined look. “The killer ransacked Doreen’s house and stole her computer. What about her?”

“Doreen tied to a kingpin?” I had to laugh. “Not a chance.”

“The agent called to inform us of a comment the perpetrator made, suggesting that he may be responsible for other deaths in the Keys. We’re going to look into it.”

The hairs on my forearms prickled, standing on guard. “What comment?”

“When they asked him about a body found floating in the Keys, he asked ‘Which one?’ Maybe he was just avoiding the question. I don’t know,” her voice trailed.

“What did he say when they questioned him about it?” I asked.

“He clammed up when they tried to press him on it. But Agent Flannigan felt strongly enough about his connection to other murders in the Keys that he called us to Florida City to tell us in person.”

“That’s crazy.Other murders?” A single murder was virtually unheard of in our small island town.

“Yeah. So I guess that’s our new project– identifying other potential victims.” Faith sighed, rubbing her temples. “Every time we talk to the FBI agent, I end up with more questions than answers.”

I reached over, placing a hand on her thigh. “The most important thing is that they caught the bad guy, and he’ll never be able to hurt anyone else ever again.”

“Agreed. Sorry, babe. Enough talk about work. Let’s focus on this private-island brunch we’re heading to.”

“That’s my girl.” I squeezed her thigh, eager to leave the past behind us and look forward toward our future.

Faith blew across the top of the warm mug between her hands. “I could get used to this.”

“You’d better because I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.” Or ever.

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