Page 45 of Never Fear (Whiskey Ridge)
Brynne and I turned our heads to find a woman wearing an oversized suit jacket and ironed slacks. By the looks of her flawless dark hair and speculating eyes, she seemed like a nosy one.
“When I have a pregnancy scare,” I lied easily, crossing my arms. “Who are you?”
The woman pasted on a clearly fake smile, handing us two business cards that we were both hesitant to take. “Marv’s daughter, Monica.”
A thoughtful hum slipped past my lips as I studied the card, flipping it over for legitimacy.
“Real estate agent, huh?” Even Brynne was skeptical.
“Iwasa real estate agent. I suppose now I’m here to run”—Monica’s chin lifted as she surveyed the greasy space—“this.”
“Ever run a diner before?” I questioned, suspicious of the way she was dressed so improperly for not only this diner, but this town too. Whiskey Ridge was not a suit-and-tie-type area. Wearing clothes like that would only get you robbed.
Monica clasped her hands together in front of her, her sleeves a little long, but I guessed it was to complete the chic look she had going on. “Nope. But it’s never too late to learn, right?”
Brynne slowly nodded, and it was clear she was hiding her smirk.
“Right,” I repeated. “Well, we’ve got a shift to start. I’m McKenna, and this is Brynne.”
Monica looked between the two of us, that same smile as before back on her red lips. “I’ll be popping around to get a feel for the place in a bit. I was just filing some paperwork when I heard the two of you chatting.”
I held my tongue about the office being empty when we passed it—and how there wasn’t a clean enough surface around here to handle paperwork elsewhere. Plus, just minutes ago, Dan and Tasha didn’t seem to know when Marv’s daughter would arrive, meaning she hadn’t introduced herself yet.
I forced a small smile before walking past her to go out on the floor. Brynne was on my heels, and though I couldn’t see her face, I knew she was likely as mistrusting of Monica as I was.
We weren’t even aware Marv had a daughter until Booker forged that note. He had his ways, but it was weird she’d shown up immediately the following morning. That was, unless she lived nearby. But I’d never seen her in Whiskey Ridge, so she had to live either in a bordering state or elsewhere in Idaho.
Either way, I wasn’t sure what her deal here was. Maybe she was being weird because she ultimately wanted to sell the place in the end.
Or maybe she was skeptical about her father skipping town and leaving only a note behind.
Perhaps the men’s murder antics were starting to catch up with them.
I was surprised it took Austin nearly my entire shift to start spamming me with texts.
Annoying stalker: Where the fuck are you?
I smiled at his new contact name popping up on my screen, only because it was so on brand for him.
Annoying stalker: In what world did you think it was okay to leave the house without waking me?
Annoying stalker: Especially after last night
Annoying stalker: I know you like punishment, McKenna, but playing with your life isn’t a turn on for me
Annoying stalker: Stop ignoring me. Booker told me Brynne is at work with you, so if you’re pretending to be dead, it’s not going to work
Booker’s such a snitch
Annoying stalker: I’m coming to get you
For some reason, alarm bells shot through me. I didn’t want to see him. Not so soon after…everything that happened.
No.
Annoying stalker: Yes.
I won’t get in your truck
