Page 20 of Dead and a Best Friend
I very nearly snapped a reply, but then I realized he hadn't said that out loud. Heck! Not again. Well, at least his thoughts were off my body for once.
"Sam," I said. "Could you get the detective a cappuccino?" I asked Riley, "Would you like something to eat?"
He shook his head. "Just coffee to go, please." He took my elbow and steered me over to the side, out of the customers' hearing. "You spoke to Aiden and Jane earlier."
"It didn't do much good."
“You looked upset when you left Aiden."
Sam arrived with the cappuccino, so I told him, "It's on the house, Sam."
"Gotcha."
Riley asked, "Did he say anything about the money?"
I raised my eyebrow.
The man smiled, which left me a little breathless, I must admit. "He had it," I admitted. "He said someone took it. He wouldn't tell me who." I was annoyed and upset with Carlisle, but I wasn't going to turn him in to the police.
"You are beautiful, and I wish you weren't lying to me."
I gasped, and Riley's eyes focused on my face. "I have something to do." I rushed out and moved away. As I reached the door behind the counter, I glanced over my shoulder and met Riley's gaze. He slowly sipped his coffee.
“What I wouldn't give to kiss you right now!”
"In your dreams,"I thought back at him.
He paused mid-drink, spilling some coffee onto the floor as his eyes widened.
I raised my eyebrows as I dashed through to the hallway. What was that? He heard me in his head. He did. I know he did. That was the only explanation for his shocked reaction. Good grief. What had I done?
My hands shookas I handed the bag of money to Oliver. He had remained silent while we got the money from the bank. My life had imploded after learning about Carlisle and Jane. I still found it difficult to comprehend. He'd lied to me.
Tears threatened to fall, so I blinked them away.
"Tallulah," said Oliver softly. "I'll try to keep your money out of the investigation. But if it's questioned, then I'll have no choice but to include it. I'll give you a heads-up beforehand if I can."
"I'm not worried about that as long as it keeps Pen safe. I am worried about Angel, though."
He shook his head. "As soon as it's in the safe in my office, I'm going to send out a press release. I'll let whoever is looking for the money know that we have it. I'll hold the amount back." He winked.
"I'm not sure about this." I fiddled with my fingers. "Lots of things could go wrong."
"I know Carlisle pissed you off, but I'm sure he's keeping an eye on you and Pen."
"I don't want him watching me."
He laughed. "I'm not touching that one."
I narrowed my eyes. "He has Hegarty watching me, doesn't he?"
Oliver smirked. "I'll feel better when this money is locked behind a steel door."
"I'm coming with you," I told him as I followed him out of the bank office.
"Go back to the café, Tallulah."
"No way. You need protection."
