Page 111 of Enigma: The Complete Collection
When we exit the brick-and-mortar building I use to call my office, I squint. When you sit behind a desk all day, you forget how bright the midday sun is. Since winter is approaching, my cheeks are more than appreciative of the warmth.
With a sigh, I sling my arms around Brandon’s neck. “Thanks for your help.”
His hug is warmer than the sun, only dampened by his whispered warning, “Fly under the radar, Izzy. Once I have any information, I’ll bring it straight to you.”
“I will, and thank you again.”
As I inch back, a smirk tugs at my lips. Not even the brisk weather has reduced the hue on his cheeks. He’s such a sweetheart, and although I’m sure he’s regretting siding with me, I’ll be eternally grateful he is a part of my life.
“See you around?”
He returns my earlier hip bump. “You’ll be back here filing before you know it.”
“Don’t forget the coffees. God forbid Alex would have to fetch his own cup.”
Brandon’s laugh makes what I’m about to do ten times easier. With a wave, I pivot on my heels and mosey down the sidewalk. I don’t turn back around, but I know his eyes remain on me until I turn the corner. I can feel it deep in my bones.
I stand on the corner of First Avenue and Welsh Boulevard, a little perplexed on what to do. It's only 11:20 a.m., so it's too early for lunch, but I'm lost on how else to occupy my time. Just as I consider going to Harlow's for brunch, a brilliant idea pops into my head.
Stepping onto the curb, I flag down a taxi. Because of the early hour, I secure a ride rather quickly. I scamper into the back seat, removing my coat in the process. The driver has the heat up so high, the cab is super muggy.
“Destiny Records in Hopeton, please.”
After securing my belt, I raise my eyes, noticing the cab hasn’t pulled away from the curb yet. When my eyes collide with the driver’s in the rearview mirror, he eyes me with caution. “Hopeton is an hour’s journey from here.”
My eyes bulge. I’ve lived in Ravenshoe for six months, but a lack of free time meant I’ve never ventured far. I had no clue about the distances between towns.
“How much will the fare be?” Nerves jangle on my vocal cords. Alex said I’m on leave without pay, so I need to be cautious with my spending until IA finalizes their investigation.
The driver twists his lips. “Approximately one-fifty each way.”
“Each way?”
When he nods, I hand him a few bills from the limited number in my purse before sliding out of his cab, taking my coat with me. I just lost my job. I can't afford hundreds of dollars in cab fares. A bus ticket, on the other hand, I’m sure I can scratch up the fare.
I’m standing at the bus stop, checking the times of the buses departing to Hopeton when a rumbling voice asks, “Where are you going, Izzy?”
Hugo’s grinning face comes into sight when I slant my head to the side. “I’m trying to fix some errors I made.”
A bus leaves for Hopeton every hour. With the stops in between, it’ll take me a little over two hours to get there, but I have to do this. I hate that Harlow and Cormack’s blossoming relationship is suffering because of me.
When Hugo jerks up his chin in understanding, I drift my eyes over the shiny red muscle car he’s sitting in. Two black stripes roll down each side of its candy apple red paint. Its tires are as wide as they are tall, and the healthy purr of its engine is encouraging as many admiring glances as its owner. Upon noticing my appreciative gawp, Hugo revs his engine, startling a baby waiting to board the bus with his mother.
“A little different from your usual ride.”
“This is my baby.” Hugo’s tone hints at the fascination he has with his car. “A fully rebuilt 1969 Chevelle.”
I smile at the pride beaming out of him.Boys and their toys.
“Get in; I’ll give you a lift.”
“I’m going to Hope—”
Hugo cocks his brow. “I know where you're going. Get in.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
His brow arches even higher.
