Page 64 of Obsession (Temptation 4)

“Even with everything else going on?”

“I thought I could use a distraction.”

“I hear that.”

“What can I get started for you?”

I looked over, seeing I was next in line, the barista waiting. I approached the counter. “Grande Americano with an extra shot and steamed milk, please.”

“Make it two,” Ethan said from behind me, handing the woman a twenty. Then he glanced my way. “My treat.”

“Thanks.”

“Of course.”

After Ethan paid, we stepped to the side to wait for our drinks, trying to find a spot to stand where we weren’t in everyone’s way. Something that was becoming increasingly difficult as the shop filled up.

“If you want to hang out over by the door, I’ll grab our order.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s two cups.” He winked. “I think I can manage.”

“Thank you.”

I walked toward the lounge area, leaning against the wall and briefly closing my eyes. I didn’t think it possible to fall asleep standing up, but I was so exhausted. It felt like I could sleep for days and it still wouldn’t be enough.

“Here you go.” The sound of Ethan’s voice forced my eyes open as he approached, drinks in hand. “Grande Americano with an extra shot and steamed milk.”

“Thanks.” Flashing him a smile, I took the cup, fighting a yawn as I raised it to my lips and savored in the taste of the strong coffee. “I should probably head back. I promised Lachlan I wouldn’t leave the hospital. Plus, Wes is expecting me.”

“Before you go, I could use your help. Pick your brain, so to speak. I’d planned on stopping by Lachlan’s this morning to talk to you.” He leaned toward me, lowering his voice. “I think I may have found something.”

“What?”

“It may be nothing. But I uncovered some photos from Autumn Quinn’s memorial service. I hoped you might be able to help me identify a few people.”

“Why me?”

“Because they were other volunteers from Homes for the Homeless. Your brother’s charity. After doing a bit more digging, I learned there was a homebuilding project going on in each of the cities around the time of each of the murders. Since I know you’re quite involved with his charity and help him run it, I thought you might recognize some of these individuals.”

“You think it could be someone tied to Wes’ charity?” I asked. “What about Dax Shea?”

“We need to explore every possible angle. I spoke to Agent Curran this morning. He spent hours last night interrogating Daxton Shea. He doesn’t believe he did this, even though there’s overwhelming evidence pointing his way.”

I swallowed hard, the thought of it being someone connected to my brother’s charity unsettling me. Especially since Imogene spent a great deal of time working with the charity.

“Of course. I’m happy to take a look.”

“I have the file in my car parked out back. It’ll only take a minute. Then I’ll escort you back to the hospital myself.”

“Thank you.”

Placing his hand on my back, Ethan led me out of the coffee shop and toward the parking garage, sipping on my coffee as we walked.

After he helped me into the passenger seat of his Cadillac SUV, I glanced around the interior, which was as clean as I expected. It even still had that new car smell.

Ethan probably would have been horrified if he saw the inside of my car. While it wasn’t filled with junk and trash, it was nowhere near as immaculate as this. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought it a rental.

“This is so comfortable,” I said when he slid in behind the wheel.

I took another large sip of my coffee, then set it in the cupholder in the center console. I turned toward him, sighing, my eyes feeling unusually heavy as I leaned my head against the headrest.

“I’m beat.”

“Why don’t you take a few minutes to rest? You won’t be any good to anyone if you don’t sleep. Especially Imogene when you finally see her again. And I promise you, Julia… You will see her again.”

“You’re right,” I mumbled, my words practically indecipherable. “I’ll rest. But only for a min…”

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