Page 45 of Scorched Secrets

“They’re on special today,” she said by way of explanation. He’d learned to never say no to Rosie’s specials.

“Looks great, thanks,” Colin said.

Rosie winked at him and gave them two small plates and two forks. “You need to share so you have room for breakfast.”

Faye’s brows hiked up, and she leaned over the table, keeping her voice low. “Does she always do this?”

“Petty much.” He cut the muffin in half and put it on her plate. Then helped himself. “Don’t argue until you’ve tried it.”

To her credit, Faye took a bite. “Mmm, very good.”

“Told you.” He grinned and ate his portion. “Don’t say no to Rosie.”

When their meals arrived, he reached across the table to take Faye’s hand. She didn’t hesitate to clasp his fingers and bow her head. He was touched by the way she participated in his prayers.

“Lord, thank You for this wonderful meal You’ve provided for us. We also thank You for continuing to keep us safe in Your loving arms. Amen.”

“Amen.” Faye held his gaze for a long moment. “I hope whatever plan you and Mitch come up with keeps you safe, too, Colin. I don’t want anything to happen to either of you. Or anyone else for that matter.”

“Don’t worry about us.” He smiled and dug into his large pancake breakfast, complete with hash browns and bacon. When Rosie returned, he broke his rule about not having more coffee.

If he and Mitch were able to set up the plan he’d begun to formulate, this might be his last meal for a while. He knew better than to get his hopes up, but if planting Faye’s phone to draw out the arsonist worked, they could have this case wrapped up by dinnertime.

And if it didn’t work? He and Mitch would have to come up with a plan B.

As if on cue, his phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he confirmed the caller was Mitch. “Hey, we’re in Milwaukee.”

“Figured. Did you hit Rosie’s?”

“Of course. Are you heading over to join us?”

“Soon. Give me about fifteen minutes. We’re still checking Jayson Sanders’s credit card purchases. So far he hasn’t used it for anything. In my opinion, that’s a big red flag. If this was some innocent vacation, he’d have charges pending.”

“Does he use his card often?” Colin knew some people avoided credit cards, preferring to pay their way as they went along.

“Often enough up until three days ago. About the time the chief gave him the boot.”

“Interesting. Okay, we’ll wait for you here.”

“See you soon.” Mitch paused, then added, “And save some food for me.”

“Ha ha. Later.” He disconnected from the call.

“What’s interesting?” Faye asked.

He explained about the lack of credit card charges for the past three days on Jayson Sanders’s account. “Could be nothing. He may be cautious about spending since he’s without a job.”

“Sounds to me like he’s hiding.” She frowned. “What did you call it? Flying under the radar.”

“Yeah, maybe. But not using a credit card isn’t a crime.” Suspicious? Yeah. But after learning of Daniel Percy’s suicide, he thought it best not to jump to any conclusions. “How’s your omelet?”

“Excellent. Much better than hospital food.” She gave his plate a disparaging glance. “You’re really going to eat all that?”

“Watch me.”

By the time Mitch came in, a solid twenty minutes later, they had finished their meals. Mitch grimaced and said, “You didn’t wait for me.”

“Rosie knows you’re coming,” Colin assured him. Less than two minutes later, Rosie brought Mitch a cranberry muffin and coffee.

---