Page 11 of The Case of the Missing Love Stone

“That’s not much of an explanation.”

She shrugs. “It’s the one you’re getting in the middle of Sweet Tooth.”

Roman glances around the bakery. People are still making a terrible effort not to listen. “Fair.”

I study her. “But you know what they mean.”

Scarlet picks up her bag. “I know enough to check my records before I say anything else.”

“And after that?” Roman asks.

Her eyes narrow. “You’re optimistic. Who said there was an after?”

Junie glances between us. “You already know where to start.”

Scarlet gives her another betrayed look.

“What?” Junie says. “You do.”

Scarlet picks up her bag. I step back automatically. Roman moves with me, leaving the path to the door completely open.

Her gaze drops briefly to the space we made.

The small act seems to matter more than anything I’ve said.

“Finish your coffee,” I tell her. “We’ll talk after.”

“Not likely.”

“We’ll see about that.”

Roman leans one hip against the counter. “For the record, I’m willing to negotiate over more cake.”

“Your investigative standards are inspiring.”

“I value diplomacy.”

Scarlet turns toward the door before either of us can stop her.

“Good luck with your investigation.”

Roman raises his coffee. “Thank you. The pastry has been very informative.”

She pushes open the bakery door and steps into the humid brightness outside. Her scent fades and my alpha hates the loss.

Neither of us says anything for a moment. I look down at the honey cake in front of me. He looks through the window.

I pick up my coffee. “We came here for GatorX.”

“We did.”

“And now a local historian connected to the museum tells us somebody put strange plants at a ritual display the same morning we arrive tracking plant material.”

Roman tears his honey cake in half. “She seems worth following up on.”

“I was talking about the case.”

“Of course you were.”