Page 17 of Win a Date with a Detective

“Thank you for letting me try it on.”

Vanessa takes it back and slides it onto her finger.

“Of course, honey. Enjoy your date!”

The couple heads toward the restaurant’s private dining area.

Rachel watches them go.

Then turns toward me.

“Well.”

“Well?”

“That was an expensive piece of jewelry.”

“Very observant.”

“Do you think it’s insured?”

I laugh.

“Rachel.”

“What?”

“Please don’t investigate the woman’s engagement ring.”

“I’m simply curious.”

“Of course you are.”

Our drinks arrive.

And for the next hour, I manage to forget about the ring entirely.

Mostly because Rachel keeps asking me questions that have absolutely nothing to do with jewelry.

Or murders.

Or crime.

Somehow, we end up talking about everything.

Her work.

Her brother.

My family.

The fact that she apparently considers watching a six-part documentary about a serial killer an acceptable way to relax.

And the more we talk, the more I want to know.

Eventually, she excuses herself to use the restroom.

I watch her walk away.