Page 43

“Sure, but residents have visitors. That’s not unusual.”

“We know that he was wearing a cheap suit and carrying a fake leather briefcase.”

“So not having enough money for an expensive suit and real leather is a clue now?”

He grins. “Not usually. But in Mr. Prescott’s world, a cheap suit and a fake leather briefcase are a clue because it’s unusual. Men with Mr. Prescott’s kind of wealth don’t do business with people who don’t at least look the part. And the fact that Parker said the man seemed incredibly happy? That tells me that they were doing business, and Roy was beside himself excited.”

“Except we don’t know who he is. Isn’t that just another dead end?”

“You don’t know Sawyer well, but he operates best when there is nothing to find.”

“Ryker and his team are good at finding something out of nothing.” Captain Leopold’s words come back to me, and I take a deep breath.

“Okay.” I smile at him. “Shall I show you my second favorite coffee spot?”

A crease forms between his brows. “Second favorite? I thought this was the one you went to nearly every morning.”

I grin. “It is. But after drinking Anastasia’s coffee, it’s quickly moved into second place.”

Ryker throws his head back and laughs, the sound so incredibly melodious even though it catches me entirely off guard. It’s the first time I’ve ever really heard him laugh, and now all I want to do is hear it again.

“Anastasia is going to love hearing that,” Ryker says as he climbs out of his truck. He comes around and opens my door, something I’m not at all ashamed to admit I’ve grown accustomed to today.

I’d never had anyone open my car door before, and it’s nice.

I climb out and head up the steps toward Café Bean. For quite a few years now, even before I started working at Pine Meadow, this was kind of like my second home. I’d come here whenever I needed a bit of quiet to unwind or wanted to sit and read my Bible somewhere not at home.

Most of the baristas here know me, though I am coming at a different time than my typical.

Ryker holds the door for me, and I step inside, inhaling the aroma of freshly ground coffee as I go. Unlike Anastasia’s shop, where there is an assortment of freshly baked goods ready to be eaten, Café Bean primarily serves breakfast sandwiches. There are no cases of baked goods, just a counter capped with a display of their locally roasted coffee for purchase.

A barista I don’t recognize glances up and smiles at me. “Hey, what can I get for you?”

“Can I have a hazelnut latte with skim milk and extra whip, with a dash of cinnamon on top?”

“You’ve got it.” She turns to Ryker. “And how about you?”

“Same. Thanks.” He pulls out his wallet.

“I thought you drank black coffee?”

“Could be worth it to try something new.”

It’s ridiculous, but that simple act brings a smile to my face.

Ryker pays for our drinks, and we make our way over toward the counter to wait. The bell overhead dings, and a blond man comes in, wearing a suit. He scans the coffee shop, then sees me, and his eyes widen slightly.

I don’t recognize him, but he certainly seems to know me.

Ryker moves in closer, partially blocking me as the man closes the distance.

“Dahlia, I’ve been so worried!” He tries to move partially around Ryker to get closer, but Ryker remains a steady shield in front of me.

“Do you recognize him?” Ryker asks me.

“No.”

“Recognize me? What does that mean?” the man asks. “It’s Alec. We went on a date just last week.”