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“Ignore them. They’re nosy as hell,” Vincent said, motioning to the chalkboard filled with today’s special. “Your order, ma’am?”

“The clam chowder sounds good,” I said.

“Good choice,” he said. “Grab a table, Doctor. I’ll get our food.”

I walked over to an empty table and removed my overcoat.

“Oh, she’s so beautiful,” a woman sitting just a few tables over whispered to her friend. “Vince’s so fuckin’ lucky.”

“Stop ogling his date, Lou,” the other girl said with a huff.

I smiled and waved at Lou, and Lou’s eyes widened before she waved back at me.

“I see you’ve met my cousin. She’s a flirt,” Vincent said, before turning to look at Lou. “Stop staring, Louise. Find your own date.”

She huffed, showing a middle finger to Vincent.

“She seems nice.”

“No, she’s the absolute worst, and she once stole my date right around Valentine's Day,” Vincent said with a grunt, placing the bowl in front of me. “Bon appétit, Doctor Sharma.”

The clam chowder was creamy and rich with tender clams and smoked potatoes. “God, it’s delicious,” I said with a moan as I emptied my bowl.

He told me about himself, and the town, and we talked about Doctor Tomlinson and more about his death.

Vincent was easy to talk with.

The music was pleasant and the conversation was great, but I was itching to get away already.

When it was time, Vincent drove me back to the station.

I took a sharp breath when Vincent leaned closer.

Was he going to kiss me?

He stopped when my phone buzzed, breaking the moment. My heart gave a start—fuck. The tracker.

I kissed him on his cheek, and he gave me a wide grin as he walked me to my car.

“Thanks for the dinner, Vincent. I had a great time.”

“I had a great time as well,” he said, closing the door behind me. “Do you want me to follow you?”

“Oh no, I’m good,” I said, starting the engine. He looked like he didn’t want to let me go alone, but I didn’t want the sheriff following me when I knew Asher could be there.

“It’s dark, and I…”

“I’m going to drive straight to the inn, Vincent. It’s fine. Go home,” I said, and he hesitated, looking down at me like he wanted to argue.

“Fine. Just be careful.” He watched as I pulled out of the driveway and waved.

I stopped after ten minutes and pulled my phone up to check the camera feed, and sure enough, there he was. Asher, with a dagger in his hand.

Smiling, I drove straight to the Hollow Inn.

I went to my other room, opened my laptop, and sat down, getting ready for the long night ahead. The feed flickered to life, and there my prey was.

He stood in the center of the room, back rigid, arms crossed, his beautiful lips twisted into a sneer.