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“You wound me. Personally, this is the most fun I’ve had in ages. Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

“You need to go out more then.”

She hit the nail on the head with that one, but I don’t admit it.

“Ouch.” I chuckle. “No, but for real, what does Robin like to do in her free time?”

“Hm.” She taps her chin as she’s thinking. “I like reading, gardening, hanging with my best friend, but I also like being home with my cat.”

“I knew you were a cat lady.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“I didn’t. But it tells me so much about you.”

“Oh yeah? What does it tell you?” She looks at me expectantly.

“It tells me …” I pause for a moment. “It tells me that … hm.” I try to come up with a witty answer, but nothing comes to mind. “It tells me that you like cats.”

“Wow, quite the Sherlock Holmes. Very impressive deduction skills.”

“Thanks.”

“I don’t have to ask you what you do in your free time. Clearly, it’s solving mysteries and speeding around town on that machine.”

“You got me there. I’m in town for a case.”

“Oh yeah?” She lifts her eyebrows.

“Yeah, Cottondale has the highest crime rate in all of Arizona.”

“Should I be worried?”

“Can I tell you something very confidential? It has to stay between us. Can I trust you?”

“No.”

I laugh.

“I’m kidding. I won’t tell anyone. Pinky promise.” She holds out her pinky, and I intertwine mine with hers.

I’m reminded of the last time I tried to flirt with someone in a parking lot. At the time, I was thirteen, and I kissed Christa from my algebra class in the school parking lot. Back then it was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to me, and I was sure Christa and I were meant for each other. Two weeks later, I found out that she kissed half of the boys of my class, and I realized that just because something feels special to me it doesn’t mean it’s special for the other person.

“I’m in town investigating a serious crime. Have you heard about the notorious orange thief?”

Robin’s eyes widen in an impressive imitation of shock. “Not the orange thief.”

I nod solemnly. “You’ve heard of him? Or her?”

“Who hasn’t? And it’s definitely a him. It’s always a him.” She shakes her head with mock disappointment.

I laugh. “You’re not wrong about that.”

We look at each other for a moment and just smile. It’s been so long since I’ve felt a genuine connection with anyone, since I felt a chemistry deep into my bones. Or maybe I’m desperately trying to experience something positive in this town for once.

“Tell me, Robin. What are your hopes and dreams?”

“That’s not small talk.”