Page 22 of Hunting the Crossbow Killer

Aidan jogged down the stairs and joined them, a black leather overnight bag slung over his shoulder. “Special Agent Malone, I’ll follow you to the B and B if that’s all right, so you can let Stella know I’m taking one of those rooms you reserved.”

“Since we’re going to the same place, why not leave your truck here and ride with me?” she asked.

He glanced at Dawson. “I think it would be better if I take my truck. I’ll need it in the morning. But thanks.”

Grace realized all three of the police officers were looking at her. Fletcher was obviously no fan of Aidan. Dawson was grudgingly coming around, but his expression clearly said he didn’t think it was appropriate for her to ride with a felon convicted of murder. Even Collier seemed surprised that a federal agent, no doubt especially a woman in this situation, would be so lax.

“Right,” she said, her face heating. “That makes more sense. I’ll meet you at the front desk.” She couldn’t seem to get out of the cabin and to her car fast enough.

Good grief, what was she doing? It was one thing to believe that a man was innocent and feel comfortable around him. But she was an FBI agent. She knew better than to allow emotions to override good judgment. Something about Aidan called out to her on a primal level, and it wasn’t just that he was, well, hot. Really hot. That shouldn’t matter, not right now. What mattered was maintaining her professionalism and following her training. This was her first time out solo. She couldn’t screw it up.

CHAPTER NINE

Grace stood at the front desk, watching Aidan enter the lobby of the B and B. She’d already notified the young man at the front desk that Aidan would be taking one of the rooms that she’d reserved. Aidan signed the register. Then she and Aidan headed upstairs.

At the top landing, she pointed to the room across the hall from hers. “That one’s yours. But before you go inside, I’d like to ask you something.”

His expression turned wary. “Go ahead.”

“At your cabin, when I asked about the hate mail you received in prison and whether you kept it, you hesitated. Is that because you threw away most of it, but kept some? Are you protecting someone by not telling the whole truth?”

He leaned against the wall beside her door, his overnight bag still slung over his shoulder. “What are your plans in the morning?” he asked.

“You’re changing the subject.”

“Yes. I am. I already answered your question earlier. Now answer mine. What are your plans in the morning?”

“My plans. Are we talking…breakfast? Together?” Her stomach tightened with a mixture of pleasure and dread. Was he asking her out? If so, she’d have to put the kibosh on it. She’d already screwed up royally tonight in front of other law enforcement officers. She had to be careful or something would get back to her boss. He’d order her back to Knoxville and it would be months before she’d be allowed to fly solo again.

He smiled. “The restaurant downstairs is the main one for the town. It’s a large open room with tables fairly close together to accommodate the crowds. I certainly wouldn’t mind sitting with you, but given the circumstances, that’s not a good idea.”

“Aidan, I—”

“You need to start calling me O’Brien again. Even if you think you can trust me, most people, like Officer Fletcher, don’t. It can’t be good for your reputation to be seen on friendly terms with an ex-con.”

“You’re actually worried about my reputation? Just this morning I was trying to nail you as the Crossbow Killer.”

“Which only reinforces my point. It was this morning, a little over twelve hours ago. Regardless of your instincts or whatever it is that makes you so…comfortable around me, you need to stop. It could kill your career.”

She stared at him in wonder. “Aidan, I can’t believe after everything you’ve been through that you’re worried about my career. I’m astonished, actually.”

“O’Brien.”

“What?”

“Don’t call me Aidan.”

Her fact heated again. “Of course not,” she snapped. “Thank you for the reminder.”

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re a puppy and I just kicked you. You’re not the only one around here feeling a little too comfortable.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh. Well, um, then…all I can say is that you sure hide it well.”

He stared at her. “Do I?” Ever so slowly, he lifted his hand and gently traced the contour of her cheek.

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