Page 40 of Hidden Hero

She pushed her purple glasses up on her nose as she frowned, then shook her head slowly. “Look, you all are the drug detectives, and I certainly don’t know much about black market drugs, but would he get much money if he sold those pills?”

“You’d be surprised.”

A noise sounded behind them, and an older woman leaned into the office doorway. “Angie, I’m sorry to interrupt, but you’ve got the online meeting with the Virginia Agency on Aging in fifteen minutes.”

“Oh, that’s right,” she said, standing. She rummaged through the files on her desk before finding the one she was looking for. Lifting her gaze, she sighed. “I’m really sorry I couldn’t be of more help.”

Pete stood, holding the papers in his hand. “You gave us more to look at, Ms. Brown. Thank you.”

She smiled at Jeremy, then grinned even wider at Pete. “Remember—it’s just Angie. And any time you’re in the neighborhood, stop by to say hello.”

Pete simply nodded as his neck and ears blushed again. Jeremy took pity on his partner and said, “Will do.”

Once they were in the vehicle, Jeremy looked over as Pete strategically kept his eyes on the road. “You gonna tell me why you clammed up in there?”

“I didn’t clam up.”

“No? Coulda fooled me. I thought maybe the pretty Ms. Brown caused your brain to shut down.”

“The only thing that needs to shut down is you,” Pete grumbled.

Jeremy laughed before taking pity on Pete. It wasn’t Angie he thought of as they drove away. His mind was filled with the beautiful Dr. Wadsworth.

17

Cora followed the hostess to a cozy corner table, grateful to be tucked away from the bustle of the pub. It wasn’t a particularly crowded evening, but she still appreciated the privacy. The small alcove felt like a sanctuary, a little haven where she could enjoy her own company without distraction.

She didn’t mind dining alone but was always careful not to claim a large table when space was at a premium. Tonight, though, the intimate two-seater was perfect, and she allowed herself to relax as she slid into the chair.

Without glancing at the menu, she ordered her favorite: fish ‘n’ chips. The pub was known for its thick golden cod fried in a beer batter paired with tangy coleslaw and house-made potato chips. To her, it was a divine guilty pleasure she indulged in only on special occasions. And today was special. It was her birthday, and this was her treat to herself.

When the server brought her pale ale, Cora sipped it slowly before setting her phone on the table. With a swipe of her finger, she opened the latest book she’d been reading. The quiet hum of the pub faded into the background as she lost herself in the story.

Her meal arrived soon after, and she set the phone aside, eyes lighting up as she took in the food. The first bite was piping hot, but she didn’t care. She chewed carefully, savoring the taste. As she speared another piece of cod, a voice interrupted her focus.

“Hey, Cora.”

Startled, she jumped slightly, her fork clattering softly against the plate. She looked up to find Jeremy standing at the edge of her table, his familiar smile in place. But something was off. His smile, usually so warm and effortless, didn’t quite reach his eyes. It was subtle, but she realized she always noticed his expressions.

“Hello, Jeremy.” She offered a warm smile.

Jeremy glanced over his shoulder, his gaze sweeping the room as though searching for something or someone. He shifted on his feet, his expression unreadable, before his eyes returned to hers.

Assuming he was meeting someone, she remained quiet. She remembered his date with the woman at the restaurant in Virginia Beach and wondered if an equally beautiful and dressed-for-attention woman would walk in or perhaps had already sat just around the corner. That thought stung, but she kept her smile in place.

“Are you waiting on someone?” he asked, his gaze moving from her face down to her half-eaten meal.

She chuckled and shook her head. “No. If I was expecting someone to share my table, I certainly wouldn’t have started my meal.”

“Right,” he muttered. He glanced at the empty seat across from her, and she waited to see if he wanted something else. His demeanor was unusual for him, and she couldn’t understand the questioning expression when his brows lowered.

“You’re here… um… by yourself?” he asked.

She leaned back and focused all her attention on his face. As soon as she did so, she wondered if it was the smart thing to do, considering staring at his handsome face made all the words he’d said start to muddle together. It had been a long time since a man had made her feel senseless. Even her meal enjoyment was tempered with the desire to know what he was thinking, and she was thrilled he’d stopped to greet her. The air between them felt charged, though she couldn’t pinpoint why. It was as if he had something to say but wasn’t sure how to say it.

Shaking her head slightly, she breathed deeply, then let the air release as she grinned. “Jeremy, you are, by all accounts, an excellent detective. I am obviously the only person sitting at this table. There are no other plates here except mine. And my meal is partially eaten. You seem confused, but if you use your excellent reasoning, you will deduce what is happening.”

He snorted, and his familiar smirk sent one side of his lips quirking upward. She could not keep the smile from her lips.

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