Page 7 of Valor

Or maybe that was just wishful thinking on her part.

The restaurant reminded her of a truck-stop diner. Owen did not park out front near the three other cars patronizing the place. Instead, he drove around to the side of the building, backing in so that the rear of the SUV was butted up against the dumpster. She was struck by the way he’d planned ahead in case they needed to get out of there quickly.

The rotting garbage wafting from the dumpster was awful, but she didn’t complain as she pushed out of the passenger-side door and followed him inside. She breathed in the scent of bacon and coffee.

Owen led her to a booth near the kitchen. He slid into the seat that faced the front door. She sat across from him and reached for the plastic menu. “I hope you don’t think I’m crazy, but if they serve breakfast all day, that’s what I’m having.”

“Not crazy at all. That works for me.” He drew some cash from his pocket, counting it beneath the table.

“I see an ATM.” She stood. “I’ll get some cash...”

“No.” He caught her hand. “Using your card will lead them here.”

She’d forgotten the goal was to stay off-grid. She nodded, slowly tugging her hand free and settling back into the booth. “Okay. But I don’t have a lot of cash on me, either, I’m afraid.”

“It’s fine.” His tone was curt. He looked as if he’d say more, but a woman by the name of Jolene came over with a pot of coffee. “Coffee? Or would you rather have something else to drink?”

“Coffee is great for me, thanks,” Emily said with a smile.

“Me too.” Owen gave the woman a nod. “Appreciate it.”

“I’ll be back in a moment to get your orders.” Jolene hurried off to refill other customers’ coffee mugs. As promised, she quickly returned. “Have you decided?”

“Yes. I’ll have the ham and cheddar omelet with hash browns.” Emily stuck the plastic menu back behind the condiments. “Thank you.”

“I’ll have the same,” Owen added.

She doctored her coffee with creamer and took a sip. “This hits the spot.”

Owen nodded, drinking his coffee black while sweeping his gaze over the restaurant patrons.

“What’s going on?” She leaned forward, keeping her voice low. “You said you’d explain about the man you shot in my house.”

His blue eyes cut to her. “He was trying to kill you.”

“Yes, but why? Who is he to you?” She was getting frustrated with his reticence. “He let me go to confront you.”

Owen shrugged. “I didn’t recognize him. And there wasn’t time to search for an ID if he was carrying one. The last guy who tried to kill me didn’t have one.”

She paled. “The last guy? You mean back in January? Or recently?”

“Recently.” He grimaced and set his half-empty cup of coffee aside. “We can’t discuss this now.”

She wanted to argue, but just then someone walked past their table to go to the restroom, proving his point. This was a public place. Owen wasn’t going to discuss his illegal drug business here.

And that had to be what was going on. Owen had been with other drug dealers when he’d been shot. Then he’d had his crew kidnap her from the hospital to tend to his wound. Then he’d managed to escape, while the other guys who’d been working with him had been either killed or arrested.

“More coffee?” Jolene returned with a cheery smile. “Your omelets will be ready soon.”

“Thanks.” She added more creamer to her coffee.

A few minutes later, Jolene brought their omelets. Emily thanked her, then caught Owen’s gaze. “I’d like to say grace.”

He shrugged but refrained from reaching for his fork.

She spoke in a low whisper. “Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for this food and please keep us safe in Your care. Amen.”

Owen didn’t respond to her prayer, but he did glance up as if surprised she’d included him. Then he dug into his meal with such gusto she wondered when he’d last eaten.

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