Page 31 of Caged

Interesting. I made a note to research the history of the shops.

“Those spaces were occupied on the cleaner’s website,” Jaden said, confirming my suspicion that it was worth noting. “One was a nail salon, the other an insurance office.”

“We’ll look into the previous tenants later.”

“First impressions?” he asked.

“There’s more to see here.” My gut was screaming that it was all related, but the pieces didn’t fit yet.

“Agreed.” Jaden parked at the far corner, on the end near the convenience store, giving us a chance to observe the area as we walked across the parking lot. We walked slowly down the sidewalk, in front of the empty store, to the cleaner’s door.

“Remember, we’re friends and you’re helping me move,” I said before we reached the door. “And let me do the talking.”

He bit back what I could only guess was a snarky reply before saying, “Yes, ma’am,” and opening the door for me. “After you.”

God, I hate it when he calls me that.I plastered a smile on my face as I walked by.

“Good afternoon.” The clerk looked us up and down through the plexiglass window separating him from the rest of the store. “How can I help you?”

His lingering gaze on my breasts made my skin crawl, enough for me to change the game plan.

“Hi. My husband and I are new to the area, and the washing machine in our new place doesn’t work. We saw your flyer at the store and want to ask about your services.”

Jaden and I had changed out of our work clothes, a pantsuit for me, a habit from the FBI I was still trying to shake, and a polo and khakis for Jaden. Our jeans and t-shirts making us look more like people in the middle of moving than two PIs.

He ignored Jaden as his eyes roamed over my body, forcing me to hold back a shudder. “Ask away,” he said.

“I saw on the website that you offer same day services, but I didn’t see any prices listed.”

Jaden walked over to a corkboard on the wall and checked out the notices.

“Hey Babe, looks like there’s some good restaurants in the area,” he called over. I assumed his use of the pet name meant he was on board with my change to our cover story.

I smiled and turned my attention back to the clerk, taking the flyer he handed me through the cutout in the plexiglass.Is it bulletproof?

I rolled my eyes, earning a smile from the clerk. “Thanks, Hon.”

Behind the clerk was an open office door, but I couldn’t see anyone.

“Do you want those washed?” the clerk asked, pointing to the bag of clothes we’d bought on our way here.

The prices listed seemed high, but then I’d never had a service wash my clothes. Except for dry cleaning my uniform, and I always had that done on base.

I nodded and asked, “How long will it take?”

“I can have them done today.” His eyes roamed my body. “For an extra fee.”

I repressed the shiver of disgust.God,I need a shower.

“That won’t be necessary,” I gave him my biggest smile, “I’m sure it’s more than we can afford.” I looked around.

“Let’s just use the machines,” Jaden said from the back of the room. He rested his strong, tatted forearms on the top of a large washer.

“We don’t really have time,” I said. I bit my lower lip and made a big show of contemplating our options.

“Tell you what, I’m feeling generous today so I’ll give you a new customer discount; twenty percent off.”

I didn’t have to fake it as my eyes widened in surprise. He had to be high on the food chain to off such a large discount.