Page 36 of Into the Shadows

She pulls my favorite purple mug from the cabinet andpours some coffee into it. I grab the caramel creamer and a spoon before settling onto the barstool beside her.

“He’s going to ground you when your heart starts to soar too high in the clouds.”

I frown. I don’t think I’ve ever thought about myself like that. Gia’s right, though. My heart tends to get lofty ideals about life, and I need someone to bring me back down. When I was little, it was my dad, and then Gia helped when I got older. Could Teddy become that person for me? The muscle in question gives a thump in the affirmative.

I guess we’re going to find out.

Chris runshis fingers through his shaggy blond hair. He looks younger than his forty years, and his charming smile has been honed to weasel information out of every single person he throws it at.

It’s not working on me—much to his annoyance—as we sit across from each other at The Café. The juxtaposition between the tightness in his eyes and the smile he wields like a weapon fascinates me. He’s been trying to get just as much information out of me as I am him. The only difference is that I’m staying professional while he flirts. Thus his annoyance.

“Do you think the boyfriend did it?” I ask him, my hand poised over my notepad while my recorder catches all the details.

Chris shrugs. “The police pushed him hard, and while I was the one to break the story on Craig’s arrest, I don’t believe he was involved. There are too many things that don’t add up. He made the 911 call immediately after realizing Ms. Mansgrove was missing.”

“That’s not unusual for perpetrators.”

“Except they don’t typically open up their entire lives forscrutiny. He gave the police everything. Cell phone records, credit card statements, DNA… He was an open book.”

“True. And they never found anything indicative of problems in their relationship.”

“Exactly.” Chris nods.

“Did you have anyone you thought was a better suspect?”

“A few, but I could never find anything to make me believe they did it.”

“You’ve been doing this long enough to trust your gut. Who did you have on your list?”

Chris’s sly smile gives me his answer before he says the words. “You know I can’t tell you my suspicions without evidence.”

Not true, but I’m not going to argue with him.

“How long have you been podcasting?” he asks.

“A few years now.”

“And you live here in town?” Chris surveys the café. His nose turns up just the slightest bit. He lives in Greensboro now and works for a much bigger news outlet than he did twelve years ago when he was assigned this case. The disdain for my small town could be seen from a mile away.

“I do. I grew up here and have always loved it. I wanted to try to find some of Ms. Mansgrove’s former students. I haven’t dug into any of the school’s records yet. Do you have any suggestions on starting places?”

I don’t need his advice on this, but I want to get off the topic of me.

“Facebook has a few alumni groups you could check out.”

I nod and write it down in my notebook even though I’ve already been messaging with some of her former students. I take a sip of my coffee, giving myself a moment to decide if I should end the interview. Chris hasn’t been the most forthcoming journalist I’ve worked with. Usually, they’re more than happy to help me with my investigation, but I have afeeling he’s gotten too big for his britches and now wants something in return. Something I will not be giving him.

I reach out to stop the recording and smile at him. “I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. Talking on the phone is great, but I always prefer to speak face to face.”

“I agree with you. And I’m never going to turn down an afternoon with a beautiful woman.”

I tuck my lips into my teeth to keep from making a disgusted expression. I want to roll my eyes, but that would be rude, so I keep a bland face instead.

“Hey, Sparkles.” Teddy’s spicy scent fills my senses, and my shoulders fall, the tension draining away. I lift my head for a kiss, and he obliges me. “Fancy meeting you here.”

I grin at him before I catch Noah’s smirking face across the room. “What are you two up to?” I realize I’ve ignored Chris and turn back to find his shrewd gaze on Teddy. “Thanks again, Chris. I’ll let you have your afternoon back.” I stand with a smile, not giving him a chance to respond.

Teddy takes my hand and leads me to where Noah sits, their table filled with plates of half-eaten food.

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