Page 21 of Evidence of Secrets

Laura learned Hank had an extensive palate and would eat anything. He once mentioned that his father had a chef and he attended many dinner parties. However, he hadn’t elaborated, so she could only guess his father was wealthy. Bah, what did she care? It was only money, and money couldn’t buy happiness. It could make life easier, but the happiness had to come from within.

Hank was going to replace the camera in the kitchen. Something about it not working correctly. She’d been checking the tapes but still hadn’t found out who the thief was, which was discouraging because the bistro was still bleeding food and drink. And she couldn’t forget money.

Her phone rang. Hank was here. Laura went to the front door and let him in.

Hank placed the camera box on a table and pulled her in for a deep kiss. One that she didn’t want to end. Hank’s stomach rumbled, and he stepped back. “Hi.”

“Hi, there, yourself. It sounds like you’re hungry.”

“I am.” He winked. “For you.”

“Oh, you smooth talker.” Laura laughed. “Come on back. I made an appetizer and paninis.”

“Yum. I haven’t had panini in a while.”

“Good. Then, if you’re really good, I have salted caramel brownies for dessert.”

Hank did a slow look from her feet to her face. “I’m always really good.” He licked his lips. Laura couldn’t stop herself from watching him. Then he blew her a kiss, and the mood was broken just like that.

“Come on, then.” Laura led Hank back to the kitchen. “I have to press the panini, and we’ll be all set.”

Laura finished their lunch. Hank helped her carry the appetizer and panini into the dining room.

“Beer? Wine?”

Hank cocked his head. “A beer would be great.”

She went to the bar and pulled out a couple of bottles of locally brewed beer. It was Hank’s favorite.

“Cheers!” They clinked glasses. Laura passed the crostini to Hank.

“This looks appetizing. Simple yet sophisticated.” Hank took a bite of the crostini. “Wow.” He nodded. “Delicious.”

The conversation was light. They finished lunch, had the brownies and coffee. Hank sat back and patted his stomach. “Thank you. That was a treat.”

He got up. “Down to business. I need to check the feed on the camera, see if it recorded anything.”

They walked to her office. Hank sat at her desk and pulled up the feed on her computer. “You haven’t seen anyone stealing, have you?”

“No. Not yet. Although things are still disappearing.”

“Crap. Okay, let’s see what’s wrong with this. It looks like it stopped recording a couple of days ago.” He looked around her desk. “The router is in your closet, right?”

Oh no. She forgot the router was in the closet. Laura’s mind rushed through what she put in there. Was it neat enough? Would he think having clothes hanging in there was strange?

“Um. Yes.”

Hank opened the door to the closet and found the router. “Oh, it looks like the network cable is disconnected. Hopefully, this is a quick fix.” It took just a minute for Hank to finish. “Okay, let’s check this baby out.”

The feed came right up. Laura was relieved. One less thing to worry about.

Hank turned her desk chair around, stared at her, and rubbed his jaw. He opened his mouth to speak and closed it.

Laura’s heart thumped loudly in her chest. What was going on with him?

“Laura. Sweetheart, something you want to tell me?”

No. He couldn’t have put two and two together. A flush crept across her cheek. She bit her lip.

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