Page 13 of Cursed
“It might help to accidentally-on-purpose run into them here tonight and talk to Pax while Tony plays,” Seth mused.“Wouldn’t hurt to meet up in a neutral safe space and have Nash recognize us—builds trust. After that, we’ll play it by ear.”
“We’re here if you need backup.” Caden dug several business cards from his wallet, which he handed to Seth. “You know how to reach us.”
They shook hands and Nash went back to the bar, with Caden following, taking an open stool to hang out.
“Let’s just get dinner here,” Seth suggested. “I’m tired from the drive, and I don’t feel like cooking. And then we’ll be here when Tony plays.”
“Suits me,” Evan agreed.
He went up to the bar and came back with menus. “Nash says that the music starts in about half an hour,” he reported. “Tony is the second one up, so we can chill for a while and snack on appetizers and then dinner.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Seth scanned the menu. “Get any recommendations from Nash?”
“I know burgers aren’t original, but I saw one on someone’s plate, and it looked really good.”
“You want to do the ordering? You know how I like mine.” Seth handed back the menu. Evan took them back up front and talked to Nash, then returned with another beer and sat.
“Figured I’d take one for the team since you’re driving.” He lifted his glass in a mock toast to Seth. “Nash is on board with the plan, and he’s fine with us just hanging out and munching.”
The crowd at Mystic seemed laid back, a mix of ages. From their clothes, Evan guessed they ranged from business colleagues dropping in after work to locals and tourists.
A server brought a plate of fried green tomatoes and blue crab dip with house-made chips along with soft drinks. Evan hadn’t realized how hungry he was until he smelled the food.
“Wow, that’s really good,” Evan said after trying some of both dishes.
“Definitely better than the standard bar food,” Seth agreed.
They paced themselves so that they could be finishing up when it was Tony’s turn to play. That would allow them to bump into Pax on their way out without seeming contrived.
Their burgers came just as the first musician stepped up to introduce himself. His playlist of mellow folk tunes had the patrons nodding agreeably and clapping between songs.
“This is dangerously awesome.” Seth nodded toward his burger. “I’d be in trouble if we could eat here regularly.”
Evan agreed, even though he usually ordered something a little lighter. “I’m glad I went for it. When it looks that good, it’s worth trying.”
Since they were waiting for Tony to play, dinner was a leisurely affair, something rare that felt almost decadent. They often ate quickly on the road or made a hurried dinner in the RV after a busy day. Evan loved the change, even if it was part of working the case.
“Almost like a date,” Evan remarked.
“I was thinking the same thing.” Seth paid the bill, and they waited for Tony to take the stage next.
The first guitarist wrapped up his set to appreciative applause from the diners. Evan had spotted Tony coming in about fifteen minutes earlier and hanging out in a corner near the front. Just like his photo, he had shaggy brown hair and a trimmed beard.
When the first musician cleared the stage, Tony took his place with his guitar and music. The way he hooked up to the bar’s sound system made it clear he had performed there before.
“There’s Pax,” Seth said.
Evan recognized the man from his photo—tall, slender, clean-shaven, with short ginger hair. Pax had taken a seat at the bar where he could cheer on his partner.
“Hi, everyone. I’m Tony, and I hope my songs make your evening a little brighter.” He sat and began to play. His first two songs were soft rock favorites, a comfortable background for dining.
“Come on.” Seth plucked at Evan’s sleeve. They got up and made their way toward the front but paused at the bar behind Pax like they wanted to hear at least one more song before leaving.
“He’s really good,” Evan commented to Pax, just a friendly comment to a stranger.
Pax grinned. “Tony’s freaking fantastic. Is this the first you’ve heard him?”
“Yeah, we just got to town,” Evan replied. Seth stayed close behind him, ostensibly focused on the music but tuned into the conversation.
