Page 11 of The Scenic Route
Callum refocused on Felicity and Bennett, the soft expression disappearing in an instant, replaced by the sharp lines of suspicion. “What’s going on?”
Rather than answer immediately, Felicity studied him. Despite Lou’s description of her husband, he really didn’t seem like someone who’d spread gossip all over town, but Charlie was always telling her that she gave people the benefit of the doubt, even when there was very little doubt that they were shady—including their mom, who’d proven herself morally bankrupt over and over again. If word got around and Dino heard she was looking for him, he’d disappear, and she might never find him.
“I don’t spread gossip,” Callum said, as if he could read her mind.
“He doesn’t,” Lou chimed in, leaning on the counter in front of them while her current customer studied the whiteboard menu, ignoring the impatient grumbly noises the people in line behind her were making. “He loves hearing things before everyone else, but he doesn’t spread it around, just packs it away so he can make smug, knowing faces when the firefighters find out and try to shock him.”
“Thank you for that compliment.” The man really was the king of deadpan.
Felicity glanced over at the silent man on her other side and mentally awarded him the commendation. Bennett was the king of deadpan, and Callum was runner-up. Prince? Vice king? She shook off the distracting thought as Callum focused on her.
Felicity paused for only another few seconds before givingin. After all, she didn’t even know where the militia’s compound was located. It’s not like they sent out an email newsletter with their address printed on the bottom. “I’m a bounty hunter, researching one of my bail jumpers.”
“I know what I want to order,” the woman at the counter announced, and Lou silently sighed. She moved to the register with a smile that was only slightly strained.
Callum’s expression didn’t change. “Go on.”
“Douglas ‘Dino’ Fletcher. He is—or was—a member of the Freedom Survivors.”
The corner of his mouth twisted down in the slightest frown of distaste.
“I know,” Felicity said. “It’s a terrible name.”
“Most of the members aren’t great either.”
“Figured.” With a small shrug, she said, “It’s a militia. They’re not known for being…great.”
“What was he arrested for?” Callum asked.
“Dealing meth.”
That slight frown came again. “You want Sparks’s help?”
“Sparks?”
“Lou.”
“Oh.” Pushing aside the urge to ask if that was a nickname or a last name, she focused on the initial question. “Sort of. I mean, I won’t drag her out to the compound, shouting Fletcher’s name. Just basic information, if you two have it. An address would be handy.”
His expression had turned glacial about the time she mentioned dragging Lou into a militia compound. It didn’t reallywarm up any as she continued.
“They can use my whiteboard,” Lou offered eagerly, using the excuse of pulling out a new package of cups to lean into their low-voiced discussion. “And I can call up the other murder club ladies.”
Once again, Felicity found herself meeting Bennett’s gaze for awhat?moment before she forced herself to look away. “Um…murder ladies?”
“Murderclubladies. Three friends of mine. We’re strictly amateurs in the investigation business, of course, but we’ve solved every murder we’ve looked into.” Lou turned back toward her line of customers, leaving Felicity no choice but to give Callum a questioning look.
He glanced briefly at the ceiling in what was almost an eye roll. “Give me your number.”
Felicity’s eyebrows drew together at the unexpected request.
“This isn’t the place.” Callum glanced meaningfully around the shop, crowded by customers who looked much too interested in what they were talking about. “We’ll meet up after Lou’s shift is over.”
With a shrug, Felicity rattled off her cell number. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Bennett tapping at the screen of his phone. It probably wasn’t the best idea to give her phone number to her stalker, but he was turning into more of a…helper, maybe? At least a neutral party. So it would probably turn out okay in the end.
She hoped.
Four
