Page 9 of Captivating Anika
“I’m sorry, I didn’t want to run the risk of her finding out from someone else somehow,” she apologizes as she glances over at Bill. “Her health isn’t the greatest.”
I remember Kim took some time off at the beginning of the year when her mother had a stroke. I’m instantly ashamed I stopped asking how she was doing.
“Understandable,” I assure her, even though I’m convinced the apology wasn’t aimed at me. “Do you remember Detective Evans? Vic’s husband,” I clarify.
Vic Evans is one of my regulars and Bill has come to pick her up a few times before.
“Of course.”
“Good. I’ll leave you to it then, while I make some coffee.”
I duck out of the office only to find Hog already doing battle with my espresso machine.
“Do any of these buttons actually make it work?” he grumbles, and I have to bite off a smile.
Typical guy. Bodhi has long given up trying and just asks Molly to make him a coffee when he pops by.
I bump Hog out of the way with my hip and as I explain every step of the process, clamp the portafilter under the grinder. Then I tamp down the precisely measured grounds, clip the filter to the group head, slip a paper cup underneath, and hit the button for a double.
“Isn’t it easier to put on a pot?”
I throw him a look over my shoulder.
“If you like dishwater.”
He ducks his head, but not before I see the crinkles beside his eyes make an appearance.
“Anika? Do you have a minute?” Bill pokes his head out of my office. “I need to take some pictures.”
I nod in understanding and before following him inside, I turn to Hog.
“Don’t break it.”
Hog
I’m on my goddamn knees, wiping coffee grounds I spilled on the floor because I can’t find a damn broom, when the front door chimes sound.
“Well, I’ll be…” Landon announces, stalking toward me with a shit-eating grin on his face. “Gotta admit, what started off as a shit day after discovering my favorite jeans shrank in the wash, is looking a whole lot more promising now.”
I hear the clicking of heels before I see Monique poking her head over Landon’s shoulder.
“Look, Mo, it’s our favorite fantasy come to life.”
Monique’s grin matches his. “I see that…”
“All right, that’s enough, guys,” Anika snaps behind me as I get to my feet.
When I turn around, I catch sight of Evans and a visibly upset Kim standing behind Anika in the doorway. The poor woman looks like she’s still wearing her husband’s handiwork. Makes me wish I’d taken him down a lot harder. Too bad I can’t have another go at him.
“What did that bastard do now?” Monique asks, obviously aware of the state of Kim’s marriage.
“Oh, honey…” Landon walks over to Kim and wraps an arm around her shoulders.
“Well, I should get to the station.” Evans turns to face Kim and hands her a card. “I’ll be in touch, but here’s my number just in case. He’s not going anywhere this weekend.”
She offers a watery smile. “Thank you.”
Then Bill taps my shoulder. “Walk out with me?”