Tucker saw Dawn squeeze the man back. "I know. Julia's been sneaking me your po'boys because she understands I need my fix."
He grunted and released her, and a wide smile spread over his face. "I thought she was taking a bit extra when she came to the restaurant." His gaze slid to Tucker. "And just who is this?" His stare turned assessing as it slid over Tucker. Jones studied Tucker a moment, then accurately called him out as, "FBI."
Tucker inclined his head. "Guilty." He offered his hand to the man. "My name's Tucker Frost."
"Jones." He gave a brief, strong shake. "It's the suit that gives you away." The kitchen workers were hustling behind him and a dozen tantalizing scents drifted in the air. "I can always spot you guys from fifty paces." His smile was gone as he focused on Dawn once more. "Why are you bringing a Fed to my back door?"
"Because we need your help." Her hands were at her sides. "There's a man doing some very bad things in this city, and so far, there's only one person who has actually seen him."
One person who was still alive. There had been a hitch in Dawn's voice when she spoke and he could tell by the sudden stiffness in Jones's shoulders that the other man had noticed. She's in pain.
Tucker hated Dawn's pain.
Jones narrowed his eyes. "Tell me more."
"He's killing, Jones. Julia is working on...on another of his victims tonight." Her breath whispered out. "This victim was my friend."
The man's face hardened. "What can I do?" His hand squeezed her shoulder.
For a moment, Tucker thought Dawn would cry, but instead she pulled in a long, hard breath. "We're looking for a homeless man named Red." She gave a quick description of him. "If he comes knocking on your back door, will you keep him here? Keep him here, call me...and Tucker and I will be at Dressed as fast as we can."
Jones nodded. "I can do that."
"Thank you." She gave a brisk nod. "I know you need to get back to work, but we had to stop by. Word about your place has spread. I know if Red needs a meal, he'll show up here. And maybe you can put the word out to the others...when they come for food...let them know we're looking for Red, and that I can pay them for information."
"I'll put out that word."
"I need him to stay safe." She rubbed her face. "I gave him a hundred dollars. That could last him a while or...or he could drink it away in a night. Just...if he comes here, you call."
One of the cooks yelled out to Jones.
"We'll let you get back to work," Dawn murmured.
Jones dropped his hand from her shoulder. But there was still worry in his eyes as he stared down at Dawn.
"Thanks for your time, sir," Tucker said. They slipped away. As they were leaving, a woman with long blond hair and hunched shoulders hurried toward the back door. She knocked, and Jones opened the door to hand her that white bag. The woman whispered her thanks and hurried off.
Tucker paused in the alleyway, watching the scene. "How long has he been doing that?"
"Ever since he opened the business five years ago. Jones has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met."
"And let me guess-" he thought of Malone "-you met him while working a PI case? Who did you find for him?"
She frowned at him. "I met Jones when his daughter, Julia, brought me here for the best po'boy of my life."
Julia. The coroner. No wonder they'd been talking so casually about her.
"He's helped me on a few of my cases. No one knows the city better than Jones. If Red comes calling, we'll know." She turned and stalked down the alley. He followed behind, and then found himself reaching out to touch her shoulder.
She stilled.
"Why did you come to New Orleans?"
"I couldn't stay in Baton Rouge any longer. It hurt too much." She turned toward him. Their bodies brushed. "But Louisiana is in my blood. New Orleans just seemed to...call to me at the time. Plenty of people escape here. Plenty of people start over here. And that's what I needed. A place to start over."
///
Only that fresh start was being destroyed. "I'm sorry."
Her head tilted back. "For what?"
"My family wrecked your life." His family. His fucking twisted family. And most folks thought Jason was the only problem in their family tree.
Those folks were wrong. Jason hadn't been the first monster in the family. What if he's not the last?
"You never hurt me, Tucker." She stared up at him. "But I hurt you."