Two different women … two different places … both catching my attention. Luke had no idea what was going on, but after a long time of being with the Saints, when they were single, who gained female attention quicker than he did, he was not about to pass up a rare opportunity.
"That's all you're having?" he asked, secretly hoping his words did not sound cheesy as he wiped his hands on the wadded up napkin.
A slow smile spread across the woman's face as she offered a little shrug. "Not very hungry today, but thought a little caffeine would perk me up."
He nodded, unsure of what to say next. "The pie here is pretty good, but if you really want a treat sometime with your coffee, you should try Angel's Cupcake Heaven. The owner is the wife of a co-worker and believe me, they're special."
The conversation remained stilted but continued as she drank her coffee. He knew she would soon leave and his thoughts jumped back to the raven-haired woman from Chuck's. I let that woman walk away. Am I going to do the same thing again? Taking an unprecedented chance, he rushed, "My name's Luke. I'd love to take you to Angel's sometime … or meet there."
Her smile appeared genuine before she glanced down at her empty coffee cup, once more the red curls hiding her face. "I … uh … well, I … "
"Here," he continued, taking a napkin and scribbling his cell phone number down onto the thin scrap of tissue. As he pushed the paper over to her, he noted her smile was still on her face. Breathing a sigh of relief, he grinned. "I won't even ask for yours … just your name. And if you ever want to try a life-changing cupcake, you can call me first and I'll meet you there."
Tucking the scrap into her oversized purse, she slid down from the stool. Glancing up at him from behind the large glasses, she nodded. "I'm-"
Just then his phone rang and he knew it was Jack. Damn timing! "I'm sorry, but I've got to take this call. It's my boss."
Before he had a chance to speak again, she smiled as she turned, walking quickly to the door, disappearing into the parking lot to the side of the building.
Grinning ruefully, he thought, Well fuck. I keep losing them before I get a name. Smiling at the waitress, he tossed down his money and headed out into the sunshine taking his call. Time to get to work and find out who the hell Eli Frederick was and what he wanted to tell the FBI so much that it got him killed.
Chapter 5
Charlie walked around to the side of the diner, making sure she was out of sight. Swinging her leg over the seat of her Vespa, she left through the alley behind the restaurant and then quickly turned in the opposite direction.
Driving toward the campground, she kept a vigilant eye out for anyone who might be following her. The roads became more rural and she felt the pressure of crowded roads lessen … an emotion that made her cautious. Turning into the wooded campground, she drove along the gravel path making her way around the one-way road. Having selected the perfect spot for her camper van, she smiled as it came into view. Tucked into the woods it was near the end of the road, making it easy to pull out and escape if needed.
As she drove into the space by her camper van, she secured the Vespa on the back as usual. Always be ready for a quick getaway had become her motto.
Walking to the side, her gaze swept the area and found nothing but woods, squirrels scampering amongst the trees, and the sounds of a few children playing in the distance. Slipping discretely around the camper, she checked her security measures. Another useful skill I've learned. The unobtrusive security cameras and trip-wires were all intact. Stepping into her camper, she repeated the same steps as the other evening. Slipping off the red-haired wig and taking off the large purple-framed glasses, she once again stared into the mirror.
"What are you doing? I'm such a stalker," she stated out loud, dropping her chin to her chest. After a moment of quiet self-reflection, she knew the answer and lifted her head.
I'm sick and tired of being alone. Fighting this alone. Trying to stay alive while figuring out everything by myself. And … I just wanted to see him again. He looks so trustworthy. So capable. Who am I kidding? He's so gorgeous. She thought of how her life had changed in the last five months. The fear. The horror. And then, in the midst of it all, like a flower growing from the asphalt, she stumbled into Luke. Even if it had only been through the cyber-waves, they had formed a friendship of sorts. At least, for her.