Page 51 of In the Shadows
Ronan kept his expression neutral. "You've been paying attention."
"I always pay attention. It's why I'm good at my job." Sid's eyes narrowed slightly. "Also, why I'm still alive."
That last sentence hung in the air between them. A statement that meant more than its words suggested.
"What did you do before you came to Blossom Springs?"
"I fixed cars. Different garage, different town." Sid's mouth curved slightly. "And before that, I did some other things that I don't talk about much. Let's just say I know what it looks like when someone's running an operation."
"And you think that's what I'm doing?"
"I think there's something wrong in this town, and I think you know what it is. I think Lila Bennett has been asking dangerous questions for a long time, and now she's got someone watching her back." He paused. "I also think you're one of the good guys, or you would have made a move by now."
"What makes you so sure?"
"Because if you were working for the other side, Lila would already be gone. And you wouldn't be standing here letting me ask uncomfortable questions."
Ronan studied the mechanic. Sid Hoffman was sharper than he'd expected. More observant. The kind of man who'd learned to read situations and people, probably through experiences he didn't advertise.
"The centennial is less than two weeks away," Ronan said. "Things might get complicated."
"Figured as much."
"If they do—if something happens—Lila might need help that I can't provide. People she can trust."
"And you're asking if I'm one of those people?"
"I'm asking if you'd be willing to help, if it comes to that. No questions asked. No explanations given."
Sid was quiet for a moment. Then he nodded once.
"Lila's good people. From what I hear, her father was, too." He picked up the rag and began wiping his hands again. "Whatever you're doing—whatever you're really here for—if it helps her, my wife, Grace, and I are in."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. Thank me when it's over, and everyone's still standing."
Ronan turned to leave, then paused.
"Hoffman. Those other things you did before—the ones you don't talk about. Were any of them in the Army?"
Sid's expression flickered. Recognition, or something like it.
"Army. Twenty-four years. But same general idea." He met Ronan's eyes. "Takes one to know one, Cross."
Ronan nodded and walked away. Another ally. Another piece of the puzzle falling into place.
The centennial would begin soon. And by the time it ended, Blossom Springs would never be the same.
He just had to make sure Lila survived to see it.
The library sat at the end of Main Square, a two-story brick building with arched windows and a copper weathervane shaped like a pelican.
Lila had texted him that morning. No case details—they’d agreed to keep those off their phones. Just two words: Library. Noon.
He found her in the local history room on the second floor. She was sitting cross-legged on the floor between two shelving units, a stack of oversized books balanced on her knees, reading glasses perched on her nose. She didn’t look up when he walked in.
“You wear glasses.”
