Page 19 of The Dark Stranger
Heads leaned together in whispers.
David noticed first.
The way his eyes tracked movement outside wasn’t casual—it was trained.
“You okay?” he asked gently while Becca cleaned her station. “Feels like there’s a lot of attention on this place.”
Christina shot him a look. “Don’t pry,” she murmured.
Becca smiled, shrugging it off. “It’s nothing. Just small-town drama.”
That would’ve been the end of it—if David hadn’t seen the paper.
The crumpled note sat half-open on the edge of Becca’s table, just enough for a few words to show.
His jaw tightened—not angry. Protective.
He asked again. Quieter this time.
Becca hesitated.
Then sighed.
She didn’t give them everything. Just pieces. Enough to explain the tension. Enough to make sense of the stares.
To her surprise, neither of them reacted the way people in town had.
No judgment.
No awkward silence.
Christina nodded slowly. “We get it.”
David gave a small, knowing smile. “Same kind of town where we’re from. Different faces—same nonsense.”
They didn’t pity her. Didn’t tell her to leave.
“Keep your head up,” Christina said as they gathered their things. “And your eye on the prize.”
David handed her a card. “If you ever need anything—anything at all—you call us.”
Becca took it, something warm settling in her chest.
After the door closed behind them, the shop felt quieter—but not empty.
For the first time that day, she didn’t feel alone.
The bell above the door jingled.
Becca’s shoulders tensed before she turned.
Izzy stoodthere like he still belonged—leather jacket, chains, that familiar arrogance clinging to him. And beside him…
The girl didn’t hide.
She stood tall, chin lifted, dressed in money and confidence. Dark hair perfectly styled. Nails manicured. Eyes sharp, amused.
This one wasn’t intimidated by small towns.
