Page 67 of Breathe Me In

I forced a smile and followed Brad back to his car. Once out of hearing range, I glared at him. “Thanks for that.”

“Anytime.” He slipped in behind the wheel, and I cursed before I joined him.

I waited until we were on the road. “All right, so how far is Mano’s Supply anyway?”

“South end of town.” He looked at me like he wanted to say something, but didn’t. That was the third time he’d done that since we’d left the station. I wanted to ask, but at the same time I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what was on his mind. It was probably more questions about my sanity.

I kept my eyes locked on the horizon as we drove and left him to his thoughts. When his phone rang loudly, I jumped. His finger hovered over the decline button on the dash, then he seemed to change his mind and hit answer.

“Hey, how’s your day going?” Sherry’s high-pitched voice was like a needle to the eye. I kept my gaze locked on the horizon.

“Bree and I are actually just about to get out and question someone.” Brad tried to sound normal, but I knew him well enough to know he was uncomfortable, by the way his hands flexed on the wheel.

“Oh, you’re with Bree?”

“Yes, I’m at work.”

“Oh, hi, Bree. I hope you’re feeling better.”

“What do you want, Sherry?” Brad’s voice was cold.

“I was just calling because I was going through one of the boxes that I took from the house and realized it was your old hockey stuff.” She blew out an exaggerated loud breath. “I wasn’t sure if you wanted it or if I should burn it.” She made a yeech sound and laughed as if she’d made a joke.

Brad shook his head and quietly cursed.

“Sorry, Bradley, but you know the smell is the one thing that I can’t get past.”

“Leave it on the porch, and I’ll come by and get it later.”

“Or I can drop it off.” I rolled my eyes at Brad. It was so obvious she’d taken the box on purpose.

“No. I’ll come by later.” Brad ended the call by jabbing the button hard.

I was relieved when Brad parked, and the moment he stopped outside the store, I hopped out and took a big deep breath and righted my head.

“Bree.” Brad looked at me over the roof of the car. “I know she went at you in the ambulance. I talked to Kelly.”

“You know what?” I plastered on a smile. “I have a really good feeling about this interview. Let’s go see if my gut’s right.” I turned on my heel but heard him sigh as he slammed the door and followed.

“Bree.” I ignored him and headed inside, where I spotted a man behind the counter. “Bree, please.”

“Hi there.” The man smiled at me. “What can I do for you today?”

I looked around as I approached him, Brad right on my heels. “I was told that you’re the man to come to if I needed some international greenery.” His face brightened at the thought of a sale. Brad leaned forward, but I stopped him from showing his badge. He didn’t question me—he just stepped back. This was, after all, what Cap had brought me in to do. By the look of this man, I felt he’d get spooked if he smelled law enforcement.

“You a cop?” he asked me, suddenly cautious.

“No, are you?” I bantered back with a smile.

“Not the last time I checked.” He grinned, and his gaze shifted over to Brad, who decided he should look around. “You might be a woman, but you have that look.”

“Do I?” I looked down at my outfit and thought I looked more business casual, but okay, I’d take law enforcement too. “Well, if it helps, by law, if I was a cop, I’d have to disclose that information, so.” I shrugged. “My uncle’s an officer, though, and I’m a good listener.” I beamed, and he joined in.

“All right, what kind of plants are you looking for?” He tapped some buttons on his computer, and I leaned over the counter and watched his throat contract. Perfect.

“It’s some kind of moss from the Netherlands. It’s thick and kind of drapey. I believe it has a funny sort of smell to it.” I acted like I was lost on the details. “My sister told me about it, said it was great for keeping the raccoons away.” He looked at me carefully.

“Are you a fan of PETA?”