I frown at the entrance of the internet cafe. Why did she come here? I’ve seen J’s computer set up. Her CPU alone is worth five figures. There is nothing with comparable power in that building.
“Who did she see this morning?” I demand.
“Dr. Kenji and Martina.”
I grunt.What secrets are you hiding now, Jinx?
“Oh,” Ren says, “I spotted the woman from the picture you showed me.”
My chin jerks up. “Did J and Kelly meet?”
He shakes his head.
I put the pieces together in my mind.
J looked like she was running from someone when she left the hospital. Was she running from Kelly?
But why?
The door of the internet cafe opens, and J moves slowly down the stairs. From this distance, I can’t see her expression to know what she’s thinking. I’m debating my next move when an Uber drives up to her. She gets in and shuts the door.
I give Ren a pointed look.
Without a word, he hurries back to his bike and takes off.
Hayato drives off at the same time.
On the highway, I notice Ren dipping and weaving through traffic to keep up with J’s cab. Something about the lieutenant’s back on that motorbike looks familiar, but I can’t explain why.
I choose not to dwell on it and keep a close eye on J’s Uber. They seem to be heading to one of the small towns outside the city.
Finally, we pass a sign welcoming visitors to a town with a population of 2000. The car drives down a quiet street filled with humble bungalows. It stops outside a yellow house with a grey sedan parked in the driveway.
I text J as she climbs out of the cab.
ME:Where are you?
J:Come outside and I’ll tell you.
I look up and notice J throwing up two middle fingers at the car.
Seems like we weren’t as discreet as I thought.
Unbothered, I open the door and stride to her. J stands stiffly, waiting for me to get closer.
“Seriously? You’re tailing me now?” J plants a hand on her hip and tilts her head. Her ponytail swings like a pendulum.
Her blue-green eyes meet mine, and I feel a spark of breathlessness. The blazing sunshine makes the blue glisten like diamonds and then flash to turquoise-ocean green.
It’s so damn fascinating.
I hate it.
“When did you get back?” she adds.
“Why are you here?” I snap.
“I asked first.”
