Unmoved. Watching.
Her face sharpened. “Okay, but what about that?”
She pointed like it might bite.
“You’re not seriously calling that a coincidence.”
A flicker passed through Arden’s face. Subtle. Unmistakable.
Her jaw tightened. Fingers wrapped tighter around the mug.
“It was at the door last night.”
Her voice was steady. Detached. Like facts alone could strip meaning from them.
“They’re probably not even connected.”
She knew better.
Penny narrowed her eyes, seeing right through it.
“You’re not worried?”
Arden took another sip. “No.”
Lie.
Another sip.
Longer this time.
“It’s the timing. That’s all.”
Penny didn’t buy it. She crossed her arms, stance sharpening.
“‘Weird timing’ is how every Dateline episode starts. If someone’s playing secret admirer, they need to read the room and back off.”
Arden shook her head. “It’s nothing. Let’s not make it a big deal.”
A pause.
Then—“Fine.”
But the word dripped with doubt.
Penny pointed a finger at her like it was a vow.
“But if anything else shows up? You tell me. No more pretending this isn’treal.”
Arden managed a small smile. “Deal.”
Penny set the tin down harder than necessary, bristling.
Then, without warning…
“I have a great idea.”
Arden narrowed her eyes. Penny’s great ideas were usually code for chaotic joyrides with no exits.
