* * *
About an hour later, they arrived at the Black Bear Café. Maya did her usual pat on the nose of the wooden bear outside the restaurant. She had put on one of her better sweaters and makeup and left her hair down—usually when she worked, she had it pulled back into a ponytail or bun. She was enjoying being out of uniform and having a day off. There was a time when she wouldn’t have been able to relax. Or she would have relaxed by drinking too much. She was proud of the changes she’d made in her life.
“You look beautiful,” Josh whispered in her ear as they entered.
“Thanks,” Maya said, smiling. “You telling me that never gets old.”
The hostess told them that their table was in the back room that could accommodate larger parties. They wound their way to the back room, holding hands. Maya didn’t care what Natalia thought of her—she was in love with Josh and that’s all that mattered.
Strolling into the room, Josh suddenly stopped. His face flushed. Maya saw his parents, Pops and three other people she didn’t know—a man, a woman who she assumed was the man’s wife and a younger man—all sitting around the large table. The man was sipping coffee and staring at his phone. The woman and Natalia were next to each other, chatting like old friends. The young man stared off into space and seemed to be daydreaming. Maybe he was the couple’s adult son? These had to be the acquaintances Josh was talking about, and Maya was relieved to see Amber wasn’t there. But Josh’s expression had her worried.
“What’s wrong?” she whispered.
Josh shook his head and quietly said, “I’ll tell you later.”
Pops stood and gave Maya a hug and shook Josh’s hand. Josh’s parents came over and greeted him. Spencer turned to Maya, gave her a hug, and said, “It’s good to see you again.”
“Thanks,” Maya said. “Good to see you too.”
To Maya’s surprise, Josh’s mom also gave her a hug, although it was awkward for both.
“Maya,” Spencer said, “I want to introduce you to some family friends—the Bradfords. Dale is a senator now, but he and I worked together long ago when I was in the prosecutor’s office.”
“Yes,” Dale said, standing and shaking Maya’s hand. “Before Spencer went rogue and started defending criminals.”
Spencer laughed and then introduced Dale’s wife, Laura, and their son, Miles. Maya took a seat in between Josh and Pops and then it hit her. Senator. The case Josh was talking about regarding Amber. If Maya remembered right, the victim was the daughter of a senator. Was it possible that this was the victim’s family? Based on how tight Josh’s face appeared, she thought she was probably correct. If so, why were they here? Especially after Amber had contacted Josh. Did they hear about the evidence and want to know more about their daughter’s case and the possibility that the wrong person had been convicted?
“Good to see you all again,” Josh finally said to the Bradfords in a strained voice.
“Yes, good to see you,” Dale answered. “We were so glad to run into your parents at the airport and discover we were all headed to Pinecone Junction. I needed a break, and the mountains are the perfect getaway. Now these two ladies can shop while I relax.”
Dale smiled at Laura and Natalia. They both nodded in agreement. Then Natalia added, “I warned Laura that there wasn’t much shopping around here.”
“Maybe you can take a day and drive to Steamboat Springs or go the other way and go to Vail,” Maya said, inwardly thinking that both drives were long and would keep them busy. “You might enjoy spending the night in one of those towns too.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Laura said. “I look forward to exploring around here, although a day trip might be nice.”
Josh had picked up the breakfast menu and was staring at it. Maya knew he didn’t need to read the menu. The Black Bear had typical breakfast options, and they didn’t change. She hoped they could get through this and get home so they could talk in private.
“Did you bring your security detail?” Josh asked, putting down the menu and breaking his silence.
“We did,” Dale answered. “I gave them last night and this morning off, though. I figure there’s no mastermind criminal after us here.”
“It’s not like someone has to be a mastermind to be dangerous,” Josh said. “Who’s doing security for you these days?”
“Tony Lancaster and Ian Bachar. Do you know them? They both worked for Chicago PD, but I don’t know if you were in the same districts.”
Josh grunted in response and then said, “Yeah. I knew them.”
Maya stared at him. Yes, they needed to talk. The waitress came, and before they could order, Josh, Maya, and Pops’ phones all went off at the same time.That’s not good. Although maybe we will be saved by a call. I don’t wish anyone ill will, but this breakfast has become more than awkward.
Maya, Josh, and Pops all stood up and excused themselves. Heading outside, Maya picked up her phone. The caller ID said Todd Davis. Todd was her patrol captain.
“Hello,” Maya said.
“Hey there, Thompson, sorry to bug you on a Sunday and your day off, but we have a situation and it’s in your area.”
“No problem, sir,” Maya said. “What’s going on and what do you need from me?”
