She sighed. “I know.”
The early morning hour worked to their advantage. After the cop had passed them, red and blue lights flashing, there hadn’t been much traffic. He was relieved, as it was easy enough to spot a potential tail when they were alone on the highway.
Yet he also knew that would change as the sun came up and citizens headed out to work. He kept a wary eye on the road behind them in case the gas station clerk had noticed their stolen car and reported it. An unlikely scenario, but he couldn’t relax until he knew they’d gotten the new rental.
Big cities like Chicago and Milwaukee had police cameras mounted on key intersections for the sole purpose of reading license plates to identify stolen vehicles. But smaller towns did not. Madison was the state capital, so he was pretty sure they had the camera technology.
Would his black electrical tape help hide them as they entered Madison? He hoped so.
“Looks like there’s a family restaurant up ahead,” Lauren said, breaking into his thoughts.
He nodded. “That works.” He caught Lucy’s gaze in the rearview mirror. “Ready for breakfast?”
“Yes.” Lucy looked happy to hear they were stopping soon.
They’d made good time since leaving the gas station. Yet with dawn rising on the horizon, the traffic around them increased. He didn’t see how anyone could have followed them, but he looked at every dark SUV with suspicion. Soon, they approached a small town by the name of Wild Prairie located about seven miles outside Madison. He wasn’t sure if the rental car agency would open early, so they might as well linger here at the restaurant for at least an hour or two before rushing into the city.
If their stolen car triggered those police cameras, which he thought was highly likely, they wouldn’t have much time before the cops were on them.
“We’re here, Lucy. Keep in mind, they may not have strawberry waffles,” Lauren warned as he exited the highway and pulled into the restaurant parking lot. “You may have to have pancakes or plain waffles instead.”
“They will.” Lucy didn’t sound concerned. “Ariel and I love eating strawberry waffles.”
Lauren rolled her eyes as she unclipped her seatbelt. Grady had the impression Lauren hadn’t realized what sorts of foods Lucy ate while spending time at her friend’s house.
He pushed out of the car and quickly rounded the front to stay close. He scanned the area but didn’t see anything unusual.
So far, so good, he thought grimly as he held the door open for Lauren and Lucy.
The tantalizing aroma of coffee greeted them upon entering the restaurant. A sign indicated they should seat themselves, so he chose a booth near the back. There weren’t many patrons at this hour, the dining room was wide open. He positioned himself so he could see both the main entrance and the side hallway where the restrooms were located.
A young woman came with menus and three water glasses a minute later. “Good morning, my name is Dee, I’ll be your server. Would anyone like coffee or tea?”
“Coffee, please,” he and Lauren answered at the same time. Dee smiled, and Grady knew she assumed they were a family.
That was what Lauren had wanted, right? A pretend fiancé? He told himself not to think about how wealthy Lauren was.
“Mom, can I have chocolate milk?” Lucy asked. Grady could tell by Lauren’s narrowed expression that Lucy was pushing the limits of her patience. “Please?”
Lauren sighed and relented. “Fine. One glass of chocolate milk, please.”
“Coming right up.” Dee filled their coffee mugs, then left to fetch the milk.
Cradling the mug in his hands, he eyed Lauren as he took a sip of the strong brew. “We may be here a while.”
She nodded in understanding and opened the menu. “Lucy, they have blueberry pancakes and waffles. Not strawberry.”
“I like blueberries,” Lucy said with enthusiasm. “Can we ask for whipped cream on the waffles?”
“We’ll see.” Lauren reached for her coffee and lowered her voice. “Grady, are we okay money-wise?”
“Yep.” They were running low, but they only needed enough cash to get them through the next couple of hours. He smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. Order whatever you like.”
She nodded and looked back down at the menu. When Dee returned with Lucy’s chocolate milk, they placed their order. He went with a farmer’s omelet while she had two eggs over easy with toast. Lucy was ecstatic to have her blueberry waffles with whipped cream.
He finished his coffee, then stood. “I’m going back outside to get the computer.”
“Okay.” Lauren turned her attention to Lucy. “Save some of your chocolate milk for when your meal arrives.”
