Out of the corner of my eye, I see Noah squeeze my sister closer.
Officer Lewis looks between us, but Flaw and Order leans in toward me, making me blanch as he winks.
“Speaking of dead people ... You know I was an extra onThe Walking Dead? I played Finger-Eating Zombie Number 1, which was distinctive because I had a line ... well, it was more of a grunt, but I really committed. I’d love to show you my reel over a drink.”
I blink back rage. Never did I ever think I could dislike someone more than I hate Chase, and yet ... He must know I’m thinking about him because when I open my mouth to launch a string of expletives at this wannabe actor, I can’t.
Two exacting words silence the room.
“Back up.”
My head turns quickly to Chase, whose jaw is tense as he stares back at Phony-Copony.Whoa.
I’m so stunned that it takes me a minute to catch up.What is he doing?Still, I roll my eyes, ready to tell both guys to shut up, until Officer Lewis frowns, looking between the two men.
“Let’s keep cool heads here.”
I’m about to sayYes, let’s keep cool heads and realistic expectations. Nobody likes either of you,but Noah beats me to it.
“Chase,” Noah calls from beside us like he’s sayingChill.
Oh god, if he gets arrested for this, I’ll never be able to escape him. My mother really will try to force me into an arranged marriage like we’re in a modern-day version ofBridgerton. Except Chase would be the diamond of the season, and I’d be the grumpy, unwilling scoundrel one eye roll away from permanent damage.
If I believed in God, I’d start a prayer circle right now for his freedom because the alternative is actually more terrifying.
There are a few more beats of silence as thick tension hangs in the air, making it hard for everyone to breathe. I wish I had the over/under on who gets tased first.
But before I’m actually forced to worry, Officer Lewis slaps a hand on Rio’s chest and moves him backward, then looks at the future recipient of Will Smith’s slap, adding, “We don’t flirt with civilians on the job.”
Chase smirks, but Rio raises his brows, clearly embarrassed, before he throws out, “Flirting would be asking her to accompany me to the opening of 617 West next month.”
My “Jesus Christ” comes out at the same time Chase says, “We’re booked.” But apparently, Rio only hears Chase because his face whips to our very ownTop Chefkids’ edition.
“Hold on. You’retheChase Beckett. Sorry, man, I didn’t recognize you.” He slaps Officer Lewis’s shoulder. “This is the guy I was telling you about today. The owner of the hottest restaurant to hit LA since ever.”
Chase grins. “All good.”
I all but turn in a circle, throwing my arms and bagged heart in the air. Jenko and Schmidt look at each other excitedly before Real Cop says, “Oh, wow, we’re both big foodies. I was actually reading about you in theLA Timesthe other day. Loved the part where you called vegans joy haters. You know the writer called you the Michelangelo of food. Said they saw a few Michelin stars in your future.”
Kill me.What is happening? Did everyone suddenly forget there could be a lunatic on the loose?
Chase chuckles. “I read that. You never know what will happen, but the Michelangelo thing was clever because I actually did sketches of the food for the menu like he did for his grocery lists ...”
Oh my god. I may die of proximity to smugness before anyone stabs me.
“Excuse me. Can we get back on track?”
I’m ignored again. Dammit, I hate being short. Tall people never pay attention to anything below their chest equator. So I put the bagged heart between my teeth and clap my hands together hard, drawing everyone’s attention. And their silence.
Thank you.
I pull the bag from my mouth and smile, but it comes off the way I mean it—annoyed.
“Michelangelo was illiterate—that’s why he sketched,” I bite out. “So I guess you’re in perfect company.” I turn my attention back to the cops. “But I assume everyoneherecan read. So how about we try it on the room?”
Noah snorts a laugh, but my sister swats his chest. I continue.
“Maybe thiswasjust a prank, but two things can be true. Wewerealmost killed eighteen months ago. And now, someone’s writing ‘She’s mine’ in corn syrup using a replica of my heart. It doesn’t take a genius to see someone wanted to scare us.”
