Not even the punch of black coffee could chase away the lingering bits of fatigue in Reid’s brain. He shuffled forward in the line at Cloud 9 Café like a zombie to wait for his pastry and second cup of the day.
“Here ya go, Reid.” Tiffany, the owner’s granddaughter, handed over a brown bag and a carrier with two to-go cups. “Black for you, and one coffee with cream and sugar for Madden. Have a great day.”
Dipping his chin, he took his purchases and headed for the door. Temptation to sit and finish his drink before heading to work slowed his footsteps. Sunrise Security’s office was only three doors down, but as tired as he was, it might as well be miles.
Sleep hadn’t come easy. He’d even climbed into his car in the middle of the night to drive to Eve’s house, idling on the side of the road to make sure everything was all right. Once he was positive she was safe, he’d driven back home just to toss and turn until the sun came up.
It’d taken every ounce of self-control not to call and check on her. He’d wait until he settled into work and talked to Madden before casually swinging by the restaurant. Knowing Eve, she wouldn’t take the day off after her ordeal. She’d be back behind the bar, serving her customers with a smile.
The bell chimed above the entrance and gained his attention. Deputy Luke Hill strolled inside, his cowboy hat in his hands. His face was clean-shaven and dark hair a little disheveled.
Reid lifted his hand in greeting. “Hey, Luke. Any news about last night? I’d love to hear that son of a bitch who went after Eve is behind bars this morning.”
Luke winced. “I wish I could tell you that, but the guy’s vanished.”
The news was like a fist in the gut. “Damn it.”
A voice crackled from the radio clipped to Luke’s shoulder. “Sorry, I’ve got to see what’s up.”
Reid waited for the young deputy to leave then followed him outside, peeling off in the opposite direction. The sun was already warm, but a faint breeze stirred the air. People milled about, popping into stores or sitting outside on benches to enjoy the morning.
He waved at a happy couple strolling hand in hand then stepped into Sunrise Security.
Peggy Reynolds sat behind her desk. Her straight, gray hair skimmed the top of her shoulders and her ever-present pink lipstick showcased a mouth that always smiled. “Good morning.”
Her singsong voice usually lifted his spirits, but it wasn’t enough to shove aside the heavy cloud hanging over him. “Hi, Peg. Madden in?”
She twisted her chair to face the filing cabinet behind her and pulled out some paperwork. “Yep. In his office.”
“Grabbed your favorite.” He tossed the pastry bag on her desk on the way down the hall.
“Thanks,” she called out. “Chocolate. You always know my weakness.”
Stopping outside Madden’s open door, he tapped on the door frame then stepped inside. “Got your usual.”
Madden accepted the coffee and gestured toward the chair across his desk. “You’re bringing in all kinds of treats today. I could hear Peggy hollering about chocolate all the way down the hall. Have a seat.”
Grunting, Reid sat and took a sip of his drink. The hot, bitter liquid burned his tongue before sliding down his throat. He closed his eyes for a brief second, willing the caffeine to work.
“Get any sleep last night?” Madden asked.
Reid shook his head. After he’d left Eve’s place, he’d called his friend to fill him in on what had happened. Talking it over had helped process everything, as well as made him realize there wasn’t anything else he could have done to find the guy who’d hurt Eve.
“That explains the early trip to the café. Appreciate it. You talk to Eve this morning?”
Again, he shook his head. “Figured I’d stop by when I know she’s at Tilly’s. Don’t want to overwhelm her. I’m sure she’d rather just forget the whole thing. No need to drag it all up again as soon as she wakes up.”
Madden snorted and leaned back in his seat. “You think she’s not running it through her mind over and over? Chances are you got more sleep than she did last night. I’m still shocked you didn’t stay at her place. She had to be terrified.”
Reid scrubbed a hand over his face. His friend was right. He should have stayed—hell, he’d wanted to stay. But sitting with her in her home, sharing a drink, had held the type of intimacy he hadn’t experienced with a woman in a very long time.
Was the type of intimacy he’d avoided at all costs most his life.
“You know Eve. She’s tough as nails. Swore she was okay and couldn’t keep her eyes open. I didn’t want to keep her up any longer, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t check and make sure she was all right.”
Madden’s dark brows shot up. “And how did you do that if you haven’t spoken with her?”
Well, hell. He hadn’t meant to confess his late-night drive-by. “Nothing. Forget about it. I planned to stop by Tilly’s this morning. Give her a little time before checking in.”
