Naomi smiles and nods. “Over easy with toast, please,” Naomi tells Maude as she hands her back the menu.
“Breakfast sandwich for me, please, ma’am.” Maude nods pleasantly and shuffles away toward the kitchen. I watch her go, then turn my attention back to Naomi, dropping my voice to just above a whisper.
"Devil's Gulch," I murmur. Not El Centinela.
Naomi leans forward, keeping her voice low. "I didn’t know what we’d find, but I didn’t think it’d be this."
"Me neither," I admit, taking another sip of coffee.I glance around again, trying to pinpoint what exactly unsettles me. This perfect little border outpost shouldn't exist. But no one is acting like they’re keeping a secret. They’re not watching us too closely or trying to look at us at all. It don’t feel right. But I can’t tell if it’s because it wasn’t what I was expecting or because there is something underneath that I’m just not seeing.
Of course, there’s also the girl in front of me and what she does to me. She’s been unsettling me since I met her. When she wrapped her arms around me and brought her mouth close to mine so we could whisper, I could barely think straight. When she touched my hand to help with our cover story, I never wanted her to take it off.
Maybe I’m missing what this town is trying to tell me because Naomi has captured my mind and heart. I can’t trust my instincts because they’re telling me that what I feel for her is right.
I’m pretending that this is just for cover. That the touch and closeness and intimacy are for show.
And that couldn't be further from the truth.
Maybe I can’t find the lie in this town because the biggest one is sitting across from the most beautiful girl in the world, sipping coffee like he’s not totally and utterly enthralled with her.
Eighteen
The bell above the diner door jingles again as we step outside, greeted by the cooling desert air. The sky's turning spectacular shades of orange and pink as the sun begins its descent.
Maude wasn't lying about the food. Those were damn good eggs. "What's next?" Naomi murmurs beside me, her voice low enough that only I can hear.
I automatically scan the street. "We need to recon more of the town."
Naomi nods, then holds out her hand toward me, speaking at normal volume. "Let's go for a walk."
It's a smart play. A couple taking an evening stroll, nothing suspicious about that. But I wasn't prepared for the jolt that runs through me when she offers her hand so naturally. I take it, hoping she doesn't notice my hesitation.
Her hand is small in mine, but not fragile. Her fingers fit between mine like they belong there. I push down the feeling that swells in my chest.
We start down the town's main street. I'm cataloging tactical details automatically—distance between buildings,vehicles parked along the street, number of people visible, vantage points—but I'm also aware of how the pink sky reflects in her eyes, turning her gray-blues warm.
"It's pretty here," she says, leaning slightly against me in a way that looks natural to anyone watching. "I didn't expect that."
"Small towns usually are at sunset," I reply, playing along.
We pass the gas station, a small general store, and what looks like a sheriff's office. Most buildings look neglected but not abandoned.
"See anything?" she asks quietly.
"Nothing that doesn't belong in a dying border town," I admit.
Naomi nods slightly. "I know. Everyone's been... nice. Too nice? Or maybe I'm just paranoid now."
“It’s only paranoia if you’re wrong," I say, steering us down a side street. “And I don’t think you’re wrong.”
The evening air carries the scent of mesquite and dust. Naomi's shoulder brushes against mine as we walk, and I find myself leaning in to the contact without thinking.Just playing the part, I keep telling myself. Just leaning in to mywife.
We pass what looks like an old schoolhouse with dark windows. Across from it stands what might have been a church once, but the cross is missing from the steeple.
"Walker," Naomi says softly, "what if we're wrong? What if this isn't the place?"
I squeeze her hand gently, my “wife’s” hand, no longer surprised at how natural the gesture feels. "You’re not wrong. And Static isn’t wrong. There's something here. We just haven't found it yet."
I spot a residential section cresting over the hill ahead. Without a word, Naomi follows my gaze, and we exchange a silent agreement through our eyes. That's our next target.
