“They’re checking the cat over and seeing if anyone’s missing a feline,” Mrs. C said.
“The shop looks good,” Hank added.
“It does, but what I want to know is why no one helped me get it looking like that before?” Mrs. C didn’t look happy. “I’m approachable.”
Hank coughed, and Noah snorted.
“I am!”
Lani found herself giggling, which was likely from the shock of that kiss, which had made her bones melt. In fact, it was amazing she could stand upright.
Distance was important now. She’d always been good at that, keeping people away. Strange how that seemed harder here in Lake Howling, especially around Noah Harris.
…
“Lani, I’ve been thinking.”
“About what, Mrs. C?” The woman wandered into the kitchen as Lani was cleaning up later that day. Thankfully there had been no more interaction with Noah. The man turned her to jelly, and that wasn’t a good thing for a woman who needed to stay alert at all times.
“There has been a spate of thefts here in Lake Howling over the last few weeks.”
“Really? That seems a strange thing for a town like this.”
Mrs. C nodded. The look on her face seemed genuine and she met Lani’s eyes, so she guessed it was truth, but still. Lake Howling didn’t strike her as a hotbed for criminals.
“The problem is, I’m worried someone will break in here and steal from me.”
“Tell me you don’t keep money here?” The thought made her cold.
“Sometimes, and there is plenty of stock.”
“I don’t think cooking utensils and cake decorating equipment would be high on a thief’s list of priorities, Mrs. C.”
“I know it’s a lot to ask, Lani, and I hate to inconvenience you, but with my heart—”
“What’s wrong with your heart?”
“I’ve had a few scares, dear.” Mrs. C patted her chest and suddenly looked older than she had this morning. “The doctor said I cannot receive any shocks, and this would be that, Lani.”
“What would be that?”
“If someone br-broke in here and stole from me.” Mrs. C sniffed and wiped at her eyes.
“I’m sure they won’t.”
“I’d only ask you to stay here for a few nights until the culprit is caught. Upstairs. I mean, I haven’t cleaned it or anything, but it would ease my mind and I would sleep better.”
Lani studied her. She had a feeling she was being played but there was no guilt in the woman’s eyes and she did look upset.
“You’d be doing me a favor, Lani. A huge one. My heart, you know, it’s not as strong as it was.”
“I’m sure you could rent out that space if you wanted to.”
Mrs. C dabbed her eyes with the hem of her neon green apron. She leaned in; they looked dry, but still, if the woman was that worried, maybe she could stay a night or two.
“I don’t want a stranger in here.” Mrs. C sniffed loudly.
“I’m a stranger,” Lani felt she needed to point out.
