“Normally, I don’t either,” she said, leaning toward him as if sharing a confidence. “In fact, it’s very difficult to surprise me. I suppose that’s why the situation is all the more special. Right?”
He frowned. “What situation?”
She lifted one delicate shoulder. “Finding myself in the middle of a serial killer investigation, of course.” Her tongue teased the corner of her lips. “Although, you’re intriguing as well, Captain Huck Delta Rivers.”
So she’d looked him up online. Was that supposed to be flattering? It wasn’t. “The fourth time you saw Carl was during autumn,” he reminded her. “What happened that time?”
“That time, he was back in the UTV and drove right by me without looking.” She gingerly touched the diamond spike necklace. “I was mollified and then, of course, started to doubt my earlier fears. Had I overreacted?”
“That’s a normal reaction,” Huck said. “Do you remember if the UTV had a back seat or a trunk?”
She looked down. “I really don’t. I’m sorry, and I’ll keep trying to remember.” She smiled and then looked up at him. “Maybe you could help me?”
“You can call me at the office any time.” Huck stood and reached for his jacket. “I have to get going.” Then he paused. “Do you know the Scotfords?” he asked.
She pursed her brightly painted red lips. “Scotford? No. That name doesn’t ring a bell. I’m sorry.”
Huck shrugged into his jacket and strapped on his belt with the thigh holster. “Thank you for coming in today.”
She drew her wool coat off the back of the chair and moved in front of him, handing it over. “Would you like to meet for a drink tonight?”
While he appreciated directness in a woman, this one set his teeth on edge. He gently helped her into her coat, his movements both efficient and quick. “I appreciate the offer, but I can’t make it.”
“All right. Another time, then.” She smiled at the dog. “Bye, puppy,” she purred.
Aeneas looked up and then away. Wow. He really didn’t like the woman.
Huck trusted his dog. He gently grasped Abigail’s arm to lead her from his office and through the bullpen. “Aeneas, come.”
Monty emerged from his office, his gaze squarely on Abigail Caine’s long legs. He blinked several times.
Huck cut him a look and escorted the woman around the file cabinets to the reception area, almost running Laurel over.
Laurel’s eyes widened.
Abigail smiled. “Well. Isn’t this interesting?”
Chapter Twenty
In the parking lot, Laurel settled into Huck’s truck and secured her seatbelt as he did the same. Snow drifted lazily down to coat the windshield, and he flicked the wipers into action. Aeneas settled in the back seat and sneezed.
Abigail sat in her red Escalade, flipping through her phone. She turned and smiled through the icy window, lowering her chin as she did so.
Laurel watched her, trying to dig into the woman’s head. Abigail had been so pleased to see Laurel that she’d purred slightly, and she’d also run her hand over Huck’s arm when she’d said good-bye.
What had they spoken about?
Huck backed his truck out of the parking area. “Tell me about Uncle Carl.”
Laurel tore her gaze away from Abigail’s.
Interesting. “Dr. Caine met with you this morning to tell you about my uncle?” What game was the professor playing now?
“Yeah. She also asked me out.” Huck turned onto the river road at the end of town.
The conclusion of that conversation was none of Laurel’s business. She should not ask. She should keep her own council. “Did you accept her invitation?” Curiosity was often an illogical master. Her face heated.
“I said no.” Huck glanced her way and then focused back on the icy road. “She’s odd. Aeneas really doesn’t like her. Somehow she ticked him off. Also, I can’t explain it, but when I’m around her, it’s like being back in the desert with a scope aimed at my chest. The woman makes my nape itch.”
