For now, she stalked back to the front of the building. Warmth smacked against her chilled face as she yanked open the door and headed inside. Other than a couple of weathered men in flannels sitting in a booth, the front of the diner was empty. She nodded at the patrons and maneuvered past the counter to the back room. Four booths lined the far wall, all full of teenagers drinking soda or what looked like strawberry milkshakes. A couple of boys dressed in all black threw darts over to the left, while on the other side, two cheerleaders in full outfits smacked the puck across an air hockey table with speed and grace.
All eyes turned toward Mia.
She settled her stance, zeroing in on Mandy. “Hello, Mandy.”
The teenager sat in a booth next to a boy with a pierced nose and had been giggling before Mia appeared. Now she paled and lost the smile. Whispering to the kid, she scooted out and headed toward Mia. Grabbing Mia’s arm, she tugged her into the main room and dropped into a booth.
Mia sat on the plush seat and smiled. “You want to talk?”
“God, no.” Mandy hunched her shoulders, her eyes darting toward the far room and her friends. “You shouldn’t be here.”
Mia followed the glance to see the boy in the booth talking on a cell phone. Instincts flared, and she focused on the girl. “Yet, Iamhere. Why didn’t you tell me you were related to Ruby?”
“Why would I?”
Good point. Mia studied the girl. “I just want to help find who killed your cousin.”
Mandy shook her head, sending thick, black hair flying. Tonight she’d donned green mascara and dark red lipstick. “Listen. You’re a friend of Seth’s, kind of, so people will be nice to you for now. But you really need to go back to wherever you came from. You totally don’t belong here.”
Mia lowered her chin. “Why not?”
Mandy gave a frustrated huff. “This is a small town where everyone has known each other forever. New people aren’t welcome—and we like it that way.” Her eyes narrowed, and she suddenly looked ten years older. “I understand how hot Seth is and how much a city girl might think he needs saving or redeeming or whatever you think he needs. He doesn’t. Seth is one of us, and we take care of our own. Which you are not. Believe me, you don’t have a shot with him. No chance in hell. So, go home.”
“I kind of like it here.” Mia stretched out. “Everyone is so dang friendly.”
Mandy snorted and gave what looked like an unwilling smile. “I know. But things are the way they are, and you don’t belong. I’m, ah, sorry.” She sighed and shoved the sleeves of her white sweater up her arms. “I’m not tryin’ to be mean.” Sincerity coated the girl’s words.
Mia nodded. “I know.”
“So, you’re a cop, a real FBI agent, huh?” Mandy picked apart a paper napkin.
“I’m on a break, but I have worked for the FBI.” Mia softened her voice.
“That’s cool.” Mandy shrugged. “I bet you know a lot of neat stuff.”
Mia studied the teenager. “What about you? What do you want to do after high school?”
Mandy breathed out, her lip twisting. “Nothing. I mean, I may dream a bit in my diary, but I’ll probably get married, maybe keep working in the diner, but I’m not going anywhere.” Resignation filled her eyes.
Mia frowned. The entire town was trapped in the dark ages. “Why not? You can get scholarships or financial aid to go anywhere you want. Don’t you want to see the world a little bit?”
The sad smile lifted the girl’s lips. “That’s not how it works here. Believe me.” The boy from the booth gestured to her. “I need to get back to my friends.”
“Why do you think Ruby was killed, Mandy?”
Mandy sighed. “Ruby was killed because she wanted to be something she could never be.”
“What does that mean?”
A motorcycle roared to a stop outside the window, and Mandy straightened her shoulders. She grabbed Mia’s hand in a surprisingly strong grip. “You’re really nice. Please, believe me…you have to get out of this town while you still can.”
The door jangled open, and Mia knew who it was before looking.
Mandy released her and slid from the booth. “Bye.”
Before Mia could follow suit, a large body blocked her way. She glanced up. “Hello there, Seth. Fancy seeing you here.”
Chapter10
