My gaze narrowed. “Pauley.”
“I do not,” he repeated, more firmly. “Not anymore.”
“Not anymore?”
His cheeks flushed faintly pink. “I meant not ever in a professional capacity,” he corrected quickly.
“Right.” I wasn’t buying it, but I let it slide for the moment. Nonna wasn’t his grandmother, but she was mine, and he was my cousin, so that made them family, too. “If you do anything that looks illegal, it could hurt your future employment chances. You do want to go away to a big college, don’t you?” He was only sixteen but already took classes at our local community college.
He swallowed. “Of course. I’ll be careful.”
“Good.” I took a breath and let it out slowly. “I could use your assistance. I need you to do the deepest background checks you can on Gloria Walton, Brooke Walton, Brad Backleboff, Cormac Coretti, and Zippy O’Bellini. I know you’ve looked up a couple of them, but go deeper.”
Pauley turned back to his desk, already opening a document.
“I don’t want you to hack anything,” I said, stepping closer. “No shortcuts. All aboveboard. Use every legal tool you’ve got—public records, social media, legal filings. If you find anyone I should talk to, type up a list. Full names, phone numbers, addresses if you can find them.”
He scribbled notes in a small spiral pad beside his keyboard. “All right.”
“Email me your progress. I’ll be meeting Nana for lunch, but I’ll check in later today.”
His expression turned distant, his focus already pulled toward the screen.
I lingered a moment longer, the steady hum of electronics wrapping around us. “Pauley,” I said.
He turned, blinking, as though I’d interrupted a thought midstream. “Yes?”
“I’m serious about staying legal. If you cross any line, I’ll have to shut it down. Family or not.”
“I understand.” He nodded, almost solemn. “I like this job. I’ll do it right.”
“Good.”
I started to leave, but his voice stopped me. “Cousin Anna? With my new duties, I would like a raise.”
My sigh felt heavy. Of course.
Chapter 12
Smiley’s Diner had gone all out for the holidays. The decorations were a wild mix of green, gold, and far too many hints of teal. Interesting choice. The air smelled of coffee, butter, and frying bacon, with a touch of citrus cleaner that didn’t quite hide the scent of maple syrup baked into the walls.
I stepped inside, shaking off the rain, and moved to the counter where Tessa was refilling mugs. “What’s up with all the teal accents?” I asked, eyeing the teal ribbon wrapped around a pumpkin centerpiece. Pumpkins in March? Sure.
She rolled her eyes, handing off a steaming plate to a customer. “Mert wanted to use all the decorations. I barely kept him from pulling out the Christmas ones.”
“But why teal?”
She tugged on the tie of her apron. “He likes teal.”
Tessa looked tired but sharp in jeans and a white T-shirt with her hair up in a messy bun that somehow still appeared deliberate. “Seriously, he’s in a much better mood now that he’s feeling healthy again after the heart attack, so I try not to argue. I think the teal adds a little something.”
“The pumpkins are unique,” I admitted.
She chuckled. “I take it you’re meeting Nana?”
“I really am.” I looked around, spotting our grandmother in a booth by the far window, sitting across from our mom. “Can you join us?”
“I can’t. I’m crazy busy today.” Tessa reached for a rag and wiped the counter in brisk circles. “I don’t know why, but people get hungry around all holidays, not just the food ones.”
