She and Rayne studied the menu posted on the wall behind the employees and ordered hot chocolate and scones. The men ordered scones and coffee. When the worker placed their order on trays at the counter, the operatives headed for the table in the corner.
“This feels strange.” Grant scanned the coffee shop and the occupants scattered among the tables.
“Why?” Rayne asked.
“This isn’t in the detective’s manual on how to solve crimes. I’m used to going after information, not waiting for it to come to me.”
Iona sipped her coffee. “Welcome to the class on low-key investigation methods, where our aim is to teach you how to solve crimes from your recliner.”
“Move over, Jessica Fletcher.” Elias chewed and swallowed a bite of scone as he studied their fellow diners.
The occupants of one table might be their best bet for information. Iona considered the merits of casually stopping at their table to strike up a conversation. That would defeat the purpose of eavesdropping, though. For now, she’d bide her time and see what happened. The way she interacted with hercustomers, Megan looked as if she kept her finger on the pulse of Red Rock. If all else failed, they could try the library or the town bookstore. Book enthusiasts were usually willing to swap stories.
Two police officers entered the coffee shop and greeted Megan. “Are you boys on a break?” she asked.
“Yeah. What do you have for us?”
“The best Americano coffee you’ve ever tasted, along with a delicious orange and cranberry scone. The scone is guaranteed to melt in your mouth.”
“Sold.” Tall cop leaned over and kissed Megan’s cheek. “We don’t have long, love. We’re short-handed today. If we get a call, we’ll have to roll out of here in a hurry.”
“No problem. I’ll have your order ready in a minute. Take a seat, and I’ll bring the coffee and scones to you.”
“Thanks, Megan.” Short cop smiled at her. “Hopefully, your scones will make your husband a little sweeter.”
“Don’t bet on it.”
Tall cop nudged him toward a table near the operatives.
Watching their actions, Iona got the impression the cops were checking them out while trying not to look like they were interested in the operatives. They could look. All of them had concealed weapons. They went nowhere without weapons to defend themselves and others. If the cops were good, they’d spot the weapons and ask to see permits.
She waited, as did the rest of her companions. They ate their scones and sipped their drinks while carrying on a conversation about the drive to Red Rock from Nashville.
Tall cop eyed them as he and his partner paused by their table. He nodded in greeting. “Ya’ll just passing through town?”
Elias straightened. “We’re staying for a few days.”
Short cop rested his hand on the hilt of his Glock. “Do you boys have permits for those weapons you’re carrying?”
Thank goodness Brent had thought of this possibility when they agreed to work for Fortress. Elias and Grant slowly reached for their wallets, which contained their weapon permits sporting their fake names. Zane and Brent were never caught unawares. They handed the permits to the officers.
The men studied the permits and finally handed them back. “What brings you to town?” Tall cop asked.
“Just wanted to get away for a few days with our Old Ladies,” Grant said.
The cops stiffened. “You’re part of an MC?” Tall cop asked.
Elias nodded. “Iron Wolves. We’re under Dutch’s protection until we leave.”
They relaxed. “I see,” Short cop said. “That’s all right, then. As long as Dutch knows you’re here.”
“We’re staying on the Blackthorn Riders’ land in a cabin.”
Tall cop’s eyebrows soared. “You’re staying at the old Monroe cabin?”
“It’s the only cabin out there.”
“That’s the one. Man, that cabin is rumored to be haunted.”
