He waved it off. “What are friends for?”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Kevin pulled up to the bakery, his heart rate picking up slightly as he caught sight of Bridget through the window. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that he was only here for cookies. At least, that was what he’d tell her. The truth was, he couldn’t stop thinking about Bridget, and any excuse to see her was good enough for him.
As he pushed open the door, the bell chimed softly. Bridget looked up, a smile spreading across her face when she saw him. Kevin felt a warmth in his chest at her reaction.
“Hey, stranger,” Bridget called out. “What brings you by?”
Kevin shrugged, trying to appear casual. “Oh, you know, just had a craving for some of your famouschocolate chip cookies.” He approached the counter, his eyes scanning the empty bakery. “Slow day?”
Bridget nodded, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Yeah, it’s been pretty quiet. But that means I get to experiment with some new recipes.” She gestured to a tray of brownies cooling on the rack behind her. “I’m putting together a care package for Jo. Reese told me what happened.”
Kevin’s mood sobered at the mention of Jo. “Yeah, it’s a mess. The mayor relieving her of duty... It’s ridiculous.”
“I can’t believe anyone would think Jo had anything to do with Garvin’s murder,” Bridget said, her voice laced with concern.
Kevin leaned against the counter, lowering his voice even though they were alone. “Of course, we don’t think for a minute she had anything to do with it. We’ll investigate officially, and then unofficially, we’ll help with whatever she needs.”
Bridget smiled, a mischievous glint in her eye. “If I know Jo, she’s probably already out there tailing suspects.”
Kevin chuckled, picturing Jo staking out potential leads from her car. “You’re probably right. She’s not one to sit idle, especially when her reputation is on the line and I just got a lead that might help her.”
Bridget raised a brow, and he continued, “I just got back from talking to a neighbor. A red Prius was seen near Garvin’s property around the time of the murder. The neighbor thinks they remember a few numbers on the plate.”
Bridget’s brow furrowed. “A few numbers? Can you really figure out who it is from that?”
“Maybe,” Kevin replied. “Reese is running it through the database along with the car description. We’re hoping for a match.”
“Let’s hope,” Bridget said.
As Bridget continued to pack the brownies, Kevin found himself watching her hands move deftly, wrapping each treat with care. He couldn’t help but admire her dedication to her sister, her kindness evident in every gesture.
“You know,” Kevin started, his voice hesitant, “I’ve been thinking. Could this be related to your situation?”
Bridget paused, her eyes meeting his. “I don’t think so. This feels different. But I appreciate you thinking about it.”
Kevin nodded, but he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that everything was connected somehow. He must have let his worry show on his face because Bridget stopped what she was doing and gave him a searching look.
“Kevin, what’s going on? You’re acting weird.”
He hesitated, torn between his desire to protect Bridget and his need for her help. Finally, he sighed. “I got a note on my car. It was a warning telling me to be careful what I dig for. I think it has to do with the thumb drive. Someone’s watching us, Bridget. Maybe we shouldn’t be seen together so much.”
Bridget’s eyes widened then narrowed with determination. “What? No way. Don’t forget; you saved my sister. I’m in this thing. Don’t shut me out now!”
Her fierce loyalty both touched and worried Kevin. He didn’t want to put her in danger, but he also knew he couldn’t solve this alone. “All right, all right,” he conceded. “But we need to be careful.”
“So, what’s our next move?” Bridget asked, leaning in closer.
“Listen,” Kevin said, glancing at his watch, “we probably shouldn’t talk about this here. You still coming over tomorrow night?”
Bridget nodded. “Yep, and I have a turkey meatloaf recipe I’ve been dying to try. I’ll bring that over for dinner.”
Kevin felt a flutter in his stomach at the thought of sharing a meal with Bridget. “That sounds perfect,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady.
As he prepared to leave, Kevin found himselflingering, reluctant to end their conversation. He watched as Bridget finished packing the care package for Jo, admiring her thoughtfulness.
“You’re a good sister, you know that?” he said softly.