Kevin chuckled. “Probably hiding them from Lucy. Smart cat.”
Bridget paused, her hands resting on the edge of thetable. “I guess I’ll have some extra time on my hands now.” She glanced at Jo with a small smile. “Maybe I can find someone else who appreciates home-cooked meals.”
Jo grinned. “Well, that frees you up to cook more stuff for us.”
Bridget laughed softly, but as she said it, her eyes flickered briefly to Kevin, who was reaching for another cookie. He caught her gaze and quickly looked away, a faint blush creeping up his neck.
Bridget checked her watch and stood. “I’d better get back to work. My break’s almost over.”
Kevin stood as well, grabbing his jacket. “I’ll walk out with you. I’m on my way to talk to Garvin’s neighbors, see if they noticed anything suspicious.”
Kevin heldthe door for Bridget as they stepped out into the parking lot, the winter sun bright but offering little warmth. They both tugged their jackets tighter against the cold.
“So, how’s the new job?” Kevin asked as they walked toward his car. He was using his own today since Sam was out with the Tahoe.
Bridget’s face lit up. “Oh, I love it. The bakery isgreat—smelling fresh bread and pastries all day, regular customers... It’s helping me feel like part of the community.”
Kevin smiled, genuinely glad for her. “Sounds perfect.”
They paused by the cars, neither in a hurry to leave. Kevin hesitated. “You doing okay? Haven’t noticed anything... strange?”
Bridget’s smile faltered just for a second. “I’m fine. But... I still look over my shoulder a lot.”
Kevin’s heart sank a little. Bridget had shared parts of her past with him, stuff she didn’t talk about with others. It meant something that she trusted him.
“Keep your eyes open,” Kevin said quietly, glancing around the empty lot.
“I will,” Bridget assured him, her smile returning. She changed the subject. “Any progress on that thumb drive thing?”
Kevin stiffened. The thumb drive. It had been haunting him since he found it, tucked in with his things after the hospital. The data on it pointed to an old narcotics case and had led them to the burial grounds of a serial killer. But the way he’d retrieved the password—he couldn’t tell Sam or Jo about that. Not without blowing his cover. And he was sure there wasmore to the thumb drive than they’d discovered thus far.
“Not much to report,” he said, trying to keep his tone light.
Bridget gave him a look, her brow furrowing. “You still have it, right?”
“Yeah.” Kevin glanced around again, instinctively checking the lot. They were alone, but he still felt like someone was watching. “I’ll be glad when it’s all over. I need to clear the air with Sam and Jo.”
Bridget hesitated then smiled softly. “I could help, you know. Maybe take a look with you? Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes spots things.”
Kevin felt a warmth spread through him. “That’d be great. You sure?”
“Of course.” She grinned. “Besides, I’ve got to find someone to feed my casseroles to now that Garvin’s gone.”
Kevin chuckled, nodding. “Thursday night?”
“Sounds good.” Bridget winked. “I’ll bring the food. You bring the mystery.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“I’ll walk back to the bakery from here. It’s just a block away,” she said, pointing down the street. She gave him a quick wave before heading down the sidewalk, disappearing around the corner. Kevin watchedher go, feeling a strange mix of relief and tension settle over him.
As he headed toward his car, something caught his eye—a folded piece of paper tucked under his windshield wiper. His easy mood vanished. He slowed, frowning.
He yanked the paper free, unfolding it carefully. The words, scrawled in thick black ink, made his blood run cold.
Becareful what you dig for.
Kevin’s pulse quickened.He scanned the parking lot, eyes darting from car to car, but the place was empty. Too empty. The winter sun, bright just moments ago, seemed harsh now, casting long shadows that stretched across the asphalt.