Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 108849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
“Oh, no, thank you,” Laurel murmured. “We just want a quiet night out.”
Norrs snapped his fingers, and the waiter hurried over. “We have a big enough table. This is actually a four-top. Can we have the two chairs back?”
“Actually, we have things to discuss,” Huck murmured, “but we appreciate the offer.” His tone remained polite but firm.
Abigail’s eyes flared. “Now, Huck, I know you’re not a pococurante participant here, so please just have dinner with us.”
Laurel tried very hard not to roll her eyes. Abigail often used her extensive vocabulary to stab at Huck, but from what Laurel could tell, he honestly could not care less. “You’re right, Abigail. Huck is neither indifferent nor unconcerned,” she said. “But we have matters to discuss.”
“We’re family,” Abigail said, smiling widely. “Any matters the two of you might want to discuss are better served here at the table with us. You do understand me, correct?”
“I really don’t,” Laurel said, meaning it. What was Abigail talking about?
Huck pressed his palm against the small of her back again, as if providing comfort. “I think she’s threatening you with blackmail, sweetheart.”
Agent Norrs frowned and looked from Laurel to Abigail. “Excuse me?”
Abigail arranged her face in perfect lines of what Laurel interpreted to be shock. “I would never do such a thing. What are you talking about, Captain Rivers? I don’t understand why you’re being so intransigent.”
Laurel shook her head. “He’s not stubborn or uncompromising. And why would you blackmail me? I’ve done nothing wrong.”
Agent Norrs looked from Abigail to Huck. “Yeah. What are you talking about?”
“Ask your girlfriend,” Huck said shortly, before taking Laurel’s hand. “Come on, we’re seated over by the window.”
He turned and started walking, leaving Laurel no choice but to follow him, which was good because nausea kept rising from her belly and she’d come close to throwing up all over Abigail and Norrs. The thought cheered her immensely, although then she’d probably have to explain why she’d vomited. Huck pulled out her chair, and she sat, looking outside at the darkness. Once he had settled himself, she leaned toward him. “Why do you think Abigail hasn’t told Agent Norrs about the pregnancy?”
Huck shook his head. “I have no idea, but she seems to hold on to all information until she needs it.”
“Like trying to blackmail us into sitting with them for dinner?”
Huck grasped his napkin, shook it out, and put it on his lap. “Exactly.”
Laurel looked over at the other couple, who seemed to be enjoying their conversation. “I don’t understand her at all.”
“Me neither.” Huck smiled as the waitress brought them waters and took their drink orders. Laurel requested a ginger ale. “Are you comfortable staying?” Huck asked. “We could order our food to go.”
Laurel placed her napkin on her lap. “Absolutely not. We’re not going to be driven away because of those two.”
A bottle of wine was soon delivered to the table. Huck looked at the waitress. “We didn’t order wine.”
“Oh, no. This is from your sister.” The young woman smiled at Laurel.
Huck’s jaw clenched in that way it did when he was irritated. “Tell her thank you, but neither of us is drinking tonight. We both have to be up early to work.”
“Are you sure?” The waitress faltered. “This is a 2005 Chateau Margaux.”
“It sounds delicious,” Huck said. “But again, we both have to work early.” Disappointment darkened the young woman’s face, and Huck smiled again. “But tell you what. Why don’t you open it and pour it for them? They’re just too frugal to order it for themselves. I insist.”
“Really?” the waitress asked.
“Yeah. Open it first and then take it over and tell them thank you, but we want them to enjoy it.”
Her eyes lit up. “How lovely.” She took the wine away.
Laurel frowned. “Abigail knows that I won’t drink wine right now.”
“I’m well aware of that,” Huck said. “That’s why she sent the wine over.”
Laurel played with her fork. “I don’t understand why she plays such games.”
“Because she’s a nut job,” Huck countered.
Laurel chuckled, feeling better than she had all day. “I don’t think that’s the clinical term, Captain, but I believe I agree.” She looked at Abigail, who stared back, her face flushed and her chin down. Definitely angry.
Laurel turned back to face Huck. What would Abigail do now?
Chapter 20
Closer to nighttime than she’d planned, Deidre Snow finished loading her car at the grocery store, thrilled that she’d found new organic gnocchi. Recipes played through her head. There were so many sauces she could create, and the idea put a happy hop into her step. She wanted to make dinner for Monty Buckley soon, and a filling and mild meal was exactly what he needed.
She slid into her SUV and drove away from the grocery store, noting that it had finally stopped snowing. The groundhog had not seen his shadow this year, but she figured he must have been drunk, because there was no way winter was ending early. She flicked on her headlights to combat the early darkness.