Free Raw by Jo Davis Page A

handsome man,” Margaret said, smiling. “Very polite and charming.” But her eyes were troubled, setting off alarm bells in Anna’s head. Since when did her mother
ever
hesitate to say exactly what she thought?
    â€œWhat is it?”
    The older woman shook her head. “I don’t know, sweetie. It’s just a feeling.”
    â€œWhat kind of feeling? Come on, you’ve never held back in my entire life, so don’t start now,” she said in exasperation.
    â€œIt’s just . . .” Uncharacteristically, she seemed to measure her words before she spoke. “I like a man who’ll look me in the eye. And he did that all evening, except for one part of the conversation.”
    Anna frowned. “Which part?”
    Margaret hesitated. “When he said how wonderful you are and how glad he is that you came into his life. He didn’t look me in the eye once. In fact, he was talking to his plate.”
    â€œYou think he was lying? That he doesn’t think I’m wonderful and isn’t glad to have met me?” A surge of irritation crept into her tone.
    â€œNo, that’s not what I’m saying.” Her mother blew out a deep breath. “And that’s not all that bothered me.”
    Anna crossed her arms over her chest. It was a defensive posture, but she couldn’t help it. She had finally found a man she adored, was falling for, and it was typical, vintage Margaret to find fault. “What else?”
    â€œDidn’t you notice how he kept looking around the restaurant, watching everyone around us like a hawk?”
    She blinked. “No, I didn’t notice.” But now that she thought about it . . .
    â€œAnd then there was the question you asked about the sauce on my fish. He didn’t seem to know how to answer the question.”
    â€œHe’s a prep chef,” she said in his defense. “He isn’t the one who makes the sauce.”
But he should still know,
an inner voice argued.
    â€œLike I said, it’s just a feeling. But I’ve been around the block a few times, and my intuition is telling me that man is hiding something, Anna.” Moving to her daughter, she took her face in her hands. “You’re my child, my baby. As much as I annoy you sometimes, it’s my job to look out for you. Always has been, always will be, until I draw my last breath. I know you’ll do what you want, but I’m asking you to be careful. Okay?”
    Like magic, her irritation evaporated. Love for her mom surged in her chest and she hugged the other woman close, seeking the comfort only a mother can give. “I will. I promise.”
    Margaret Claire was a smart woman. But she had to be wrong about Gray.
    ***
    Gray had barely changed into sweats when Simon called his cell. “Hey, what’s up?”
    â€œAnna’s mother made you, partner.”
    â€œWhat?” Fear gripped his heart. “What did she say?”
    â€œThe old lady just told Anna that you’re hiding something. She caught you surveying the restaurant, says you didn’t look her in the eye or some shit. And she caught that you didn’t know how to make some kind of sauce that was on her food, and that made her suspicious. No telling what else she homed in on. The woman is sharp.”
    â€œAnd now Anna is compromised. Fuck!”
    â€œThat’s right. So if you’re going to take a look at her laptop and search her files at work, you gotta do it by tomorrow night. The sting is set for Sunday.”
    They were out of time.
    â€œAll right. I’m taking Anna and her mother out tomorrow night. After we get back, I’ll make up an excuse as to why she can’t come to my place afterward, then get into her office after closing.”
    â€œSounds good. Be careful.”
    â€œAlways.”
    Hanging up, Gray pounded his fist on the table. He wasn’t ready for Anna to learn the truth just yet.
    And