Free Love Inspired Suspense June 2015 #1 by Margaret Daley, Katy Lee Page A

was also going through the same ones he was. Two sets of eyes were better than one. “I have a Virginia license plate I need you to run down for me.” Nicholas took the sheet Selena handed him and recited the three letters then four numbers.
    â€œWait. It shouldn’t take long. My fingers are dancing across the keys as we speak.” A minute later she said, “I’ve got it. The owner is Benny Goodwin.” Then she gave him the address associated with the license plate.
    â€œThanks. Will you do another favor for me?”
    â€œI’m already on it. I’ll pull up what I can on Mr. Goodwin and call you back.”
    Nicholas disconnected with Fiona. “I’ll have something soon on the guy who owns the Dodge. Do you know a Benny Goodwin?”
    Selena shook her head.
    â€œLet’s grab something to eat. I want to know about this guy before I pay him a visit.”
    â€œDon’t you mean we?”
    He didn’t want to argue with her right now, but he wouldn’t put her in danger no matter what she wanted. “Let’s check out that café at the end of the block. I forgot to grab lunch before coming to pick you up.”
    â€œI’m not going to let you change the subject,” she said as Nicholas exited his SUV, scoping out the streets with quaint shops.
    If he ignored the question, maybe she would get tired of asking. He rounded the hood and waited for her to climb out of the Tahoe. “I’m thinking a nice big piece of pie. I love pie. Not many I won’t eat.”
    She gave him a frown and marched toward the restaurant ahead of him. Her body language shouted frustration and anger. He didn’t care. He wouldn’t put her in danger. He would let her help when he thought the situation wasn’t risky.
    As she entered the café, his cell rang. He noted it was Fiona. “Tell me you have the lowdown on Benny Goodwin.”
    â€œWhen haven’t I given you the info you needed? He’s a private investigator with an office in Arlington. Do you want the address?”
    â€œYou’re the best tech support a team could have.”
    Fiona laughed and gave him the information. “He has a thriving business, from what I can gather, mostly divorce cases.”
    â€œThanks. I won’t forget to bring you a chai tea latte and Max next time I come to headquarters.”
    Nicholas pocketed his cell and headed into the restaurant, a fifties throwback with a jukebox, red booths and pictures of films from that era. Selena sat in a booth with a
Rebel Without a Cause
poster on the wall nearby. He was beginning to think of her as a rebel
with
a cause.
    He slid in across from her, opened the menu and spied the waitress coming toward them. “Let’s talk after we order.”
    â€œWhat would you two like?” The older woman retrieved a pencil from over her left ear.
    â€œWhat’s your specialty?” Nicholas asked, feeling Selena’s glare on him.
    â€œChicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes with gravy. Also the hamburgers.”
    â€œHow about pies? We don’t have time for dinner.” Selena set the menu on the table. “Which is the best?”
    â€œBlackberry is my favorite, but most of our customers order the cherry pie.”
    â€œHow’s the chocolate one?” Selena folded her arms over her chest.
    â€œGood. You can’t go wrong with any of them.”
    â€œI’ll take the cherry pie with vanilla ice cream.” Nicholas placed his menu on top of Selena’s. “And a cup of black coffee. It smells delicious.” That scent fused with baking bread and grilling meat. His stomach rumbled.
    â€œHow about you, miss?”
    â€œThe chocolate pie would be great with a cup of coffee.”
    When the waitress left, Selena leaned forward. “I want to go with you to see Benny Goodwin. The name doesn’t sound familiar, but I might know him or have seen him around.”
    â€œHere.