“That’s what we have to look forward to as parents?” I ask with a laugh.
“Trust me,” Lauren goes on. “I never really liked wine or coffee until after I had a daughter. Anyway, let's get going and let them work.” The three of us start forward and then something occurs to me.
“You guys go, I just have to ask Officer Maxwell something. Text me later?”
“I will,” Keith says and I look through the small bunch of people until I find Officer Maxwell. I catch his eye and wave him over.
“I thought you were leaving,” he says.
“I am, um, after you tell me how you knew I was Estelle’s niece. We don’t have the same last name, I have no criminal record that would show up in a background check, and she’s my great aunt so it’s not like I’m immediate family.”
“You look just like her. And people in this town. They talk. And, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, there’s something in the air here.”
“It’s actually in the ground,” I say without really thinking.
“What?”
“Nothing,” I awkwardly chuckle. The Ley line attracts all sorts of life and people react to it differently. “I’m from Syracuse. Still not used to this whole small town gossip thing. Thank you for listening to me.”
“Like I said, I’m just doing my job. One thing, before you go.”
“Yeah?”
“Solving this case is going to make headlines.”
“Oh,” I say, hearing his unspoken question. “Please, keep my name out of it. I don’t want any credit.”
“Really?” he asks dubiously.
“Really. I was just doing my job too. They talk and I’m able to listen.”
“Well then, have a good night, Miss Benson.”
ChapterTwenty-Six
“Morning,” I say, turning around from the stovetop.
“What’s all this?” Ethan asks as he comes up behind me, snaking his arms around my waist.
“I wanted to make you breakfast.” My eyes flutter shut and I lean back, feeling Ethan’s warm skin through my t-shirt. He’s only wearing sweatpants and it’s probably my favorite look of his.
“I thought I smelled bacon.” His lips go to my neck. “Real bacon.”
“That’s how much I love you.” I turn the burner down and push the scrambled eggs around in the skillet before spinning in Ethan’s arms. He takes a step back, moving away from the stove. “And it was going to expire soon,” I add and Ethan chuckles. “If you bring meat into this house, you better not waste it. But mostly, I’m cooking it because I love you.”
“Is it ready?”
“I think. Unless you want it a little crispier. It’s literally been two decades since I’ve eaten bacon.”
“I admire your dedication,” Ethan tells me and gives me another kiss before peaking in the oven. He says it needs just a few more minutes and pulls me to him again, pressing his lips to mine. We stand there making out until I remember the scrambled eggs on the stovetop and madly dash to stir them.
“You’re distracting me, Mr. Bailey.”
“Should I be sorry about that?” He stands behind me again, hands on my hips.
“Not at all. But we do know how rare it is for me to cook, so let’s enjoy this while it’s hot.” I dish up two plates once everything is done and we sit at the counter to eat.
“You’re in a good mood.”