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As much as she hated to do it, she knew that she needed to contact him. She pulled out her phone and retrieved the card. She squeezed her eyes shut.

Please, don’t let this be a horrible mistake.

With that, she entered the phone number on the card and typed out a quick question.

What makes you think I’m alone?

She placed the phone on the desk and stared at it for a few minutes. When he didn’t immediately respond, Astrid decided to try to focus on her work.

When it finally buzzed, Astrid stopped working and grabbed her phone.

How about I buy you dinner, and we can talk?

Astrid moved her fingers over the letters without tapping on them as she thought about the offer.

I’m not interested in anything that could be considered a date.

The response was quick.

Don’t worry. My personal life isn’t something I’m interested in sharing with you. This is for work.

Astrid raised her eyebrows. There was a lot she wanted to say. Then she thought about what he had said and reconsidered saying anything that might be considered rude.

I’ll buy. Where do you want to meet?

Don’t be ridiculous. I’m buying, and I’ve no preference.

I don’t know this area.

Ah, I hadn’t thought of that. Meet me here, but I insist on paying. And don’t worry, I know it’s not a date, and you don’t owe me anything for paying.

An address accompanied the message.

When?

Name a time.

Are you still here?

Yes. Meet you outside?

Astrid took a deep breath, hoping that she wasn’t making a huge mistake. After packing up, she logged out of the library computer and headed out of the library.

Chapter 3

A Messy Meeting

The light hit her hard when she walked outside, causing Astrid to put a hand over her eyes.

“Why is it so bright?”

“The sun’s setting. Come on. There’s something you need to know if you are going to keep going.”

Astrid fell in step beside him. “Is it within walking distance?”

“No. I’ll drive.”

“You know that women are told not to get into cars with men they don’t know. Isn’t this place known for having a ton of serial killers?”