Page 17 of A Touch of Murder (Touched #1)

Barret drove the rest of the way to Ally's Restaurant in silence as he thought about what Adam had said.

He tried to imagine what Adam would see if they were to touch.

Did he have secrets he wouldn't want Adam to see?

Things he never wanted another person to know?

He didn't think so. Sure, there were times in his life that he would rather forget.

Regrets and things he was ashamed of, but nothing was so bad that he would be devastated if someone knew.

Still, it would be strange, and he'd want to know what Adam saw.

What parts of his life forced their way up front and center for Adam to view.

"Looks like everyone had the same idea," Adam said as they turned into a very full parking lot at Ally's.

"Hopefully, we can get a seat." Barret parked in one of the last remaining open parking spaces. "I've been craving Ally's chicken fried steak all day."

"Her meatloaf for me." Adam laughed. "But the chicken friend steak is my second favorite. I'm more here for the rolls."

"Mmm, those garlic and butter rolls are the best. I'm guilty of dropping by and getting a to-go order of them sometimes just to take home."

"Me too. I bet she makes more off the rolls than she does the actual meals." Adam got out of the car.

Barret walked over to meet him. "If we can't get a seat, we'll order it to go and head over to the park and eat."

"That works for me."

They walked inside and Barret knew right away that they'd have to wait for a seat. There were already several families in the waiting area. "Want to wait or order and go?"

"Let's order and go to the park." Adam glanced around. "We'll be here forever if we don't."

It took twenty minutes, but soon they had their orders and were back in the car. The park wasn't far, so the quick drive there took no time. They grabbed the food and headed to the nearest picnic table.

"So tell me more about your store. I know you do readings, but what's all that other stuff you have for sale?" Barret asked as they dug into the food.

"I knew readings wouldn't be enough of a draw, so I decided to bring in some other things that fit the new age, metaphysical world.

I have essential oils, which are used for healing and relaxation.

I have tarot cards, books, and a few crystals.

The jewelry is a huge draw and I sell a lot of it.

I have hats and shirts with the store's name on them which actually do very well.

I play around with my inventory and see what works.

Jacey is great about finding new ideas to try.

I swear if the kid ever goes off to college or finds another job, I'll be screwed. "

"Jacey is a great kid, though I guess he's not really a kid anymore. Just hard to think of him as an adult now. His whole family are good people. I went to school with several of the older ones. Does he have plans for college?"

"One day he does, the next he doesn't know what he wants to do.

I get it. It's hard knowing at that age what's going to keep you happy for the rest of your life.

I've suggested he get a business degree.

Time will tell what he does, but I'm happy keeping him around as long as he'll stay.

He knows me and what I need. If I have a bad reaction after reading, he can handle it. "

"What consists of a bad reaction?" Barret asked. "Do I need to know anything if I'm the one helping you when you read Trina's body?"

Adam set his plastic fork down. "Possibly.

I planned on talking about it on the way there but now is as good time as any.

You've seen how thirsty I get, and how I use chocolate to help keep my energy up.

Sometimes I get very tired and weak as well.

I need you to know that no matter how weak I seem, I'm okay.

I may need help getting to the car, may fall asleep on you as you drive me home, but I don't need medical attention or anything.

It's just that sometimes if a read is very rough or violent, it takes more than the average read like you've seen me do in the past."

"Will you pass out?" Barret asked.

"I never have before, so I doubt it. I've done readings on some very violent things and never passed out, but I get tired.

I'll probably sleep for hours after reading Trina.

Just get me home after and I'll be okay.

I've already stocked up on water and candy bars in the apartment for after and I'll bring a bag with me for you to hand me directly after.

I can't stress enough, please don't call for an ambulance or rush me to the hospital no matter how weak I seem.

I'll be okay. I don't know what I'm going to see, so I have no way of knowing how I'll respond.

Just have a chair ready for me when I get done and water there for me to drink.

The candy helps, but not as much as the water.

" Adam gave him a small smile. "Did I scare you from wanting to help? "

"No, but damn. I'm not sure you should do this if it's that hard on your body."

"It might not be. It might be no worse than it was watching her get taken.

It depends on what I see. I'd prefer it to just be you and me there.

We can record it, but I'll be more comfortable telling you what I see than if a bunch of people are around.

Some things the general public doesn't need to know, and I want to be able to tell you everything, no matter how horrible it might be.

There could be a clue there we pick up on later.

" Adam picked up his fork and started to eat again.

Barret nodded. "I'll make sure we're alone.

I planned on bringing an audio recorder.

I debated on a video, but I didn't want to make you uncomfortable, and honestly, no one needs to see her body while you do this.

It's going to be a closed casket at the funeral.

" He stared down at his food, his appetite suddenly not as strong. "Not great dinner conversation, is it?"

"No, but it's a conversation we needed to have.

There is nothing pretty about this, but it's our best chance to find out more information.

I want her killers caught, and if I can give you the one clue that makes that happen, then I'll do whatever it takes to get those answers.

" Adam reached for his drink. "Speaking of funerals, have you heard when Roy will be buried? "

"Not until Thursday. Edith wanted to give the family time to fly in. I heard a rumor she might put the ranch up for sale, but I don't know how much truth there is to that. I know it's a big spread for her to handle on her own, even with the ranch hands helping."

Adam nodded. "Nice nest egg for retirement if she sales. I just hope whoever buys it keeps it as a ranch and doesn't build."

They made small talk as they finished eating, and Barret found himself really enjoying Adam's company.

Other than meeting the guys at Manny's for a beer after work, he really hadn't been out recently.

He hoped they could do this again, but next time not have a murder investigation going on.

Maybe they could go hiking one Sunday or something.

They gathered their trash and threw it in the can by the curb before getting back into the car. Barret drove the short route to Adam's shop and apartment and parked in front. "So, how does ten sound on Sunday? Is that too early for you?"

"No, that works. It will give me time to wake up and get some caffeine in me." Adam opened the car door. "Thanks for dinner tonight. You didn't have to pay."

"I invited you to join me." Barret shrugged. "Just wish we'd had better luck locating our suspect."

"Me too." Adam sighed. "Well, I enjoyed the night even if we didn't find who we were looking for. Maybe we can do it again another time."

Barret held eye contact with Adam. "I'd like that. Let's get this case closed, then we'll plan something."

"Sounds good." Adam stood. "See you Sunday." He shut the door, gave a single thump of his fist on the top of the car, then turned to go inside.

As Barret watched him, he had to laugh. Wasn't it less than a week ago he'd thought his man was a fool? How things changed with a little insight. He slowly pulled away, trying hard not to think about the next time the two of them could go out when work wouldn't be involved.