Page 97 of Stone Coast

We smiled and thanked her, and she stepped away, then she hesitated a moment. She stepped back to the table, and her eyes narrowed at me. “I don’t mean to bother, but you’re that girl, aren’t you?”

I didn’t think she had recognized me, but maybe my disguise was a little too obvious.

48

Valerie glanced around, then whispered, “I’m not gonna tell anybody.” A sly grin tugged her lips.

“I’m sorry. What girl?“ I asked, playing dumb.

“You know. The one on the news.” She looked around again, then leaned in and whispered. “The one that killed those guys.”

She had a slight sparkle in her eyes, like she was excited about the prospect of meeting a real-life killer.

I laughed, playing it off casually. “I’m sorry to disappoint, but that’s not me.” My curiosity had been piqued. “What guys?”

Valerie pulled out her phone, scrolled through it, and launched a video. She showed it to me.

I tried not to react when I watched the clip.

An anchor addressed the camera. “Another brutal slaying of a notorious crime figure. Ray Richmond was found deadthis morning in an alley behind the Cool Cat Lounge. Stabbed multiple times, authorities believe there is a connection with the murder of Carter Wallace. Authorities are seeking Savannah Stone for questioning.”

I swallowed hard when my face appeared on the screen.

“Stone was recently charged with the murder of Wallace and was seen at the Cool Cat Lounge prior to the murder. Our very own Tessa Vaughn is live at the scene.”

The camera cut to Tessa in the alley, a swarm of first responders behind her. Emergency lighting flickered. The medical examiner bagged the body. “The victim’s body was found early this morning. Employees at the club say Stone stormed in, demanding to see the owner. Several hours later, he was dead. We’ll have more on this story as it develops. I’m Tessa Vaughn, and I’m exposing the truth.”

I smiled. “That’s crazy! She looks just like me.”

“I know, that’s so wild. I was like, that’s her. But why would she be out in public if the cops are after her?”

“I’m not that stupid,” I said with a laugh.

Valerie chuckled. “Well, let me know if there’s anything else I can get you.”

“Thank you.” She darted away, and my heart raced. I looked at TJ. “I think it’s time we leave.”

“It’s gonna look funny if you walk out of here before you finish your meal.”

It was at that moment that two PBPD officers stepped into the restaurant.

TJ subtly pointed them out.

I knew better than to turn my head and look. I made myself small and slid closer to the window, hiding behind the high back of the booth. With any luck, they were just here for breakfast. Hopefully, nobody had tipped them off to my presence. If Valerie recognized me, anybody else could have.

The hostess grabbed a few menus and escorted the two officers down our row and sat them at a table beside our booth.

I tried to act inconspicuous and took a bite of my blueberry waffles.

The cops at the next table perused the menu and looked too preoccupied to notice me.

I decided to play it cool and keep eating. No real fugitive would be that calm next to two cops.

Valerie returned to the table a few minutes later to refill my coffee and whispered, “Aren’t you nervous?”

I smiled. “Why would I be?”

She nodded to the table behind her.