Page 79 of Zero Divergence

Royce gestured for Diego to share their big reveal.

“The neighbor across the street placed Bonita’s car parked in Gross’s driveway at five thirty-five on Saturday evening.”

“That’s a very specific time,” Sawyer said suspiciously.

“She said Bonita almost hit her. She recognized the car from the bi-monthly deliveries. Thinking she was ahead of schedule, she glanced at the clock and realized the flowers were later than usual.”

“Plausible,” Sawyer said.

Royce laughed. “Sore loser.”

“I think we’re all winners,” Topher said judiciously. “You’ve proved Bonnie did indeed deliver flowers, while we proved she drove around the block, parked her car, and most likely returned to Gross’s house on foot to kill her.”

“I like this kid,” Royce said. “Who’s hungry?”

“I could eat,” Sawyer said.

Diego and Topher both nodded.

“Great,” Royce replied. “I know a place that serves excellent chicken salad sandwiches. My treat.”

“Uh, yeah,” Diego said, rubbing the back of his neck.

Sawyer narrowed his eyes at Royce over the top of the car once the rookies got in the back seat.

“What?” Royce mouthed.

Sawyer just shook his head and got in the car.

They arrived at Bytes and Brew between the late morning coffee rush and early lunch crowd, which meant Levi had plenty of time to make eyes at Diego, who seemed to eat it up. What the fuck was wrong with these two idiots? Royce gave him a smug look after placing his order, then stepped aside so Sawyer could do the same. Afterward, he tugged Royce off to the side.

“Stay out of it,” Sawyer cautioned again.

“Come on, GB. Tell me you don’t see the sparks between them,” Royce countered.

“I do,” Sawyer agreed. “I also see nothing but trouble if you go sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. They will find a way to work it out if they’re meant to be in one another’s lives.”

“Boring,” Royce said dramatically.

Sawyer started to reply, but his phone rang. “This conversation isn’t finished,” he warned Royce before punching the button to accept the call. “Detective Key.”

“Hello, Sawyer. It’s Dottie calling. I just wanted to let you know Judge Reinhardt signed off on your warrant. I’ve forwarded them to the phone companies for her landline and her cellular. Hopefully, we’ll have them by the end of the day.”

“You’re a doll,” Sawyer said.

“And you’ve been hanging around with Locke too long already,” she teased. “I’ll let you know when we have the records.”

“Thank you.” Sawyer hung up and smiled at Royce. “We got the warrant for the phone records.”

“They might help provide a motive,” Royce said.

Sawyer considered it. “You think someone killed her before she could turn over the evidence?”

“I think it’s just as believable as Bonita killed her out of spite or jealousy,” Royce countered.

Sawyer couldn’t argue with his logic.

Diego lingered at the counter even after their food arrived at the table Royce had chosen in the corner of the café. From where Royce and Sawyer sat, they could keep an eye on everyone coming and going. When Diego finally joined them, Royce pointed at him. “What?” Diego asked.