Lacey sucked in a deep breath, her chest shuddering on the inhale, and then she laughed, and it was too bright, too high like tin wind chimes. “I’m so jumpy. Always have been. Silly of me.”

But now the woman was in classic defensive mode, her shoulders hunched, her arms crossed in front of her, each hand holding on to the opposite elbow. Making herself small, protecting organs.

“Lacey . . .” Izzy couldn’t not say something.

Predictably, it sent Lacey running. She smiled, a twist of lips that was more concerning than reassuring, and slipped off the stool. Lacey was already zipping up her coat by the time Izzy realized she was about two seconds from leaving.

“You don’t have to go,” Izzy said, though she knew it was useless.

Waving a hand once more at her empty spot, at the napkin, at Izzy, Lacey shrugged. “Sorry for . . . you know. Have a nice night, Izzy Santiago.”

Izzy thought that was going to be it, until Lacey took a step closer, meeting Izzy’s eyes. The flight reaction had mostly faded into resignation, the delicate skin beneath her eyes revealing her exhaustion. “Seriously. Don’t waste your time worrying about me. I’m not worth it.”

“Everyone is worth worrying about,” Izzy said.

Lacey’s eyes traced over Izzy’s face, and then she looked past her to the exit.

“Not me.”

Izzy snagged her nearly empty glass on her way toward the back of the bar.

“Hey, sugar,” Patty greeted when Izzy sidled up beside her. The woman was playing herself at darts. “Want a go?”

“Nah, you cleaned me out,” Izzy joked.

Patty hooted and then went back to lining herself up just right. “You want some gossip on her then?” As Patty asked, she threw a thumb over her shoulder toward the exit Lacey had just fled through.

“You have any for me?”

“Not really, no.” Patty lifted one shoulder. “She keeps mostly to herself. Dating Cash Bishop, though you already know that.”

“Yup.”

Patty clicked her tongue. “Lacey’s probably not too happy about Mia being back.”

“The ex in town,” Izzy agreed easily, without giving anything up herself. If she had to guess, she’d say Patty was on a fishing expedition to figure out if Mia and Lacey were about to catfight over Cash. So predictable and disappointing. “What can you tell me about Sammy B.?”

Patty’s hand paused, just before release. She lowered her arm and turned to Izzy. “Thought I cleaned you out?” There was a mercenary glint in her eyes, but behind it was interest, confusion. Izzy had surprised her with the question.

“Put it on my tab?” Izzy asked lightly. She’d pull her badge out if she had to, but she didn’t want to be forced into that.