He wasn’t asking me about the man who had been here talking to me and randomly walked off. He also wasn’t saying anything about why he hadn’t jumped out right away. I thought he would be mentioning his car door or at least asking questions about the stranger. Instead he commented on my appearance. I had to fight the sudden rush of giddiness that swept over me.

“No, I just wanted to get an early start,” I said.

Finally, he glanced back to the road where the warlock was now out of sight. “Did you know that man?” he asked, looking at me again.

I shook my head. “Not really. I mean no. I have no idea who he is, but he wanted money. I told him I didn’t have any but told him where the closest homeless shelter was.” That lie came too easily. It rolled out without much thought. It wasn’t as hard to lie to Rathe as I feared it would be.

“It’s not safe for you to be out here alone this early. Stores aren’t opened yet. Where could you possibly go apply at this time?”

I decided to handle this with turning the focus on him. “Why did you track my location?”

His brows drew together in an irritated way. “Because you left in the middle of the night alone. I was worried. I couldn’t sleep.”

I rolled my eyes. I doubted he had laid awake all night. He’d let me walk out of there easy enough. “I was fine, and you were relieved I left. After that... mistake, neither of us wanted to prolong the evening or be in the same apartment.” That had been a bit harsh but it was best to just get it out now and not act like it didn’t happen.

He shook his head, and his hand dropped from its grasp on my arm. “Is that what you think?”

I didn’t respond right away. I didn’t know what to think about him. He had come looking for me, instead of Heath, which was odd. “How did you get Heath to let you come instead of him?”

“This wasn’t Heath’s buisness,” he said sourly. There was more to that story and I wouldn’t get it out of Rathe, but Heath or Margo would tell me.

“Well, I’m fine. Safe and sound. I’m not wounded from last night as you can see. Thanks for uh... your concern. I guess.” He could leave now, so I could focus on my game plan for this day. I thought I’d made it as politely clear as possible that he should leave. His job was done. His actions hadn’t caused any damage.

“Have breakfast with me. There’s a place less than a mile from here I like to go for omelettes. The coffee is good, too.”