Ice was pinning everything on his upcoming “date” with the cashier. They’d made arrangements to meet when Tami got off work. Ice arrived late, wanting to avoid any introductions to coworkers if possible. It was hard to wait because he was pumped and wanted to complete his mission. Now that he knew beyond all doubt that Chevy was there, she was as good as his. He just needed to find her hidey-hole.

As part of the cleanup work crew, he was usually picked up at his hotel every morning. When he was out and about on his own, he rode his stolen motorcycle. He had clean plates on it and knew cops would only figure it out if they looked closely to match the VIN. He would never give them an excuse to look that closely. The bike was likely to impress Tami, help her get over any miff at him being late, he hoped.

He was right. She appeared to be frowning when he pulled into the parking lot, but her face brightened when she saw him step off the bike.

“Wow, what a pretty bike,” she said, eyes raking over the machine. “Can I have a ride?”

“Love to, Tami, but I only have one helmet. Can’t take the chance. I trust my driving, but . . .” He tilted his head and gave her his best “I care about you” look.

“Still, maybe if I borrow a helmet sometime?”

“You bet.”

There was one bar in Rogue’s Hollow, a small locals’ place called The Stump. Tami wanted to go there, but Ice pulled the six-pack he’d bought in Shady Cove off the back of his bike.

“How about we go to some place more private.” Ice gave her his most seductive smile, but she hesitated.

“I hardly know you.” She tried to sound reticent, but Ice read her body language and she was anything but. “We should go to some place public.”

He turned on the charm, knowing from experience that this girl was lonely and wanted to be with him. This was what he did—he found the lonely and conned them.

“Come on, I don’t want to compete with any other guys for your attention.”

She blushed but still needed convincing.

Ice gently rubbed her shoulder. “How about this? You pick the spot and you drive—that way you’re in control. I just want a private visit with a pretty girl since I spend all day with smelly guys. No hands, I promise.” He grinned, and she blushed deeper and laughed.

“Well . . . okay. I guess we can go up to the Stairsteps. That’s a public place and a little private, especially after dark.”

“Awesome.” He grinned and moved his bike out of sight.