The place was nearly empty this morning because snow was starting to build up on the roads. After a few minutes, while I was still lost in thought, Alicia placed a plate of eggs and ham in front of me and a bagel on the other side of the table. Then she slid into the booth.

Alicia said, “You look like you need some protein and company.”

I smiled at her insight.

“You left so fast yesterday I didn’t get a chance to tell you what a wonderful thing you did for Mrs. Ledbetter. She and her daughter stayed here an hour, then went back to her house. It was beautiful.”

I gave her a smile. This was exactly the sort of thing I needed this morning. Something light and friendly before I headed down to Newburgh.

Alicia said, “I get off just after lunch today. Are you free? Would you like to do something?”

My guess was that with a face like hers, she rarely had men turn her down. And I wanted to be here when she finished her shift. More than anything I could think of. But I thought of my brother sitting in the county jail and Pete Stahl’s mom crying over her dead son, and I summoned the courage to shake my head.

“I’m sorry, Alicia. My brother’s gotten into some hot water down in Newburgh and I couldn’t face my mother again if I didn’t do everything I could to help him.”

“Your brother Natty, the drug dealer?”

Finally, someone was up on the current lingo for the job description. I nodded my head, still feeling the regret for turning down an offer to spend time with this beautiful girl.

“I hope you’ll give me a chance to make it up to you as soon as I can. Maybe a nice dinner and movie up in Poughkeepsie.”

She smiled and patted my hand. “You’re a good brother and son. That’s more important than an afternoon of wild sex.”

My head snapped up at that. I smiled and said, “I wish you hadn’t said that. Now that’s all I’ll be thinking about while I’m in Newburgh.”

“That’s okay. It was just a test to see how important your trip really was. You passed with flying colors. I’m very impressed.”

A smile spread across my face as I realized just how smart and funny this girl was. Plus, I thought I could get lost in those brown eyes.

She grinned and said, “Eat up. You’ve got crimes to solve and brothers to rescue. Just remember your promise to take me out when this is all finished.”

“Then, I’ll have to find a way to clear this up right away.”

Chapter 14

Chapter 14