Most people didn’t realize how predictable they were, right down to their bowel movements. I picked up my phone again as I had an idea come to me and began searching the endless supply of images for a face with a specific emotional response on it. I paused in my search and made the image larger. There in the background…that was perfect. He was the face I needed to become.

A sadistic chuckle left my lips and had me settling into the large seat as I continued my search. Sometimes social media really was your friend, and right now, I was learning all I could about the unassuming Ricky Rossi.

Chapter 10

KIRBY

I’d only ever been this tired a few times in my life, and those times included a club, lots of alcohol, and some hot sex. My legs ached, my feet felt like they had blisters on them, and I’d managed to burn myself badly enough to warrant a bandage on my hand. Not exactly a stellar start to my new job. Jorge had put me through my paces, and when he said that learning to be a barista was an art form, I hadn’t believed him until I saw Brandy working up close.

The water and milk had to be at certain temperatures for different drinks. Then there was the consistency of the foam and balance between the rich coffee, flavor shots, and the rest of the mind-bending concoctions. I don’t think I’d seen anything this complicated in my science classes.

On the plus side, Jorge didn’t kick me out and said goodnight with a smile on his face. I was going to take that as a good sign.

The breeze was cool tonight, and I shivered as I stepped out of the overly warm café. Pulling my coat tighter, I stuffed my hands in my pocket and looked up and down the mostly vacant area. Although this was a busy spot during the day, once it neared ten o’clock, the groups of people disappeared like they were all on a curfew.

My eyes scanned the darkness as an unsettling sensation washed over me. I searched for the cause of my unease, but the street was quiet except for a few cars parked across the road. The vehicles were all dark and looked vacant. I was pretty sure I could kick almost anyone’s ass if I needed to—that was one thing I could thank Quantico for, but I wasn’t stupid either. I was still a woman alone, and being cocky was a sure way to end up killed.