Chapter 48

I moved toward the stage, drawn to him as if pulled by a string. He hadn’t spotted me yet, intent as he was on announcing the prizes for best costume and the upcoming acts for the evening. Once he introduced the first performer, Lucille left the stage.

I followed him until we met at the bar. “Your scheme worked,” I said in greeting.

He did a double take on seeing me next to him. “You’re here!” He moved as if to hug me, but stopped himself. “Why are you here, exactly?” That hint of doubt in his voice was unnerving.

“Believe it or not, I had a run in with Maddox earlier this evening.”

Lucille’s well-shaped eyebrows raised to the ceiling in astonishment. “He’s in town? I thought he was still in prison.”

“So did I. Apparently he got time off for good behavior. All that to say, he stopped by the shop to apologize and beg forgiveness. I sent him on his way since I wasn’t sure I could give it. It’s probably better that way.”