One morning before work, Alan Travers accidentally bumps into Detective Jim Garrison at a cafe where both men stop for coffee. The handsome younger man interests Alan, but he misses his chance to get to know the detective better and wonders if he'll get another.<br><br>With the help of his nephew Bryce, Alan concocts a plan to try and get Jim's attention "accidentally on purpose." It works, but as things heat up between them, Alan worries what Jim will think if he finds out their getting together was no accident.<br><br>Then Bryce goes missing, and Alan's going to have to come clean. But is he the only one not being truthful?

Accidentally On Purpose

Time seems to crawl by, though it can’t be more than a few seconds, maybe a minute at most. The three of them look at each other then look away, each waiting for another to speak first. Or maybe they’re waiting for Kylie to join them, but she has yet to make it downstairs.


Another minute passes, maybe more, and then Jim clears his throat. “How about I ask you a few questions first, Mrs. Simmons? Then I can speak with Kylie once she comes down.”


“Sure.” Mrs. Simmons crosses her arms, hands cupping her elbows as if she’s hugging herself. “Though I’m sure I already told you everything I know.”


“Alright, thank you.” With pen poised over his notepad, Jim asks, “Walk me through your evening, if you can.”


Alan chews the inside of his cheek in anxious frustration. This is a complete waste of time.


You didn’t have to come along, remember. You didn’t even have to come inside.


Chapter 48