Chapter 77

After tracking the woman's progress outside, I started to turn back when something near where the barista landed on the floor reflected the overhead lights. A small glass bottle with a label.

"So, your cute cat, Detective," the barista said.

I flicked my gaze to his, pretending I hadn't noticed the bottle. "Yeah?"

"Is your cat here, or did he chase after the guy who knocked me down?"

"He's chasing after him, no doubt," I lied. "It's a crime to knock baristas down."

"That it is," the barista said with a laugh. "Yikes, I've made a mess. I'll be right back to get you sugared up or sleepy. Whatever the case may be."

I tried for an innocent smile, but I was pretty sure it made me look like the hamster wheel in my brain had stopped spinning. "My sugar glands thank you."

With another chuckle, he strode into the back room. He hadn't appeared to see the fallen bottle.