Stealing Kat

The morning Carol left early and Jenny was away, I took off on my bike immediately. I didn’t want to be alone with Brynn one second longer. Even though I told myself it was just a dream, I still felt creeped out. I went to the diner in hopes of finding Carol. My worst fear was that only Brynn would be there and I’d be stuck having lunch with her. But luck was with me—Carol was there, and Brynn wasn’t. We chatted, but midway through my shrimp salad, Carol dropped a bombshell. “I may have to spend a few days in Kodiak on a very urgent murder investigation.” I couldn’t hide my disappointment. “Aw, I’m sorry.” “And I’m sorry too,” she said. “We haven’t been spending enough time together.” I nodded. “But I know the life of a cop is unpredictable.” “Sometimes too unpredictable,” she agreed. “Are you sure you’ll have to go?” “No. Not for sure yet.” A spark of hope. “Maybe you won’t have to.” “Maybe.” “When will you know?” “Probably today.” I took a bite of my salad. Carol frowned. “You sure everything’s okay?” “I’m just tired. Like I said, I didn’t sleep great. I must’ve sensed in my sleep that you were late coming in.” Carol smiled lovingly. “You know I hate sleeping without you.” I hoped she wouldn’t have to leave town.