Page 90 of Shattered Secrets

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

The Friday lunch rush was winding down, and for that, Scarlet was thankful. She was leaving work early again today so she could run over to her apartment to pick up a dress. Her dinner date with Matt had obviously been postponed with all the craziness—the man being stabbed, the amped-up security, Jake and Carmen’s visit, and Poppy and Cade returning home—but Matt had insisted that tonight was the night. It would be their first official date.

She’d been fine with staying in. Not because she didn’t want to go out with her wonderful man—and yes, he washerman—but because no matter how great things had been lately, no matter how much joy and love and laughter she’d experienced over the last week, she couldn’t shake the paranoia. Everything was going too well, and she had a feeling that the proverbial other shoe was about to drop.

They were still keeping security tight—Xander was currently with Daisy, Tash was sitting in the diner’s waiting area, and Bean had all her program things running—but Matt thought going out, just the two of them, was low risk and would take her mind off things.

It helped to know that Daisy would not only be with Rebecca, Dante, and their family tonight, but that Cade and Poppy were planning on joining their get-together as well. Matt had even said Xander was happy to join the crew if it would put her mind at ease.

The thought made Scarlet rush to the beverage station and place the coffee pot back into its stand. Pulling her phone from her apron pocket, she sent a text to Xander.

Scarlet

If you’re really sure you don’t mind, can I take you up on your offer to watch Daisy at Rebecca & Dante’s tonight?

Xander’s response was immediate.

Xander

Of course I don’t mind. I’ll touch base with Alvarez on what time you’re dropping Daisy off. You just have fun tonight.

After sending a thank-you text, Scarlet let out a breath and tucked her phone away in her apron. She could do this, dammit. She had no reason to be nervous about going out on an officialdatedate with the man she was completely stinking head over heels for.

Love, Scarlet. You’re inlovewith him.

A smile lifted her lips. She was. She absolutely was one thousand percent head over heels in love with Mateo Alvarez. And the best, most unbelievable part? The wonderful man felt the same way about her. In fact, he wanted tomarryher.

Warmth bloomed in her chest. How was this her life?

A ding pulled Scarlet from her dreamy, swoony thoughts.

Heading to the service window, she checked the orders against the ticket, loaded her tray, and headed to the two-top.

She recognized the couple and greeted them as she placed their appetizers in the center of their table. If she recalled correctly, they were from the Portland area and had been in at some point each day this week. “How are you two enjoying your stay on Hudson Island?” she asked, setting small appetizer plates in front of them.

“Good. There’s a lot to see on the island. It’s been quite informative,” the man replied.

Even though the man’s word choice seemed odd, Scarlet’s smile never wavered. “I’m glad. Is there anything else I can get you two?”

“Actually, yes,” the woman said before coughing. “Sorry, my throat is just so scratchy.” She sounded like she’d swallowed a frog, and she waved Scarlet closer. “See the guy eating by himself near the door?”

Frowning, Scarlet looked at the table closest to the hostess stand. The man appeared to be in his early thirties and possibly recovering from a bit of a rough night, but since he was in Paula’s section, she hadn’t paid him much mind. “Yes?”

“See how Martha’s standing right by his table?”

Her gaze shot back to the woman, and she froze. The cold, dead stare aimed at her had all the fine hairs on her arms rising.

“That’s Cutter. He loves knives. He did a number on ole Mikey, didn’t he? Isn’t that the spot where the dumbass bled out?”

Scarlet glanced at Cutter, and her stomach twisted when the man shot her a sinister grin. He lifted the corner of his T-shirt, revealing the handle of a knife.

“Now, if you don’t do exactly as I say, you’re gonna see how many times Cutter can stab her. He’s fast, you know.” Thewoman eyed her dining companion. “He got Mikey what, ten, fifteen times?”

Scarlet’s mind flashed to the security footage of Cutter stabbing Michael Wilson while he’d sat helpless in his car. Bile surged up her throat.

“Sounds about right,” the man said with an ominous chuckle. “Trust me, he can get at least eight or nine good ones in before even the best can react. The lady’s a bit thick in the middle, but she’d be done for before she even hit the ground. She’s old. I’m sure she lived a good life and all that shit. It’ll be a twofer if her old man, Ray, tries to rush in.”

Scarlet’s ears began ringing. “What do you want?”