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“Because, duh, this used to belong to him.”
“Not anymore.”
“But would he recognize that?” I couldn’t help thinking of dream-version Mahoney, accusing me of sleeping in his bed.
“He’s not coming back.”
“If you say,” I said with as much singsong doubt as I could manage. “I don’t suppose your department has an updated sketch of what he might look like since it’s been more than ten years?”
“No, and I doubt you have anything to worry about. Guy like him, the type of lifestyle he indulged in, it’s doubtful he’s still alive.”
“But he could be,” I insisted.
“Do you have something to tell me?” His gaze pierced me. “Did you see something? Someone?”
“Still wondering if I see ghosts?” I smirked. “Ain’t nothing spooky around here, Detective.”
“I’d disagree. Or are you saying you’re no longer worried about those men who attacked you? We’ve yet to find them.”
Zing.The reminder hit me in the gut. I sat down hard on my stool and sent it rolling with a kick of my heels.
“Ms. Collins? Allie?” He crouched and showed concern without touching.
“Fine, just jarred. I’ve been trying to pretend it didn’t happen.”
“That might not be wise.”
“Says you. Forgetting it sounds just right to me. After all, what are the chances it will happen again? One in a million?” Left unsaid: Even once more would be too much.
“I’d say there’s a high probability they’ll come back.”
My jaw dropped. “Well, that’s not reassuring.”
“It’s the truth. Because you had money on-site, they’ll remember this place.”
I wagged a finger as the solution hit me. “I’ll stop keeping cash in my office.”
“How are you going to let them know?”
Good point. “What do you suggest?”
He eyed my dog. “I don’t suppose it actually moves if it thinks you’re in danger.”
Blade had chosen to sleep as I conversed with the po-po. Not exactly good backup.
“My dog is more likely to pee on someone in fear than bite them.”
“Then you should think about adding some security.”
“Sounds expensive. Personally, I was going to whack them with this wrench.” I hefted it and smacked it against my palm.
He snorted. “How well did fighting them off work last time?”
Another verbal slap. “They took me by surprise.”
“And will do so again if you don’t take steps to prevent it.”
“What are you suggesting? I can’t afford a security guard, and if you say sell the business and move, I’m going to tell you where to shove that idea.”
