Lib Novel Page 51
“Got it. Did you drive to the salon or was your car outside the bakery the whole time?”
“It was outside the bakery. I walked to the salon.”
“When you left the bakery, did you notice anything on your car at that point? Did you look?”
He was totally using his cop voice. It was such a turn-on.
“There wasn’t anything there. I’m sure of it. I brought the day’s leftovers to the car before I went to my appointment and didn’t see anything.”
“So whoever left it on your car must have put it there after you left for your salon appointment. What time was that?”
“Um, I guess I left the bakery at about five-thirty. My appointment was at five forty-five.”
“Okay, I want you to check the bear. Are there any zippers, buttons, or other openings?”
I turned it over and around, inspecting all the seams. “No.”
“What about the neck?”
“Nothing there, either. It has a bow, but it’s just a ribbon and there’s nothing underneath.”
“Squeeze it. Anything hard inside?”
“Are you thinking it has a camera in it or something?”
“Yes.”
I started squeezing it all over, including the stubby arms and legs. I hadn’t even thought about a hidden camera. But why would someone give me a bear with an old school nanny cam in it? It wasn’t like I had a bakery rival who wanted to steal my recipes or something.
“It’s soft all over. I don’t feel anything. Just stuffing.”
“Got it.”
The seriousness in his voice made me smile. “Are you writing all this down like you’re investigating a crime?”
“I’m documenting, yes.”
“So professional.”
“I’m just trying to put the pieces together to see if we can figure out who did this.”
“I know. I’m just saying, you must be very good at your job.” My tone was light and flirtatious. “You’re certainly good at other things.”
The way he cleared his throat was so cute. Had I flustered him a little? “You bring out the best in me.”
I leaned back against the headrest, my cheeks warming as heat burst between my legs.
“But listen,” he continued, “I’m concerned about this. Are you home?”
“Not yet. I’m still in the parking lot.”
“Lock your doors.”
“I already did.”
“Good. Head home but watch for any sign that you’re being followed. If you see anyone, don’t go home. Come here to the sheriff’s office.”
My back tightened. The situation, and his response, was making me increasingly nervous. It had to be a mistake, right? Someone left it on the wrong car. I barely knew anyone in Tilikum. Who would leave a weird teddy bear in a shiny heart bag?