Jake
The man downstairs didn’t look dangerous.
That bothered me more than if he’d walked in carrying a gun.
He looked like somebody’s dad.
Khakis. Polo shirt. Wedding ring missing but the pale line still visible around his finger. Mid-forties, maybe. Slight gut. Hair thinning at the temples.
And he was asking Raven where he could find Emma.
I released Emma’s hand.
“Stay here.”
Her expression changed immediately.
“No.”
I stopped.
Right.
Apparently evolution required repetition.
“What do you want to do?”
“I want to know why he’s asking for me.”
“Then you stay behind me.”
She folded her arms.
“Beside you.”
I stared at her.
She stared back.
“Fine. Beside me.”
“Look at you growing.”
“Don’t push it.”
We headed downstairs.
Nash was already near the front counter, positioni
