FIFTEEN
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For the first time in a long time, she was relieved and relaxed when she went into Purdy’s. The time of day no doubt had an effect on her mood. It was lunchtime. The atmosphere was relaxed. Daylight still shone outside, lessening the likelihood that there would be a criminal attack or an amorous admirer trying to seduce her into revealing her secrets.
At least, that was what she thought.
“Zara!”
When she twisted in her chair to see who was calling for her, she wished she’d gotten something stronger than a coffee. “Julian,” she said in greeting, and he came over to sit at her table. “I’m waiting for somebody.”
“Oh,” he said. “A date in the middle of the day so close to work?” He didn’t quite nudge her and wink, but the shift of his brows was enough to make her force a
