We shook hands all around and went inside the coffee shop for the rest of the celebration. The event wouldn’t make the nightly TV news or even a mention in the paper, but it was fun and a good opportunity to bring the community together.
We were all standing around, congratulating ourselves at being able to drink lattes and espressos and order books from a local retailer. Kevin was at my side with his arm around my waist. He was wearing the new blue sweater I’d bought him as a thank-you for all his help.
I saw the woman start moving through the crowd as soon as she came in the door. She was tall and gaunt. Her face was pale, no animation under the straw-colored hair.
“Kevin,” she said when she’d reached us. She put her hand on his arm and smiled. “I’m so glad I found you. I’ve missed you so much.”
His smile faded when he saw her, though he finally managed to cover his shock with a pleasant expression.
I knew that look—it was one you use to hide your true feelings.
“Ann!” Surprised was a mild way to describe how he sounded. “When did you get here?”
“Today. Can we go somewhere and talk?” She glared at me. “Alone.”
“Of course.” He looked at me. “Dae, this is Ann Porter, my partner when I was with the FBI. Ann, this is Mayor Dae O’Donnell.”
I shook her hand and smiled despite the cold feeling of foreboding that overtook me. He hadn’t introduced me as his girlfriend. Maybe it was just too awkward right now. I knew he’d never expected to see her again.
I was glad that I was still wearing my gloves when I touched her. There were stories in her dark eyes I hoped never to experience from her touch.
“Hello, Dae,” she said. “I’m Ann—Kevin’s fiancée.”