Sucker Punch (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter 27)

“Yeah,” I said, surprised he knew the term or cared enough to define it out loud.

“And shit like that is why I’ve never been married,” Kaitlin said. Her phone pinged, and she checked the text. “Livingston texted that he’s got us a table.”

“I’m surprised he’s the one saving the table,” Newman said.

“You mean instead of sending me,” she said, smiling.

“I didn’t mean just you, Kaitlin. There are plenty of other state cops in town. Captain Livingston has a lot of lesser rank to send on errands right now.”

“Livingston and the owner are good friends. If he’d sent anyone else in to get a table for this many people during their breakfast rush, we’d be lucky to get seated by lunch.”

“I take it this is Sugar Creek,” I said.

“Best breakfast in three counties,” Kaitlin said.

“I wonder if the waitress that’s dating the handyman at the Marchand place is working today,” I said.

“You thinking of doing a little police work over breakfast?” Newman asked.

“I was thinking about it,” I said.

Kaitlin took a deep breath of the air for effect and said, “I smell clues.”

“I didn’t think about Hazel Phillips being there this morning. I was just thinking about bacon,” Newman said.

“And that is why you called Anita to help you,” Olaf said.

“Would you have thought to question the waitress?” Newman asked.

“That’s not fair. He doesn’t know about her dating the man of all jobs at the Marchand home,” I said.

“That is true, but it doesn’t matter,” Olaf said. “I would not have questioned her anyway.”

“Why not? You just implied that you think it’s a good idea,” Newman said.

“I would have already completed the warrant of execution.”

“So no reason to question anyone,” I said.

Olaf nodded.

Newman looked at me. “Told you.”

“Told her what?” Kaitlin asked.

“If Newman had passed on the warrant, it turns out that Otto here was the next closest marshal.”

“Oh,” Kaitlin said, and looked up at the big man, then back at Newman, and then finally at me. She smiled and put her arm through mine as if we were friends. “Well, then, you would be missing the best pancakes I’ve ever had.”

“Pancakes, huh?” I said, letting her keep my arm, because women get weird about it when they try to be all huggy-feely and you don’t want to be.

“Please tell me you’re not one of those people that doesn’t eat carbs,” Kaitlin said, damn near hugging me.

“I eat carbs.”

“Great. Pancakes for everyone!”

“I do not like pancakes,” Olaf said from behind us as Kaitlin moved us to the door.