Circle of Fire (Damask Circle 1)

“Jayne Smith,” she replied, knowing her sister had visited Taurin Bay only under her married name of Gaskell.

The dangerous light in Hank’s eyes faded. He sat back in the chair and lightly toyed with a knife. She suddenly felt like a mouse facing a large and hungry cat.

“The only Smith I know is the lovely young lady now sitting opposite me.”

He meant to flatter her, but he only succeeded in making her feel ill. She pushed the rest of her milkshake away and gathered her bag. She’d be damned if she’d wait any longer for Jon—especially if Hank intended to keep her company.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Stewart, but I really must go.”

“No time for another drink? It would give me a chance to apologize for my abrupt behavior this morning. You might even find yourself enjoying my company.”

She forced another smile and shook her head as she stood. “I’m sorry, but I really have to leave.”

“Why? Are you meeting someone?”

Her gaze jerked to his at the question. He knows, she thought, studying his eyes. He knows I’m involved with Jon somehow. I should have stayed home, stayed safe.

But being safe wouldn’t find Evan.

“What business is it of yours?” she retorted tightly, her fingers clenched against the strap of her handbag. “Do you usually take this much interest in the inn’s guests?”

He smiled lazily. “No. Just the exceptionally pretty ones.”

The man was a sleaze, whether or not he was involved with Evan’s disappearance. “I’m sure the inn’s owners will be pleased to discover that you take such an interest.”

He laughed, white teeth flashing, and her stomach turned. Evil haunted the depths of his laughter. Maddie swallowed and looked away. What on earth made her think that? God, she needed a drink!

She licked her lips and tried to ignore the thought as she watched Hank warily.

“I’m only kidding, my dear,” he said with a lazy smile. “No need to get nasty.”

Despite his conciliatory manner, the amused light in his eyes told her he wasn’t worried by her threat. Why? Did he have some kind of hold over the owner? Or was the owner somehow involved in Evan’s disappearance?

“Madeline Smith? Maddie? Is that really you?”

She jerked around at the sound of Jon’s voice. He was threading his way through the tables, wearing a black leather jacket that emphasized the lean strength of his shoulders and the brightness of his golden hair. His gaze met hers for a moment, and fear ran briefly through her heart. Despite his easy smile, there was a light in his eyes that made him look very dangerous. But she’d never been more relieved to see anyone in her life.

“Fancy meeting you here.” He stopped beside her. His eyes held a warning as he lightly kissed her cheek.

She cleared her throat and tried to ignore the warm tingle his lips left on her skin.

“It’s been a while,” he continued. “What, six, seven years?”

She nodded, going along with his game. “You’re lucky you caught me here at all. I was just leaving.”

A hint of a smile tugged at his lips, but she sensed his attention was on Hank, not her.

“Surely you can stay for a cup of coffee?” He pulled out the chair she’d just vacated. “Don’t believe we’ve met,” he added, holding his hand out to Hank. “Jon Barnett.”

“Hank Stewart.”

“Really?” Jon said, the surprise in his voice at odds with the slight narrowing of his gaze. “You’ve changed. You look nothing like the photo that appeared in the Gazette article a year ago.”

“Ah.” Hank’s smile was easy despite the wariness in his eyes. “That was my older brother, Tim. He fills in for me quite often, and happened to be on duty the day the photographer came. Just as well, too. He’s more photogenic than me.”

The tension levels rose a notch. “Really?” Jon said to Hank. “Odd that we haven’t seen him around much lately, then, isn’t it?”

“Unfortunately, he was killed in an accident not long after that article appeared.” Hank shrugged and rose to his feet. “It’s been a delight, Miss Smith. Maybe we can do this again another day.”