Perfect Fit (Serendipity's Finest 1)

“Thanks, Bev.”

“Thank you,” Cara said.

“No problem.” She nodded at Cara before walking away, taking her place behind the counter.

“She seems nice,” Cara said.

“She’s been very good to me.” Daniella sounded surprised, as if she’d seen too little kindness in her life.

“How long have you been working here?”

“A little over a week.” She glanced into her coffee cup.

Cara studied Daniella carefully, taking in the fading bruise on the girl’s jaw. Without meaning to, Cara reached out and brushed a gentle finger over the discoloration.

“I tripped—”

“Not with me, okay?” Cara whispered.

Daniella’s eyes once again filled with tears that she was unable to keep from spilling over her cheeks.

“Daniella, I know I promised no pressure, but you have to leave. You can stay at Havensbridge and—”

The young woman clenched and unclenched her fists. “I want to leave him. I do. That’s why I called you. But I like working here. I like having somewhere to come every day. It’s not like being a paralegal, but I feel good about myself. And I can do this part time and make money while I take online refresher classes.”

Cara nodded, pleased that Daniella not only had made the decision but had more of a plan than when she’d been at Havensbridge the first time. “That’s good. I’m sure Belinda will have a way to make things work. It’s just transportation you’d need, right?”

“Right—except Bob knows I work here.” She shook her head in frustration. “He shows up at odd hours, to check up on me.”

Cara wasn’t surprised.

“Damn right I know where you are every minute of the day.” A shadow loomed over their table. Cara looked up and into the eyes of one very pissed-off—and if she wasn’t mistaken, drunk—man. “I drive you here and pick you up because you’ve proven you can’t be trusted.”

Daniella shrank lower into her seat.

Cara felt the pressure of her holster and breathed out hard. She straightened her shoulders and met the man’s gaze, refusing to let him intimidate her as he obviously wanted to do.

“I’m sorry, do I know you?” She deliberately dismissed him with her tone.

“Bob Francone. Who the hell are you?” He braced his hands on the table, leaning over them, distinctly threatening.

Cara wasn’t impressed. She smiled broadly and reached into her pocket. “I’m Daniella’s friend. Officer Cara Hartley.” She flashed her badge.

“You stupid bitch!” Bob raged at Daniella.

A whimper escaped the younger woman’s lips.

Time to take control of this situation, Cara thought. She slid to the edge of the seat, intending to stand, but Bob remained blocking her way. “Excuse me.”

Bob ignored her. “You’re friends with a cop?” Bob asked Daniella instead.

“Please don’t make a scene,” Daniella said, the words coming out more like a plea.

“I shouldn’t make a scene.” He barked out a laugh. “You called a goddamned cop and I shouldn’t make a scene?”

“That’s correct. Now I believe I said excuse me, you’re blocking my way.” Cara nudged his thigh with her knee. “I’d like to stand up.”

“And I’d like you to get the fuck out of Daniella’s life,” he said, too loudly.