Christy Barritt - Keeping Guard

He sighed, ready for the challenge but not the drama that might come with it.

He gathered the plates on the table and bused them into the kitchen. Kylie stood with her back toward him, chopping carrots and onions. By the force of her chopping, she made a clear statement that she did not want to be bothered. Nate was fine with that. If he spoke to Kylie now, the words that left his mouth might not be kind.

He went about his tasks to prepare for opening. The crowds were always bigger on Saturdays than weekdays, so they prepared for more. By ten o’clock, the rest of the staff wandered in, looking less than thrilled to be working today. The sun did shine bright outside this morning and the weatherman had promised some of the nicest weather they’d had since last fall. Most people didn’t want to spend days like today inside.

At noon, customers began coming in, most of them tourists visiting for the day. Being busy probably benefited both Nate and Kylie because, in the rush of things, chances for more unpleasant exchanges were limited.

He noticed Kylie seemed to warm up toward the rest of the staff while completely avoiding him. She was efficient in the kitchen though, so he couldn’t complain. He wished he could hire someone with her work ethic permanently. When would Kylie be leaving? Possibly in just a couple of days.

When they finally had a lull in customers, Nate excused himself and went upstairs to his apartment. He picked up his cell phone and dialed Bruce’s number. He’d been thinking about everything that Kylie had told him and now he wanted the inside scoop from his friend.

Bruce answered on the first ring, his voice tight, worried.

Nate assured him everything was okay. “I want to ask you about this man who’s been following Kylie. She told me he broke into her house yesterday.”

“We searched for clues as to this guy’s identity, but we haven’t found anything yet. Whoever he is, he’s good. Leaves no detail unnoticed. He’s been like that since the be ginning.”

Nate narrowed his eyes. “Everyone screws up sometime. Everyone.”

“That’s what we’re counting on.”

Nate shifted his weight, looking out his window at three cars that pulled in front of the restaurant. They’d need his help downstairs soon, but right now he had to get more information. “Any update on the sting?”

“It’s scheduled for Friday. We want to make sure we do this right, with no mistakes.” Bruce’s voice held no room for question. “I’m afraid that if this guy ever sees Kylie again, her life will be on the line. This isn’t someone who’s just playing a game anymore. This guy is obsessed.”

Nate bristled at his friend’s words, at once glad that Kylie was here. “You think this guy knows where she went?”

“We’re telling people she’s on a road trip, trying to get some more inspiration and do some research for her cooking show. I won’t feel safe until this guy is behind bars. He always seems to be one step ahead of us.”

One step ahead of them. Maybe this guy was someone who knew Kylie personally or who could eavesdrop on her at work. “There was nothing in her apartment that would indicate where she’d gone, right? Do we need to find somewhere else for her to stay?”

“No, we don’t think so. She said the only place she wrote your address down was on her notebook, but she tore that sheet off and brought it with her. We think she’s safe. Believe me, the moment I start thinking she’s in danger again, you’ll be one of the first people who knows.” Bruce paused a moment. “How’s it going so far? Is she holding up okay?”

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