Mug Shot (28 page)

Ryder took his usual stool at the counter so we could talk while I worked. “Hey, babe. You doing okay this morning after tossing and turning all night?”

I hadn't realized he knew I hadn't slept well. “Yeah, I'm fine. A little tired, that's all.”

He reached over and took my hand. “You don't need to lose sleep over my safety.”

“I know. But I probably will anyway. And speaking of safety, why in the hell are you taking Pete rock climbing of all things? That sounds like something you'd do, but not him. He'll probably hurt himself, you know.”

He waved away my worries. “Oh, he'll be fine. I thought some fresh air might do him some good. He's been kind of moody lately.”

I let out a bark of laughter. “Kind of?”

All joking aside, I was thrilled at the idea of the two of them hanging out together. When they first met, they couldn't stand each other, but they've since actually become friends. It certainly made my life a lot easier than when all they would do was trade insults back and forth.

Wayne stuck his head through the pass-through between the kitchen and the front counter, calling, “Hey, Juliet, the food delivery guys are here early.”

“Thanks, Wayne,” I replied. Coming out from behind the counter, I went and put my arms around Ryder's neck. “Sorry, duty calls.
Please
be careful. And promise you'll take care of Pete.”

“I promise.”

About three hours later I got a call from Ryder. “Hey, Juliet. It's me. You, uh…” He sighed into the phone. “Can you meet us at the Vanderbilt ER?”

“What?” I cried, dashing for the door. “What happened? Who's hurt?”

“Pete.”

Every great mystery needs an Alibi

eOriginal mystery and suspense from Random House

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