“Not a problem,” Maggie said.
“Can I get another cup of coffee for my brother? He’ll be here any minute.”
“Of course,” Maggie answered and returned moments later with another cup. “Do you know what he wants to eat?”
“No, but the way he always picks from my plate, just bring him the same that you bring me.”
Maggie hesitated, concern flickering in her gaze. “I have to ask. Did you see the paper today?”
“Yeah, I did, and it’s lies. I didn’t know about the guy’s will.”
“I figured.” Maggie gave a reassuring smile. “You’d never do that. I’m sorry that picture was taken here.” She glanced over her shoulder. “We’ve had people asking about you all day. Wanting to know if it’s true. Wanting to know if there are specific times you come in. Some even wanting to hire you to deal with their ghosts. They’ve been giving me their phone numbers to pass on to you.” She pulled the slips out of her apron and placed them on the table in front of Ryley. “You’ve been the talk of the day.”
The butterflies in Ryley’s stomach dropped like stones, and she glanced around the diner again. People were whispering.
“I don’t suppose you have a hat and some sunglasses?” Ryley cupped a hand around her face, like that would really hide her from people’s stares.
“Actually, it’s the least I can do for letting that picture be taken here.” Maggie smiled. “Let me grab mine out of the back room, and I’ll be right back.
Maggie hurried off and returned with a baseball cap and a pair of sunglasses. She slipped the hat on Ryley’s head and put the glasses on the table. “I hope it helps. Holler if you need anything else.”
“I always do,” Ryley said, sipping her coffee.
The afternoon sun had started to set. Dusk crept in, the moon still rising and hidden behind clouds. The evening was just beginning. People would be getting home from work and eating dinner with their families. The quietness used to be comforting. Now it was a reminder of the voids in her life. Would she grow old and lonely? Who would attend her funeral, and would her spirit linger, more lost and confused than the ghosts she routinely helped? Would she be angry about how her life turned out, and haunt those who’d been around her? How long would she have to wait for someone to help her into the light?
The weight of her questions sat like a boulder on her shoulders. She rolled them trying to shake off her morose thoughts. She saw her brother’s car pull into the parking lot, and he got out and headed inside. He smiled as he approached, removing his suit jacket; he hung it over the booth’s backrest before sliding onto the cushion.
“Well, this is a nice surprise,” he said, lifting the coffee and taking a sip. “Thanks, Maggie. This is exactly what I needed.” He lifted the cup and smiled. That smile was short-lived when it dropped to the scraps of paper Ryley had opened. “What’s all that?”
“Some are job offers. Some are threats. People who recognized the diner in the paper.”
“Is that why you’re wearing a hat?”
Ryley pulled the rim down farther into her face. “I had to work with what I’ve got.”
“Is that why you wanted to eat with me? Need me to sue the bastard for slander?”
“Actually, no. I asked you here to share what I learned today,” Ryley said.
“Enlighten me,” Tucker said, meeting her gaze.
“You hired Logan Bane to find our father.”
Tucker spat out his coffee and grabbed a napkin, patting at the mess. “Did he tell you that?”
She shook her head. “I saw the file.” Ryley crossed her arms over her chest. “Were you going to tell me that his last movements were buying a bus ticket into town? Do you know where he is?”
Chapter 30
“No, not yet,” he answered.
“But you’re looking for him?” It was a question she didn’t even need to ask. Of course Tucker was looking for him. He had to be just as tired as she was of always looking over his shoulder.
“Ryley, he’s found us before. It’s only a matter of time before he finds us again no matter what name you use or how many times you change apartments. And now with your face in the paper? The bus ticket proves that he’s here, and this is the year we put a stop to it once and for all.”
Ryley leaned forward. “And how do you plan to do that? He hasn’t done anything illegal. He’s sent mail, but nothing in it is threatening to an outsider looking in. How are you going to stop him?”
“You let me worry about that,” Tucker said just as Maggie appeared with their plates. Even the smell of grilled cheese and fries did little to help squish her fears. Their father was closer this time than at any time in the past.
“How is this for comfort food?” Maggie asked.
“This is perfect.” Tucker met her gaze and smiled. “Our mother used to make this when we were growing up.”
Ryley gave Maggie a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“I can make you something else,” Maggie offered.
“Sorry. I just have a lot on my mind.” Ryley shook the dark thoughts forming in her mind. “No need, Maggie. Tucker is right, this is great.”
Maggie retreated behind the counter to offer more refills. Tucker snagged the ketchup for his fries before Ryley and drowned the potatoes on his plate. “I had a new client come in today.”
“I hope it’s not another one you need help with. I’m still feeling the effects of the last one.”
“No, just an interesting guy. I’ll have to introduce you, if I get the chance. You two have a lot in common.”
Ryley raised her brow.
“Yes, he can see them too. I just thought you might like to talk to someone who truly understands.”
She reached across the table and rested her hand on his. “I have you,
