The Keys to freedom

Puppy love

Oz leaned against the counter, wiping down the surface, while stealing glances at the entrance of The Cove. She couldn't shake the looming threat of whoever was after them, she felt as if she was being watched, by a shadowy figure lurking in the periphery, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The bell above the door chimed, making her jump as a familiar face entered and she let out a relaxed breath.

"Hey, Evie!" James called out, wiping his hands on a towel as he stepped forward.

"Hey!" she replied with a bright, contagious smile. "We just wanted to come check this place out." She gestured to the tall man beside her, a distinguished figure with slick black hair and glasses. "This is my dad."

James extended his hand warmly. "James. Great to meet you sir."

The man took his hand with a friendly smile. "Rodge. Wonderful to finally meet the man who's been so good to my Evie. I was worried she'd have trouble finding her place here."

"Dad, don't embarrass me," she said, her cheeks flushing as she shot him a playful glare. Her laughter softened the room, reminding james of lighter days.

He chuckled, glancing between Evie and her father. "It's a pleasure having her around, Rodge. She's got this way of lifting spirits."

He looked down at his daughter with a proud smile. "She sure does," he said, giving her a gentle pat on the back. Then he turned back to James. "Well, I better get her something to eat—she's a lot less friendly when she's hungry."

James laughed. "Aren't we all? Let me get you both a menu, there's not much worth a damn on it, but I recommend the fish tacos," he said with a wink, before dashing off to grab one as they took their seats.

Behind the counter, Grayson popped his head through the service window where Oz and Jessper were standing. "I don't like this. This isn't good," he muttered, his voice low. "We hung out with her all day at the parade, and now she's here."

"I know," Oz replied, her eyes lingering on Evie. "But we can't exactly tell her to leave."

"She's really sweet," Jessper added thoughtfully. "Maybe we could include her."

Grayson's head snapped toward her. "Are you crazy? We barely know her. Plus are you willing to take less of a cut, for someone we've known for a week?"

"Not everything is about money, Grayson," Jessper said, rolling her eyes.

"Says the girl who doesn't have to choke down Oz's eggs every morning," he shot back.

"First of all," Oz interjected, hands on her hips, "no one's forcing you to eat my eggs. Second, we can't trust anyone right now. Not to mention Someone's out there literally trying to kill us. Telling her would also put her in danger."

Their heads turned toward Evie and her father as they settled at a table near the window, the sun setting behind them. James returned, placing the menus down in front of them. "So, what do you think?" he asked, leaning against the table, his eyes on Evie.

"I'm definitely getting the tacos," she said, glancing at her dad, who nodded in agreement.

"Great choice! I'll get that in for you," he replied.

As he turned to head back to the kitchen, he paused and looked over his shoulder. "Hey, do you have any plans tonight? The group's hanging out at a spot called Turtle Rock later. You should come,"

Her face lit up instantly. "Really? I would love that," she replied, glancing back at her dad for approval. Rodge gave her a nod and a warm smile.

"Awesome!" James grinned, slapping his notepad with satisfaction. "We're about to get off work soon. You can catch a ride with us."

Behind the counter, Oz exchanged a frustrated look with Jessper and Grayson. This was the last thing they needed.

"Sounds like a solid plan," Evie beamed, oblivious to the tension lingering behind her.

James nodded, then quickly made his way back to the workstation, his cheeks tinged with pink.

"James, do you think this is a good idea?" Oz asked, her voice tight with concern. "As much as I like Evie, we need to stay focused."

He frowned and crossed his arms, an angry retort flashing through his mind—about how she was the one sneaking off to see Pyke lately instead of staying focused. But he bit it back, deciding to avoid the fight. "I am focused. It's not like we're going to solve it tonight anyway," he said flatly.

"James, we can't have her poking around while we're in the middle of the biggest mission of our lives." Grayson said folding his arms.

"Relax, would you?" James sighed, throwing up his hands. "I know Oz is usually the uptight one, but since when are you all work and no play?"

Grayson gave him a hard look. "Since someone tried to take me out with a bullet. Since when are you all play and no work?"

"Seriously? Inviting her to hang out once is 'all play' now?" he said with a snort. "Look, I just asked her for a few drinks. After that, we can brainstorm. Deal?"

Oz and Grayson exchanged resigned looks, rolling their eyes as James returned to the tables to check on his customers.

Oz folded her arms, "Of all the times to go chasing after a girlfriend,"

"Yeah, James is the last person I'd expect to stray from the plan." Jessper muttered.

Grayson nodded, his gaze fixed on James. "We got to come up with a game plan and approach it carefully though. I think he has got a serious case of puppy love."

"Operation neuter James. I love it," Jessper joked tapping her fingers together with a mischievous grin.

They watched as James laughed at something Evie's father said, his face bright and carefree. Under different circumstances, the group would've been thrilled for James. He rarely showed interest in anyone, so if he was drawn to this girl, there had to be something special he saw in her. But their home was at stake, their lives at stake and the clock wasn't going to stop ticking for a romantic detour.

Grayson sighed. "Let's just make sure we get him back on track. We're running out of time."