Juliet and Juliet?

Chapter 17

Porter pointed to a booth at the far side of the Diner. The seats were away from the window and to Olivia's delight, had no clear view of the bathroom door. She looked casually around hoping to see a payphone. She felt Alex tug her arm and looked at her, Alex motioned to a payphone at the far end of the long counter. Olivia saw the cardboard sign saying, 'out of order'and sighed. 'Dammit,' she thought. She also didn't miss the curious glances being cast in the trio's direction.

As they took their seats Porter sat with his back to the wall, giving him an unobstructed view of the Diner's only entrance. Olivia and Alex sat opposite him. A waitress sidled up to the table and placed a menu in front of each of them.

"Evening folks, what can I get the FBI tonight? Special's meatballs, my favorite," a woman with blonde hair in her 50's said cheerily.

Olivia noted the red and blue stripey uniform the waitress was wearing, a white apron covered her front. She'd obviously just started her shift as the white apron looked pristine clean, she noticed her name badge and gave her a smile as she casually hid her bloody left hand under the table.

"Hi Susan, can you just bring us some coffee while we decide what we're having to eat please. Just drove up from Manhattan and we are starving,"Olivia said, giving the waitress her best smile.

"Shucks honey, call me Suzy, everybody else does," she said returning the smile.

"Nice to meet you Suzy, I'm Olivia and these are my colleagues Alex and Dean," she said introducing everyone. Olivia could feel Porter's glare burning into her but she kept her eyes on the waitress.

"You folks up here on a case?" Suzy asked excitedly.

"No such luck, boring conference, I'm afraid," said Olivia.

"Oh well, nothing exciting ever happens round here anyways. I'll go get your coffee, you folks take your time," she said and walked away.

"What the Hell was that?" asked Porter, keeping his voice low.

Olivia turned and pretended to watch Suzy behind the counter, she was actually watching the area leading to the bathroom. Without turning she addressed Porter, "We just rode into hicks-ville, screaming authority and drawing attention to ourselves. I'm trying to prevent the natives from getting restless," she smoothly lied, hoping he believed her. As she was about to turn back to face him she noticed two women in their 20's heading in the direction of the bathroom.

She turned back to face him as Suzy arrived with their coffee and a plate of fresh gingerbread.

"Homemade gingerbread, made them myself, " announced Suzy proudly.

Olivia lifted a slice and took a bite. She swallowed before turning to Alex, "Alex, you have got to try these," she turned back to Suzy, ignoring Porter, "Suzy, this is delicious, Alex try it," she said enthusiastically.

Alex looked at the waitress as she took a bite from the slice in Olivia's hand, "Wow, that is fantastic Suzy, we'll need to take some back to Manhattan," she said before adding, "I'm just going to freshen up before I order, been a long drive, " she smiled.

"Bathroom's just down there honey, take your time with your order. I'm here til dawn," she said.

"That sounds like a good idea Alex, think I'll freshen up too. Excuse us Dean, won't be a minute, " Olivia smiled sweetly and rose from the booth, Alex behind her as Suzy headed back to her station.

As Olivia and Alex made their way to the bathroom, Dean Porter's eyes never left their retreating forms, "Dammit," he cursed quietly.

The two women Olivia had spotted earlier were standing in front of the single mirror, applying make up from a cluttered pile that was strewn across the vanity counter. They were talking to each other excitedly. Once they noticed Olivia and Alex in their FBI jackets thy ceased all movement and chatter.