Mercy moved to get a better look at their barista. The girl’s hair was lighter, but the eyes and the shape of her face were spot-on. Pearl’s daughter? Owen’s? She admired the small gemstone stud in the girl’s nose. Whoever she was, she had a rebellious streak. Mercy’s parents would have ripped the stud out every time they saw it.
“I’ll take an Americano. Do you have heavy cream instead of half-and-half?” Mercy asked as she stepped closer. The barista met her gaze, nodded enthusiastically, and went back to creating heaven in a cup.
Whoever she was, the sight of Mercy meant nothing to her.
Mercy breathed out a sigh of relief.
“Do you live in town?” Eddie asked the barista as Mercy silently cursed him. The agent liked people and enjoyed hearing their stories. He’d start up a conversation while waiting in line at the grocery store.
The girl smiled. “Just outside of town.”
“You aren’t working here alone, are you?”
At the flash of alarm in the barista’s eyes, Mercy punched him in the arm.
“I mean . . . I’m not a weirdo. I’m wondering about your safety,” Eddie said lamely.
“Ignore him,” Mercy said with a smile meant to calm the startled girl. “He means well and he’s harmless.”
“My father’s in back,” she said tentatively. The sunshine drained out of her face, and she eyed Eddie with caution.
“That’s good,” admitted Eddie. “Didn’t mean to freak you out.”
The barista held up their cups. Mercy reached for both, and watched the girl’s gaze shoot to Mercy’s left side under her jacket. “You’re law enforcement,” the girl said as she nodded toward the weapon.
“Doesn’t everyone around here carry?” asked Eddie in a joking tone.
“Usually revolvers, not Glocks.” Interest lit up her eyes. “Is this because of the men that were murdered recently? I heard Ned Fahey was found dead this morning.”
The gossip chain was in full swing.
“Kaylie? Everything okay?” a tall man asked sharply as he stepped into the doorway behind the barista, his broad shoulders filling the space.
Mercy’s heart stopped as she locked eyes with the man. Shock swept his face.
“Holy shit!” he muttered.
“Dad!”
“Sorry, hon.”
He was big and dark haired, with a thick beard that hadn’t grayed. Mercy had never seen him with a beard, but she recognized her brother instantly. She didn’t speak, letting Levi decide what to do. He looked from her to his daughter and then back again, taking in Eddie in the same glance.
“You from out of town to investigate the murders?” he asked Eddie. “I didn’t realize the FBI was involved. That seems odd.”
Mercy swallowed. Her brother had ignored her. But he knew they were FBI. That meant he knew what she did for a living. He hadn’t abandoned her completely.
“We come when our help is requested,” Eddie replied noncommittally.
“Didn’t know anyone had asked,” said Levi. He looked at Mercy, all recognition gone from his eyes. “Coffee’s on the house today.”
“We appreciate it, but we’ll pay,” said Eddie. He pulled cash out of his wallet and gave Mercy a side-eyed questioning glance. What the fuck is going on?
She couldn’t move. Or speak. Her fingers had frozen to the hot cups in her hands.
“Have a good day,” Kaylie said automatically as she handed Eddie his change.
He dropped it in the tip jar. “You too.” He took his cup out of Mercy’s hand, his gaze still questioning her.
Mercy took one last lingering look at her niece and then at her brother. Levi turned and vanished without acknowledging her again. She followed Eddie out into the cold and got in their car. She held her coffee with both hands, unable to look at the other agent.
“That guy clearly knew you but didn’t say anything,” Eddie stated. “And since the barista who looks exactly like you is his daughter, I assume he’s your brother?” His voice cracked on the final word.
Mercy nodded and sipped her coffee. Damn. She’d forgotten to add the heavy cream.
“Who doesn’t acknowledge his sister? Not that you said anything either,” he muttered. “So I assume whatever the issue is, it goes both ways? Did you know that was his coffee place?”
“No.”
Eddie sighed and took a long swig out of his paper cup. “Sorry, Mercy. None of my business.” He paused for all of two seconds. “Tell me you knew that was your niece.”
“No. I suspected it once you pointed it out, but I didn’t know which sibling of mine she belonged to.”
“You knew this brother had kids, right?”
“One.”
“He didn’t wear a wedding ring. Was he married?”
“No. When I left, his girlfriend wouldn’t let him visit their one-year-old daughter. I guess that changed.” Mercy set down her cup and started the car. “Let’s get going to the other crime scene before it’s full dark.” She backed out of the parking space. Embarrassment with a small spark of fury flushed her face. She hadn’t heard a peep out of her family in fifteen years.
What other surprises waited for her in Eagle’s Nest?
THREE