That idea didn’t help Leo relax a bit. “Maybe. Since I didn’t sleep last night, I’m not sure how much I’ll be up for tonight. Call me right before you get off and I’ll let you know.”
“It’s more fun if you’re here when I get off.” There was a playful note in Aud’s voice, and it took Leo a moment to figure out what he was talking about.
Heat rose in Leo’s face, and he chuckled. “I’ll remember that.”
“Okay. Like I said at the start of the call, I just really wanted to make sure you were okay. It sounds like you are.”
“For the most part.”
“Good. I’ll call you this evening.”
“Thanks. Talk to you then.”
There was a soft click, the phone beeped, and the call ended. Leo set the phone down on the table. “Sorry about that.”
Julie leaned back in her chair. “Okay, dish. What was that all about? I picked up that some of it was last night, but there was something else.”
Leo took a long drink of his tea as his throat went a little dry. “He wants me to go up into the mountains with him next weekend. His treat to make up for the recent drama.”
“Really?” She cocked a well-plucked eyebrow. “Where? Did he say?”
“Not exactly, other than it was one of the resorts that hasn’t opened for skiers yet, so it should be cheaper than it will be in a little while when there’s snow on the ground.”
“It sounded like you agreed to that.” Felix stabbed another piece of his pancakes.
“Sure. Aren’t you the one who always said never pass up a free weekend or a trip if the boyfriend’s paying for it?”
“Hey, don’t forget just because you’re not the one with the wallet out doesn’t mean you aren’t paying for it in one way or another.” Felix sounded a little off. His cattiness didn’t have the same bite to it that it normally did.
“I don’t mind doing just about anything Aud asks.” Leo knew if it hadn’t been for the intruder, he’d have had to tell what he’d done the night before with Aud.
“Really? So you guys actually managed to put on a show for Randal last night before you spotted him?” Julie leaned closer, like a hungry wolf eyeing a fallen deer. “How was it?”
“Great. Everything about Aud is great.”
Felix got up from the table. “Guys, I just remembered that I have… an appointment.”
Leo studied his friend. There was definitely something off with Felix. “An appointment?”
“Yeah.” Felix dropped a couple of dollars on the table. “I need a haircut. Definitely need a haircut. That should cover the tip.” He hurried for the cashier.
There were no other customers at the counter. He ran out, gave them a short wave, and disappeared through the door.
“That was odd.” Julie turned back to Leo after watching Felix leave.
“You’ll get no argument from me.” A wave of guilt washed over him. “I’ve been so wrapped up with Aud lately, I haven’t seen a ton of Felix outside of work. Is there anything going on that you’ve noticed?”
Julie pursed her lips in thought before she responded. “Nope. I think he did have a date last night with that guy he met online.”
Leo sat up a little straighter. “The logging wood guy?”
“Woodsyaxeman. Yeah, that’s him. I was going to ask him how it went. I’m betting it didn’t go well. Maybe he just didn’t want to hear you singing Aud’s sexual praises when he struck out or something like that.” She finished off her omelet.
“I just hope he’s all right.” Leo glanced through the windows in time to see Felix’s yellow Honda disappear into traffic. Worrying about Felix helped him take his mind off the trouble at Aud’s house.
14
“SO WHAT can I do?” Aud asked the man standing across the counter from him. He’d been thankful that the lawyer who had given him a card at the opening had agreed to come down quickly. It was easier than making an appointment and going in to see him.
“With stalking cases, it gets a bit awkward,” replied the lawyer, Howard Hemlick. “You’re going to need to prove that this Randal Hudspeth is stalking you. For that, you’ll need to actually catch him at it.”
Aud raised a bushy blond eyebrow. “Catch him at it? Like take his picture? Or find him outside my window and beat the shit out of him?” The moment the words left his mouth, he chastised himself. He didn’t talk like that, particularly not in his gallery.
Hemlick shook his head. “I don’t recommend physical violence. If it comes to that, he’ll be able to file charges against you. You did say you’ve called the police with both of the incidents at your residence.”
“Yes. There are reports both times.”
“That’s good. It leaves an official paper trail. Right now, should things escalate, you have that to fall back on.”