“Have either of you considered calling the police?” Evan asked.
They were at the table in Evan’s kitchen, a few minutes after Colin had offered Evan the CliffsNotes version of all that had happened, including what he planned to do.
Colin shook his head. “The police won’t do anything.”
“But someone broke into her car.”
“Her car was unlocked, the windows were open, nothing was taken, and there was no damage. The first thing they’ll ask is, what’s the crime? And then they’ll ask who did it, and all she’ll be able to offer is her opinions.”
“What about the message? Aren’t there stalking laws?”
“The note is weird, but there’s no clear threat. And there’s no proof that the person who sent the flowers was the same person who put them in her car.”
“I sometimes forget that you’ve had a lot of experience in this area. But I’m still not sure why you think you need to take care of it.”
“I don’t need to do it. I want to.”
“And what if Maria doesn’t like your plan?” When Colin didn’t answer, Evan waved a hand. “Because you plan on telling her, right? Since you’re all about honesty?”
“It’s not that big of a deal.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“Yes, I’ll tell her.”
“When?”
“Today.”
“And if she asks you not to?”
When Colin didn’t answer, Evan sat up straighter.
“You’ll do it anyway. Because you’ve already made your decision, am I correct?”
“I want to know what’s going on.”
“You do know that this is what you’ve done in the past, right? Do whatever the hell you want, your future be damned?”
“I’m making phone calls. I’ll talk to people.” Colin shrugged. “It’s not illegal.”
“No argument there. But I’m talking about what you might decide to do afterwards.”
“I know what I’m doing.”
“Do you?”
When Colin didn’t respond right away, Evan leaned back in his seat. “Did I tell you that Lily wants the four of us to go out together this weekend?”
“No.”
“She was thinking Saturday night. She wants to meet Maria.”
“Okay.”
“Shouldn’t you check with Maria first?”
“I’ll talk to her, but I’m sure she’ll be fine with it. What are you thinking about doing?”
“Dinner. And then afterwards, we’ll find someplace fun. I think all those lessons put her in the mood to go dancing.”
“Salsa dancing?”
“She says I don’t have the rhythm for it. It’ll be some other kind of dancing.”
“At a club?”
“Since you obviously escaped without trouble last time, Lily’s of the opinion that you can do it again.”
“Okay.”
“I have another question, though.” Colin waited as Evan stared across the table at him. “What happens if you do find the guy?”
“I’ll talk to him.”
“Even if it’s her boss?” When Colin didn’t answer, Evan shook his head. “I knew I was right.”
“Right about what?”
“You don’t have the slightest idea what you’re getting into.”