Grayson stepped inside Ryo's favorite coffee shop 5 minutes before 9 AM. Everyone could always set their clock after her. If she said 9, she would be there at 9. Not a minute early, not a minute late.
"Two cappuccinos, please," he ordered.
He watched the barista make the cappuccinos and then paid for them. He picked them up just as the door opened. He turned to look at Ryo who had just entered. She was just as beautiful as he remembered with her long, wavy, black hair and her grass green eyes that always seemed to stare right into his soul.
"Grayson," she nodded.
"Here," he said.
He handed her one of the cappuccinos and she smiled at him.
"Thank you," she said. "Let's go for a walk."
He followed her out of the coffee shop and down the street. She turned into a dirt trail where they could walk and talk more privately.
"What's his name?" She asked.
"Baron Corbin," he answered. "What informations do you need?"
"None. I'll find him," she said. "Do you have what I requested?"
He took up an envelope of cash from his backpack and handed it to her. She opened it and looked down at the money. She didn't count them but put the envelope in her purse.
"You're not gonna count it?" He asked.
"I trust you. You know better than anyone what will happen if you try to fuck me over," she said.
"I would never do that," he said.
"I know. You're too cute for that," she said.
She gave him a wide smile and he smiled back at her. He had missed her, and it was good seeing her again after all these years even though a part of him still wished he hadn't reached out to her for help.
"How is your friend?" She asked.
"Indi is hurt," he sighed. "He beat her up bad and tried to rape her. At least she got one good kick in while he was in the process of opening his pants. She said he fell down mewling like a newborn kitten crying for its mom."
She laughed at the image and put a hand on his upper arm. Once again his heart skipped a beat by the simple touch.
"Tell your friend not to worry. He won't ever be a problem to her or anyone again," she said.
"How do you plan on doing it?" She asked.
"Don't ask questions you already know the answer to. I've never changed my memo and I never will. Don't fix what isn't broken," she said.
"Aren't you afraid you'll get caught one day?" He asked.
"Nah!" She grinned. "If I do, I deserve my punishment. There's a lot of unsolved cases out there because of me, and I'm about to add another one."
"Good luck or whatever I'm supposed to say," he said.
She laughed and gave his arm a squeeze.
"It was good seeing you again, Grayson," she said.
"You too, Ryo," he said.
"I'll come find you once it's done. Better have the rest of my money ready or you won't like that visit," she said.
"Only you can sound kind and cruel in one sentence," he said.
She grinned again and put her sunglasses on.
"Have a nice day, Grayson," she said. "I'll see you soon."