With quiet, curious footsteps, the child walked down the center aisle, her clear blue eyes fixed on Cole’s booth.
Chapter II: The Silhouette on the Wrist
The waitress, holding a glass coffee pot near the service station, glanced over with mild concern, but the girl kept moving until she reached the edge of the table.
Cole noticed the small shadow falling over his saucer. He set his mug down with a soft click and turned his head, his brow furrowed with the natural wariness of someone unused to innocence.
"You lost, kid?" Cole asked, his deep baritone softened by instinctive restraint.
The little girl didn't back away. Instead, she leaned in slightly, reaching out with a tiny, hesitant finger.
She gently touched the inside of Cole’s right wrist.