Keeping Guard by Christy Barritt Page B

stalker…could he?
    She shook her head. No, that idea was crazy. He was a successful producer living in New York City. No way he could be behind the threats on her life.
    Finally, her muscles began relaxing from the busy day. With a sigh, she rose and decided it was time for bed. After checking the closet and under the bed, plus going back todouble-check the locks on her door again, she finally crawled under the covers. She wished for a good night’s rest, but a good night’s rest was something she hadn’t experienced in months.

ELEVEN
    C arrie was out again on Thursday because of the flu. It looked like she’d be out for several days, for that matter.
    Suzy did come in on Thursday, which was a help, but they were still at least one person short. Kylie only hoped that Nate had a plan for the weekend, which was always busier. Being short-staffed on Friday night would be a nightmare.
    Thursday, so far, had passed by fairly quickly. Kylie needed to keep her mind occupied, and being in the kitchen did just that. She tried to keep it to where she was cooking and Nate worked on the management side.
    She couldn’t resist throwing in a few personal touches to the food while Nate was in the office. Just a little parsley here and lemon juice or zest there. The additions helped to brighten up the flavors. She had some ideas for new menu items she thought Nate should try—and other ideas for menu items that he should do away with. At the right time, maybe she would suggest them.
    â€œWhat did you do to this soup?” Suzy walked into the kitchen and held up an empty bowl.
    Kylie drew in a quick breath, hoping she didn’t do something wrong. “I just added a couple of extra ingredients.”
    â€œIt’s fabulous.”
    Kylie smiled. “Thanks. It just needed a little extra something to take it to the next level.”
    â€œThe customers have been raving about it all afternoon.”
    â€œGlad to hear that.”
    Suzy leaned against the sink, adjusting the purple bandanna with little skull imprints that she wore around her head like a pirate—not in trying to keep with any theme, just because she seemed to like standing out in the crowd. “You’re not new at this, are you?”
    Kylie tensed. “What do you mean?”
    â€œNate said you came here to get experience, but you seem pretty experienced to me.”
    Kylie shrugged, trying to look casual. “I’m trying to get restaurant experience. I’ve had some training as a chef.”
    â€œWhy’d you pick this restaurant of all places to get experience?” She lowered her voice as her eyes darted from side to side. “There are some fabulous places up in Williamsburg. I’d hardly call this place inspirational.”
    Kylie swallowed, her throat dry. A customer right now would be nice, before Suzy had a chance to ask too many questions. Kylie shoved a lock of hair behind her ear and put on her best game face. “You sound like you know quite a bit about the restaurant industry yourself.”
    Suzy shrugged, seeming more than eager to switch the subject to herself. “I don’t know. I’ve been waitressing for six years now, ever since I was seventeen. I’m taking some college classes in between, you know. I’ve worked nearly every place from here to Jamestown.”
    â€œHow’d you end up here, then?”
    â€œMy dad goes to church with Nate and knew he needed some help.” She shrugged again and pursed her lips in nonchalance. “This place is closer to home anyway, so it saves me some gas money. The tips aren’t nearly as good, though.”
    â€œIt’s nice of you to help Nate out. You don’t go to church with your dad?”
    â€œI gave up on church a long time ago.” She waved her handin the air as if to show the question was invalid. “I believe in God and everything. But I don’t need church to show it.”
    Kylie nodded,