“It’s advice,” Miller said. “Go home. Forget you had this conversation. If you keep looking, you’re going to find things that will ruin everything you’ve built.”

He looked at Rose, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“And you,” Miller said to her, “remember the agreement. You’ve been paid well to keep your distance.”

Rose looked down at the table, her face pale, her lips pressed into a tight line.

Miller tapped the brim of his hat with two fingers.

“Have a good afternoon, ladies,” he said.

He turned on his heel and walked back toward the door.

The brass bell clanged again as he stepped out into the pouring rain.

I sat frozen, watching his silhouette disappear past the steamed-up window of the diner.

The smell of his damp wool coat still hung in the air, mixing with the scent of greasy bacon and old coffee.

“Evelyn,” Rose whispered, her voice shaking.

I turned back to her, my heart hammering against my ribs.

“He’s been watching me,” Rose said, her eyes wide with terror. “Every month, when the money came, I felt like someone was standing behind me.”