Excerpt: Inkling

Evelyn’s grin didn’t fade. “Let’s not allow us to forget that you have neglected to apologize for everything you have ever said to me.”

“Did I neglect to say that?” he asked innocently.

She didn’t bother responding, just gave him a dark look.

A pause, then, “I’m Mukesh Patel.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” she scowled.

“Absolutely nothing,” he responded without missing a beat.

--

Evelyn’s head snapped up, immediately recognizing Singh’s profile and connecting him with the voice she heard previously. As he turned around, she realized he was going to blurt out her name in order to accidentally ruin her disguise.

He began, “Miss--”

“Green,” she supplied in what she assumed was a helpful voice. “And you are Mr. Singh, am I correct?”

Singh lowered his voice as took a seat next to her. “Miss Hughes, I know it is you.”

“I’m sorry. You must have me mistaken for somebody else. My name is Samantha Green.”