by G. K. Parks
The bell above the door chimed, alerting everyone to my presence. I just had to hope Eve hadn’t bothered to look up, and even if she did, she might not recognize me. I’d been doing my best to alter my appearance between the gym and the other locations where I’d followed her. Today, I wore my hair in a loose ponytail with two brown locks hanging down to frame my face. This was a new look on me she hadn’t seen, but since I didn’t spot her, I probably didn’t have any reason to worry.
Ten other people were in the store, so I maneuvered around them and examined the bouquets in the coolers while searching for my quarry. Eve had to be here. I saw her come inside, so where was she? I started on one end of the store, listening carefully for her husky voice or signature laugh.
Near the back, I heard her, but I didn’t see her. I looked around, spotting plastic flaps hanging in front of an open doorway. It was marked “staff only”.
From the bits and pieces of conversation I could make out, it sounded like she was in the midst of a discussion about daisies and sunflowers. Neither were high-end enough for Elegant Events or Eve’s personal taste. So what was she doing back there?
While I waited, I examined the various colors of water beads.
“May I help you?” a man asked. He wore an olive green apron with the name of the flower shop stenciled on the front pouch.
“I’m just browsing.”
“Shopping for yourself or someone special?”
“My boyfriend.”
He smiled. “Not a lot of women come in here to shop for the man in their lives. That’s refreshing. Is it a special occasion? Birthday? Anniversary?”
“It’s Wednesday.”
He beamed. “Even better. What type of flower does he like?”
Although I’d been making this up as I went, I didn’t actually know the answer to that question. Martin must like flowers. He’d given me plenty of them in the past. What was in the silk bouquet? I couldn’t remember. It was purple and white and pretty, but he might have chosen those for the colors. “I’m not sure.”
“That’s not a problem. What’s your favorite flower?”
“Something without a lot of pollen or a strong scent.”
“You must really love him to brave stepping foot in this store.”
“I guess.” I kept an eye on the plastic flaps, straining to hear Eve’s voice, but she spoke too quietly for me to make out the words. On the bright side, I didn’t hear any banging around or cries of ecstasy, so she probably wasn’t doing the nasty in the back room with an unknown stranger. However, if that changed, I had my camera phone at the ready. I’d dash in, snap a photo, and run out of the store. It was nice to have a plan.
“Does he have a favorite color?”
I spotted a display case of orchids close to the plastic flaps blocking the doorway. “What can you tell me about orchids? Are they difficult to maintain?”
“Not really. You can even use the water beads if you like.” Another employee called to him from the register. “I’ll let you browse. Let me know if you have any questions. I’m Ken.”
“Thanks, Ken.” But I’d rather speak to Event Planner Barbie, except she was hidden in the “staff only” part of the store.
With Ken distracted, I moved closer to the flaps, practically pressing myself against them as I examined the display case from the side.
“We’ll need two dozen of the smaller ones for the bridesmaid’s bouquets and the white roses dipped in gold for the boutonnieres,” Eve said.
“A dozen?”
“Let’s go with eighteen just to be on the safe side.”
“Not a problem. Anything else?”
“That’s it for the Leachman wedding.” Eve stepped through the plastic flaps, nearly colliding with me. Luckily, I saw her coming and ducked down, opening the cooler door to examine a purple orchid near the bottom of the case. “Excuse me,” she said to my back. “I almost stepped on you.”
I leaned into the display case. “That’s okay.” But I didn’t need to waste my breath because she had gone back to her conversation with the flower shop manager.
“How’s it looking on the Morning Glories?” she asked.
“They should be in stock in time for the Bateman’s reception.”
“Excellent.” Eve went to the counter.
“Have you decided on your flowers yet?” the manager asked. “Your big day is nearly here.”
“Ugh, don’t remind me.”
That made me pause. I grabbed a blue orchid and some beautiful green water beads from the shelf and headed toward the counter, so I could hear the rest of the conversation.
The manager laughed. “Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet.”
“No, Andre’s wonderful.” But her tone didn’t sound nearly as convincing as her words. “I’m just overwhelmed. I do this for a living, so planning my own special day shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Maybe you should hire someone.”
“Oh, that’d go over great on the gossip sites. Plus, we’re a little over three weeks out. There isn’t time.”
“What are you doing for your wedding?”
“Something low-key and private. I picked up my dress the last time I was in Paris. Andre’s been fitted for his tux. We have the venue and menu locked down. It’s just the linens and the lighting and the centerpieces.”
“You mean all the tiny details you specialize in?” The manager commandeered the register from Ken and entered the information on Eve’s orders. Eve handed over her corporate card and signed the receipt. “Just let me know what you decide. You’re my best customer. I’ll get you whatever you want with plenty of time to spare.”
“Thank you. I’ll bring Andre in on Saturday, and we’ll figure it out.” Eve pulled the binder out of her extra large purse, flipped to the proper tab, and taped the receipt inside. “We’ll probably do something classic. Roses or peonies. I’ll have to consult my portfolio. The Toumlinson’s had amazing flowers. I don’t remember what went into the arrangements though.”
“Give me a sec. I’ll look it up for you.”
While Eve waited, I put my items on the counter. Ken smiled at me. “Good choice. The Exotic Blue Phalaenopsis orchid is sure to brighten anyone’s day. I like the green water beads with it. Very masculine. I’m sure he’ll love it.” Ken looked straight at me. “Hey, what do you know? The blue almost matches your eyes.”
“Do you deliver?” I asked.
“Yep.”
“Great.” I eyed the decorative vases behind him while keeping an eye on Eve. “Which one would you recommend for the office?”
Ken pulled three choices from the back counter and placed them in front of me. “Any of these will do. If you want the green to stand out, I’d go with this one.”
“I’ll take it.”
I filled out the card while he refreshed the beads with fertilized water, placed them in the bottom of the vase, put the orchid on top, and added the rest of the beads to hold it in place like shimmering green soil.
I slipped the card into the envelope, scribbled James on the outside, and wrote the delivery address and instructions on the form. I handed Ken my credit card just as the manager found the Toumlinson’s flower order.
“They did white and pink,” the manager said.
“Yes, but the reception was in their garden, so the place was brimming with all kinds of flowers and lots of colors.” Eve edged around to the side of the counter to see the order form. “All right, order some calla lilies for me. No matter what we decide, I’ll want those.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The manager smiled proudly. “I’m not sure if anyone’s told you this yet, but you’re going to make a beautiful bride.”
“I hope so.” Eve said her goodbyes and left the shop.
I took my receipt, thanked Ken, and followed after her. Eve remained inside her car, tapping away at her phone. By the time I pulled out of the garage and circled back around, she had left. “Dammit.” I stopped at the first intersection and lo
oked in every direction. Starting tomorrow, I’d put a GPS tracker on her car. However, that wouldn’t solve my current problem.
Unsure where she’d gone, I returned to Elegant Events, but she wasn’t there. Eve had another meeting in forty-five minutes, so she’d have to show up. I just wondered what she was doing or who she was doing in the meantime.
Twenty-eight
When Eve didn’t arrive for her meeting, I called Cross Security and had one of the techs ping her phone. Eve had gone home. That didn’t make any sense. This woman was on the ball. She never missed meetings or appointments. She was punctual to the point where she had bathroom breaks penciled into her schedule.
None of the women in Elegant Events appeared frazzled or concerned when the boss didn’t show up. Did she call to say she wouldn’t be in? Throwing caution to the wind, I squared my shoulders and entered the shop. Samantha recognized me almost immediately.
“Hi, how are you?” she asked. “I hope you’ve been avoiding clutzes carrying smoothies.”
“Only the ones not wearing couture.” Drinking in the room, I toyed with the engagement ring hanging from the chain around my neck. It didn’t hurt to imply I was here on important bridal business. “Is Eve in?”
“No, I’m sorry. She keeps a busy schedule. Would you like to make an appointment?”
“I checked out your website and the photos online. I just wanted to get some information. Do you have any portfolios or price lists I could see?”
“Sure.” Samantha went to the shelf and pulled out a four-inch binder. “Have you figured out the type of venue you want for your big day?”
“Not yet. I just wanted to get an estimate of what this could cost.”
“So many factors go into it.” Samantha looked uncomfortable. “We’ve done events for as little as ten grand, and others were well into six figures. Weddings tend to run a little higher because everything has to be perfect. How much were you looking to spend?”
“Money’s not really an issue. Figuring out what we want is the problem.”
“How can I help?”
“I’m not sure you can. We’re having a clash of opinions. I want something small and intimate, just us and a few close family and friends. But the last time we discussed this, he made it sound like he wanted something worthy of Page Six.”
“Eve could help you with either or a combination of the two.”
“But she’s not here?” I made a show of looking around. “I don’t want to waste her time with an official meeting or appointment unless I can convince him to come with me. I just hoped to pop in and ask her a few questions. Will she be back later today?”
“I’m afraid not,” Samantha said. “Let me check her schedule. She might have a few minutes to spare Friday afternoon.” Samantha went to the computer and clicked the mouse. “Friday at 4:10. Can I pencil you in?”
“Friday doesn’t work for me, but I’ll call on Monday to get something official scheduled.”
“That sounds great.” Samantha handed me a business card. “If you have any questions, you can e-mail me directly. I’m not Eve, but I can help.” She pointed to her contact info.
“Wonderful. I’ll be in touch soon.”
Eve was supposed to work until seven. This was the first time since I started tailing her that she deviated from her schedule. I had to find out why.
When I arrived at her apartment, the neighborhood was quiet. Most people were still at work, so rush hour hadn’t started. The lull gave me a chance to snoop around, but I already knew the building’s layout. I couldn’t exactly break in. Instead, I counted the windows until I found Eve’s. Her blinds were open, but she was too far up for me to see inside.
However, I’d prepared for this possibility. The building across the street had a fire escape, and even though it was broad daylight, I decided to risk it. Grabbing my camera bag, I entered the alley, jumped up to pull down the ladder, and climbed up the stairs. Once I was high enough to get a look into Eve’s apartment, I used the camera to zoom in.
The flowers on her table were now a brown, wilted mess, but she had yet to dispose of them. Since the flowers blocked my view of her living room, I pointed the camera at another one of her windows. Nope, she wasn’t in the kitchen. I shifted to the corner window.
Seated on the end of the sofa with his arm spread out over the back and a drink in his other hand was Colton Raine. I knew the man was trouble. His car was just a warning sign.
I snapped a photo, even though Eve wasn’t in the shot, and scanned the street beneath me, but I didn’t spot the Lotus. Ten minutes later, Eve stepped into view. She had changed from her smart grey dress to leather pants and a glittery gold halter top that tied around her midriff, exposing her naval ring and tanned skin. Her hair looked even better than before, with soft ringlets falling in all directions.
Frantically, I clicked away. Colton put the glass on the coffee table, took her hands in his, and held her at arms’ length. With a sexy grin, he released one of her hands and spun her around for the full effect. She giggled, falling into his chest. He winked at her, releasing her hand once she regained her balance.
As soon as they were out of frame, I tucked the camera into the bag and hurried down the fire escape. Thankfully, my leg didn’t cramp. I made it to the bottom just as they passed me on the opposite side of the street. I jogged to my car, turning to make sure I didn’t lose sight of them.
I waited to see where they were going, but they didn’t stop. Instead, they turned at the intersection. Putting my car into gear, I backed out of the space, nearly taking off the nose of the car behind me in my haste. I zoomed around a slow moving hybrid and took the turn a little too fast, clipping my side mirror on the walk sign.
Colton and Eve climbed into the back of a waiting limo. I closed the space between us, memorized the plate number, and backed off, allowing several other cars to get in front of me. I didn’t know where we were going, but things didn’t bode well for Andre and Eve’s upcoming nuptials.
The limo pulled to a stop in front of Spark, one of the city’s most exclusive members only nightclubs. Colton stepped out of the back, offering a hand to Eve. This wasn’t good. She let him help her out of the car, her shiny spike heels catching the light.
It was still early, just barely five. Was the club even open yet? I would have thought this was nothing more than a meeting to check out a venue, but the chauffeured car and Eve’s costume change made me question everything. It looked like a date, so I’d treat it like one.
The bouncer nodded to Colton and held open the door. Now what was I supposed to do? Reaching for the phone, I called Cross.
“Eve’s with a man. They went into Spark,” I said.
“Does James have a membership?” Cross asked.
“If he did, I wouldn’t call you.”
“Fine, I’m on my way. Stay put and don’t make a scene.”
While I waited, I got out of the car and tried to fix the side mirror, which now hung at an odd angle. Cross wouldn’t be pleased I’d damaged the company car, but I didn’t have time to take it to an autobody shop or find a store that sold duct tape in the exact same shade of silver as the sedan. Deciding the mirror was the least of my worries, I sat behind the wheel and waited.
Spark didn’t have any windows, at least none that allowed me to see in, so I had no idea what Colton and Eve were doing. For ten minutes, no one else approached the club. Eventually, a silver-haired gentleman and his college-aged girlfriend roared down the street in a cherry red convertible. It screeched to a halt in the alley beside the club. They stepped out and went to the door.
The doorman, who looked more like a linebacker, checked something, glanced up at the surveillance camera posted above him, and let the couple enter. Tight security, I thought. Getting inside would not be easy, unless they had an application form at the window. For all I knew, it could be like getting a loyalty card at the grocery store, but I doubted it’d be that easy.
A few minutes later, a fa
miliar Porsche slid into the empty space in front of me. With a garment bag in hand, Cross climbed out of the car and met me on the sidewalk. He thrust the bag into my arms. “Put this on.”
“What? Why?”
“Spark has a dress code.” He eyed my outfit. “Didn’t we have a discussion last week about how I expect you to dress more professionally at work?”
“This is professional.”
“Then I’ll need to get you a dictionary. One with plenty of pictures.”
I narrowed my eyes at him and unzipped the bag. “Where’d you get this? Off your bedroom floor?”
“Shut up and get changed.”
“Into what?” I held the hanger up higher. “This is a napkin with straps.”
“That’s the top. Beneath it is a skirt. I had to guess on the size.” He looked down at my feet.
“I can’t wear heels.”
He didn’t like that answer, but there wasn’t much he could do about it. “How long have they been inside?”
“Twenty-two minutes.” I opened the back door, leaned in, and unbuttoned my shirt. I shrugged out of it and slipped the shimmering white square of fabric over my head. The top strap tied behind my neck. “What kind of club is Spark? I’ve heard rumors that it’s gambling or gaming. What is it really? Strippers? Sex?” Thoughts of O’Connell’s case came to mind. I hadn’t heard from him in over a week. I wondered if he’d identified the killer yet.
“They host a poker game in the back every other weekend and some other events on and off the premises. It’s private. That’s all you need to know.” Lucien knotted the bottom strap on my top and gave it a tug.
“Isn’t that illegal? Does the owner have a license or some kind of arrangement with the gaming commission?”
“Don’t worry about it.” Cross took a step back and tucked his hands into his pockets. “Lose the bra.”
“Since you’re so fond of dictionaries, you should look up the term sexual harassment.” I glanced down, making sure the tiny white square covered my chest before unhooking the clasp on my bra and sliding one arm out before pulling it free from the other side. “Happy?”
