by Mary Ellis
‘Why are you pulling into here?’ she asked, interrupting her narrative about Liam. ‘This place isn’t for sale, and it would have way too small a kitchen even if it was.’ Her expression turned skeptical. ‘Didn’t you print up a list of the places for sale?’
‘I did. But I wanted to see every restaurant in Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach. You never know when an owner will stick a for-sale sign in the window, hoping to attract a local buyer instead of a corporate conglomerate.’ In order to explain why he was dragging out the afternoon, Eric pulled that rationale off the top of his head.
Kate focused out the window at the passing scenery. ‘I suppose that makes sense.’
‘Why are you so jumpy?’ he asked. ‘I thought you had nothing going on with the case until tomorrow. Don’t you trust me?’
She turned to face him. ‘Why wouldn’t I trust you? I’m the one who’s unsafe to be around.’
‘Let’s please give that a rest. I feel perfectly safe. And just because you don’t love me anymore, there’s no reason we can’t be friends. I’ll need all the friends I can get if I open a restaurant down here.’
Kate’s mouth dropped open. For a moment it seemed like she would offer an argument but changed her mind. ‘Looks like there’s a chowder house up ahead. Maybe this will be your lucky day, Manfredi.’
It was not his lucky day. Although the waterfront location, building dimensions, and amount of parking would be perfect, the place was not for sale. And since the lot overflowed with cars, most likely the owners wouldn’t be selling soon. The next few establishments heading east on Route 399 also weren’t for sale. So, unless he wanted to relocate in Fort Walton, which certainly wouldn’t suit his true agenda, the afternoon with his former girlfriend was drawing to a close. Eric returned to the most upscale of the restaurants they saw and turned off the ignition.
‘There’s no sign out front or in any window. Do you know something I don’t?’
‘No. But according to the reviews, they have great food and I’m starving. I promised you and Beth dinner. Your roommate is on her own.’
Kate squirmed in her seat. ‘I don’t know if—’
‘You don’t know what? It’s just dinner, Kate. No strings attached. Besides, the owner might know of properties about to go on the market.’
‘All right, fine. But I need to get back early.’ She climbed from the car and made a beeline for the front door, without waiting for him. By the time he reached the hostess stand, she’d already requested the first available table. The woman was definitely in a hurry.
‘Have you already picked out what you want to eat?’ he whispered next to her ear.
‘Very funny,’ she whispered on the way to the table, then held up the menu in front of her face.
Eric, however, took his time choosing his meal. When the waiter returned a second time, he ordered the broiled grouper with fried green tomatoes. ‘How come Liam was the only foster sibling you stayed in touch with?’ he asked without preamble.
She shook her head. ‘Liam was my brother before we ever entered the foster system. We were adopted together, then our parents were killed. Even though we were eight years apart, he always looked out for me. When I was little, Liam read me stories, built me a treehouse, and taught me to play ball.’
‘How old were you when your parents died?’
‘I was seven, he was fifteen. At first the county placed us together in a foster home with four other kids, all boys.’ Kate suddenly grew quiet as she picked at her salad.
‘What happened?’
‘Nothing, because Liam knew better than to leave me alone with those boys. Unfortunately, the foster mother complained that Liam caused dissention in the household.’ Kate tightened her grip on the water glass. ‘The county placed us separately after that. Liam had turned sixteen and started getting into trouble at school, too. For a year and a half he bounced around between homes but still tried to stay in touch. Finally, my foster family took Liam in for the last few months before he turned eighteen. You know how that turned out.’
‘You had it rough, Kate.’
She shrugged. ‘No, not me. Liam made sure nothing bad happened in my first home, and then Dolores and Ken took me in until I left for college in the fall, well past my eighteenth birthday. They didn’t have to let me stay. I’m grateful to them.’
‘I wish we’d grown up in the same neighborhood. I would’ve forced Irena and Alfonzo to take you in.’
Kate chuckled – a sound that was like music to his ears. ‘Could you see your mother raising me? But at least I would know how to cook.’
They were both quiet then, until the silence grew uncomfortable. ‘Speaking of food, what do you think of the food here?’ Eric pushed away his empty plate.
‘It’s great, but the place isn’t for sale. Are you planning to hold the owner hostage until he agrees to part with it?’ She popped another fried shrimp in her mouth.
‘No, but I did apply online for a job here as under-chef.’
Kate glanced around the room. ‘Let me get this straight. So you’re a head chef going undercover because you want to be a line cook?’ She pressed her fist to her mouth.
‘Why not see firsthand what I’m walking into? I like the food. The protocol for the staff is consistent and professional. If the manager hires me, I think I’ll enjoy my temporary gig.’
Leaning into the aisle, Kate waved to the waiter. ‘Who am I to judge? But I can’t eat another bite. I’ll take this home for tomorrow.’
Eric didn’t want the evening to end. ‘Tell me about your visit to the hypnotherapist. Beth said you remembered details about the crime that put Liam in jail.’
Her eyes narrowed. ‘I knew you and Beth were talking behind my back!’
‘Why shouldn’t we? We’re all friends. And we’re both worried about you. Beth doesn’t want you going anywhere alone.’
While they waited for the check, Kate glared at him while he stared back with equal determination.
‘I guess I should be grateful,’ she said at long last.
‘That would be nice.’
‘I’m not used to all this … hovering.’
‘That’s what friends do.’
‘Fine, I’ll stop fighting my babysitters.’ Kate picked up her takeout box. ‘While you pay the check, I’m going to the ladies’ room. But I won’t walk outside until you’re holding my hand.’
‘Great idea, but what about your hypnosis? I want to hear the details.’ Eric set his credit card inside the folder. Although he personally would lump hypnosis in the same category as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, if Kate found it helpful, he would keep his opinion to himself.
‘I’ll tell you in the car. I need to get back.’
Eric watched Kate leave the room. With his dinner churning in his gut, he realized his feelings for her had not diminished one bit. On the drive back to Pensacola, she relayed the therapy session, as much as she could remember from the recording. When finished, Kate turned her huge brown eyes in his direction, waiting for a reaction.
‘Are you convinced your brother didn’t shoot the armored car driver?’
‘I am. But I don’t know why Liam said he did.’
‘What’s your next step – back to the hypnotist for a second session?’
‘No, I’m heading to Santa Rosa Correctional on Saturday to ask him face-to-face. I will know if he’s lying or telling the truth.’
‘Will Beth go with you?’ Eric turned into the parking lot for the Vacation Inn and Suites.
‘I guess so. I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.’
‘If you need my help, call me. Otherwise, I’ll see you around the pool.’
Kate reached for her purse and opened the car door. Then she hesitated. ‘Thanks for dinner, Eric. It was nice … talking to you again. I’d forgotten how well we get along.’
‘Compared to you and Beth?’ he asked with a laugh.
‘Compared to me and … anybody.’ Kate jumped out, slammed the door,
and ran for the entrance.
Eric waited until she was in the elevator before turning off the ignition. That’s good, because I’m not just anybody. And the sooner you realize that, the better off we’ll both be.
SIX
On Friday morning, Kate awoke to the smell of coffee and something sweet. When she stumbled out to the kitchen, she found Beth already showered, dressed, and sitting at the table.
‘You’re up mighty early, missy. Feeling guilty about something perhaps?’ Kate poured herself a cup of coffee. ‘Your machinations to get Eric and me back together aren’t fooling anyone.’
‘I have no idea what you’re talking about. Can’t a person cook breakfast for her best friend and maid of honor?’
‘You might have hoodwinked poor Michael, but I know you can’t cook any better than me.’ She grinned over the rim of her cup.
Beth leaned very close and whispered, ‘That’s why one of us should marry a gourmet chef, or we’ll all starve.’
‘You’re the one getting married, not me.’
Just then two waffles sprang up in the toaster. Beth laid them on a plate, ladled on strawberry preserves, and topped the heap with whipped cream. ‘Voilà,’ she said, and set the plate in front of her. ‘Just like House of Pancakes down the road.’
‘Thanks. Aren’t you having any?’ Kate spooned up some whipped cream.
‘Second batch coming up.’ Beth pushed two waffles into the toaster. ‘While these heat, care to share highlights from last night?’
‘There’s nothing to share. I told Eric about my case and about the hypnosis appointment. And we looked at every food establishment in Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach, whether for sale or not.’
‘Did he buy you dinner?’
‘Yes, at the place where he applied for a job. Why he wants to work here is beyond me. If he can’t find an appropriate location, he should go back to Charleston to his perfectly fine trattoria, with his perfectly fine family, and live in his perfectly fine condo down the street.’
Beth blinked several times. ‘Whoa, that sounded a tad resentful. Eric can’t help it if he has a cool life.’
Kate scrubbed her face with her hands. ‘You’re right. Sorry. I know you’re both trying to protect me, but spending time with Eric just makes it harder to get over him.’
Beth carried her matching breakfast to the table. ‘It shouldn’t. He understands you’re not in love with him. But I think it’s great that you two remained friends.’
Kate opened her mouth, but closed it quickly. Setting the record straight would be pointless. Instead she picked up her fork and started to eat. ‘This is really good, Bethie. Stick with this, along with toaster pancakes and blueberry jam. Then the new bride will have breakfast covered.’
‘Thanks. Since Michael and I grab lunch on the run, as long as I make dinner the husband’s domain, we’ll be set.’ Beth winked.
‘Perfect. But I wouldn’t mention the dinner part until after the honeymoon. Maybe you two can do it together.’
‘That’s what you can buy as a wedding present – a cookbook.’
When Kate and Beth reached the Westin residence in Gulf Breeze, the cleaning lady said Mr Westin wasn’t in, but Mrs Westin was out by the pool. Instead of leading the way, the woman hooked her thumb in the general direction.
Such must be the difference between a cleaning service employee and a full-time housekeeper. But as trained investigators they had no trouble finding the tanned young woman swimming laps. They waited patiently until Kim surfaced at their end of the pool.
‘Mrs Westin? Kate Weller and Beth Kirby. Could we talk to you, please?’
Kim reached for a towel and dabbed her face. ‘Sure, have a seat and I’ll be right there.’ While they headed for a table in the shade, Kim climbed out of the water and dried off. Not bothering with a robe or cover-up, she took the only seat at the table not under the umbrella.
‘Aren’t you afraid of skin cancer?’ asked Beth.
‘Not until later when my waterproof sunblock wears off.’ She combed out her silky hair and reapplied lipstick. ‘Robert won’t be home until one o’clock. He had a doctor’s appointment.’
‘That’s fine,’ said Kate. ‘We just have a few more questions about Agnes Westin. I’m sure you know her as well as your husband by now.’
Kim’s nostrils flared. ‘That woman is as unpredictable as a rattlesnake crossing your path. And twice as mean.’
Beth leaned toward Kim. ‘I hope you don’t mind an off-topic question, but I’m getting married soon …’
Kim tilted her head. ‘Best wishes to you, Beth. Ask me whatever questions you want.’
‘How do you keep your mascara and eyeliner perfect while swimming? If I wear eye makeup in the pool, I come out looking like Rocky Raccoon.’
‘This is permanent makeup.’ Kim pointed helpfully at her eyes. ‘The eyeliner is sort of like a tattoo, but not so painful. You simply must get this before the wedding. They have permanent lipstick too, but I prefer the high gloss of the real thing.’ She puckered her lips to make sure they appreciated the effect.
Beth jotted something down on her tablet, while Kate leaned in to admire. ‘Your makeup looks wonderful. Did you have that done before your marriage to Robert?’
‘Yes, Robert said he would cover any pre-wedding expenses, so I pulled out the stops – permanent makeup, all new clothes, and weekly appointments for hair and nails. Plus I hired a massage therapist and a personal trainer to come to the house.’
‘The results are extraordinary.’ Beth’s eyes rounded, which Kate knew was not part of any act. ‘Wow, what do you do now?’ Beth asked.
‘Do you mean during the day? Let’s see … soon I’ll fix lunch for Robert, then I have a poolside massage at three.’
‘No, what kind of work do you do? You have the perfect hours.’
Kim giggled like a child. ‘Oh, I don’t work. While Robert trades stocks on the computer, he prefers me home. We usually eat lunch together and then he’ll join me for an afternoon swim when he’s done.’
Beth’s deer-in-the-headlights expression remained fixed. ‘Did you ever work?’
‘Of course. I worked at the gym Robert joined after his divorce. That’s where we met. It was my job to teach the clueless how to use the machines.’ She rolled her eyes.
‘I see plenty of those people at my gym.’
‘You’re not kidding! Once this lady asked me how to turn on the exercise bike, as though it had an electric motor.’ Growing more animated, Kim picked up her glass of water and took a drink. ‘Uggh. That’s warmer than pool water.’ She jumped to her feet. ‘I’ll get us three cold bottles from the fridge. Say, why don’t you two join us for lunch? Making two extra turkey sandwiches wouldn’t be any trouble.’
Kate answered first. ‘No, thanks. But a bottle of water sounds great.’ As soon as Kim disappeared into the house, she hissed under her breath. ‘Bringing you was a bad idea. We’re not here to discuss permanent makeup.’
‘Bringing weapons was a bad idea,’ Beth replied. ‘That spoiled brat is getting on my nerves.’
‘Then go take a walk in the flower garden.’ Kate pointed a finger. ‘I need you to control your jealousy and hold it together.’
Without another word, Beth did as ordered. And with both of them gone, Kate fulfilled her objective for the visit. When their hostess returned with three bottles of water, everything looked perfectly normal.
‘Oh, that will really hit the spot.’ Kate grabbed one and drank deeply. ‘While Beth admires your flowers, tell me who you think knocked off the first Mrs Westin?’
Kim wrinkled her nose. ‘It could have been Lainey. Doubtlessly, the bulk of the estate will go to her after Robert is paid off. Can’t blame her really. Could you imagine Agnes as your mother?’
Kate merely clucked her tongue, since no answer came to mind.
‘Between you and me …’ Kim glanced over her shoulder to make sure they were alone. ‘I’m not sorry Agnes alienated daugh
ter against father. Given time, Lainey will probably turn into a mini-Agnes. It’s better this way.’
‘What’s better this way?’ Beth asked, returning from the garden.
Kate shot her partner a warning look. ‘Kim was about to share her opinion as to who killed Mrs Westin.’
‘As I was saying, if it wasn’t Lainey, then I’d put my money on one of Agnes’s boyfriends, accent on the boy part considering the age difference. That woman always accused Robert of infidelity, which wasn’t true, but you know the old saying about people who point fingers.’ Kim nodded her head knowingly.
‘They’re guilty of the accusation?’ asked Kate.
‘Yep.’ Kim leaned in close. ‘Agnes was the female counterpart of a “womanizer.”’
‘I sure didn’t see that coming,’ murmured Beth.
Kate rose and pulled Beth to her feet. ‘We’ve taken up enough of your pool time. Thanks, Mrs Westin, for sharing your insight.’
‘And thanks for the beauty tips,’ added Beth. ‘Soon as I get my hands on my fiancé’s credit card, I’ll put your ideas into motion.’
‘You’re welcome. Next time you come, don’t forget your swimsuits.’ Kim smiled with the traditional hospitality of a southern belle.
They found their own way out, but Kate held her question until inside the car. ‘You’re not really going to run up Michael’s credit card, are you?’
‘Of course not, but why did we leave so fast? You couldn’t possibly have gotten what you needed.’
‘I didn’t want to run into Robert. Besides, I got exactly what I came for.’ From her bag Kate withdrew the water glass from the patio table. Kim’s lipstick was clearly evident through the heavy-duty plastic bag.
‘Wow. You stole one of their glasses? I’m in awe.’
‘It’s just cheap glass, not crystal from a place seating. I doubt it will be missed. I’ll tell the detective to run DNA. As long as Kim isn’t the killer, I’ll get the glass back and sneak it into their patio. I’m no thief.’
