“River Holloway, as I live and breathe,” Viv said. “You’re a sight for sore eyes. What gives, girlfriend?”
“Hey, Viv. I’m hitting the hotspots tonight. FYI, it’s standing room only over at the Creekside Grill.”
“Hmm. Are you back in circulation? How odd. I heard you patched things up with Mr. Hunkmeister.”
“Just a sec.” I paid for my wine and stepped away from the two men arguing loudly beside me. “Whew, is it always this noisy out here?”
“This is nothing. We drink enough firewater, and everyone’s true self shows. You’re not the barfly type, so you got dumped or something is going on. Tell me, is Pete a free agent?”
My ears rang. If I’d accepted Pete’s proposal on Valentine’s Day, we’d be engaged. “We’re together again, but we have details to address.”
“Like the sleeping arrangements? You leaving Shell Island?”
“Working those details out.” My face felt tight and so did my voice. I chugged half of my wine without realizing it. Viv was direct about men and she didn’t care who knew it. I couldn’t bear to think of Pete with anyone else.
“So your relationship is okay,” Viv said, speculation rife in her eyes. “Must be curiosity bringing you out at night. Are you on a secret mission, like our golden Nancy Drew days?”
“Something like that. You still work at the paper mill?”
“Yeah. I’d love to marry Mr. Right, but he doesn’t work out there. Trust me, I’d know by now.” She shot me a sheepish glance. “Pete’s a good guy. When are you gonna put him out of his misery and marry him?”
Maybe it was the wine. Candor welled in my throat. “We’re getting there. Like I said, logistics are an issue.”
“Wowser. Must be hard having that hanging over your head.” Viv whistled at the bartender and pointed to our glasses. “Drink up. A few more glasses of wine and you’ll have the secrets of the universe at your fingertips.” She greeted Reg the bartender who’d brought us another round.
“Thanks,” I said, reaching for my wallet.
Reg brushed aside my money as he left. “You’re good. Deputy Dawg bought this round for you ladies.”
“Who?” I glanced over the crowd and saw a familiar face. Deputy Lance Hamlyn. My fingers tightened on the wine glass. Great. The cop who arrested my brother a few months ago. Across the bar, he raised his beer glass to me. I mouthed thank you and wished I could slip through a crack in the pavement.
“You’re a guy magnet,” Viv said. “Even the hot deputy likes you. What perfume do you use?”
“I don’t use perfume.”
“Right. I forgot. You always smell like cookies from grandma’s oven.” Viv sniffed the air. “A compelling mixture of savory and sweet. Every man in this place is calculating his odds of going home with you tonight.”
Her flip remark had me tugging on my top that fit just right. Why hadn’t I worn something blousy? “Should I stand on the table and announce I’m not here for a hook up?”
“Nah. They’d take that as a challenge. Spill the beans. Why are you here?”
I savored another sip of wine. It felt perfect in my mouth. I’d have to ask Reg for the brand name so I could share it with Pete on his next visit.
“I’m trolling for information. Chili Bolz is missing. His mom made me promise to look for him. Have you seen him?”
“Missing? Oh, no. That’s awful. Lemme think. He was here last Friday night. Maybe we hooked up, I can’t remember. Anyway, I haven’t seen him since then.”
Oh, dear. Too much information. The casual-sex singles scene wasn’t for me. I was such a dinosaur. This isn’t about you, I reminded myself. “Who are his friends?”
“Chili works too much to have close friends. He’s serious about his charter fishing business and his mom. Losing his brother at sea nearly did him in. For a while, I hoped he’d get serious with me, but he cried himself to sleep after we got busy. That was hard on my ego. If I was such a bad date, why’d he bother? But we had a steady Friday night thing for a few weeks.”
I glanced at the growing crowd. “You know the people here?”
“Sadly, I do.”
“Will you introduce me around? I need to know if anyone knows Chili’s whereabouts.”
“Sure. That’ll give me a few moments of innocence by association.”
“You’re not worried about Chili?”
“Heck no. He’s a grown man. He’s got a head on his shoulders too, unlike some of these goobers. He’ll come home when he’s ready.”
I flashed my the-client-is-always-right smile, and she bought it. I felt like a fraud. I was using her, but she was using me too. What a pair we were. Viv led me to clusters of men and women, and I asked about Chili. As Viv suggested earlier, several men shot me calculating glances. Not wanting to inadvertently encourage someone, I tried to appear friendly without making direct eye contact.
The answers I received about Chili’s whereabouts ranged from shacked up with a supermodel to meditating in the woods, and everything in between. After I spoke to everyone, we circled back to the bar.
“I appreciate your help,” I said, wistfully eyeing the exit. “I grew up here, but these people are strangers to me. Thank you for opening those conversational doors for me. I wish we’d found a lead.”
Viv beamed. “You struck out, but I got four invites for a sleepover, my pick. Let’s do this more often.”
A herd of overly loud women stumbled into the bar. Viv turned away from them and grimaced. “Bridal shower alert.”
My focus narrowed to the tiara-clad blonde in the center of the boisterous group. “You know her?”
“You do too. Melanie Walker stole my only serious boyfriend in high school. It pissed me off that she singled George out because he was tall. She thought she’d have the nicest prom photos with a man his height. I liked George before he took up with her. Afterward, I wanted nothing to do with him even though he assumed we were still a couple. Men. Anyway, back to Melanie. She thinks her family money allows her to have any man she wants. Better hope she never sets her sights on Pete Merrick.”
“Pete wouldn’t go for her. He likes stability in a woman.” I snorted. “He’s not into flashy or flighty. Come to think of it, that makes me sound dull.”
“At least he’s not reshaping you into the image of his mother.” Viv shivered. “Some men fixate on that. Makes me wonder what went on behind closed doors.”
I let that remark slide. I needed purposeful gossip, not idle chitchat.
Viv stiffened beside me and swore softly. “Shoot. She’s coming this way.”
“River Holloway, you’re just the woman I need to see,” Melanie said. “I want you to cater my wedding.”
Melanie wore a sequined top, skintight black leggings, and gold sandals. The rock on her finger sparkled and caught the light as she gestured with her hands. She seemed outgoing until you looked at her blue eyes. The wide pupils told a different story, one that likely involved pharmaceuticals. I sincerely hoped she wasn’t driving.
“Hi, Melanie,” I said. “Congratulations on your engagement. Who’s the lucky guy?”
“Malcom Conway, a businessman out of Savannah. Together we’re Mal and Mel.”
She sounded unnaturally perky and young. “How’d y’all meet?”
“He visited the island on business before Thanksgiving. His company wants to expand into Riceland County.”
“Did he buy commercial property here?”
“They postponed the expansion, but he couldn’t walk away from me. It was love at first sight for both of us. He wants to get married as soon as possible, but I’m doing it up right. I have six bridesmaids and the biggest, fluffiest gown on the market.”
Melanie had been married twice before, so while I was surprised at her making a big to-do of this, I accepted her antics. Growing up, she’d gotten
everything she wanted. If someone had a pony and Melanie wanted it, her mother got her that pony.
Though I didn’t grow up a Walker, I recognized a sterling opportunity when I saw one.
I handed Melanie a business card. “Sounds delightful. Give me a call when you set the date. If I have availability, we can sit down together.”
Melanie took my card. “Great. I’m so glad you can do it. I’ll call soon.”
I started to correct her because I didn’t agree yet, but the gaggle of laughing girls moved to a table that had opened for them. I met Viv’s gaze. “That was intense.”
“It’s always intense around her.”
“You know her fiancé?”
“Nope. She snagged him right away. Rumor is that man has stamina.”
“He’ll need it with her.”
“See how easy this was? You should hang out with me more often,” Viv said. “I haven’t had this much fun in years.”
“It wasn’t as bad as I thought, so thanks. Now, I need to go home. I’ve got a busy morning ahead.”
“Okay. It was good to see you. And here’s some advice. Beware of men buying you drinks.”
“What?”
She pointed with her beer glass. Deputy Lance Hamlyn’s dark brown eyes had a bead on me, and he headed my way, cutting off my exit. I gulped. “Oh, dear. What now?”
“River, wait,” Hamlyn called. “We need to talk.”
Chapter Three
“Deputy Hamlyn, thanks for the drink.” I tried to strike the right note between polite and no thanks. “I’m headed home.”
He fell into step alongside me and we walked to the parking lot. “Thought so. I need a word in private with you.”
Since he was only an inch or so taller than me, his stride easily conformed to mine. His sturdy appearance suggested composure, but the air around him churned with intensity. How’d he do that? I gave him a sideways glance and somehow missed a step, causing me to careen into him. To make matters worse, we were directly under a streetlamp, so he saw my cheeks glow with embarrassment. “Oh! I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”
He steadied me with both hands on my hips before releasing me. “Happens when people drink.”
The calculating look in his dark eyes put me on defense as did the heavy-duty aftershave aroma. “I had exactly two glasses of wine. You knew that since you bought my second drink.”
He grinned. “Guilty. Like I said, I hoped to speak with you, but you gadded around the bar talking to everyone. I didn’t know you and Vivian Declan were close friends.”
Where was he going with this? “We went to school together. She offered to introduce me around. I was surprised at how few people I recognized. This community is really growing.”
“You were asking about Chili Bolz.”
Busted. Wine made me bold. “He’s my fish supplier, and he didn’t show up with fish for me today. I’m concerned.”
“His mother called you, didn’t she?”
I ignored his question. This was starting to feel like an interrogation. “I also went to school with Chili. What’s your point?”
A couple who’d been very handsy on the dance floor strolled past, laughing and flirting. The woman glanced over at us and my cheeks stung with heat again. Did they think I was dating this cop?
“Chili’s disappearance is a police matter,” the deputy said. “I’m heading his missing persons investigation. This is an active case.”
“His mother doesn’t think it’s very active. She asked if I could find any information. If you don’t want people asking about Chili, find him.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“Then you need more help.”
His face clouded, and he groaned. “Old timers, and no offense, but I mean people like you who grew up here, won’t talk to me. They see the badge and clam up.”
He sounded more confused than I was. I dug my car keys out of a pocket. “What do you expect? Riceland County has a storied history of iron-fisted lawmen who ran this county for two generations.”
“Times have changed. That corrupt regime ended fifty years ago. No one with that bloodline is left on the force. Sheriff Vargas is a straight shooter and he hires only the best, as he’s fond of saying.”
Old news. I let a yawn slip out. “Is there something else, Deputy? I’ve been on my feet for hours and I want to go home.”
“You’re good at investigating. In ninety minutes, you interviewed thirty people and got more feedback than I gathered in two days. People talk to you.”
“People who are drinking like to talk.”
“To you. I tried to strike up several conversations, but I got nowhere. Figured I’d keep an eye on you and ask what you learned.”
“Seriously? I got nothing. Everyone had a guess, like Chili’s status was a game show question on TV. Not one of those people knew where he was. They made up answers to entertain me.”
“Welcome to the world of police investigation. We get dead ends and lies all the time. The trick is sifting out the noise and finding the facts.”
“Fact is, Chili wouldn’t disappear because of his mom. He knows her mental state is fragile.”
Lance gave a terse nod. “She came across as emotional.”
My spine stiffened at his snide tone. “Estelle Bolz is a loving mother who provided for her sons, one of whom is dead, the other missing.”
“She stormed into the station raving about Chili. We had to wait twenty-four hours until he could officially be called a missing person.”
“She’s upset and rightly so. Estelle filters information differently, but she’s a good person.”
He held up fingers pinched nearly together. “The sheriff was this close to sending her for a psych workup.”
“Everyone is a little crazy here on Shell Island. It’s how we roll. Nothing wrong with crazy, and if you don’t like crazy, you should work elsewhere.”
His lips quirked up momentarily. “No need to be defensive. I like it here, and I want to do my job. Tonight, I admired your natural ease with people. Would you collaborate with my investigation?”
Another yawn slipped out as he spoke. “What? Sorry, I missed what you said.”
“Collaborate, as in bar hop, only together and pool information.”
I hoped I’d misheard him. “A few minutes ago you warned me about encroaching on your investigation. Now you’re encouraging me to continue?”
“I’m asking to align forces. You can help me rule out places where Chili isn’t. Once we find him, you’ll have your fish supplier back.”
“I covered two hot spots tonight, Creekside Grill and the wine bar,” I admitted. “Tomorrow I’m hitting the Top Cat Lounge, Molly’s Brew House, and the American Legion. If that’s where you’re headed, I see no reason we couldn’t visit them together and compare notes.”
“Glad you see it my way,” Lance said. “The Chief Deputy is making noises about retiring soon, and I’m angling for a promotion. If you collaborate, you’ll have a friend for life in the department.”
Oh, joy. “Whatever. Can I go now?”
“Sure. I’ll pick you up at six tomorrow. We’ll start with dinner at the brew pub.”
I did a mental head shake. “Dinner? I thought we were questioning bar patrons.”
“Might as well eat while we’re out. My treat.”
“It’s not a date. Let’s be very clear about that.”
“Message received.”
“Great. Now, get this message in your head. Good. Night.”
He nodded. “I’ll follow you home, for safety reasons, and then I’ll swing by tomorrow evening at six.”
I didn’t live far from the Wine and Dine, five minutes tops. As promised, the deputy followed me. Once I sat in the van, the weight of the busy Friday settled heavily on my shoulders. Sleep w
as my immediate goal. When I pulled into the driveway, Lance waited until I unlocked the door and stepped inside before he drove away.
I changed into pjs and crawled into bed. Nothing else I could do tonight for Chili, except start fresh in the morning.
Chapter Four
A ringing phone jarred me awake. I glanced at the bedside clock in the thin light, saw it was seven, then read the caller ID display. I sat up and answered the call. “Good morning, Estelle.”
“You find him yet?”
Wow. She expected a report already? Sleep clouded my thoughts. I needed coffee. On autopilot, I rose and padded to the kitchen. “I checked two night spots last night. No one’s heard from him. I’m checking the other three clubs tonight.”
“Nobody knew anything?” Estelle’s voice cracked. “You sure one of them didn’t hurt my boy?”
“I’m uncertain of anything except Chili is missing. I wish I had better news. I’m worried about him too. Did you call hospitals in Brunswick and Savannah?”
“I called the hospitals and the morgues. He’s not in either place. I got this gut feeling he’s hurt and it’s tearing me up that we can’t find him.”
My mom used to get gut feelings about Doug too, and they were always right. “I wouldn’t have thought to check the morgue, but it’s good to know he’s not there. I feel like I’m going into this blind. Other than talking to Chili about fish for my business, I haven’t kept in touch. I wish we hadn’t drifted apart. I have happy memories of riding bikes with Chili and Kale all over the island. Chili taught me how to hold a fishing pole on my bike.”
“Those were happier times. Everything seemed simpler. Now life seems harder, uglier, and I’m going to die alone.”
“We’ll find him, Estelle. I trust your gut feeling that he’s alive.”
“He’s gotta be hurt bad if he can’t pick up a phone and call me. I’m worried sick about him.”
“We’re searching for him and so are the cops. We’ll find him.”
“None of those people at the bar spoke to Chili on Tuesday?”
SEAS THE DAY Page 2
