Pelicans, Piers and Poison

by Cindy Bell

  “Sounds good.” Suzie stared after them. “That Sam is a little grumpy, hopefully the beach will loosen him up a bit.”

  “I hope so, too.” Mary jumped as her cell phone rang. “I’ll never get used to having that thing go off in my pocket.” She laughed as she fished it out of a large pocket on her dress. “Oh, it’s Wes, do you mind if I take this?”

  “Of course not. Enjoy.” Suzie smiled and walked off towards the kitchen. As she began to wash off the few dishes in the sink she thought about Paul, out on the water. His boat was due to come in that evening. She wasn’t sure if they’d be able to meet for dinner when she last spoke to him, but now she knew she would be free. She looked forward to spending some time with him. As a fisherman, he was often out on the water for days or weeks at a time. Although she didn’t mind the time apart, she did very much enjoy the homecomings. Paul always smelled of salt, and sun, and he wrapped his arms around her so tight that she imagined he worried she might just float away. She never thought she’d be caught up in a romance in her fifties, and yet just the thought of Paul sent her heart racing. As if he sensed her thoughts, her phone began to ring. She dried off her hands and answered the call.

  “You must be close if you have enough service to call me.” Suzie smiled.

  “Not close enough.” Paul sighed. “I might be delayed a bit this evening.”

  “Oh no, bad weather?”

  “Not exactly. I’m having some trouble with the boat, and the winds aren’t helping.”

  “Is everything okay?” Suzie’s heart skipped a beat. “Maybe you should have the coastguard come out and help you.”

  “I’ll be fine.” Paul chuckled. “You act like you worry about me or something.”

  “Me?” Suzie smiled. “You know better than that.”

  “I can’t wait to see you. But if you’re busy with your guests I understand.”

  “I won’t be. I’ll be there, when you get home.” Suzie’s cheeks warmed at the comment. Was she being too clingy? Did he imagine her standing on the dock, desperately seeking some sign of his boat? “I mean, if you’d like me to be.”

  “I can’t think of anything I’d like better. See you soon, Suzie.” Paul ended the call.

  Suzie shook her head, tucked her phone back into the pocket of her jeans, and continued with the dishes. If she wasn’t careful, she’d definitely ruin her reputation of being independent and casual.

  Chapter 3

  Later that evening, after ensuring that there were extra towels and blankets in the linen closet adjacent to the guests’ room, Suzie changed out of her jeans into a nicer pair of pants and a pale blue blouse. She liked to dress up a bit when she went to Cheney’s, and she liked dressing up for Paul. She brushed her fingers back through her shoulder length hair and glanced briefly in the mirror. Satisfied, she headed to the living room.

  “Oh, don’t you look beautiful.” Mary smiled as she turned to look at her.

  “Me?” Suzie grinned as she swept her gaze over the dress Mary wore. “That’s a far cry from denim.”

  “It is, isn’t it?” Mary ran her hand along the gauzy material of her skirt. “I thought since we’re trying out the new place, I’d put on something a bit more respectable. Though, to be honest, I’m not sure what that is.”

  “You look fantastic.” Suzie gave her a quick hug.

  “You’re sure you don’t want to try out the new place with us?” Mary brushed a few strands of auburn hair behind her ear. “It might be fun for the four of us to do it together.”

  “We have family style dinner here at least once a week.” Suzie smiled. “Sorry, I’d rather go to Cheney’s, I’m dying for some of those delicious garlic knots they serve there.”

  “Oh yes, those are good.” Mary inched closer to her. “Maybe you could bring some home for me.”

  “Of course, I will.” Suzie laughed. “As long as you give me the scoop on the food at Pelicans on the Pier. I might be willing to try it out if there is something really tasty there.”

  “I’ll make sure I give you a full review.” Mary glanced at her watch. “Isn’t Paul supposed to be getting in soon?”

  “Yes, but he ran into some issues with the boat. I’m going to head down to the dock in a little while to meet him. I’ll make sure Pilot has his food first.” Suzie checked her phone. “And I’ll be on call in case there is any issue with the guests. Please, go enjoy your evening with Wes, I know with his busy schedule it’s hard for the two of you to get a night out together.”

  “Thanks Suzie.” Mary smoothed down the front of her dress and cringed. “I feel a little silly in this.”

  “You don’t look silly.” Suzie walked with her to the door. “Is Wes picking you up?”

  “Yes, he’ll be here any minute.” Mary poked her head out through the door. “Oh actually, I think he just pulled up.”

  “Have fun.”

  “You too.” Mary waved to her over her shoulder.

  Suzie waved to Wes as he got out of the car to open Mary’s door.

  Wes smiled as he tipped his hat in her direction. There were some benefits to having a police detective from the neighboring town in their circle of friends. Not quite as many benefits as having a cousin for a detective in the same town, but still a wonderful addition to their strange crew.

  As Suzie went to check on Pilot’s food, the eager Yellow Labrador came up to greet her. As she crouched down and ruffled her fingers through his warm, soft fur, she felt her muscles relax. Pilot had been a surprise addition to their household, but now she couldn’t imagine her life without him.

  After Suzie settled Pilot and checked his food, she decided to walk down to the dock. She guessed that Paul would arrive soon, and she didn’t mind spending some time looking at the water. When she reached the dock, she noticed that there were quite a few boats in. Perhaps the weather was preparing to turn. She leaned against the railing and looked out over the water. She could recall the first few times she’d waited for Paul to arrive. Of course, she had pretended that she wasn’t waiting, but she was. She smiled to herself as she thought about those first nervous moments when she wondered if she could even be in a relationship with him. Now, she wondered how she had ever doubted their connection. As time slipped by, the air grew cooler. She hadn’t exactly dressed for being out in the elements as the sun set. She had assumed that Paul would be back before it got completely dark. She began to walk along the dock to keep herself warm.

  “Hey there, gorgeous, care to take a walk with me?” A voice called out to her. Paul jogged along the dock towards her. He reached for her hand, just as she pulled it away.

  “No, sorry, I’m waiting for someone.” Suzie raised an eyebrow as she turned away from him.

  “Any man that would leave you waiting is a fool.” Paul slid his hand along her lower back in an attempt to wrap his arm around her.

  “Oh, he’s no fool.” Suzie crossed her arms. “He’s just a very hard worker and dedicated to his career.”

  “Is that so?” Paul leaned closer to her, his voice soft. “I still say he’s a fool.”

  “You’re wrong.” Suzie turned to face him and looked into his eyes. “But it would be pretty foolish of him to play games with me when I’m starving.”

  “Okay, okay.” Paul grinned and caught her hand in his. “Let’s go eat.” He brought her hand to his lips and placed a light kiss on the back of it.

  “Wonderful.” Suzie smiled as she held his gaze. “Where is your boat? I didn’t see you pull in.”

  “I had to come in at the far dock, too crowded here tonight, and I need the extra room to do some repairs.” Paul sighed. “I hope you’re not upset that I’m late?” He slid his arm around her as they walked towards the restaurant.

  “Of course not, I know things come up.” Suzie wrapped her arm around his waist. “I’m just glad you’re here now. I can’t wait to get my hands on some of those garlic knots.”

  “Me either.” He grinned.

  Soft lighting illumin
ated the sidewalk outside of Cheney’s. The outside tables lined the length of the restaurant.

  “On an evening with nice weather like this, I’m surprised that there’s no one sitting outside.” Suzie peeked inside as Paul opened the door for her. “Oh, wow Paul. There’s hardly anyone here.”

  “Good for us.” Paul grinned as he steered her towards their favorite table. “We should get fast service.”

  “Great, because just in case I didn’t mention it earlier, I’m starving.” Suzie grinned as she settled at the table.

  “Are you?” Paul raised an eyebrow. “I had no idea. Hmm.” He rubbed his hand along his chin. “It might take me awhile to decide on what I want.”

  “Stop teasing me.” Suzie laughed and flagged down a waiter.

  By the time their food arrived, a few more people had arrived at the restaurant.

  “I bet this poor turnout is because of that new restaurant.” Suzie took a sip of her wine. “Mary went there tonight with Wes.”

  “Traitors.” Paul winked at her.

  “I told her to let me know if they have any good food.” Suzie smiled as she saw their tray of food arriving. “Oh yes, bring me those garlic knots.”

  “I hope you both enjoy.” The waiter set their plates down on the table.

  “Thanks so much.” Suzie’s eyes widened at the sight of the food. A feast at Cheney’s was one of her favorite ways to splurge.

  “I know exactly who you are!” A shout suddenly carried through the mostly quiet restaurant as a man lunged out of his chair towards another man. He stood to his full height, which Suzie guessed had to be well over six feet. She estimated him to be in his late thirties or early forties. She recognized him as a local businessman named Travis, but not the man he shouted at.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The other much shorter man, who appeared to be in his thirties, stood up from his chair as well. “Just calm down.”

  “Calm down?” Travis stormed away from his table towards the younger man. The woman that was seated with Travis stared at him with wide eyes. “Don’t pretend you don’t know who I am. You stalked me. You took pictures of me. You ruined my life.”

  “Back off.” The other man raised his hands in the air. “If you take a step closer to me, I will call the police.”

  “Too late for that,” Suzie muttered to Paul as she tipped her head towards the waiter who had just hung up the phone near the register.

  “I should break this up.” Paul started to stand up, but Suzie put her hand on his arm.

  “Just let it play out. No one is hurting anyone. You getting in the middle might only make things more tense.” Suzie met his eyes.

  “If they start throwing punches, I’m putting an end to it.” Paul frowned as he sat back down in his chair.

  “I think you’ve got me confused with someone else.” The younger man edged away from the older, taller man.

  “Oh, I would never forget you.” Travis glared at him. “Only a twisted person can make their money off ruining the lives of other people. I don’t know what you’re doing here in Garber, but I suggest you leave.”

  “That’s enough.” Marco Cheney, the owner of the restaurant stepped out from behind the counter. “I won’t have this kind of disturbance in my restaurant.”

  “You shouldn’t let people like him in here.” Travis pointed to the man. “Jerome, isn’t it? Yeah, I looked you up when you gave those photographs to my ex-wife, I know exactly who you are.”

  “Travis.” The woman at the table stood up and tried to pull him back down into his chair. “Stop this, let’s just have our dinner.”

  “I was just doing my job.” Jerome glared at the man, but Suzie noticed a hint of fear in his eyes. “I didn’t make you cheat on your wife, did I? I didn’t make you lie to her, did I?” He tipped his head towards the woman. “I see it worked out for you, isn’t she the one from the pictures?”

  The front door of the restaurant swung open, and Detective Jason Allen strode inside. Most of the time Suzie viewed her cousin as a kid, since he was more than twenty years younger than her, but in that moment, he looked every bit the detective that the badge on his belt declared him to be.

  “What is all of this about?” Jason stepped between the two men.

  “Just a friendly disagreement.” Travis took a step back and smiled. “That’s all. No need for the law to be involved.”

  “If that’s the case, then it’s time for you both to leave.” Jason looked between the two men. Briefly he glanced at Suzie and Paul, then returned his attention to the situation at hand.

  “Why should I have to leave?” Jerome frowned. “I haven’t done anything wrong.”

  “I got a report of a disturbance. You can refuse to leave if you want, then I will have to open an official investigation into this matter.” Jason pulled a notebook from his pocket. “Let’s start with your names and your IDs.”

  “Fine.” Jerome waved his hand. “I’ll just go.” He turned and stalked out of the restaurant.

  “Unbelievable, Travis.” The woman at his table shook her head. “Ruined your life?” She started towards the door. “Here I thought being free to be with me was a good thing.”

  “Tess, that’s not what I meant.” Travis groaned as he followed after her.

  “I guess my work here is done.” Jason shot a smile in Suzie’s direction and snatched a garlic knot from her plate. “Thanks.” He nodded to Paul. “You two have a good night. Don’t stay out too late.”

  Suzie rolled her eyes and smiled at him as he left the restaurant.

  “He handled that well.” Paul cleared his throat. “Although, I don’t think that the private investigator should have had to leave. He really didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “And now I know way too much about Travis,” Suzie murmured.

  After they finished their meal, Suzie walked with Paul back towards the dock.

  “How are your new guests?” He glanced over at her.

  “They are very easy so far.” Suzie smiled and shrugged. “They said they don’t want any shared meals, no guided tours. It works for me.”

  “Sorry our dinner was interrupted with that nonsense.” Paul stepped onto the dock. “Hopefully, the two won’t encounter each other again.”

  “What a strange night.” Suzie shivered as a cool breeze carried off the surface of the water.

  “That guy again.” Paul gazed past her, towards the end of the dock, as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

  “What guy?” Suzie followed his gaze and noticed a stocky man with shoulder length blond hair. He waved his hands through the air as he spoke to a fisherman, Andy, she thought his name was. “The one with Andy?”

  “Yes.” Paul nodded.

  “I think he was at Cheney’s tonight, picking up an order.”

  “I didn’t notice him there.”

  “You were probably distracted by the fight.” Suzie shrugged. “He wasn’t there for long.”

  “Before I left for my trip, he was asking me questions about the dock. According to the guys, he’s been hanging around the docks the past few days. Asking questions.” Paul shrugged, then tightened his grasp around her.

  “So, he’s curious?” Suzie grinned. “That’s your beef with him?”

  “My beef?” Paul gazed at her as he smiled. “Yes, that’s my beef with him. It’s not so much curiosity, as it is nosiness. I don’t know. My instincts tell me he’s up to something. But then again, I can be a little paranoid.” He placed a light kiss on her cheek. “I’m pretty worn out tonight. Can I check in with you in the morning?”

  “Sure.” Suzie hugged him. “Just glad to have you back on dry land. Have a good night, Paul. Stay away from nosy strangers and angry, cheating husbands.”

  “I’ll do my best.” Paul chuckled, gave her a quick kiss, then headed down the dock.

  Suzie turned to walk towards Dune House when she caught sight of a discarded to-go box in the trashcan she walked past. She recognized it
as being from Cheney’s, and there were even a few garlic knots left in the open box. Her stomach rumbled, despite the fact that she had just eaten.

  “Suzie, you have a serious problem.” She laughed to herself as she continued down the road towards Dune House. She noticed the light over the porch burned bright. She guessed that Mary was home. She opened the door and stepped inside. The house was quiet and there was no sign of Pilot. Suzie presumed he was nestled in Mary’s room for the night. After putting Mary’s garlic knots in the refrigerator, she went upstairs. She listened closely but didn’t hear Mary’s television on in her room. Quietly, she made her way to her room. As she walked past the room that the guests were staying in, she didn’t hear anything either. If they were home, they were already sleeping, if not, they had a key to let themselves in. It wasn’t until she sprawled out on her bed that she realized how tired she was. Her body sank into the mattress, and her eyes fluttered shut. Her mind jumbled with memories of angry shouts and Paul’s light kiss as she fell asleep.

  Chapter 4

  When Suzie woke the next morning, she listened first. As expected, she could hear the coffee brewing, and the soft scuffle of Mary’s slippers against the kitchen floor. Her friend almost always woke up before she did. Perhaps it was a leftover habit from being a mother who had to prepare an entire household for the day. Suzie dressed and headed down the stairs to join Mary in the kitchen.

  “Morning Mary. How was your night?” She leaned against the counter not far from her friend.

  “It was actually pretty amazing.” Mary pulled toast from the toaster and put it on a platter. “I hate to say it, but I really liked the place. It really was a homey atmosphere. I thought maybe I would be put off by being so close to so many of the other diners, but I wasn’t. In fact, I ended up having a few good conversations. People only had nice things to say about Dune House, too, which was good to hear. And the view is amazing, you can see so many pelicans there. I’m always in awe at how such large birds can glide through the air so easily.”