“Actually, I’m just thinking. Deek’s ready to start looking for an agent on this book he’s written, so if you know anyone who’s currently writing fiction, maybe you could set up a meeting? He needs to know how the book world works.” I scanned the almost empty hall. “If you guys have plans, I can wait here for Greg.”

  “We don’t have plans, and I told Greg I would be here until he got back, so you’re stuck with us.” Justin leaned closer. “Since it’s just us, maybe you know something we don’t. Everyone’s talking about that designer and how she didn’t identify her sister’s body. How weird is that?”

  “Something’s definitely going on with that family.” I glanced at Amy. “Did you meet the sister? Did they seem like they were close?”

  “Actually, the sister never came into the office. Everything was just sent in the mail. It is weird, though, isn’t it? Maybe she didn’t get a good look? If someone showed me a dead body, I’d probably have my eyes closed so I couldn’t see it.” Amy leaned onto Justin’s shoulder. “I don’t even like watching zombie movies.”

  “That’s the truth.” Justin laughed. “I should have asked before we got married, but I just assumed you’d love watching zombies as much as I do. It’s a guy thing I guess.”

  Darla sat at the other side of the table. “I love a good zombie flick. Matt isn’t a fan though.”

  “Where is your better half?” I glanced around the room and saw that everyone else, including the band, had left.

  “He took off to play roadie for Blake’s band tonight. Since they’re playing just down the road, he wanted to help out.” Darla adjusted the jacket on her dress. “I can’t blame him for going. The winery has been dead for the last two weekends. Maybe it will pick up tonight. I’m so looking forward to summer and some good crowds. Anyway, tell me everything you know about this Harper chick and her sister.”

  “Funny, we were just talking about that.” I touched the sleeve of my dress. “I sure hope she’s not a killer, because she’s an amazing designer.”

  “If she is, the value of your dress just went up tons. There are websites where you can sell almost anything. Especially if they’re made by a serial killer.” Darla pulled a notebook out of her purse. “So far, no one is saying they’ve even met her before tonight. And I know some of them were at the business-to-business meeting where she spoke. I guess having her labeled as a murderer has affected their memory.”

  “Tina’s going to freak out. I think she’s ordered a full summer wardrobe to be made, and Harper doesn’t do refunds. Full cost up front, and if you don’t like it, too bad. She’s very good about showing you what she wants to do, but yeah, she has a strict no-refund policy. Tina was griping about it last week,” Amy said when everyone at the table turned to stare.

  “Tina told you that?” I prodded my friend for more information.

  Amy’s face turned pink. “Okay, so the door to Marvin’s office was open when he griped about what she’d spent on her credit card last month. Sometimes my job is very boring, so I eavesdrop.”

  “You’re amazing.” Darla wrote something down. “You need to become my new best friend.”

  “Anything I say is off the record, or Marvin will fire me. Sorry, I’m in the no-comment crew.” Amy tried to see what Darla had in her notebook.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll put you as deep undercover. Marvin will think that Tina was talking at the salon again. She does, a lot. I have sources there, too, who call after she comes in for a touch-up. Anyway, her spending money on clothes really isn’t news.” Darla turned to me. “I did hear that you had to pull Sherry off her at the meeting. Maybe Sherry thought she was killing Harper? You know the girl has a temper.”

  “Stop fishing in this pond.” Greg stood beside Darla. “I’m going to have to revoke your license.”

  “You can’t blame a girl when the police chief doesn’t give me a quote for my column.” She held her pen out. “Or are you doing that now?”

  “Now, I am off the clock and taking my girl out for a quick dinner at Lille’s before I have to go back to work and find out who killed that poor woman in South Cove.” He held out his hand to me. “Ready for some real food?”

  “I didn’t think we were getting dinner time too.” I slipped my shoes back on and hurried toward him. “Thank you all for such a lovely engagement party. I had a blast.”

  “It’s about time we got to celebrate the two of you.” Justin stood and shook Greg’s hand. “Have a great dinner, and if you need anything, we’re still in Amy’s apartment until we find a new house between here and campus.”

  “I might take you up on some babysitting. But it looks less like a random South Cove killing and more like a specific motive. Which is a relief.” Greg put his arm around me as they talked.

  “I knew you were looking at a South Cove killer angle. Too bad it wasn’t one. That would have really sold the papers and brought in the tourists.” Darla bubbled. When no one said anything, she shrugged. “Well, it would have.”

  I decided this was a good time to escape before Darla decided she had questions for Greg. “Thank you all again. It was amazing. I appreciate all of you.”

  “You are welcome. You deserve some appreciation.” Amy waved us off. “Go on. I need to turn the key in to the caretaker by nine. They’re having basketball camp for the middle school kids tomorrow morning.”

  I smiled as we walked out of the sparkling ballroom slash gym. They’d done a great job with the decorations for the party. It hadn’t felt like a gym. But that was the special thing about South Cove. It was always changing and becoming something else depending on the season or the businesses. I wondered if Darla had ever thought of doing a history day for the tourists. I was playing with those ideas as Greg pulled the car out into the street.

  “What’s going through your mind? Did you have fun?” Greg asked as he drove the couple of blocks down to Diamond Lille’s.

  “Actually, I was thinking about South Cove and its history. We should do a South Cove History Day. I bet there’s a lot of historic things around.” I thought about the gold coins we’d found in the shed when I’d taken over the house. They were in a safety deposit box and would stay there. “I bet there’s a lot of pirate stuff around. I could order pirate books for the kids.”

  “Sounds like a fun weekend.” He parked and hurried around the truck to open my door. “Emma was sniffing at the gifts, so I locked them in the study. I think there must be something stuffed in one of the boxes.”

  “You know we probably don’t need half of that stuff.” I took his arm as we walked into the restaurant. “And we’ll get more at the wedding. Who made up this tradition?”

  “Someone who needed to set up a new household with the bride and groom?” He squeezed me. “Don’t worry about it. Justin says Amy’s a genius at these things. I’m sure we’ll be able to trade it all in for a new grill or maybe a weight bench.”

  “Or a hutch for the kitchen area.” I smiled at Lille, who was at the hostess stand. “Good evening, Lille. Harrold said you couldn’t make it to our party this afternoon. I’m sorry you missed it.”

  “Two for that booth over there?” She ignored me and pointed to our favorite booth. Which in Lille-speak told me that she was happy for us and hoped we had many happy years together. At least, that’s what I thought she meant by slapping down the menus and walking away. “She’s in a good mood.”

  Greg laughed and opened the menu. “Sorry about the trip to the city. I know you were looking forward to trying that new seafood place on the harbor.”

  “It will still be there in a month when you feel guilty about working all the time and decide to take me out.” I decided this was a fish-and-chips night with a slice of ice cream cake to go with it. I set down my menu and glanced around the room while we waited for Carrie to come take our orders. The woman worked all the time. At least, all the time I was in the restaurant. But on the other hand, she was the best waitress Lille had. And, after a rocky start last year, she was now dating our local funeral home director slash coroner, Doc Ames. The guy had a heart of gold, and they deserved each other.

  Greg set his menu down. “I’m going to have the pot roast. Tiny’s roast is always so…”

  He trailed as he watched someone come into the restaurant. I knew immediately who’d he’d seen. Sherry—and she had his brother, Jim, in tow. “If you want to invite them to share a table, I don’t mind.”

  “Yes, you do. And this is our time. I’ve got to be back at the station by eight. I’ll ignore them now and call Jim in the morning.” He smiled over at me. “So did I tell you how beautiful you are in that dress? Can we special order a week’s worth?”

  “Sorry, I don’t think we can afford a full week of outfits. Besides, she loves to do party gowns. I think this being above the knee is considered out of her comfort zone. But Aunt Jackie can be determined.”

  Greg barked out a laugh. “That’s one way to describe her.”

  “Hey now, be nice. She’s trying.” Although I had to admit, sometimes she was a little hard to figure out.

  “Seriously, Greg, can’t you afford to take Jill to a real restaurant at least for your engagement? I think for ours we went to that Italian place downtown with the chef who came out to our table? What was it called?” Sherry stood at our table, looking at my man as if he were on the menu.

  “Sorry, can’t remember.” Greg squeezed my hand. “Jill and I are just grabbing a quick bite. The personal celebration will come in a few weeks when this case is solved.”

  Sherry laughed. “It’s always after some investigation, isn’t it? I’m surprised Jill puts up with it as well as she does. I couldn’t stand your job.”

  “Which is why we’re divorced.” He waved toward Jim. “Tell my brother I’ll call him later.”

  “It’s not what it looks like,” Sherry protested.

  Greg shook his head. “Doesn’t matter if it is or it isn’t. He’s his own man. Good night, Sherry.”

  He stared at her until she turned around in a huff and stomped back to her table. Greg’s brother, Jim, raised a hand in greeting, then turned back to his menu.

  Carrie paused by the table. “Is this a bad time?”

  “Are you kidding? If you came a couple of minutes sooner, I could have ignored Sherry completely.” Greg pushed the menu toward Carrie. “Pot roast for me, and I’m guessing Jill’s having fish and chips.”

  “You’re right, but I haven’t been here this week.” I paused, thinking about my week. “Scratch that, I came with Amy on Tuesday. Still, fish and chips. What can I say? I’m addicted.”

  “Sorry I couldn’t make your shindig earlier. I’ve been working doubles since Lille fired Gretchen. Or was her name Allison? I can’t keep up with them anymore. All I know is she better get someone in here who can waitress before my feet give out on me.” Carrie glanced at the table. “Iced tea for the both of you? I’m suspecting you’re going back to the station tonight.”

  “Guilty as charged.” He nodded at Jill. “Tea’s good for me. What about you?”

  “Same.” I put my menu on top of his. “Thanks, Carrie.”

  “Don’t mention it.” She glanced over at Sherry and Jim’s table. “I’m glad they aren’t in my section.”

  When she disappeared, Greg took my hands in his. “Sorry about that. She’s going to realize some day that she doesn’t affect me like she thinks she does.”

  “Did you talk to her about the engagement yet?” I knew the answer. He’d been too busy with the investigation.

  “No, but because everyone is calling in to the hotline with reports of her fight with Harper, I probably need to go and make sure she wasn’t in town on Wednesday. Pat called and told me she was in LA that day, but I’ve got to confirm.” He rubbed my palm. “I don’t think she killed Alicia. Do you?”

  “No, but it would make things so much easier around here.” When he laughed, I knew he was relaxing at least a little. “I guess fitting in an engagement party around your job was always going to be hard. I’m just sorry you’re dealing with this on top of the other things on your plate.”

  “I’ll be fine. I take it Darla was pumping you for information?” He changed the subject away from Sherry’s visit.

  “She says you’re not helpful.” I smiled as Carrie dropped off our drinks with a plate of nachos. “Hey, wrong table. We didn’t order these.”

  “I’m not senile yet.” Carrie dropped napkins on the table in front of us along with small plates. “Those are from me. Congratulations on your engagement. You two are the perfect couple.”

  She walked away, and I grabbed a chip. “She always knows just how to cheer me up.”

  “Food. That’s how people make you happy. They feed you.” He took a bite. “And when it’s as good as this, food makes me happy too.”

  When Greg dropped me off at the house with the rest of the presents, I pulled out the thank-you notes and put them with the pile in the office. Then I shut the door. Greg needed to be here for this part of the fun. Or at least I felt like he did. If this case pushed off for another week, I’d start working on the gifts and thank-you notes myself, but I was optimistic. Besides, his handwriting was much better than mine.

  Emma stared at her leash, and I was tempted, but Greg had specifically asked me not to run alone. I didn’t think he’d accept my definition of being with Emma as not being alone. Esmeralda had cars at her place, so I knew she was working. Besides, I didn’t need any more excuses not to read Deek’s book. I filled a large glass with ice, put a handful of raspberries inside, and then filled it with tea. Then we went outside to the porch swing.

  Emma was almost as happy hunting rabbits as she would have been with a run, so I didn’t feel horrible guilt. Especially after starting to read and falling deeply in love with the story. By the time I was done, the light had dimmed and our porch light had come on. Emma lay near my feet, sleeping. I set the book aside and thought about the story.

  Before I lost my train of thought, I grabbed a pen out of the kitchen and started writing down areas that either I’d gotten lost or things that could be shored up. Not big things, but just tweaks that would make the story easier to follow.

  I heard a truck pull up in the driveway and stood to walk to the edge of the porch to let Greg know I was out back. Instead of Greg’s truck, it was Toby’s, and he was running to my front door. My heart raced as I called out to him. “I’m back here. What’s wrong?”

  “Oh, Jill. Thank goodness.” Toby jogged over to the fence, where Emma met him. As he scanned the empty deck, he used the fence pole to vault himself over the top of the fence and ran up to me.

  Chapter 10

  “What’s wrong? I’m just on my back porch. This babysitting is getting a little crazy, don’t you think?” My mind went back to Deek’s story and a chapter where the main character had been missing for a day.

  “Greg’s been trying to call you for hours. Why didn’t you pick up the phone?” Toby jogged over and looked behind his shed and out of earshot.

  I waited for him to return to the front of the backyard before I answered him. While I waited, I pulled my cell out of my jeans pocket. It was dead. “Why is Greg trying to call me? Is everything okay?”

  “Everything’s fine. He just had a break, so he called. No answer, then called again. And so when he couldn’t reach you after multiple tries, he sent me to check on you. He would have come himself, but he’s interviewing Harper and her lawyer. Now that he knows it’s her sister, he’s expecting some answers from the woman.” Toby groaned as he walked up to the porch. “Maybe you could just forget I mentioned that last part.”

  “The part about him reinterviewing her? Or the dead sister part? I already knew Alicia was the one I found in the dressing room. Harrold already beat you to the punch for letting out that info.” I went back to the table and grabbed the papers. “Let’s go in. Do you want something to drink before you go back to work?”

  “A soda would be great.” Toby held the door open and followed Emma inside. “Wait, you said Harrold already knew who the victim was? Greg just found out. He was trying to keep it under wraps.”

  “Yeah, I saw that in his face when Harrold spilled the beans. Which one of you deputies has been talking in your sleep? Because it sure wasn’t Greg. That man is tight lipped on these things, especially around me.” I pulled out two sodas and set one in front of Toby. Then I got out my stash of cookies from Pies on the Fly. Sadie was a sugar goddess. That was all there was to that.

  “It’s not me. I’ve been sleeping alone for a while now.” He took a cookie. “Besides, I’m too busy to have a girlfriend or a real life. I’ve got two jobs, and I’m shooting pool on league for four more weeks.”

  “Well, someone told Lille, and Greg’s not happy.” I plugged my phone into the wall socket and texted him. Then I set it down. “I’ve reported in, so he should see that even if he’s interviewing. How are things going with you? Besides being too busy.”

  “Good. I keep thinking I’m close to having my down payment, then prices go up. One day I’m just going to have to bite the bullet and buy something.” He took in the kitchen. “You could sell this to me, and you and Greg buy something bigger.”

  “No way. I love my little house. Besides, I don’t want the property to fall into the hands of an investor. At least not while I’m alive.” I munched on the cookie.

  “I’d never sell it.” He held up his hand like he was swearing on the Bible.

  “And if you get married, then wind up missing or dead, and your new wife decides she’s a city girl, she’d sell to the highest bidder.” I’d thought the whole scenario out. Mostly, though, with me dead and Greg inheriting and then dying. We probably needed to talk about wills sooner rather than later. Not a subject I wanted to bring up, but I’d hate to have any surprises if I was left Greg-less.