Page 69 of Evidence of Secrets

“Just that he was attacked. What have you heard?” Jaimie asked.

Meghan shook her head. “Not much. He’s home now.”

“Laura wants to talk to us. Do you know why?”

“Don’t know.” Meghan bit her lip. “I hope she’s not closing the bistro.”

Crap. Jaimie hoped not, either.

Laura was a sweetheart. She hadn’t expected to like her so much. Laura was hardworking and kind. Jaimie felt some employees took advantage of her, but that was none of her business.

Laura walked out of the kitchen and asked them to sit with her at one of the larger tables.

“You’ve probably heard that Levi was attacked yesterday. He was preparing to try a new recipe in the kitchen when someone hit him from behind. He hit his head when he fell.”

“Is he all right?” asked Meghan.

“Yes. Thankfully.”

Jaimie watched Laura twist the sapphire ring on her finger. A tell that Laura was nervous or upset.

“So.” Laura bit her lip and struggled to find the words. “I’m changing the code on the kitchen door. During the open hours, it will be unlocked, but otherwise, it’ll be locked.”

“So how did the intruder get in?” asked Sue.

“He had the code.”

“Wouldn’t he be on the cameras in the parking lot?”

“He was dressed in black and timed it when people from the condos left for work. Some shops open at seven o’clock, and people park in the back. There was a lot of traffic. We couldn’t identify him.”

“Did he take anything?” asked Jaimie.

“No, he took the items out of the storage room but returned them to the shelves. We have no idea what he was looking for. That’s the good news.” Laura sat back in her chair and sighed. “The other bad news is that I’ll take on Levi’s position until he gets back.”

Jaimie felt Laura’s pain. How would she be a pastry and daytime chef, manage the books and do all the other work she did without collapsing?

“I hate to ask, but I’m hoping for the time Levi is out that you would help me keep the bistro clean.” Laura shook her head. “I can only do so much.”

“Of course we’ll help,” said Meghan. “You’ve been so good to all of us. Don’t worry; we’ll get through this. As for locking the door, no one should be here if the bistro isn’t open.”

“Thank you,” said Laura. “I really appreciate your help.”

“Why don’t you install cameras in the kitchen?” Jaimie asked.

Laura hesitated. “I have one in there now.”

That was a surprise. It must be really hidden. She’d look for it the next time she was in the kitchen.

This must be a bigger problem than Jaimie thought.

Horrible for Laura but fodder for her piece. Now she just had to investigate and figure out what someone wanted in the storage room. Perhaps the building department had plans to the bistro that would give her a hint.

CHAPTERFORTY-NINE

Sam talked to Phil, KnightGuard Security’s IT guru, but he saw nothing more than what Hank and she found on the tapes in Laura’s office.

Hank wasn’t sure what else could be done to keep Laura safe. He had some ideas he would pass by Sam when she came in.

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