Page 60 of Little Dark Deeds
“I’ve been having strange dreams too.”
If he only knew ...
“In the past week, I’ve learned some things Tiffany never mentioned to me,” I said.
He tapped a finger to the table, nodding.“Before we get too far into this conversation, I’m in desperate need of a cup of coffee.”
I scooted out of the booth.“I’ll get you one.How do you take it?”
“Black, no sugar.”
“Coming right up.”
As I walked to the front counter, my thoughts were on Everett.While he looked polished and presentable on the outside, I imagined he was scarred on the inside, just like me.Everett hadn’t just been Tiffany’s work colleague; he’d been her closest guy friend for over twenty years.They first met in law school and had even tried dating each other at one time.It wasn’t long before they realized that although they shared a great affection for one another, they were better friends than they were lovers.
If anyone knew about the things Tiffany hadn’t told me, it was him.Not only had he worked with her day in and day out, but I’d also always found him to be a perfect listener, offering unwavering support.He was a lot like Tiffany in that way.
I ordered Everett a coffee, a lavender, oat-milk latte for myself, and a couple of cheese Danishes, because ...well, anything that included cheese in its name was hard to resist, wasn’t it?
As I returned to the table, I glanced out the window, noticing a green vintage sedan parked across the street under a shade tree.It had been idling there since I’d pulled into the parking lot, idling.Maybe nothing of note, but I was sure I’d seen that exact car on Tiffany’s street yesterday.
I sat my offerings on the table and said, “I’m sure you know why I asked to see you this morning.If it’s too hard to talk here, we can go somewhere else—somewhere we’re not overheard as much as we might if we stay here.”
“Where do you suggest?”
“We could take a stroll around the park.It’s often quiet in the morning and not too busy.And given we can walk from here; it seems like a good option.”
He agreed, and we gathered up our items, exiting the coffee shop.As we crossed the street, I turned my attention back to the idling car and the lady I could see slouching in the driver’s seat.
I turned toward Everett, saying.“I think I’m being followed.”
“Oh?”
I tipped my head toward the car.“I met a few older ladies yesterday, inquisitive, boundary-pushing types.It seems one of them, the ringleader of the group, is tracking my every move now.I should go and talk with her.You’re welcome to come with me, if you’d like.”
“Sure, why not?”
We changed course, heading straight for the sedan.The moment its occupant spotted me, she attempted to lower herself even farther into the seat, but it was far too late.
She’d been made.
I tapped a knuckle to the glass.“Open up, Queenie.There’s no use hiding.I know you’ve been following me.”
She sat straight up, smiling as the window came down.
“Why hello, Detective,” she said.“Fancy meeting you here.I’ve been out running a few early morning errands.”
“Errands that include following me around town?”
“Oh, no.I’ve done nothing of the kind.In fact, I was just thinking of getting myself a cup of tea, and since 2 Little Figs has so many options ...well, here I am.”
I crossed my arms.“It doesn’t take ten minutes to get out of the car and walk over.If you planned on getting a cup of tea, why are you still sitting here?”
“How do you know how long I’ve been here?”
“I saw you out the window of the café.”
Queenie pressed her wrists together and extended them toward me, tossing her head back as she snorted a laugh.“Well, I suppose the jig is up.Go ahead, arrest me for being at the same place at the same time as you.”
