Page 36 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
“How are the others handling Dixie’s death?” Millie asked after they were gone.
Astrid tipped her hand back and forth. “They seem okay, although the mood is subdued. To be honest, I think we’re all still in shock. Several mentioned suing the tiki hut owner.”
“It was an accident. I hope they don’t.”
“I’m sure each of you signed a waiver,” Annette pointed out.
“Waivers are meant to be broken.”
“So you’re jumping on the bandwagon?” Millie asked.
“I’m not sure. I still need time to process what happened. In a way, it was Dixie’s fault for causing a panic, although no one could predict everyone would rush to the same side of the tiki hut.”
Millie thought about the previous conversation in Patterson’s office, how Wendy mentioned Dixie taking a peppermill pill before the excursion, and made a mental note to do a little research into the side effects.
Barty crept closer. “Miss Millie, do you think I could try finding the items?”
“Sure.” She handed him a copy. “If it’s okay with Annette, it’s okay with me.”
“I have always wanted to take part in a scavenger hunt.”
“Hunt away. Have fun. See you in two hours.” Annette waved goodbye, watching as Barty removed his apron and darted out the door. “My galley is safe from calamity for two hours.”
Millie patted her arm. “He seems like a good guy. Give him time, and he’ll be right up there with Amit.”
“If my kitchen survives long enough for my new assistant to find his footing.”
Chapter 15
With time to kill before the scavenger hunt ended, Millie ran home to check on Scout and grab a quick bite to eat. First things first, she fixed his lunch and set it on the floor.
Millie stepped into the kitchen and noticed an envelope with Nic’s handwriting sitting on the counter. She flipped the flap and removed the piece of paper:Meet me here tomorrow evening at 9:30 for a romantic meal under the stars. Please RSVP.A heart and Nic’s signature were at the bottom.
She grabbed a pen and accepted his invitation. Millie promptly added it to her calendar, although she knew there was no way she would forget. Date nights were few and far between.
With time on her hands, Millie logged onto the computer and opened a new search screen. Shetyped in the name of the tiki hut excursion and pressed enter.
Advertisements along with reviews appeared. Zema and his team got glowing reviews, not a handful, but hundreds. Clearly, he knew how to keep guests happy and safe. In fact, several mentioned they felt safety was a priority.
A small wet nose nuzzled her leg. She leaned over and found Scout standing on her shoe staring up at her, his soft brown eyes begging for attention. “You finished your lunch already?”
Millie scooped him up and carried him out onto the balcony. “Now isn’t this much nicer than being cooped up inside?” She cuddled the pup, breathing in the salty sea air and turning so that the sun’s rays warmed her face.
She thought briefly of Pastor Haakenson’s struggle, and it made her sad.
In the busyness of daily life, she knew she missed a lot—perhaps someone who needed a wordof encouragement, a warm smile, or even a sympathetic ear.God, please make me more aware of those around me who might be in need. I pray for peace and joy for Pastor Haakenson as he starts this new chapter in his life.
She prayed for her family, for her children and friends, along with Dixie’s family and her colleagues.
Yip.Scout squirmed, signaling he wanted down. As soon as he was on the ground, he promptly picked up his squishy ball and dropped it at her feet.
They played fetch until the pup tired of the game and flopped down. “I can’t imagine what it’s like to have a dog’s life,” she teased. “Eat, sleep, play. You have it rough.”
Back inside, she returned to her computer while Scout curled up on her lap to nap.
She cleared the screen and typed Belly Busters in the search bar. Several stories appeared. Millieclicked on the top one and read about their adventures, traveling from Nebraska to all four corners of the United States and even into Canada to compete.
Dixie, Wendy, Gail and even Hotshot Hannah were specifically mentioned. As she continued reading, it became increasingly clear to Millie that the handful of women enjoyed being in the spotlight.
