Chapter Sixteen

At the end of her shift, Shelby caught the shuttle, keeping to herself and enjoying some thinking time, then headed for Chocomania once the boat had docked. She was pleased to see Erica was alone, although she felt momentary guilt for thinking that. A full shop would have meant good sales for the day.

Erica waved as Shelby walked through the door. And although Shelby had promised herself all talk and no truffles, she couldn’t resist ordering an espresso and a sea-salt dark-chocolate truffle. She grabbed a table close to the counter so they could talk while Erica did the end-of-day clean-up.

“I have an odd question, so please, just indulge me,” Shelby started. “You told me you’d seen Bryce in town early Saturday night. Are you sure it was him?”

Erica leaned on the counter, arms folded. “Why do you ask? Are you playing detective again?”

The door opened, interrupting them. Shelby looked over and knew her feelings must be pretty obvious, what with the big smile that had sprung to her face. “Hi, Zack. What are you doing here?”

He squeezed Shelby’s shoulder as he walked past her up to the counter. “I think I’m doing the same thing as you.” He smiled at Erica and pointed at Shelby’s treats. “The same, please.”

“Right away. Good to see you, Zack. You haven’t been around much lately.”

“It’s called work, unfortunately. I hope my not being here hasn’t cut into your profits too much.”

Erica chuckled. “I’m coping.” She handed him his purchases, and he settled across from Shelby.

“Am I interrupting anything?”

Erica answered before Shelby could. “Not really; we’re just catching up. And, Shelby, I’m very sure.”

“Sure about what?” Zack asked.

“That I should buy some of her new flavors for the bookstore.” Oops, that lie had come out entirely too easily. She hoped she didn’t look as guilty as she felt.

Zack didn’t seem to notice. “How could anything from this store not do well?”

“Well, thank you, Zack. It’s good someone has total faith in me,” Erica answered, then got back to packing away the remaining truffles before closing for the evening, but not before she gave Shelby a meaningful stare.

“So, tell me what’s keeping you so busy, or can you tell me?” Shelby asked Zack.

“I can tell you a lot of things and would be happy to do so over dinner.” He raised his eyebrows to make the statement a question.

“You mean tonight?”

“Right now, yes. Let’s consider this dessert.”

She smiled, suddenly very happy. “I’d love to.”

He reached over and squeezed her hand. “I was hoping you’d say that.” After several seconds he looked over at the counter and asked, “Would you like to join us, Erica?”

“What? Have you never heard the adage two’s company, et cetera, et cetera? Not on your life. Thanks anyway.”

“I like what she’s implying,” Zack said.

“Yes, subtlety is not Erica’s strong suit.” Shelby glanced over in time to notice the look Erica shot her. A friendly set of daggers. Shelby finished the rest of her drink, feeling very content sitting there with her two best friends—well, one definitely more than that.

As soon as Zack finished the last of the espresso, they bid goodbye to Erica and walked hand in hand toward the Ripe Tomato, a new bistro that had opened earlier in the month, just down the street. She wished she’d worn something more striking—no, something sexier, but that wasn’t a look she cultivated for work. If ever. She’d just have to pretend her blue striped silky shirt and navy leggings were sexy.

It wasn’t very crowded, so they chose a table next to the window. As they settled in, Shelby thought back to her first dinner out with Zack. Not a date, but it had been a start. In some ways it felt like a long time ago, even though it had been only about four months earlier; in other ways, it felt like it had just happened. She had to admit she’d done an about-face in her feelings about not getting involved with him, with anyone. She smiled at the realization that she’d been wrong. This felt so right.

Zack caught her smile and sat with his arms crossed on the table, saying nothing but watching her.

“What?”

“I’m just enjoying being here with you,” he answered. “I’m really not happy when it gets so busy at work and I don’t get to see you as often.”

There was that smile again, and the tingle it sent down her spine.

“I totally agree, but I know that your work with the Coast Guard means unusual hours.” She wanted to say more but suddenly felt shy. She blamed it on old habits learned from living most of her life with only her dad as a guide. And he had liked his privacy. She mentally squared her shoulders. She was her own person now, and this was a part of that life that she really enjoyed.

She looked around the room, pointing to the variety of paintings of tomatoes that hung on the walls. “They really get into it, don’t they?”

Zack followed her gaze. “You know, I like it. It could have been overdone, but they’ve got just the right mix of sizes and colors. Who knew there were purple tomatoes?”

“They’re not something I’ve tried, but I like the vivid colors. It makes me feel relaxed. Look, even the chairs have been painted to coordinate.”

Zack peered at the table next to them. “Huh. I hadn’t noticed that. What else haven’t I paid attention to?”

His gaze had shifted to her, and it was so intense, Shelby didn’t know whether to smile or squirm. They ordered, and then as they waited for their meals, she sipping wine and Zack with a beer, he asked the question she’d been hoping they could stay away from.

“How’s the murder investigation going?” he asked.

She tried to look surprised, but knew from the look on his face that she hadn’t done so.

She tried anyway. “What makes you ask that?”

He leaned forward. “Because I know you, and you’re right in the thick of this, given that it happened at the castle. You might as well admit it.” His blue eyes were even more so. She had fallen for those eyes right off. They looked crinkly at the edges, like they were always smiling, which she took to be a sign of a gentle soul. Tonight, though, his eyes seemed to be mocking her. He knew her so well.

However. “You missed the fact that Savannah had done two book signings for us, so I knew her. And we’d also had dinner together on Friday night.”

“Hmm. I did know that. And even though I’d like to point out that doesn’t give you permission to do any poking around, and I’m sure you’ve already heard that, I also know it won’t make any difference. So, what have you found out?”

“Do you know anything?” She turned his question back at him. “Has the chief shared any information?”

“This isn’t my investigation. I’m not involved in any way, and therefore, I’d be the last person she’d tell. Next to you, that is.” He grinned.

She pretended to pout. “So, why are you asking if you’re not involved?”

He reached out to touch her arm. “As I’ve often said, it’s because I worry about you and I know you’re probably up to your neck in it.”

She felt a shiver, but she wasn’t sure if it was from pleasure or dread. She cleared her throat. “I haven’t found out much, I’ll readily admit. But there are a lot of interesting suspects involved.”

“Suspects?” Zack asked, eyebrows raised. “Such as?”

“Yes, or at least persons of interest, whatever that means. There’s Liam, the fiancé. Was he really in love with her and okay with her staying overnight at the castle, or jealous about her past relationship with her agent? Bryce, said agent, lied about when he arrived in town and is anxious to get his hands on Savannah’s laptop, which may or may not mean a thing. Then there are two writers involved. One of them, Jenna, is local, and very publicly accused Savannah of stealing her plot. She did it right in front of customers at the first signing. And now a second writer, Rachel, has shown up saying she’s upset she missed getting to the signing and didn’t get a chance to meet Savannah.”

“And how is that suspicious?”

Shelby shrugged. “Maybe it isn’t, but Rachel said Savannah agreed to have coffee with her after the signing, but she and Liam were already supposed to have dinner with Edie and me. So why would Savannah have made other plans?”

“That’s hardly damning.”

“I know. It’s just one of the things that doesn’t really make sense.” Shelby took a long sip of her water before continuing. “And it’s possible the butler did it. I know, that’s so corny.”

“I was going to say you’re starting to sound like Erica.”

Shelby shot him a quizzical look.

“You know, two’s company, et cetera?” He chuckled when she groaned. “I’d heard there was a butler hired for the night. So, what would his motive be?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t finished talking to him.”

“You haven’t?” he asked in a mock-shocked tone. Then his voice and expression turned serious.

“Why are you doing this? I thought we had a conversation about you not getting involved.”

“You didn’t sound too concerned a few seconds ago.”

“I’m exasperated, Shelby. I don’t know what to do or say. I thought maybe by humoring you I could dissuade you, but I can’t keep it up. I worry about you. I really do like you, a lot, and I don’t want anything happening to you.”

Before Shelby had a chance to gather her thoughts, their food arrived. They both made busy with the silverware and taking their first bites; then Zack leaned forward. “Did you hear what I said?”

“I did, and I know what you want to hear, but I can’t say it.” She shifted uncomfortably on her chair. “I can’t just ignore the fact that Savannah was murdered, and that affects everyone who had anything to do with her. I know I hadn’t known her long, but it is on my mind. I’m sorry.”

He gave his head a small shake. “Just promise me you’ll be careful and call me or Chief Stone if you feel in danger.”

She let out the breath she’d been holding. “I will.”

She wished she could take a photo of the smile Zack gave her. It easily put any thoughts of any investigation on the back burner.

Until later that night, when she ran through all she knew about the murder. Which left her puzzling once again over why Bryce had lied.