1:00 PM
Daniel set his drink on the white tablecloth that covered an 1860s antique Chippendale dining room table. The table had belonged to his brother and sister-in-law. Now he considered putting it in storage until the fire at his North Lake Drive restaurant was solved. The last thing he wanted was to lose another piece of the people he missed so much. And he didn’t think Riley could take another hit. He still hadn’t been able to go out to the site to look for the box. But he would.
He studied the name and number Riley had given to him last night. Tim Shepherd with Shepherd Real Estate Developers. The man had called him at home, he must be getting desperate. Unfortunately, he’d just have to stay that way. Daniel wasn’t selling. He picked up his phone to call the man when the device vibrated. His mother’s picture flashed on the screen. “Hi, Mom.”
“Daniel. You want to explain?”
“Hi, Mom, good to hear from you.”
“Cute. Now explain.”
“Nothing much to explain. If you saw the news, you know as much as I do.”
“Is Riley all right?”
“Did you get her text?”
“Yes, but anyone can send a text.”
“It was really her.”
His mother snorted. “I know it was. I’ve already talked to her.”
Then why ask if she was all right? “Gotcha.”
“Daniel.” Her voice softened. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine, Mom, I promise. I’m not sure what’s going on or why this is happening, but the police are working on it.” He wondered if he should be worried about her as well. He frowned. Then sighed. “Mom, will you watch your back?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I don’t know who’s behind the incidents or why. I don’t know if I’m the only target or if he’s going to start targeting the people I love. I just . . . I’m worried enough to mention it.”
Silence greeted him. “I’ll watch my back.” He heard the seriousness in her voice and was glad she didn’t just blow off his concerns. “Will you keep me updated?” she asked.
“Of course.” Her heavy sigh came through the line. “I will, I promise.”
“Does Riley need to come stay with me for a while? I can get someone else to go out on the next assignment.” His mother was a paid companion who traveled with those who didn’t have anyone else to travel with. The largest percentage of her clientele were women who’d lost their husbands. He smiled when he thought of how far she’d come since being a single mother who worked three jobs to make ends meet.
“No, Mom. Not right now. In fact, going on this assignment may be the best thing you can do right now. Get away. Be safe. If something changes, I’ll let you know.”
“And Riley’s safe?”
“Yes.” He felt like she was. Right now.
“All right then. If you’re sure.”
“I am. And I promise to let you know if there’s any new developments that you need to know about.”
“That sounds good.”
He rubbed a hand across the back of his neck. “How long are you in town for?”
“Just today and tomorrow.”
“Where’s your next assignment?”
“Brazil.”
“What’s her name?” He always ran background checks on the people she traveled with. He might not be in law enforcement anymore, but he still had friends in high places.
“Eliza Green. She’s seventy-eight years old and this is a bucket list trip for her. She’s terribly sad her husband passed away last year and was unable to go with her, but before he died, he made her promise to take the trip for him. She’s honoring that request but doesn’t want to go alone. I’ve already met her and she seems wonderful. A real firecracker too. I think we’ll get along just fine.”
“I hope you have a great time.”
“I’ve never been to Brazil, I hear it’s lovely. They speak Portuguese, so I’ve been brushing up.” He heard her nails clicking on her keyboard. “Riley said she has to decide on her internship soon.”
“Yes. If she works with Martin, she starts Tuesday, I think.”
“So weird she didn’t jump at going to Cozumel, but to each her own, I suppose.”
“I suppose.”
“Take care of my granddaughter.”
“You know it.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too.” He hung up and pulled up Tim Shepherd’s number again. The front door of the restaurant chimed.
Daniel looked up as his buddy Martin Sheehan, full-time archaeologist and part-time university professor, bounded over and slipped into the chair next to him. “Hey.”
“Hey. You get bored playing in your sandbox?” Daniel asked him. He set his phone aside. Shepherd could wait.
“Cute. And never. Boredom isn’t a word I’m familiar with.” Martin waved a waitress over.
Sarah Durham, the pretty brunette and single mother of two young children, was one of Daniel’s best waitresses. She wore an 1860s-style costume complete with hoop under the skirt. She had on one of the more fashionable items of history, with the skirt raised above the ground and cords tied around her waist. Daniel had wondered if the clothing would interfere with her movements and ability to serve effectively, but so far, she’d done a fabulous job. And some customers mentioned they came just to see what Sarah would be wearing that day. Finishing off her attire was a small hat with the popular ribbon streamers. Sarah had insisted she liked dressing in costume and had even made a few of her own.
If she stuck around, he planned to make her manager one day. Soon. She walked over and pulled her pad and pen out of her apron pocket. “What can I get for you, Mr. Sheehan? Same as usual?”
“Absolutely. Burger all the way, cheese fries, and a double chocolate shake. Oh, and let’s go crazy. Add a large side of onion rings to it this time.”
“You got it.”
“Fabulous dress, Sarah. Did you make that one?”
Sarah flushed and gave them a slight curtsy. “Thank you ever so much, Mr. Sheehan,” she drawled in her soft southern belle voice. “And yes, I made this one,” she said in her normal alto. “So kind of you to notice.”
“If it’s history, he notices it,” Daniel said with a smile.
“Be right back, gentlemen.” She walked away, her hoopskirt swaying gently, the hint of citrus following in her wake.
Daniel shook his head as Martin took a long swig of his water. “Will you ever change your eating habits?” The man ate like a trash can and never did gain an ounce. Lean and muscled, with blue eyes and reddish blond hair, his rugged good looks turned female heads wherever he went. A fact he acknowledged but didn’t seem to care much about anymore.
“Not likely.”
Daniel chuckled. After his third divorce, Martin had declared he’d finally gotten his priorities in order. He was now hyper-focused on his work as an archaeologist and professor at the local university. “What brings you in?” Daniel asked. “Besides the free food and my charming company, of course.”
“Came to see if you were wallowing in self-pity.”
“No time for that.” Daniel gestured to his open laptop and cell phone. “Crunching numbers, going back and forth with the insurance company, and scheduling the reconstruction of the restaurant.”
“So you’re going to rebuild.”
It wasn’t a question. Martin knew him well enough. “Of course.”
Martin looked around. “It’s good to see that the incidents from last night don’t seem to be hurting business.”
“No. Thank goodness.”
“How was the interview? You find this place a new cook?”
“You talked to Riley this morning.”
“How do you think I knew where to find you and that you had an interview?”
“Of course. The interview went well for a last-minute thing. I texted the guy yesterday morning when I found out my trip was going to be canceled and he arranged his schedule to meet me. Not only was that impressive, he really knows his stuff. He’s a senior at USC getting his Culinary Arts degree. I hired him on the spot and he agreed to start Monday.”
“Good for you.” He took a sip of his water. “He wasn’t turned off by the events of last night?”
“I made sure he knew what happened, and while he expressed regret for the loss of life, it didn’t scare him off the job.”
“Excellent.” Martin rubbed his fuzzy chin and Daniel thought he saw a puff of dust erupt. He simply dipped his napkin in his water and handed it to his friend. Martin gave a sheepish grin and ran the napkin over his scruffy facial hair. When finished, he crumpled the napkin into a ball. “I have to say, I’m surprised you opened.”
Daniel rubbed a hand down his cheek. “I thought about staying closed today, but what’s the point? The crime scene was cleared about an hour before we were scheduled to open and I have workers who need to work. They have families to feed and bills to pay. Closing would have done more harm than good.”
Martin nodded. “This whole business is a tough break. I’m sorry about Armstrong. Can’t believe he was that depressed. And to hang himself in your basement . . .” He clucked his tongue. “Was it some twisted way to get back at you because you fired him?”
“I’m not so sure it was a suicide.”
Martin lifted a brow. “No? That’s what the media is reporting.”
Daniel shook his head. “The cops are investigating. That’s all I know right now.”
“And someone burned down the North Lake location. What’s up with that? That’s crazy.”
Daniel grunted. “Yeah. Crazy’s a pretty good word.” An accurate one that had been used way too much in the last twelve hours.
“How bad is the damage?”
“I’m not sure yet. I rode by this morning and several firefighters were still out there.”
“Making sure the blaze is out for good.”
“Yes. I know the arson investigator is supposed to get over there sometime today. Once he files his report, I’ll hear from the cops. But I have a feeling the damage is extensive and I’m going to have to build it back from the ground up.”
“Well, I guess we know where your focus is going to be over the coming months.”
Daniel grunted. “Yeah. No kidding.”
Martin leaned back and crossed his arms. “So are the incidents related?”
“I don’t know. Like I said, they’re working on figuring it all out.”
“Let me know if you need anything.”
The compassion on his friend’s face helped ease the sting of the past day. “Thanks.” At least Martin didn’t think Daniel had anything to do with the whole mess.
“Moving on to less-depressing topics. Has Riley made up her mind on which internship she wants to do? I’m all ready for her to come play in the sandbox.” Martin smirked.
Daniel sighed. The private school Riley attended had a special month during the school year that they dedicated to internships. Students received hands-on training in their field of interest and it counted toward their high school units. “Riley is a very smart girl with a variety of interests. She’s narrowed the field to marine biology and archaeology. The fact that she knows and likes you is weighing in your favor. The fact that they’re offering marine biology in Cozumel is tilting the scales.”
“Cozumel.” He sighed. “I know which one I’d choose, but I still hope she picks me. I have tons I could teach her.” Sarah approached and Martin’s eyes gleamed with anticipation when she set the food in front of him. “That looks amazing. Thanks.”
“Of course.”
“You got your license yet?”
Sarah grinned. “Just have to take the test, thanks to Riley and Daniel here. Who would have thought little ole me would learn how to fly a plane?”
“You’re a great pilot, Sarah,” Daniel said. And she was.
Martin’s gaze lifted to meet Daniel’s. “What did you have? That grilled chicken salad that wouldn’t fill up a gnat?”
“Yes.” Daniel laughed and winked at Sarah. “It was good and it filled me up. And in ten years when your cholesterol is sky high, I’ll be the one laughing.”
Martin snorted. “I doubt it. What do you think, Sarah?”
“I think I’ll stay out of it.” She smiled. “Tell Riley I’d love to go up a couple more times before I take the test. Even though she’s not a certified instructor, she really knows how to instruct.”
Daniel nodded. “I’m sure she’d enjoy doing that with you. She said you were the best student she’s ever had.”
Sarah grinned. “I’m the only student she’s ever had.”
“As soon as she turns eighteen, she can be certified, so it’s great practice for her too.” He slapped Martin on his shoulder. “Riley keeps trying to get this guy in the sky, but he won’t budge.”
Martin nearly choked on his mouthful of burger. He shook his head. “Not me. No way, no how. I’m a landlubber. No flying for me.” He swallowed and wiped his mouth.
She shot a smirk at Martin. “On second thought, since I was asked, I’ll go ahead and voice my opinion on your eating habits. I agree with Daniel.” She laughed at Martin’s look of dismay. “You know he’s right.”
Martin shook his head as though he felt sorry for the two of them. “I work it all off playing in my sandbox.” Sarah made her way over to another customer and Martin stuck a straw in his shake. “But the food and the exceptional company aren’t the only reasons I decided to drop in.”
“No kidding.”
“Nope.”
“What other reasons could you possibly have?”
Martin took a huge bite of the burger and chewed. Slowly.
Daniel scowled. “You do that on purpose.”
His friend swallowed and grinned. “Yep.” Then took a large swig of his shake.
“Seriously, dude?” Daniel rolled his eyes.
Martin laughed. “Okay, okay.” He leaned closer. “I found something.”
“You dig in the dirt, you’re always finding something. What’s so special about this time?”
Martin glanced around the nearly full restaurant, then reached into his pocket to extract a clear plastic baggie. A small coin rested in the bottom right corner.
“Cool.” He tried to pull the bag in for a closer look, but Martin snatched it back, hovering over it as though it would disappear if he let it get too far from his person.
Once again, Martin’s eyes darted from patron to patron, table to table before coming back to rest on Daniel. “It’s a coin. A rare coin. If I’m right, there were only fifteen ever minted.” He slowly slid it toward Daniel, who stared at the coin.
“1804? Wow, that’s old.”
“Yes, but they weren’t actually struck in 1804, they were all minted in the 1830s or later. If I’m right and it’s not a counterfeit—which I’m 99 percent sure it isn’t—do you know how much it’s worth?” he hissed.
“No, but I’m guessing you do?”
“The Bust Dollar, Class I—last sold at an auction for 4.14 million.”
Daniel nearly choked. “What?” He straightened and let out a low whistle. “No kidding.”
“No kidding. Edmund Roberts distributed the coins in 1834 and 1835. They were created to be special proof coin sets and were supposed to be diplomatic gifts during his trips to Siam and Muscat.”
“How did they get all the way over here in North America?”
“I have no idea. I’m guessing that one of the Civil War soldiers had it with him. Maybe passed to him from a father who traveled widely. It wasn’t just poor kids from the wrong side of the street that fought in that war. There were some rich kids too. Frankly, I don’t care. I just know it’s going to make me famous,” he whispered.
Daniel thought the man might cry, he was so excited. “That’s some serious stuff. What are you going to do with it?”
“Like I said, I’m going to let it make me famous, my friend.” He let out a laugh and Daniel smiled. Martin finally seemed to be happy, to be in his element. “But,” Martin said, “I’m going to keep it a little secret for now. I want to see what else is down there before I bring in the media.”
“Good for you, Martin. That’s incredible.”
The man’s eyes gleamed with the same glee as when Sarah had placed his food in front of him. “Indeed.” He turned his attention back to the plate in front of him. Within minutes, he’d cleaned it off and downed his shake. “I gotta go. I’m spending the night at the dig.”
“Are you crazy? It’s freezing out there.”
“I’ve got a space heater or two. I’ll be fine.” He rubbed a hand down his unshaven face. “Might need to stop by my house and reacquaint myself with a razor, though. Can’t stand it when the stubble gets dirt in it. Itches like crazy.”
“Good idea.” He glanced around, mimicking Martin’s subtle glances from earlier, then nodded toward his friend’s pocket. “Do you have someplace safe for that?”
“Safe-deposit box, but can’t get there until Monday.”
“Well, don’t flash it to anyone else. People have killed for less.”
Martin paled. “I know. I know.”
“You want me to put it in my safe at home until Monday?”
“No way. I’m not letting this baby out of my sight.”
“Does anyone else know about it?”
“No. I probably shouldn’t have shown it to you, but you’re my best friend. I trust you and I had to tell someone. I just can’t get over it. I found it, man, I found it.” His hands actually started to shake. “Do you know what this means? This is my big break and it’s all I can do to contain myself.” He sucked in a deep breath and closed his eyes. “Okay, I’m out of here.” And then he was gone like mist on the wind.
“Daniel?”
He yanked his eyes from the door and turned to find Katie standing next to his chair. “Hey there.” He stood. “How are you?”
“I’m doing well, thanks. How are you?”
“Recovering.” He waved a hand to the chair Martin had just vacated. He pushed aside the dirty dishes and they both sat. “Can I get you something to eat?” he asked. “It’s on me.”
“I’m not hungry, but I’d love a glass of strawberry tea.”
“You got it.” He waved Sarah over and she took the order. “How did you know I’d be here?”
“Riley told me.”
“You talked to Riley?”
“A little bit ago. She’s worried about you.” Sarah returned with the tea and Katie took a grateful sip. “Thanks. That’s wonderful.”
He nodded. “Glad you like it.” He sighed. “Look, I’ll admit, things were intense last night. Crazy. Unbelievable even. But—” he shook his head—“I don’t think Riley needs to worry. I’ll talk with her again when I get home.”
She leaned forward, her dark eyes capturing his. “I don’t think you understand just how afraid she is of losing you.”
Daniel stilled. “Why do you say that?”
“She called me and wants to hire me to be your bodyguard.”
That sentence packed a hard punch. “Oh man.”
“Yeah.” She hesitated.
He frowned. “What else aren’t you telling me?”
She tapped her lip, then linked her fingers together and rested her hands on the table. “Riley said there was a car sitting outside your house last night. She thought it was me and didn’t think anything else about it. She went to bed and asked me about it when we talked earlier.”
His frown deepened. “But it wasn’t you.”
“No. And the police officer Quinn had posted to drive by your house on a regular basis last night remembers the vehicle but said he never saw anyone inside.”
He stood. “So Riley could be in danger. I’ve got to go.”
“No, she’s fine. Olivia’s with her. I asked her to stay with her while I tracked you down. And another officer is also driving by frequently.”
He slowly took his seat again. “Okay. Thanks.” He took a swig of water. “So. The officer who drove by my house last night . . . You talked to him?”
She nodded. “I called him a little while ago. Riley asked me to look into it.”
He rubbed a hand down his cheek and studied her. “Seems like Riley’s asking an awful lot of you.”
“Not at all. She’s a friend and I’ve grown to care about her over the last year she’s been in my class.”
“Riley’s mentioned the time you’ve spent with her, drinking coffee and talking. I appreciate that. She really admires you.”
The sudden pink in her cheeks endeared her to him. Sarah refilled Katie’s empty glass, and Katie thanked the woman. “I think it’s important to mentor young girls, to share the wisdom the years have imparted.” She gave a self-conscious chuckle. “Such that it is. But Riley’s a great girl with a good head on her shoulders.”
“Thanks, I think so too.” He cleared his throat. “The officer didn’t happen to write down the plate number, did he?”
“Yes, actually, he did. He took note of all the vehicles on the street and ran checks on them. Nothing came back as a red flag, but I’m interested in tracking down the vehicle that caught Riley’s attention.”
Daniel looked away from her, his gaze on the now-black computer screen. “I don’t understand this.”
“What?”
“Any of it. Who would do this or why. And I don’t like it when I don’t understand something.”
“I can understand that.”
He gave her a small smile.
She grimaced. “Okay, that was bad, sorry. It was worth a try.” She sobered. “Look, the investigation is going to take some time. I know that you’re experienced in taking care of yourself and don’t need me, but sometimes it doesn’t hurt to have someone watching your back.”
He tilted his head. “I’d agree with most of that.”
She lifted a brow. “Most of it?”
“You’re right. I can take care of myself, but that doesn’t mean I don’t recognize my limitations. I’m not invincible.”
“So, do you mind if I just kind of hang around and keep an eye on your back—and Riley’s?”
He studied her for a moment. “You want me to agree for Riley’s sake, don’t you?”
She gave a slight shrug. “It couldn’t hurt.”
“And it would offer her some reassurance,” he said with a sigh.
“Yes.”
He pursed his lips and gave a slow nod. “You can hang around . . .”
“But . . .”
“But if this guy comes near Riley with the intention of hurting her, he’s a dead man.”