“Could you drop me off at the resort area?” Kate said as they climbed into Maxi’s battered Jeep. “I’m gonna book into the hotel tonight. Just until I can get back into the Cookie House.”
“I’ve heard bad things about that ritzy resort,” Maxi said. “Bedbugs the size of roaches. Roaches the size of rats. And rats the size of dogs.”
Kate grinned. “Yeah, that explains all the celebrities I’ve seen around the pool this week.”
“Seriously, those resort cooks couldn’t fry a plantain if their lives depended on it. The place is too white bread. You need a taste of the real Coral Cay. How about an authentic home-cooked meal served on a big picnic table under a grapefruit tree?”
“I can’t ask you to do that. It’s already so late. And you’ve got a family.”
“Right, so what’s one more person at dinner? Obviously, I was teasing about the bugs and the rats, but if you’re gonna stay, you need to start eating local. The resorts are great, but they’re ex-pen-sive. And bland, bland, bland. A little cubana food will put a smile on your face. And the guest bedroom is lovely, if you don’t mind Star Wars drapes.”
“I can’t put your kids out. Or your husband. The resort is just for tonight. Then I can get back to the Cookie House. All my things are there in the storeroom, anyway.”
“Whoa, girl, I hate to tell you. But I was talking with Ray. And he says the bakery’s gonna be closed for a few more days, at least. And some of your stuff’s at the crime lab. But look at the bright side.”
“What’s that?”
“I know a very stylish cubana who can loan you some threads. Only—what is it the rich ladies say—‘gently worn.’ And our local drugstore stays open late, so you can pick up some toothpaste and stuff.”
Kate remembered Ball Cap Man. What if he was after her? What if he followed her to Maxi’s house? If this whole situation with Sam was somehow her fault, that was bad enough. But she couldn’t get Maxi’s family involved.
“I can’t. I’m sorry.”
“OK, is it the spicy Cuban food or the Star Wars drapes?”
Kate laughed. Why did she feel like she could tell Maxi anything without being judged?
“The truth is, I think I’m being followed. I know it sounds paranoid. But I’m afraid it could be connected with the break-in at the bakery. I saw the guy sporadically for a week or so before that. But that afternoon I saw him a bunch of times. He was driving a rental about a half a block back when my car conked out. And later when I walked to the bakery, he was on foot, too. Like he was trailing me. Then, during my job interview, he parked himself on a bench right across the street. I really hope I’m wrong. But if I’m not, I don’t want him following me to your house. I’ll be safe at the resort. They have lots of security. And your family will be safer that way, too.”
“Did you get a good look at this guy?”
“Not really. Just from a distance. I think I’ve seen him a lot over the past week. Always wears big sunglasses and a different hat. It’s possible it’s all my imagination. And when Kyle was so convinced the break-in was a teenaged prank, I didn’t mention it. I was hoping I was wrong. I wanted to be wrong. I should have said something.”
“Stop blaming yourself. And Kyle is an idiot. Why they’re letting him anywhere near Lord’s murder is the real mystery.”
“It’s possible this guy is just some tourist visiting the same small town who wants to see a lot of the same things I do,” Kate reasoned. “But I don’t know. And after the break-in, I admit I’m spooked. I don’t want to take any chances. And you have a family to protect.”
Maxi nodded. “You need to talk to Peter. He works with this stuff all the time. Come for dinner. You can talk to him, then we’ll drive you to your hotel. Deal?”
“Deal.”