The next morning, I left before the sun peaked over the ocean. It was too early to do anything except ride my bike, and with spring, there was an unexpectedly bitter chill in the air.
I definitely shouldn't have worn this dress, I thought to myself. Especially as goosebumps lined my exposed flesh.
But I wasn't going to go back home. Not when I knew Agatha was going to get me alone and question me about the investigation. I had the sense she was going to last night, which was why I disappeared into the cottage after walking Kitsune back to his car.
"Careful," he warned with me with soft eyes and a teasing smile. "She'll get you to talk."
"I won't," I promised him.
"Isn't that the whole point?" He cocked his head to the side, white hair at unruly, impossible angles. Against the inky-black backdrop, he looked especially beautiful, all angles and haunting features that would have made a grown woman with more earthly experience than I could ever hope to possess quiver. "You, keeping an eye on me for her?"
I wasn't sure what to say to that.
In fact, for a moment, we said nothing. We simply stared at each other.
"I work for you," I finally said, needing to fill the silence that seemed to speak volumes. "Not her. At least when you don’t fire me.”
"Hmm." He looked down. "Good night, Rose."
"Good night." It was a whisper I didn't think he heard.
Now, twelve hours later, and I was already sneaking out in the morning so I wouldn't have to deal with Agatha's questions. I was surprised she hadn't pounded on the cottage door, demanding more information. She probably would, after this morning.
My stomach rumbled, and I chewed my lip. I stopped biking, waiting for the pedestrian light to turn green. The air was crisp and invigorating, carrying with it the unmistakable scent of the ocean, a reminder of the town's coastal embrace. Each inhale filled my lungs with the briny perfume of saltwater, while a gentle breeze whispered secrets only the sea knew.
Blossom Beans Cafe was right next to the office, but I wasn't sure I wanted to get to the office this early. Kitsune had given me keys a few days after solving our first case together, but still.
My stomach growled again, and I sighed. Instead of turning the office, I crossed the street and headed closer to the beach. There were distant cries of seagulls, their voices harmonizing with the soothing rhythm of waves breaking against the shore. A symphony of nature unfolded as the town slowly stirred from its slumber.
The pier, a picturesque silhouette against the horizon, stood as a sentinel to the boundless possibilities of the day. The wooden planks creaked softly beneath my tires as I ventured closer to the water's edge, the tranquil sounds of the bay becoming a lullaby that wrapped around me like a warm embrace despite the frigid temperature.
Though the town was still mostly asleep, there were hints of life emerging. The aroma of freshly baked pastries wafted from a nearby bakery, promising the promise of a new day and causing my stomach to continue to yell at me about filling it with something. A lone fisherman, silhouetted against the burgeoning light, cast his line into the calm waters, his motions deliberate and unhurried.
In these early morning hours, Cherry Blossom Bay felt like a place frozen in time, a world where serenity reigned supreme, and the worries of the day had not yet intruded. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to embrace the simple beauty of life by the sea.
It was also where Victoria Scheffeld was murdered.
I sighed.
I decided to grab something from Blossom Beans and take a nap in the office. It wasn't like Kitsune would know when I actually got to the office anyway, and there was an even better chance he'd be late.
I turned from the beach and peddled towards the cafe. My stomach eased its onslaught, as though it recognized that we were at least in the process of getting some food.
I wasn't surprised to see that there was already a line. I opened the office and wheeled my bike inside. Once it was tucked in the back, I made my way out, locking the door behind me.
Blossom Beans was more than just a café; it was a cozy haven nestled amidst the bustling streets of Cherry Blossom Bay. As I pushed open the quaint, weathered door, a soothing chime signaled my arrival, and the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me like a warm embrace.
The interior was a charming blend of rustic and beachside decor. I thought it was a hipster cafe when I first saw it, but I had been wrong. Weathered wood paneling adorned the walls, and a large picture window offered a view of the serene ocean beyond. Soft, pastel colors adorned the furniture, and the cushioned seats by the window, inviting patrons to linger a little longer and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
A mismatched collection of vintage coffee mugs hung on hooks behind the counter, each one telling a story of countless conversations and shared moments. The menu board above the barista station featured an array of coffee creations, from the classic lattes and cappuccinos to inventive signature drinks like the Cherry Blossom Bliss and the Seaside Symphony.
The barista was my age, a friendly face known to locals as Megan, greeted me with a warm smile. Her apron was adorned with a playful cherry blossom pattern, a nod to the town's namesake, and her passion for crafting the perfect cup of coffee was evident in every pour and swirl of foam.
The low hum of conversation filled the air, punctuated by the occasional laughter of friends catching up over steaming mugs. A group huddled in a corner, engrossed in a lively board game, while a lone writer sat at a corner table, penning her thoughts in a leather-bound notebook.
I chose a spot by the window, where a small vase of fresh flowers added a touch of color to the wooden tabletop. As I sipped my latte and watched the gentle ebb and flow of the tide, I couldn't help but feel that Blossom Beans was a place where time slowed down, where every sip was an invitation to savor the moment and appreciate the simple pleasures of life in Cherry Blossom Bay.
I wasn't sure how much time had passed, but my cup had been empty for a while, and the people had changed multiple times before I finally realized the sun was out and the cafe had quieted down a bit.
I stood up, stretching my legs and tossing my cup in the trash. I headed over to the office and stepped inside. I swear, he really needed to lock his office.
Kitsune wasn't here, which didn't surprise me. Instead, I took a seat in his comfortable leather chair and felt my eyes drift closed.
It was only when I felt someone staring at me did I open my eyes and instantly came in contact with Kitsune's dark grey.
"Long night?" he asked, cocking his head to the side.
He was much closer than I expected him to be, and I cleared my throat, sitting up straight and adjusting the skirt of my blue dress.
"Something like that," I said, ducking under his arm, careful not to touch him, and maneuvering around the desk until I was on my side.
"Your aunt –"
"I avoided her," I said, watching him take a seat where I had been. He pulled out a book and leaned back.
"You ready to talk to Adrian?"
Kitsune was actually looking at me over his book, eyebrow raised.
"Whatever you think is the best for the case," I said, forcing a smile.
For a moment, Kitsune said nothing. Instead, he stared at me. I felt myself straighten under his scrutiny. I didn't like how seen he made me feel, like he could see past all the walls I had carefully put up to keep everyone out since the fallout between me and Alexander.
"You know," Kitsune said, dropping his gaze to the book, "I am a private detective. You know what that means, don't you?"
"You eat terribly, leave a mess in your car, and sometimes solve cases?" I guessed.
His look turned flat. "I should fire you for that," he said.
"Please do."
"It means I can read people," he said. "And I know that smile you gave me is fake. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't do that."
"Smile?"
"Fake it around me," he said.
My cheeks blushed at his words. I highly doubted he knew what he said, what the words meant, but even I couldn't help the way they affected me.
I cleared my throat, trying to get rid of the lump that had formed. "I'm sorry," I said. “I didn't realize I was doing it."
"It's okay," he said, closing his book and leaning forward. "But I want you to be honest with me. About everything."
I shifted in my seat, suddenly feeling very exposed. "What do you mean?" I asked.
"I mean, if something is bothering you, or if you're uncomfortable with a situation, I want you to tell me," he said. "I need you to trust me if we're going to work together on this case."
His words hit me like a ton of bricks. I had spent so long trying to be self-sufficient, trying to handle everything on my own, that I had forgotten how to trust anyone. But something about Kitsune's expression, his unwavering gaze, made me want to try.
I nodded, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. Kitsune was right; we needed to work together if we were going to figure out who killed Victoria Scheffeld. Even if it meant facing my past and confronting the demons I had been running from.
"So, what's the plan?" I asked, looking up at Kitsune.
"Like I said, we talk to Adrian," he said, leaning back in the chair. "He's the reason Victoria was even able to get a sponsorship for the art fair, and I have a feeling he might have more information than he's letting on."
I nodded, feeling a knot form in my stomach. But I pushed it aside. I couldn't keep being afraid of my past, of seeing Adrian or even Alexander again. It was bound to happen. This was a small town, after all. In fact, that it hadn't already happened was some kind of miracle.
Kitsune stood up, grabbing his coat from the back of the chair. "Let's go," he said.
As we left the office, Kitsune's hand brushed against mine. It was a small gesture, but it sent a jolt of electricity through my body. I quickly pulled my hand away, pretending I didn't notice.
We found his car, and it was still filled with wrappers and old cans of soda.
I grunted with disgust, picking up a can from the cupholder to eye the inside of it.
"What?" he asked, starting the car.
"I don't know how you can consume this and still look like..."
"Like?"
I cleared my throat. "You know what? It doesn't matter. Let's just get this over with."
"No, no, Rose, I want to hear a compliment from you." He pulled out of the small parking lot. "What were you going to say?"
"I was going to tell you you're growing a belly," I snapped.
He laughed.
Actually laughed.
And it was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard.
I realized I could stand seeing Adrian or Alexander or whoever just as long as I got to hear Kitsune laugh like that. It was the perfect distraction, and hopefully, I would hear it again soon.