Govinda didn’t appear to be working when the two women pulled their car into the lot at the Goddess Café, but they did find Hans at the back of the shop, this time doing inventory. He placed his clipboard aside when he saw them and made his way to the espresso machine, automatically assuming coffees were in order.
“No thanks,” Gilda told him. “I’m all coffeed out.”
Roxy was, too, but her eagerness to question the man won out so she ordered her usual then watched as he set about making it. Casually, she said, “So, I hear you do some cooking, up at Moody Views.”
He glanced up at her quickly then back to the machine. “That’s right.”
“Did I see you there this morning? Thought I might have.”
He didn’t look at her this time. “Yeah, I was there.” His voice sounded a little stiff, but then she might just have been reading into that.
“So Annika’s still going to keep you on, even though Jed’s gone?”
He looked at her properly this time and something passed behind his eyes, but she could not read it. He slowly shrugged. “Not sure yet.” His lips softened into a smile. “She’s got a soft spot for my cooking so, maybe ... who knows?” He nodded his head towards the food display at the front of the shop. “Particularly likes my corn frittatas, her special favourite. You should try one.”
Roxy declined but Gilda’s eyes lit up. “I’ll go for one of those lovely brownies. They look delish.”
His smile widened, revealing missing molars up the back of his mouth. “Gluten free, is that okay? You eat gluten free?” He looked dubious.
“I eat anything as long as it’s got chocolate in it.”`
“Grab one and I’ll bring the coffee out.”
Gilda chose the largest brownie she could see, wrapped it in a serviette and followed Roxy outside to a shady table.
As they took their seats, Roxy said, “What do you think about Hans?” She nodded her head back to the shop. “Bit dodgy?”
Gilda shrugged. “Don’t know, but Annika’s right about one thing. The man sure can cook. This is delectable. Want some?” She held the brownie towards Roxy who quickly declined.
“I’m saving myself for tonight, which reminds me, you’re invited too.” Gilda was already mid-mouthful, so simply raised her eyebrows in query. “Sam has invited us over to his place for a barbie, to thank us for looking after Lunar.”
“Can’t he just give us a bottle of wine like ordinary people?” she said, chewing away. “Doesn’t need to drag us all the way out there again, does he? I’m not trying to be a killjoy or anything...”
“But?”
“But he is still a suspect in Jed’s murder. Might be smarter just to keep your distance until we know what’s what.”
Roxy felt a wave of anger wash over her. “Are you worried I’m going to end up dead, or in his bed?” Before she could answer, Roxy added, “Because, quite frankly, if it’s the latter then you’re getting ahead of yourself. It’s just dinner. That’s all there is to it. Come along and you’ll see for yourself.”
Gilda was shaking her head now. “Wish I could, but I can’t. I’ve got a hot date myself.”
“Really?”
“Nah, not really. Our friendly Sydney detective wants to make up for last night. Take me to a decent restaurant this time.”
“Really?” Roxy repeated, her eyes widening, and Gilda smiled.
“Now who’s getting ahead of themselves? The man is married and I am simply going to compare notes and see how his investigation is going. Which is why you can’t come this time. He’ll be more candid without you around.”
Before Roxy could respond, Hans was hovering over them with her coffee.
As he placed it down, Gilda asked, “Is Govinda about?”
He shook his head. “Not well today. Can I help you with something?”
“Maybe.” She glanced around. “Is it true that the Wilson’s River goes through this land?”
“Sure.” He pointed to the far end of the car park where the trees looked thick and impenetrable. “It’s more of a creek than a river. There’s a small swimming hole down past the Coolamons. It’s pretty rough, though. I can point you to some much better swimming spots.”
“Not today, thanks. But if I did want a swim, could I access the creek quite easily?” He nodded warily. “Do you know if it leads through to the Moody property?”
Again he seemed to hesitate. “The Moody property?” She nodded. “I don’t know, I can’t say for sure.” He diverted his eyes a little. “Why do you ask this?”
“Oh, no reason, just curious.”
She smiled disarmingly at him but it didn’t work. The man’s eyes narrowed as he slowly backed away and Roxy wondered about him again. She was getting a strange vibe from Hans, but she had done enough straw grasping for one day so let it drop as Gilda turned her gaze upon the distant Coolamon trees.
“Now, if I was a good cop,” she said, “I’d be trudging over there, sussing out that creek access for myself.”
Roxy turned in her seat and looked out towards the creek. “I’ll go along with you if you want. Haven’t had a decent walk today, would do me some good.”
Gilda thought about it then shook her head. “Nah. I don’t think that’s going to get me anywhere, well, apart from up a muddy creek in my fabulous city boots, of course. Nah, if I want to find out more about those pictures Maroney has, I think I need to go straight to the source.”
“Get the search warrant?”
“Yep. Check out Maroney’s files and see what these incriminating photos are all about. Hopefully wipe the smug smile off his ugly face.”
A polite cough caught their attention and they turned back to find Hans hovering again. This time he had a brown paper bag in his hands. “This is for you,” he told Roxy, holding it out.
She looked at him curiously then slowly took the bag. Inside she found a steamy corn frittata. It smelled sweet and delicious.
“You don’t need to eat it now,” he told her, his gaping smile widening, “but when you do, you will be in heaven!” He glanced at Gilda. “You want one, too?”
She patted her belly where the brownie had now disappeared and smiled. “I’m already in heaven, thanks, Hans. Will be there in a second to pay the bill.”
“No hurry. Stay as long as you like.”
As Hans trotted off, stopping at various tables to clean away used cups and plates, they both watched him silently for a while. Gilda said, “I’m not so sure he’s such a bad guy, Roxy.”
“Why? Because he tried to bribe us with free frittatas?”
“God, no! I mean, if he’d offered me free chocolate, we’d be in business, but ... No, I just can’t see it, that’s all. Plus, again, there is the small matter of how a cook knows how to string up an electrical instrument to kill someone.”
“We don’t know his background,” Roxy suggested, but Gilda was already shaking her head and staring at her watch.
“No time to think about it now. I’ve got a handsome detective I need to pry for gossip.”
“Is that what they’re calling it these days?”
Gilda threw her scrunched up serviette at Roxy as they finished up.