| |
KATY AND CHIP WERE more than ready to go out that weekend. After the craziness of the past week, they needed to breathe a little and let the stress roll off their backs. They chose an intimate fondue place on the far side of town. Walking hand in hand, they stepped inside the restaurant.
Before being seated, Chip leaned in and whispered to his wife, “You’re beautiful.”
“Thanks.” Katy smiled and squeezed her husband’s hand in response. She was ready for some good food and a cozy atmosphere.
Mid-way through their meal, Katy glanced up as a couple was led past their table. She urgently whispered to her husband, “Look down, take cover.”
Without hesitating, Chip tucked his head downward as if he was studying something. He leaned toward his wife. “Who was it? Your folk? My folks?”
Katy shook her head, “No, it was Valentine’s friend Cheryl, but even more interesting, she’s here with Brody, Valentine’s ex-boyfriend. Seems an odd pairing, don’t you think?”
“Maybe their sharing memories of somebody they had in common. She obviously knew the guy,” he answered.
Katy pouted. “I don’t think so. The way she spoke of him, it wasn’t with high regard. At least not when I talked to her.”
Chip groaned. “I’m pretty sure you talked to him, too.”
“What?” She flushed. “What makes you say that?”
“Really?” He glared at his wife. Was she really going to make him play this game?
She relented. “Fine, whatever. Anyway, yeah, Cheryl had a few choice words about the guy. It didn’t sound like she liked him very much.”
“Okay, so what are they doing dining together at an intimate restaurant?” he asked.
“Exactly!” Katy’s curiosity radar was in high gear. Things didn’t add up.
“You’re saying they wouldn’t casually meet up to discuss an old friend?” he quizzed.
“Her words were something like ‘he’s a piece of work’ and ‘she was better off without him’ is all I’m saying. She certainly didn’t give me positive vibes about the guy. For them to show up here, it waves a red flag in my eyes. Here’s the thing, they’d probably recognize me, and I’m not ready for that. You need to walk by and see if it looks casual or intimate. Are they sitting close together?”
“You want me to spy on them on our dinner date?” he asked. “Seriously?”
Katy groaned. “Fine, I’ll do it.”
“No, wait. I have a better idea.” Chip flagged down their waitress. “Is there any chance you might be able to help me out? I’m looking to get a little information on a couple that just came into the restaurant. I’m the Chief of Police, but I’m trying to keep things low key. I need a little surveillance help.”
The waitress cocked her head to the side and looked at the man. “A cop?”
He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet, showing his badge.
“Okay,” she said. “What do you need to know?”
Katy chimed in. “The couple that just walked in and was seated about three tables down, we need to know if they look intimate or casual. Discretion is vitally important.”
“What she said,” Chip added.
“Sure, why not. It’s like a movie! Is there a bomb under the table?” she laughed.
Chip looked at her.
“Sorry, I got carried away there. Okay, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Chip thanked the woman for her time.
A few moments later she circled back. “Definitely intimate. Those two are practically on top of each other, and they aren’t shy about it either.”
“Thanks for your time. You were a big help in a case we’re trying to crack,” he said, not offering up any other details.
The waitress smiled. “Sure thing!”
When she walked away, Katy lowered her voice. “I told you something was going on! We need to bring them in for more questioning. Something fishy is going on.”
Chip looked at his wife, and gave her that look. “We?”
Katy bit her bottom lip. “I meant you.”
“I’m sure you did,” he snipped sarcastically.
“I’m going to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back,” she said, sliding out of her side of the booth.
“Katy...” he warned.
“What? I’ve got to go. Can’t a lady have some dignity?”
Chip shook his head. He knew her well enough and could see her brain ticking away.
Katy stood and excused herself. She casually strolled past knowing that her husband was watching. She’d throw him off and drop by the table on the way back. They needed to know she was on to them, and see how they reacted. It would be telling, being caught in the act.
She went to the restroom and washed her hands, killing a little time. She turned around and headed back toward her table, purposely going right in front of Cheryl’s table. She acted like they waved, in case Chip was watching.
“Wow, hi! Yeah, I didn’t see you there. What a coincidence. Hi Cheryl,” Katy started.
“Katy? How strange to see you here,” she said, trying to play it off.
“Who’s your friend? Oh, wait. Isn’t that...?”
The man frowned at the woman that stood at his table. “You! You’re the one with the cat.”
Cheryl turned to Brody. “You know her?”
“Not officially. She was going around my neighborhood, and knocked at my door. Something about a lost cat she found.”
Katy shrugged. “Yeah, I guess he found his home after all.”
Cheryl flashed back to Katy. “You went to his house?”
“Imagine my surprise seeing the two of you here together, after the things you said about him. Yikes! Awkward.” Katy feigned shock.
“What exactly did you say about me?” Brody turned toward Cheryl. He took the not-so-subtle hint that it wasn’t nice.
“What? Nothing.” Cheryl scowled at Katy after trying to soothe things over with Brody.
“Are you two a couple? I wouldn’t have guessed. I mean, you do have that connection and all, who was that...?” Katy pushed a few more buttons, trying to get a reaction.
Chip showed up behind her once he realized what she was doing. He was peeved she was doing it again, nosing in where she shouldn’t be. “Excuse us, would you?”
Katy overrode him. “Have you met my husband? Police Chief Wallace. Honey, this is Cheryl. I’m guessing you’ve met. Have you met Brody yet? Yeah, this was Valentine’s ex-boyfriend. Odd to see them together, so cozy, don’t you think? After all, Valentine’s best friend, and her ex? Wow. I just can’t imagine.”
Chip gently yanked Katy’s arm pulling her away. “My apologies for interrupting your meal.”
“Don’t you want to—”
“What are you doing? Are you crazy? Katy, you don’t throw information out like that. You hold it close, play your cards, not announce that you’re now going to be investigating them closer. You may have cost us with that charade you just pulled. Now they’ll be guarded, and looking to cover their tracks more closely.”
“I just...”
“Don’t.” He spoke through clenched teeth. “I’m furious that you pulled a stunt like that. You may have jeopardized our case.”
“But I—”
“I don’t want to hear it. Let’s go.”
She’d been properly scolded. In her mind, putting the spotlight on them meant that they might reveal something accidentally, but then again, she was far from a professional.
After they left the restaurant, she stared out the window of Chip’s truck as he lectured her the entire way home. She meant to keep her nose out of it, but things kept happening. Was it her fault she was inquisitive? If it wasn’t for her, Chip wouldn’t have even realized Cheryl and Brody were now a couple.
