her phone. “Don’t leave without me.”
She sprinted across the parking lot and then climbed the steps to the garden, where the patio opened up seating for customers. She glanced at the window, estimated where they’d been sitting near the exterior wall, then turned back to the garden. The plant should be there, next to the wall of pavers that went up to the fountain and the patio. She scanned the area for the trumpet-shaped flower. She went closer and snapped several pictures. Then she ran back to the truck.
She strapped in and nodded to Ian.
When they were several blocks away, he pulled over to the side of the road in a residential area. “Did you get it? Let me see this bad boy plant.”
She opened the camera roll and held out her phone. He took it and flipped through a few pictures. “I don’t understand. I don’t see anything.”
“The plant was there on Monday. And it’s gone today. The dirt’s disturbed where it was. She didn’t even bother to cover it up.” Angie leaned on the door, watching Ian. “Does this mean she really did do it?”
Chapter 16
“We don’t have any proof that the plant was even there,” Ian said for the third time since they’d ordered breakfast.
Angie was digging into her chicken fried steak, trying to block out the disappointment she felt at not being able to prove to Sheriff Brown what she’d seen. “Just because we can’t prove it doesn’t mean it’s not true.”
“It makes it harder for Allen to do anything about it.” He covered her hand. “Let him talk to the barista and the hotel. If there’s proof, that’s where he’s going to find it.”
“You’re right. But I keep thinking all we needed was one picture. Maybe I shouldn’t have Bleak come to the fair with us on Friday. Maybe it’s not safe.”
“No one is going to mess with you. According to Allen, they’ve upped the security at the event. Hired off-duty police officers rather than the temp guys they had last weekend. And someone’s going to be at the area twenty-four seven.” He finished his juice and glanced at his watch. “Are you about ready? I’ve got a meeting coming up.”
“Sure, I feed you, then you leave. What’s up with that?” Angie pushed the half-eaten plate away. “I guess I’m just not very hungry today. Let’s go.”
When he pulled the truck into the driveway after the quiet trip home, he grabbed her arm as she tried to get out. “Look, I’m sure he believes you about the plant. He wouldn’t be looking into this affair rumor if he didn’t.”
“I know. I’m just tired of getting involved in these things. People lie. They hurt others. And I hate thinking that someone who cooks is like that. Cooking is a gift that you share with the world. Why would one of our own do this?” She closed her eyes. She was talking like a na?ve girl rather than a mature woman. “I’m going to call Felicia and tell her I’ll be in after I take Dom for a walk. He deserves some time. And it will make me feel a lot better.”
He leaned over and kissed her. “Take care of yourself. Don’t be taking any stray food samples from anyone.”
“No polished apples from old women who look like they could be witches.” She nodded. “Good advice. I’ll be sure to stay away.”
“I’ll come by the restaurant tonight around closing. Will you eat dinner with me?” He ran a finger up her arm.
“I’ll eat before we start service, but I’m sure I can squeeze out some time for you. Unless you want to come at four.”
“I’ve got meetings up through seven. You eat. I’ll come in and maybe you can share my dessert.”
Angie nodded. “Sounds like a plan. I’ll be looking for you. Tell Felicia to seat you at the back table so I can sneak out of the kitchen easier.”
They said their good-byes and Angie went and unlocked the door, keeping Dom inside with her leg so Ian could back out of the driveway. She pushed her way inside, and Dom