Murder in Waiting - Lynn Cahoon Page 0,23
the house would have been behind it.” I ran the conversation through my mind. “He said someone had told him I’d be interested in selling. Do you think it was Mayor Baylor?”
“Probably. The guy wants to turn this town into North LA, just so he can make money on the real estate holdings he has. He has no clue how special South Cove is.”
“That’s the truth.” As we walked into Diamond Lille’s, Carrie handed us menus and pointed us to our favorite booth. I tried to put the conversation behind me, but something was nagging at me. “Don’t you think it’s weird that I’ve had three contacts about the house, two on the wall and one to sell, in less than three days?”
“I didn’t say South Cove wasn’t a desirable real estate market. Everyone wants to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.” Greg studied the menu, then closed it. “But I don’t want to talk about the house anymore. What’s going on in your world that Esmeralda thinks you’re so upset about?”
I set the menu down and sighed. “Amy got me worrying about the future last night. And I realized that if something happens between us, things needed to be said.”
“I know, you love me. And nothing’s going to happen to either me or you. You really need to get over not being able to say the words, though.” He smiled up at Carrie, who had delivered two iced teas. “Carrie, you read my mind. Thanks.”
“No problem. I suspect you’re having the stuffed meat loaf plate? Even though it’s beautiful outside. I only crave meatloaf when it’s raining.” Carrie arched an eyebrow.
“You do know me. And, because I’m probably not eating a ‘good’ dinner, I need something with some staying power. Besides, Tiny makes the best meat loaf I’ve ever had.” Greg glanced at me. “What about you, cupcake?”
I snorted at the nickname. “I’m having baked tilapia with a side salad and Thousand Island on the side. I think I ate my weight in sugar this morning.”
“So no milkshakes?” Carrie asked.
We both shook our heads, and she took the menus. “I’ll have that right out. You’re early for the lunch rush, so you should be able to get back to making South Cove safe soon.”
After she left, I shook my head. “I’d be offended if my afternoon plans didn’t surround me on the swing, finishing a book.”
“No party planning? Or solving Frank’s murder on the investigation?” He put a hand over his heart. “Who is this woman and what did you do with Jill?”
“Funny. I’m waiting for quotes and availability on the party venues. And I didn’t realize you’d classified the hit-and-run as a murder.” I sipped my tea, watching him.
“You and I both know it was. I just can’t figure out why.” He leaned back as Carrie set a plate in front of him and then a salad in front of me. “That was quick.”
She shrugged. “Apparently, Tiny has the two of you figured out as well. Jill, the rest of your meal will be out soon. Do you need anything right now?”
“We’re good, thanks.” Greg waited for Carrie to leave. “One thing, though: Did Frank ever talk about an ex-wife?”
“Frank was married? Wow, I didn’t see that coming. The guy seemed so rigid and devoted to the work.” I took a bite of my salad. Not fried fish or french fries, but good. And exactly what I needed.
“Yeah. Apparently, he was married five times. And dating someone currently. His landlord told me about the new blonde that started staying the night about a month ago. Of course, he didn’t mention a name to his landlord. But he did blush beet red when the guy brought her up when Frank dropped off his rent check.” Greg took a large bite of the meat loaf and nodded. “Tiny’s on his game today.”
“Why did the landlord bring her up to him?” I reached over with my fork and took a small bite of the meat loaf. It was good. I should have ordered that.
“My guess is he told him he’d have to raise the rent. That Frank’s cost was based on single occupancy.” Greg moved his plate closer to him and out of my reach. “Tonight, I’ll be reaching out to the ex-Mrs. Gleasons and trying to find who was auditioning for the role of number six.”
“You’re saying I shouldn’t wait up.” I smiled at Carrie as she took away my empty salad plate and exchanged it with the fish. Tiny had added