1504035534 by Eileen Goudge

Author:Eileen Goudge [Goudge, Eileen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Open Road Media Mystery & Thriller
Published: 2016-04-04T17:59:39+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

My last stop of the day is the Kims’ sprawling split-level, over by the Paso Verde golf course, which boasts Asian-inspired touches like the curved roof that’s traditionally for deflecting evil spirits and moon gate onto the outer courtyard. After doing my routine walk-through, I feed the inhabitants of the koi pond, which are the size of kittens and have the instincts of piranha—a sprinkling of fish food sends them into a frenzy—luckily without losing any fingers.

I text Daniel as I’m leaving. Meet me 4 dinner? He texts me right back. On my way. The sun is setting in a Technicolor blaze by the time I arrive at our go-to eatery, the Salty Dog. It’s by the yacht harbor, which is situated at the deepest point of the bay and is a small community unto itself, populated by boat owners, permanent fixtures, and transients alike, as well as the locals and tourists who come for the lively bar scene. Happy hour is in full swing, the bars and eateries along the esplanade thronged with the mostly young, beer-and-margarita crowd. I recall when it was just that for me—happy—back when I could still exercise self-control. I can’t help but look back on those days with nostalgia. If Aladdin were a recovering drunk, I know what his first wish would have been: the ability to drink like a normal person. For us sobriety is never more than bittersweet.

The Salty Dog is a local institution that’s been in business since the 1960s. The decor consists mainly of strategically draped fishnets studded with starfish and glass floats. Wooden tables shellacked with marine varnish complete the time warp effect. Needless to say, it’s all about the food. I find Daniel waiting at one of the picnic tables on the patio drinking a beer. He’s wearing a deconstructed blazer over a collared shirt, faded jeans, and loafers: the uniform of university professors. He looks especially cute with his broad-cheeked face tinted pink from the glow of the setting sun. He breaks into a smile when he sees me, but as I draw nearer I see the worried look in his eyes.

“I had a long talk with Professor Gruen today,” he says when we’re tucking into our fried seafood platters a short while later. “About you.” His eyes lock onto mine in a meaningful look.

I don’t say anything. I just look at him.

“Turns out Chief Langley is a close, personal friend of his.” He names the chief of police for the CBPD. “He could get you twenty-four-hour police protection. He has only to pick up the phone.”

“And have Spence think I’m an even bigger pain in the ass than he already does? No thanks.” I shake my head and reach for another shrimp.

“What’s more important, your safety or someone else’s opinion of you?”

I pop the shrimp in my mouth and wipe my greasy fingers on my napkin. “Look, I appreciate the thought,” I say when I’m done chewing, “but I can’t have cops following me everywhere, watching my every move.

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