Dusty Death by Penny S. Weibly

Author:Penny S. Weibly [Weibly, Penny S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cozy Cat Press
Published: 2019-04-03T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Kalico sped into Mamacita’s parking lot and pulled his Civic into the first available slot. Running a hand through his unruly hair, he jumped out of the car, and raced toward the restaurant doors, tucking in his shirt. It was 5:15, and Miss Winterjoy frowned at tardiness.

The Tex-Mex eatery was crowded. Kalico breathed in the rich aroma of corn chips, refritos, and mole. A mariachi band strolled around the tables, as waiters rushed about with trays of drinks and sizzling platters of fajitas. A waving hand caught his attention.

Miss Winterjoy, resplendent in a lime green pants suit that complemented the bright pink adobe walls and festive tablecloth, was half hidden behind a gigantic, frozen margarita. She smiled cheerfully at Kalico.

“Benjamin, dear, I started without you. It’s two-for-one happy hour!” She gestured to a waiter. “Bring a margarita for my friend, please.”

Dear? Kalico sat and raised an eyebrow at the usually reserved retiree.

“You look tired.” She leaned forward and in a stage whisper confided, “But I have a surprise for you!” She twisted in her chair and waved an arm wildly, almost spilling her drink.

Cool hands covered Kalico’s eyes.

“Guess who?” said Miss Winterjoy.

“Lynn!” Kalico rose to see his girlfriend standing behind him. She looked cool and fresh in a soft yellow sundress. He embraced her in a warm hug. “What a terrific surprise.”

“Now, sit, you two. Waiter! Another margarita!”

“No, thank you, Aunt Emelia. I am your designated driver, remember?”

“Not that I will need one,” huffed the older woman. “After the week I’ve had, I deserve a small libation.” She grinned at the young couple. “Let’s order and catch up!”

Over bowls of warm, handmade tortilla chips and salsa, plates of chicken enchiladas suizas with beans and rice, and finally cups of rich, dark coffee and flan, the trio ate, laughed, and talked. Miss Winterjoy seemed determined to keep the evening light-hearted, so she began by recounting her ‘big break.’

“No autographs, please! But I must say that I enjoyed my ten seconds of fame.”

“Aunt, I’m not going to lose you to Hollywood, am I?”

Miss Winterjoy’s eyes twinkled. “Not likely. But you never know.”

Lynn regaled them with stories of school intrigues—mainly about struggling students and teenage dramas, ranging from harsh break-ups to failed drama auditions.

Kalico, somewhat subdued, told the ladies how the runaway, black lab led him to Doc.

“Amazing, Benjamin! I believe that animal found you, rather than the other way around,” commented Miss Winterjoy.

“It’s horrible that someone beat up Dr. Davies!” Lynn shook her head. “Have the police found out who attacked him?”

“Not yet. They’re keeping his identity out of the local papers and news outlets, just in case his beating was intentional and not a consequence of a carjacking. The doctors plan to bring him out of the coma on Sunday. I’m hoping that Doc will be able to point us to the perpetrators.” And, perhaps, to Elena and Aidan, Kalico added to himself.

A companionable silence fell over the table as their waiter offered coffee refills and removed the dessert plates. Lynn observed Kalico and her aunt with exasperation mixed with amusement.

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