Murdered in Craven by C. Hope Clark

Author:C. Hope Clark
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Published: 2021-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

CATHERINE’S TEXT dinged through just before midnight, saying to meet her at Toast! at ten, an hour later than decided and at a restaurant Quinn hadn’t been to in ages. All she did was reply with a thumbs-up, giving the woman the uncontested say-so because the meeting place really didn’t matter.

While the restaurant’s signature cinnamon apple-stuffed French toast religiously appealed to her breakfast appetite, Quinn had other plans. She rose early after checking with Lenore on Ty, both at Lenore’s home for a few days as the police, fire marshal, and insurance people did their jobs. Then she struck out for Charleston, but her first stop wouldn’t be Toast!

Arriving at the originally scheduled nine, Quinn had no expectations of being allowed into the highly secured, five-story complex in the heart of Charleston with its wrought-iron protection and cobblestoned entrance.

She parked a half block down on a meter. Soon she waited, seated on a decorative brick planter exploding with fresh plantings of sweet potato vines, vincas, and lantana. The day was bright, the air balmy, and the morning temp in the seventies. Added to the atmosphere of the historic city, and all Quinn needed was a cup of goat-milk-laced, dark roast coffee to pleasantly bide her time. She settled for Starbucks.

At nine thirty, a gate opened, and the BMW appeared, Chevy at the wheel. Quinn stood, waved, and waited to see what they’d do. The driver made a right and kept driving, but Quinn’s phone rang pretty damn quick.

“Our meeting was at the restaurant,” Catherine said.

“Figured the rules were negotiable,” she replied. “Pull over and let me in your car.”

Soon the vehicle appeared from Quinn’s left, and when the gated access to parking opened, Quinn took the hint and walked through. Chevy drove in and parked in a bottom floor spot in the back right corner of the low-ceilinged garage.

Quinn caught up about the time the driver exited the vehicle. “Hey, Chevy. Mind waiting outside while we hold our meeting?” She didn’t wait for an answer, however, instead peering in at Catherine in the back seat. She entered.

Nero sat in the front.

“Well?” Catherine asked.

Quinn reached once over the seat to pet the huge black dog. He made no move to stop her.

“Most people don’t dare try that,” Catherine continued, a hint of surprise in her expression when Quinn sat back.

“You take direction from their eyes,” Quinn said. No different than people, and apparently you’re not as blind as you lead on.

Catherine stared through Quinn this time. “My time is precious, Ms. Sterling. Admittedly I’m glad we didn’t waste it over the formalities of a meal. You called for us to meet, yet you said you had nothing new on Mickey. What has changed?”

Testing, Quinn reached over to pet Nero again and Catherine seemed not to notice.

“You mean, what’s the point?” Quinn asked. “Maybe I wanted to meet face-to-face. Maybe I needed to hear the truth as to why you have an interest in Mickey Raines.” Catherine seemed to tightly leash any sort of reaction.

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