The Coffee House Sleuths: A Mummy to Die For (Book 2) by T. Lockhaven

Author:T. Lockhaven [Lockhaven, T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Twisted Key Publishing, LLC
Published: 2020-08-14T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Brainstorming

“This is just what I needed.” Olivia laid her head back on her chair and closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the sunlight on her face. She stretched her legs out in front of her and wiggled her toes.

Ellie took a long sip of her Mai Tai. “It’s been a rough couple of days, that’s for sure.” She inhaled the warm, salty, ocean air deep into her lungs.

The trio sat together at an old rickety picnic table, one of twenty that stretched out in rows along the Atlantic Coast pier. Built in the early ’70s, the Atlantic Coast Restaurant was constructed on a massive wooden dock that stretched out some two hundred feet into the ocean. The restaurant proper and bar was housed inside a squat white building that sat at the entrance.

The décor was simple. Strands of colored lights and old fishing nets were attached to the railings, and at the back of the pier, a large plastic shark dangled from a scale so tourists could take pictures. Local fishermen stood along the railings, cutting their baitfish and casting their lines.

Michael leaned against the weatherworn barrier and looked down at the waves crashing against the pilings, making their white-capped journey to the shore. High above, a group of pelicans soared through the air, riding the air currents, wings outstretched like ancient pterodactyls.

A gust of wind swept across their table, and their red and white checkered tablecloth rippled and flapped.

“If the wind picks up anymore, we’ll be able to ride this thing like a magic carpet,” Michael commented.

“Agreed.” Olivia smiled. “As long as we can take these delicious Mai Tais, I’m fine with that.”

Ellie reached into the large basket of golden hushpuppies and held one aloft between her fingertips. “I’m not sure how something so small could taste so good.”

“We always want the things that are bad for us,” Olivia agreed. “Like forbidden fruit.” She eyed Michael mischievously.

“Is there actually a forbidden fruit?” Michael inquired.

“Of course,” Ellie remarked. “Everyone knows the story of Eve and the apple.”

Michael waved the reference aside. “If you want to tempt me, you better have a forbidden donut or croissant. I’d have no problem turning down an apple, especially from a talking snake.”

Ellie sat eyeing Michael, a playful grin on her face. “Michael West, if I had to describe you as a fruit, I would have to say you’re an olive.” She waited a beat and then added, “An acquired taste.”

“Is an olive even a fruit?” Michael asked, doubting her comment.

“Google says yes,” Olivia replied, returning her phone to the table.

“Well, I’m fine with that.” He smiled. “I find olives to be sophisticated, charming, and unassuming.”

“Sometimes you make zero sense…,” Ellie shook her head. “But you are cheap labor, so I guess we’ll keep you around. Right, Livs?”

Olivia held up a finger. She was staring at her phone. “Whitney just texted me.”

“Whitney? She has your number?” Ellie looked surprised.

“Fraternizing with the enemy,” Michael smiled, happily watching Ellie squirm.

“How did she get your phone number?” Ellie asked, regaining her composure.

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