Bullets and Beignets: A Cafe Fleur-de-lis Mystery (The Cafe Fleur-de-lis Mystery Series Book 1) by Kassie Bates

Author:Kassie Bates [Bates, Kassie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-05-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

After finishing the end of day paperwork, Paisley went through her usual nightly walkthrough, checking the kitchen and walk-in cooler, freezer, and dry storage, then went out to go over the dining room one last time before calling it a night.

She was just stepping back into the dining room from checking the terrace when she heard a soft tapping sound. Frowning she looked around, then blinked in surprise when she turned her gaze to the front door, and she saw Derek standing on the café’s front stoop.

Holding up her hand, silently asking for a moment, she turned and secured the French doors behind her, locking them up for the night, then crossed the café’s dining room. Unlocking the door, she pushed it open and gestured for him to come in, even as she said, “Hello, Detective.”

“Derek, please,” he said, stepping into the blessedly cool air-conditioning. “Given everything, I think it’s reasonable to be on a first name basis.”

She pressed her lips together and hummed rather unhappily at the reminder of everything that was currently going on. “You’re right,” she said in agreement, even as she secured the lock on the door again. “So…Derek,” her lips curved into a soft smile as she said his name, “what brings you by?”

“I was on my way to The Royale, but I thought I’d stop and see how you’re holding up,” he said. “I know you’re probably tired of having people ask you that,” he added when she sighed. “But,”

“You all mean well, I know,” she assured him. “And really, it’s not so much that I’m tired of the question, it’s just that I feel frustrated over the fact I have no idea how to answer it.” She lifted a hand and tucked a long lock of her dark brown hair behind her ear. “Worried and scared, mostly, I suppose. And angry someone’s done this. He’s like a father to me,” she told him, and she shrugged helplessly. “He’s been the only father I’ve had since I was eight. And to think he’s out there, possibly hurt, possibly worse, and I have no idea where or how he is, or if I’ll ever see him again, it’s,” she stopped herself when her voice caught, and cleared her throat. “Sorry,” she said, lifting a hand to wipe some moisture from the corner of her lashes. “It’s been an emotional past couple of days.”

“I don’t doubt it,” he said gently, reaching out to rest a hand lightly on her slender shoulder. “I know it’s little comfort, but I promise we’re doing everything we can to find him.”

She managed another soft smile, though it didn’t quite reach her lovely green eyes. “I know. And trust me, it’s not a little comfort. It means everything, and I’m grateful.” She gave him a long, considering look. “Would you like some coffee, Detective? Derek,” she corrected herself, her smile spreading a little wider when she remembered he’d told her to call him by his name. “I don’t happen to

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