Double Exposure (Callie Cassidy Mysteries Book 2) by Lori Roberts Herbst

Author:Lori Roberts Herbst [Roberts Herbst, Lori]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lori Roberts Herbst
Published: 2021-06-07T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

I STIFLED A yawn as I walked to Snow Plow Chow the next morning. It was after eight, but I hadn’t gotten to sleep until almost two. Still, the sacrifice of a few hours’ sleep would be well worth it if the Ratliff twins adjusted their attitudes—and more importantly, their behaviors.

Inside the cafe, I took a moment to revel in my surroundings. Sam had created a warm, inviting space for his customers. Booths lined the periphery, with free standing tables and chairs dotting the center space. A couple of living room style seating areas surrounded a stone fireplace.

Best of all, he’d recently updated the artwork from the tacky Old West paintings of grizzly old men and their covered wagons to a more modern look. I’d provided him with a series of local landscape photos that gave the cafe the mountain vibe it needed.

And each of the canvas photos sported a discreet price tag. Sam had already sold two of them, which I’d quickly replaced. As Ethan told me, you couldn’t have too much exposure.

Dan, the cafe’s head waiter and seating host, bustled toward me. It was always tough for me to discern whether the man was smiling or sneering, but in my new benefit-of-the-doubt frame of mind, I chose smiling. “Mornin’, Mizz Cassidy,” he said.

“Now, Dan. How many times do I have to remind you? We’re friends. Call me Callie.”

He seemed pleased. “Sure thing. Doin’ okay, Callie? Heard those Ratliff boys been givin’ you trouble. If you need old Dan to kick some—”

“No, no, all is well,” I interrupted. “I think the twins have mended their ways.” I lifted crossed fingers.

He nodded. “Well, if that don’t work out, you know where to find me.” He gestured to the restaurant, about half filled with breakfast customers. “Get you a table? Or you just here to see the boss man?”

“The latter,” I said.

His face scrunched in confusion. “You need a ladder?”

“No, I mean, I’m just here to see Sam.”

As if the mention of his name had made him appear, Sam came out of the kitchen carrying two plates covered with pancakes, bacon, and omelets. “Couple more orders ready in the kitchen.” Dan nodded and trudged away. Then Sam gave me a sunny smile. “Morning, beautiful. These are for Elyse and Alexis. Follow me over. Maybe you can offer a little moral support.”

My brows rose, and I trailed him to the booth where the two girls sat. I said hello as he deposited the plates in front of them.

“Morning, Callie.” Though Alexis’s voice was cheerful, her eyes were puffy. She didn’t let them linger on me long. “This food looks great, Sam. Thank you.”

“Yeah, thanks Dad. And hi, Callie.” Elyse cocked her head slightly in a silent hint for us to leave.

I hesitated. “Everything okay?”

“Fine,” Elyse said. “Girl talk.”

Alexis nodded as she unwrapped her silverware. “It’s all good.”

“Well, I’m glad the studio is closed today. Go have some fun.” I put a hand on her shoulder. “Call me if you need anything. Or if you just want to talk.

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