Murder in White by Patrick Kelly

Author:Patrick Kelly
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Patrick Kelly

TWENTY-EIGHT

Bill had arranged to meet Tanya Stafford at the Highlands condos at twelve thirty. After the snowball fight with Cindy, Bill spent more time researching drones on his laptop. Then, he grew hungry and walked to the small cafe on Blue Ridge Drive for an early lunch. When Bill opened the door to Café Devine, the bell that hung from the doorknob jingled. Kim Wiley, the proprietor, stood behind the counter having a quiet conversation with a woman he didn’t recognize. There were no other customers in the store, and at the sound of the bell, both women glanced his way.

“As I live and breathe, it’s Bill O’Shea,” exclaimed Kim. “It’s been so long since you stopped in, I thought you died and I missed the funeral.”

“Don’t start that, Kim,” he said. “I bought wine here last Thursday. A Malbec, as I recall. You recommended it.”

Kim put her hands on her hips and said, “I don’t remember that.” Her hair was brown, frizzy, and unmanageable. She wore it cut in a medium length that didn’t quite reach her shoulders. Without another word, Kim returned to the other woman, who glanced nervously at Bill. Kim took several steps to her right, away from Bill, and the woman followed. They resumed their conversation in low voices.

Bill leaned over to inspect the display case of freshly made lunch choices. The egg salad called to him. His stomach grumbled. After selecting flavored sparkling water from the beverage fridge, he stepped to the cash register and waited for Kim to return. Kim’s nephew Nathan prepared food in the small kitchen behind the counter. Nathan noticed Bill waiting and reached for a towel to wipe his hands, but then Kim and the other woman exchanged goodbyes, and Kim returned to the register.

Kim leaned toward Bill and said, “I gather you’re helping Emily investigate Cassandra Key’s murder.”

“Who told you that?”

“Does it matter? The word’s all over the mountain.”

Kim’s avocation was brokering gossip among mountain residents. Try as he might, Bill had never convinced Kim to reveal a source, and he now believed he never would.

“Have you solved the case yet?” she asked.

“You know I can’t discuss specifics.”

“I hope you guys solve it soon. A random murder tends to make people nervous. The woman who was just in here? She told me they’re considering leaving Wintergreen until the police catch the killer.”

“That hardly seems necessary. I can tell you this much. This was not a random murder.”

“Good to know,” said Kim, and she took Bill’s order for an egg salad sandwich and chips. After relaying the order to Nathan, Kim stood back from the counter with her arms crossed. Her eyes twinkled, and her lips turned up in a smile. Bill recognized that expression.

“Do you know something I should know?” he said.

“Maybe.”

“Go ahead now. Spill it. Justice is impatient.”

Kim turned toward Nathan and said, “Bill and I are going to grab a chat. Will you mind the register, please?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Kim came from behind the counter and led Bill to one of several small tables.

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