Killer Party

by Lynn Cahoon

  CHAPTER 3

  Brenda’s staff served the dinner party in four courses. When the dessert course, strawberry shortcake and coffee, was served, Levi stood. “Let’s take this party back out poolside. The bar is open and Greg’s behind on tequila shots.”

  The group stood and followed Levi, leaving Greg, Allison, and me staring longingly on the uneaten plates. He sat his fork down on the table and turned to me. “Do you mind?”

  I shrugged. “I get it, you want to go play with the boys. But seriously? You’re turning down one of Sadie’s desserts? I’m going to have to rat you out the next time she visits.”

  “Don’t. She’ll stop bringing her leftovers to the station for the guys.” He looked at the group as they disappeared out of the dining room. “I’ll stay and wait if you want to finish yours.”

  I shook my head. “Go. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  Greg kissed me on the cheek and almost ran out of the room.

  “These guys act like little boys when they get together. You’ll get used to it.” Allison took a bite of the shortcake. “You seriously know the pastry chef who made this? She must be crazy in demand. We don’t have anyone this good in Boise.”

  “Sadie’s a friend and owns her own bakery here in South Cove. She supplies wholesale accounts like my coffee shop and catering jobs, like this.” I took a bite of my own dessert and smiled as the flavor exploded in my mouth. “They don’t know what they’re missing. I might just eat their servings as well.”

  Allison giggled. “I’d help, but I’m already going to have to swim for an hour just to help negate the calories in my own. So you own a coffee shop? That’s cool. Mikey wants me to be a stay-at-home mom.”

  “Oh, you guys have kids?” I sipped my coffee. “How old?”

  Allison dropped her eyes. “That’s the thing, we don’t have kids yet. Mikey says it happens sometimes and we should just relax, but seriously, we’ve been trying for six months. In high school, girls got knocked up after one back-seat mistake. I’m having sex every freaking day and still I get my monthly visitor.”

  I wasn’t sure how I felt about Allison’s personal sharing, but at least she was nice. “I didn’t realize you and Mikey had been married that long.”

  “Six months. He made it clear when we got hitched that he wanted kids. And not just one or two. The crazy nut wants at least six. He’s talking about even more.” Allison looked at her empty dessert bowl. “Of course, I have no idea how to take care of even one.”

  “I think that comes with time. You probably weren’t a perfect swimmer the first time you got in a pool, right?” I eyed Greg’s untouched dessert.

  “Actually, I was kind of a child protégé. I trained for the Olympics, but I never could get my times down to where I was a serious contender. My dad said I had too much body fat to really compete.” She shrugged and pushed away the empty cup. “I won a few national titles, but nothing important.”

  “Wow, I’ve never met a competitive swimmer before. Did you grow up in Boise? Were there a lot of swim programs there?” I took a sip of the coffee and tried to push Greg’s uneaten strawberry delight sitting within arm’s reach out of my mind. It wasn’t working.

  “I started competing in junior high. We traveled a lot for events. It got me a college scholarship, so I went to Cali State. I loved living in California, but Mikey didn’t like it here. So we’re back in Boise.” She stood. “It’s a great place to raise kids. I’m heading back to the pool for some lap time. I’ll see you out there.”

  As she left, Brenda Morgan walked into the room. She eyed the uneaten plates and sank down into Greg’s seat next to me. “People are funny about desserts. Some don’t eat because they’re on a diet, some people would rather just drink their calories.”

  “I think you’ve got both in this group. Don’t tell Sadie her creation went to waste.” I sipped my coffee. “What’s been going on in your life? I haven’t seen you forever.”

  “I’ve been busy here at The Castle. I really enjoy my job, even if it is becoming clearer by the day that Craig didn’t know what he was doing.”

  “I’m glad you’re finding your spot. But don’t forget your friends. I’d love to have dinner with you sometime.”

  “As soon as I get a break, I’ll give you a call.” Brenda took an unused coffee cup from the table and filled it from a nearby carafe. She nodded toward my cup and I shook my head in affirmation. With filled cups, we leaned against the chair backs. “So I heard about Jackie’s upcoming nuptials. What about you and Greg? Has he mentioned making your living arrangement permanent?”

  “I’m still getting used to having him around all the time.” I sipped my coffee. “Not sure I’m ready for the big white dress. At least not for a few years.”

  “Well, I can relate to that. After the way Craig treated me, I don’t think I’m going to give anyone else that power again.” She held up a hand. “I know what you’re going to say. All men aren’t crazy like my ex-husband. The problem is that they don’t wear warning labels and I’m bad at reading a man’s mind.”

  “You have plenty of time to find love.” An echo of laughter came in through the open patio doors. “I guess I should get out and be sociable.”

  “No worries. We’ll take care of this.” Brenda stood and picked up the carafes off the table. “By the way, I’ll have a van here at nine for your use.”

  “A van?” Had there been a discussion of the couples going somewhere that she’d missed out on?

  “Sure, for your tour of South Cove? All the women have been talking about hitting the shops tomorrow. Don’t tell me Greg didn’t mention that you’re leading a tour group.” She studied my face. “Okay, then, maybe he didn’t know either. According to the itinerary they sent me last week, the guys are going out on a charter about five tomorrow morning. And you and the women are going into town. Seems a little sexist, but I’m just the host here.”

  “I’m not sure we didn’t get the better end of that deal.” I’d gone out fishing with Greg and his brother once. I loved watching the ocean and even the sun come up, but mostly I got a lot of reading done. At least I’ll be able to do an errand for Mayor Baylor while we’re there. Now I wanted Greg’s dessert and maybe a few more. What did I know about leading a tour? At least it should be interesting. I’d start at my shop. That way I could check on Deek, my newest employee who was taking my shifts this weekend.

  I wandered out to the pool area where the boys were back at the table and the women were scattered around the patio. Allison was swimming. Jessica appeared to be sleeping. And Lois and MaryAnne had taken over another table, frozen margaritas in front of them. I ran a hand over Greg’s shoulder as I passed by the table. I thought about stopping and asking who had volunteered me to babysit the female side of the party the next day, but the pecking order was becoming clear.

  Boys rule, girls wait for boys to get done.

  Not exactly the type of life I lived or even wanted to play at for a weekend. Greg and I would have to talk about future visits if we were still together for next year’s reunion. I can only hold my tongue so long and then I know I’d say something. But I’d give him this weekend.

  At least I’d try.

  Lois pointed to the bar. “You look like you need a drink. Go get one and join us. We’re talking about MaryAnne’s trip to Boston next month.”

  I nodded. “I’ll be right there.” At least these two were friendly. Three if you counted Allison, but it appeared that she spent most of her free time in the pool staying in shape. The girl just needed to relax.

  Taking the frosted glass filled with the frozen drink, I made my way to the table. “Boston, huh? I’ve never been. What are you going for?”

  “My business. I run a beauty supply company and I’m speaking at the convention. You know, the typical motivational stuff.” Mary Anne sipped her drink, her long nails painted pink with flamingos drawn on the polish.

  Lois leaned closer to the table. “David doesn’t know, b
ut Levi is a silent partner in the business.”

  “Seriously?” I didn’t know how anyone kept a secret with this group.

  MaryAnne laughed at my reaction. “I should tell him, it’s been years now, but Levi keeps telling me to keep it between us. He doesn’t want David to feel uncomfortable in their friendship.”

  I took a sip of my drink. “That sounds reasonable. So your business is doing well?”

  “We’ve really taken off this year. I should be able to buy Levi out by the end of next year; that is, if he’ll sell. The beauty business is hot right now and he’s getting a great return on his money. I can’t really blame him, I wouldn’t have been able to start up without his help, but I’d like to be sole owner someday.” MaryAnne stole a glance over to the guy table. “At least he doesn’t mess in the day to day operations. Some people I know with silent partners are ready to kill them by the time they get control of their business again.”

  “Anyway, she’s going on a dinner cruise in Boston Harbor,” Lois changed the direction of the discussion, apparently bored with the financial talk. “You should take some tea bags to throw in the water.”

  MaryAnne gave Lois a dismissive glance. “I don’t think they allow that.” She turned back to me. “So will we get to visit your little shop? I’m considering opening some retail stores next year, but I’m not sure I want to get into the customer service situation.”

  “You have great customer service now, it’s just a different level of customer.” I pointed out. A confused look passed over MaryAnne’s face so I went into how as a wholesaler, she had customers, they were just the retail stores that actually sold the product to the end line consumer. I realized I must have been paying attention in some of my classes lately as I participated in the discussion. Thank God for Aunt Jackie and her insistence I learn more about the business side.

  The evening was winding down and Lois stifled a yawn. “I’m heading to bed. I’m looking forward to seeing your little town tomorrow. I’m so glad the boys are going out on the boat. Butch loves fishing. He goes out on a local charter during the weeks he’s working too.”

  I was glad we were going into town, even if no one had asked my opinion before the plans were set. Or after, for that matter.

  Raised voices cut off our discussion of tomorrow’s activities. The noise was coming from the table where the guys sat.

  “You think you’re so smart. Just because you make more money than the rest of us.” A raised voice came from the other side of the patio. I looked over and Butch was standing, or actually, swaying, pointing a finger at Levi. “You think you can get away with anything. But it’s not going to happen on my watch.”

  “Butch, calm down. I didn’t mean to imply…” Levi started, but stopped when Butch slammed his fist on the table, knocking over beer bottles.

  “You never mean to imply or sleep with someone’s wife, or even give a shit.” Butch moved closer to Levi and I saw Greg step in between the two. Lois ran by me and grabbed her husband’s arm.

  “Honey, can you take me upstairs? I’m not feeling well.” She raised her voice to be heard over Butch’s heavy breathing. “Honey?”

  He broke eye contact with Levi and looked down at his wife. Then he glared at Levi again. “You are so not getting away with this. I’ll kill you if I have to.”

  “Hold on, Butch. Levi didn’t do anything wrong.” Greg said in the voice tone I’d heard him use with drunks at the bar when a fight had broken out at the winery during one of our date nights.

  Butch turned his anger to Greg. “You don’t know. You think he’s that skinny kid we went to school with? No, he’s a schemer and we’re all just players in his personal game. But he’s not getting away with this. Not after all we’ve been through. Someone has to put their foot down.”

  “Butch, I need you to help me upstairs. I’m not feeling well.” Lois stepped in front of him and tipped his head down so she could see in his eyes. “Please?”

  I could see the tears in his eyes as he studied her. His voice dropped a few octaves and he asked, “Are you sick?”

  “Probably one too many margaritas. Can you walk me to the room?” She pulled on his arm, leading him away from the table. Greg didn’t say anything, just stood, blocking Butch’s view of the target of his anger.

  As they walked past, I saw Lois pat Greg’s arm and nod her thanks. I waited for the couple to reach the hotel entrance before moving to Greg’s side. I looked up at him. “That was intense.”

  “Butch can be a little over-the-top at times.” Levi slapped Greg on the back. “I appreciate the support, dude, but there was no way Butch was going to hit me. He and I have an understanding.”

  Greg put his arm around me. “I’ve got to get some sleep. Especially if we’re heading out on the boat tomorrow. Talk to you all in the morning.”

  We heard the good-night calls and he waved a hand behind us, acknowledging the words but not slowing down. I hurried to keep up with him. When we got into the elevator, he slumped against the wall. “Now, I remember how crazy those guys are. It’s like being back in high school.”

  “What was the fight about?” I brushed a lock of hair out of Greg’s eyes. He looked beat.

  He didn’t look up, instead he sighed. “Something that happened over twenty years ago.”

  CHAPTER 4

  Greg promised to tell me the story before he left the next day, but after enduring his tossing and turning during the night, I’d slept through his four o’clock alarm. When I’d finally woken, he and the fishing boat had left hours before. I stretched in the too-soft bed, enjoying the softness of the high thread-count sheets. Brenda knew how to run a high-end hotel. I thought about Emma and hoped my dog was enjoying her sleepover with Toby. Toby Killian lived in the shed turned apartment behind the house along with being a part time barista at my shop, the guy also served as one of South Cove’s finest. Basically, the guy never slept. But Emma loved him and he was good with her, so I didn’t feel uncomfortable with leaving her for the weekend.

  However, I missed her. We typically ran first thing in the morning down on the beach. She loved pretending she could catch the sea gulls. And the gulls loved teasing my golden retriever. They had a history and a system.

  A lot like the group I’d met yesterday. They definitely had history. I wondered: What had gotten Butch worked up that fast? I’d blame it on the alcohol, I saw way too many buckets of beer and shots flowing to the boys’ table yesterday. Except Greg had mentioned their high school history. Or at least that’s what I’d assumed he’d meant.

  I opened up my laptop and typed in the town where Greg had grown up: Sioux City, Iowa. I got a lot of hits, but when I added all the men’s names, I got articles from the local paper about them and their lives since the accident.

  “Accident?” I racked my brain to try to remember if Greg had ever mentioned being in an accident, but I came up empty. I had just clicked on the first article, which seemed to be a summary of the others, when a knock came on my door. I bookmarked the link and leaving my laptop open on the bed, went to answer the door.

  “Hey, sorry to bother you, but the van’s waiting and everyone’s inside, but you.” Brenda studied me with a concerned glance. “Are you okay? Should I send one of my volunteers with the group to do the tour? I have them all on call this weekend to help me with the group.”

  I glanced at my watch, the morning had gotten away from me. “Let me run under the shower quickly, then I’ll be ready. Sorry about the delay.” I stepped back, intent on closing the door, but Brenda blocked it with one hand.

  “One more thing. One of the women looks like she’s been crying all night. I heard there were some loud voices at the pool last night. Is everything okay with that Lisa?” She looked at me with understanding gaze.

  “You mean Lois.” I shrugged, not wanting to get involved in the whole thing. Besides, how would I know, really? I just met the group. “I think so, I’ll try to pull her aside today to talk to her.”

 
; “I’d appreciate that. I hope everything is okay. I have some referrals to the women’s safety council, if she needs help.” Brenda shoved a card into my hand. “Maybe you could give her this.”

  I held it up and nodded. “Sure, if she says anything to make me think she’s not okay, I’ll pass these on.”

  “Sometimes they don’t say. You should pass them on no matter what.” Brenda said through the narrowing slot where I was trying to close the door. Brenda had used a women’s network to leave her husband. I didn’t know all the facts, but even I could see Craig Morgan had been a bad man. Now, Brenda volunteered with the organization that had saved her life.

  “Gotcha. I’ll see what I can do.” I pointed to the pajamas. “I really need to get ready now, the ladies are waiting.”

  “Oops, sorry.” Brenda flushed and turned away toward the elevator. I closed the door and looked at the card. How did I explain handing off a card offering battered women’s services to not only a total stranger, but to one that was married to a guy Greg went to school with and still considered a friend?

  Yep, my life just got more complicated and mostly because I didn’t know how to say no. Ever.

  The driver was the older man we’d met yesterday at the beginning of our tour. Joe, James, no, John. I smiled but he narrowed his eyes and took off as soon as I had closed the door. As the van accelerated, I bumped my shoulder into Allison who helped me find my seatbelt after I got settled in the seat next to her.

  I had him drop us off at Coffee, Books, and More, with a promise to pick us up at the winery no later than 4:00 p.m. At least I thought it was a promise. It was actually more like a grunt. At least I had my cell and I could call Brenda if John didn’t return for us.

  The plan was for us to hit the shops on the way to lunch at Diamond Lille’s, our one and only greasy spoon in South Cove. Then continue shopping on the way back to the winery where we could get a few drinks before heading back to see how the guys had fared on the water. But first, I, I mean, we could get a coffee from the shop.