by Greg Miller
Armando gave her a smile, and Dennis gave them a nod after taking a sip of coffee.
Bill rose from his seat and greeted them. “Gavin and Gwen, I’m really pleased you could join us. I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Nicole.”
“Hello,” Nicole said with a warm smile. She was an impeccably dressed older woman who exuded a bygone kind of style and refinement.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Gavin said.
“Bill told me all about you both. What a lovely couple you are. And Gwen, you’re very pretty.”
Emily tipped her head, staring at her, and Gavin caught a glimpse of Bonnie giving Nicole a snide look.
“Thank you. You’re very pretty, too?” Emily finally said, as if questioning whether it was the right reply.
“Oh, no.” Nicole laughed. “Not any longer. But your good manners just earned you some brownie points with me; I can tell we’re going to be good friends, Emily.”
Bonnie flashed her another dirty look.
“Alright, Nicole,” Bill broke in. “Don’t hold them up. Let them go and get something to eat.”
“Sorry. Bill’s right, you should go and fill up your plates. We’ll talk more later.”
They left the private room and proceeded to the buffet table.
“I’m going to run to the girl’s room, Gwen. Would you like to come with me?” Bonnie smiled.
Emily frowned. “No, thank you. I don’t need to go right now, but I’ll be sure to tell you if I do.”
Bonnie’s mouth dropped open. She looked at Gavin, then back at Emily and broke into laughter. “Gwen, you’re hilarious! Gavin, wherever did you find her? I just love this girl. I’ll be right back and then, yes, Gwen, please tell me if you need to go later.”
Emily made a pained face as Bonnie walked off, and Jay turned to the buffet table. She grabbed Gavin by the arm and pulled him away to the corner. “Was Bonnie laughing at me?”
“No,” Gavin said. “She really likes you.”
“She does? I don’t understand what these people expect from me. I feel like I’m going to lose my mind. And it doesn’t help that I keep thinking that one of them probably killed Andrew.”
“Don’t think about that now,” Gavin said. “You’re doing just fine.”
“I am?”
“Yes, everyone likes you.”
“They do?”
“Yes. Just try to relax and be yourself.”
“But being myself isn’t being like normal people.”
“Look,” Gavin said, “no one here is normal. They’re all eccentric in their own way, which is why you’ll fit in just fine. Trust me.”
“That makes me feel a little bit better. Thanks.”
“Okay, let’s get some food.”
Gavin had taken a few steps forward when he realized Emily was still standing in the corner, staring into space. He went back and led her by the arm to the buffet table.
“Everything alright?” Jay asked, spooning Swedish meatballs onto his plate.
“Yes, fine. Gwen just remembered something we need to do later.”
He nodded. “Bonnie’s always reminding me of things I forget, too.”
Gavin picked up a plate and handed it to Emily who was gazing at all the hot trays of food.
“This is very overwhelming.” She sighed.
“Why don’t you take a little bit of everything,” Gavin whispered. “Then you can come back and get more of what you really like.”
“Good idea,” she whispered back.
Armando, Bill and Nicole smiled as they returned to their table. Dennis gave them an ambivalent glance.
“Is Dennis always so sociable?” Gavin asked under his breath as they sat down.
“Yeah.” Jay chuckled, then lowered his voice. “That’s just the way he is. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a good mood.”
Gavin watched him for a moment. “He doesn’t really seem like a car guy type to me.”
“No.” Jay grinned. “He’s a terrible driver, too. He tried the slalom once, hit half the cones, and never tried it again.” Jay leaned closer. “He had an E-Type a few years back, and was so bad at driving a stick that he burned through two clutches. He eventually blew the engine.”
Gavin nodded, and Jay suppressed a laugh.
Bonnie returned and set her plate on the table. “Did I miss anything?”
“No,” Jay whispered. “I was just telling them a little bit about Dennis.”
“Oh. He’s a pretentious snob.” Bonnie said. “Bill’s the only one he ever really talks to – they’re both Down-Staters.” She sneered. “Dennis moved up from Lawng Island and Bill came from New Joisey.”
Gavin looked at her, chuckling.
She smiled back, then glanced over at Emily and the neatly arranged portions on the dish that she was picking at. “Doing alright, love?”
Emily nodded, looking from side to side.
A ringing sound broke the momentary silence as Bill tapped his water glass with a spoon.
“Good morning,” Bill said, standing up. “I’d like to welcome you all to our monthly brunch. I’m especially happy to welcome new members Gavin and Gwen. It’s so nice to have them here, and I believe their presence will help us to move on after the tragic loss of our dear friend Andrew, which I know we all still feel.” He dropped his head as if in prayer.
Dennis turned, giving Gavin and Emily an icy look.
“I want to make this brief,” Bill continued, “so I’ll just tell you that our turn hosting the annual British Car Day was a great success, and raised quite a bit more than expected for Saint Julian’s charity. Dennis will provide all the details at our next board meeting, but I’d like to thank, in particular, Jay and Bonnie, as well as Peter, who’s absent today, for all of their time and hard work.”
Bill grinned, looking over at them. “Finally, I’d like to remind everyone that our next event will be the Club’s Gala Dinner. There’ll be music, dancing, and an open bar, so it promises to be quite a nice evening. With that said, I’ll let you finish eating in peace.” Bill flashed a rather phony smile and sat back down.
Gavin and Jay engaged in more car talk as they ate, while Bonnie tried to pry more than a few words out of Emily.
“We should probably discuss the autumn road rally,” Bonnie eventually suggested.
Gavin took a sip from his coffee. “How can we help?”
“You could help us map out the whole course,” Jay said. “But I have to say, it’s getting harder and harder to find roads that we haven’t already driven a hundred times.”
Gavin thought for a moment. “How about doing it in the Finger Lakes. We could start at one of the parks or wineries.”
“A winery,” Bonnie repeated, with a big smile. “Now that’s something we haven’t done before. I think it’s a great idea. Don’t you, Jay?”
“I do, but I’m not sure about Bill and Dennis though. It’s a long way and, remember when …”
“If Bill knows the idea came from Gavin and Gwen there’s no way he’ll say no, especially with Nicole there.”
Emily looked up from her plate. “I had lunch at a very nice one once – the Owl Hill Winery on Keuka Lake.”
“Sounds perfect! Me and Jay have been talking about doing that wine trail forever.”
“And I’m definitely tired of driving the same old roads.” Jay added. “Let’s try something new for a change.”
“I know the area pretty well,” Gavin said. “I could easily rough out a course.”
“Great.” Jay smiled. “Then we could drive it together and run some times.”
“When do you think you’d be ready?” Bonnie asked, leaning forward and gazing into Gavin’s eyes.
“Well … Gwen and I could work on it this week and probably drive it with you next Sunday.”
&nb
sp; “Wonderful. We’ll meet you at the winery, and we can do a tasting while we’re there.”
Emily looked up from her plate again. “Um. I should advise you that I don’t always handle alcohol very well.”
“Oh, don’t be silly.” Bonnie laughed. “They only give you a little bit, and besides, this place was your idea, so you have to.”
“Okay,” Jay said, “that’s settled then. We just need to get Bill’s approval.”
“Leave that to me, honey.” Bonnie smiled.
Before long, they noticed that those at Bill’s table were getting ready to leave.
“The brunch was great, we really enjoyed it,” Gavin said, standing up as Bill and Nicole came over.
“Glad you liked it,” Bill said. “I think you’ll find we do everything to a fairly high standard here. I hope you both plan on coming to our Gala Dinner.”
“We wouldn’t miss it,” Gavin said.
“That’s great.” Bill nodded.
Nicole smiled, looking down at Emily. “We’ll get to talk more then, dear. I didn’t want to interrupt earlier.”
“Bill,” Bonnie broke in. “Gavin and Gwen had a wonderful idea for the autumn rally.”
“Oh, really?”
“They suggested we have it in the Finger Lakes, start at one of the wineries.”
“Uh. Well …” Bill wrinkled his forehead while lifting an eyebrow, then turned to Dennis, who had joined them along with Armando.
“I think it’s a superb idea,” Nicole said. “Don’t you, Bill?”
Armando watched Bill’s face with a wry smile.
“Yes, yes, I certainly do,” Bill stuttered. He looked back to Bonnie, and she returned a demure smile.
“Great,” Jay said. “We’re going to check the place out and drive it next Sunday.”
“That’s an excellent idea,” Bill said. “I think we should all check it out before giving a final verdict.”
“I’m sure everyone will love it, Bill.” Bonnie winked.
“I’ll be there,” Armando said. “Just email me the details, Jay, and I’ll pass it on to the others.”
“I’ll try to make it, too,” Dennis mumbled.
“Alright,” Bill said. “I’ll wish you all a good afternoon, and look forward to seeing you then.”
They said their goodbyes and left.
Gavin looked at his watch. “We should probably be hitting the road, too.”
Jay nodded. Bonnie opened her purse and took out her keys.
Emily leaned over to her. “I’m going to use the restroom now,” she whispered.
Bonnie threw her head back, laughing. “You go by yourself, sweetheart. I know you’re a big girl.”
Emily gave her a nod before walking off.
“Maybe I’ll go too,” Gavin said. “We’ll see you again soon.”
“Alright,” Jay said, shaking Gavin’s hand.
Gavin extended his hand to Bonnie next, but she gave him a tight embrace instead.
“Bye, bye,” she said, glancing back and waving as she and Jay left.
When Gavin emerged from the men’s room he found Emily sitting on a chair in the foyer, looking like a lost child.
“Oh. I didn’t know where everyone went.”
“They left a few minutes ago.”
“Oh. So, what do you think? I really don’t know what to make of it all.”
“Let’s talk in the car,” Gavin said as they walked to the door.
Outside on the steps, they saw Bonnie and Jay’s car glide past. Bonnie tooted the horn, and the engine roared as they pulled out onto the main road.
They walked around the side of the building to the parking lot.
“What’s that?” Emily asked as they approached Gavin’s Jaguar.
“What’s what?”
“This,” she said, snatching a square black envelope that had been pinned under one of the windshield wipers. It had been barely noticeable beneath the shade of the trees.
“I have no idea.” Gavin shrugged.
She tore open the envelope and pulled out a card. Gavin watched as Emily’s eyes widened and her face became drawn.
“What’s wrong? What is it?”
Emily stared into space as she slowly handed it to him, taking deep breaths. Gavin took the card. It had a black floral border, and read:
YOU ARE AMATEURS PLAYING A DANGEROUS GAME WITH A MASTER. IF YOU ARE WISE, YOU’LL LEAVE AND NOT COME BACK. LIST THE CAR FOR SALE, THEN FORGET ABOUT EVERYTHING. DON’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED
CHAPTER 12
The lake came into view between flickering patches of trees as the Morgan descended the road into Watkins Glen. Gavin glanced over at Emily who was staring at the dashboard.
“Why didn’t you want me to take the Jag today?”
Emily grimaced. “Why do you think?”
“It would have reminded you of that note?”
“See,” she said. “I knew you weren’t stupid.”
“Thanks.” Gavin frowned.
She looked up at him. “Sorry. I’m still not filtering, yet. I almost had a meltdown yesterday.”
Gavin nodded. “I’m just glad you’re finally talking to me again.”
“I got some sleep and I think I’m past it.” She sighed. “Now I’m just obsessing about whether or not to sell the car.”
“Would it help to talk?”
“Maybe.”
Gavin bit his lip. “Why don’t you tell me what you’re thinking.”
“If it was only about the car I’d sell it. But I feel like it’s almost my sacred duty to catch Andrew’s killer and see that he gets what he deserves.” She took a deep breath. “I just don’t want to get us killed.”
“I don’t want to get us killed either, and I think we have to take that note very seriously,” Gavin said. “And we’re at a big disadvantage not having any leads or ideas who it might be, so my advice has to be to sell it.”
She turned away, looking out the side window as they passed the marina and entered town.
“But we wouldn’t necessarily have to give up completely,” Gavin continued. “He’d use some shady intermediary to buy it, so we could try to track him down after. I know some people in the car world who could probably help.”
“No,” she said. “If he got wind of that he’d definitely kill us. I think having the car is our only protection. As long as he believes we might sell it, we’re safe; if we sold the car, that would really have to be the end.”
“I don’t know, then.” Gavin sighed. “I’d really like to catch this guy, too. And I have to admit that I’d also like to find that missing engine, but it’s your car, and Andrew was your brother, so it needs to be your decision. I’m okay with whatever you decide.”
Emily nodded. “If we go to the winery he’ll know that we aren’t going to give up, which I guess gives me a week to decide.”
Gavin made the turn at the traffic light and parked in front of the dealership.
She exhaled a long breath. “This really helped. I just want to try and forget about it for now and lose myself in work.”
The high-pitched whine of a Dremel filled the shop as Gavin polished a tiny copper connector. Spread out on the table before him were a collection of Smiths gauges, along with a miniature screwdriver set, tweezers, and a tube of super glue.
Gavin hastily turned the Dremel off and looked up. “Was that the phone?”
“Yeah,” Gus called, “but I think Emily must’ve gotten it.”
“Or, maybe you’re hearing wedding bells,” Daryl quipped.
Gavin gave him a dirty look.
“Well, she is living with you now. Right?”
Ignoring Daryl completely, he got up from the stool and walked down the hallway to the office where he found Emily sitting behind the desk.
/> “Who called?”
“Just a parts vendor,” she replied.
“How’s everything going?”
“Everything is actually going quite well. It took a little longer than expected, but I’ve gotten it all organized and up to date. And I’ve set up a filing system that I think is going to work.”
“That’s great.” He smiled.
“Shall I explain it to you, then you can explain it to Daryl and Gus?”
“Sure.”
“Okay, well, you see this legal pad? It’s for order entries. And do you see those filing trays over there? They’re for –”
“Yes, but wait. Maybe it would be better if you explained it to all of us, together.”
Emily made a pained face. “Do you really think so?”
“Yes. I mean, if you’re going to be handling the operations side of things then we all need to go through you, and the guys need to respect you.”
“I don’t think I’m really comfortable with –”
“Oh, sure you are.” Gavin smiled again. “If this is going to work you’re going to have to deal with us all directly. You can’t be timid. You have to be able to lay down the law and not be afraid to reprimand anyone, including me, if we don’t follow it.”
She chewed on her lip. “Well, I do know Gus and Daryl pretty well now, so I suppose I could …”
“That’s right, it’s no big deal.” He watched as Emily began staring off into space.
“What, right now?”
“Sure, why not?”
“Oh, okay.” She sighed, slowly pushing the chair back and getting up.
They walked to the end of the hall where Emily stood in front of the doorway on the step into the shop.
“Okay guys,” Gavin called. “Gather round. Emily wants to tell us about some new procedures.”
He took a step back as Daryl and Gus came over and stood beside him with their eyes fixed on Emily. They watched as she timidly removed her glasses, took a deep breath, and stood up straight.
“Alright, listen up,” she shouted in a loud and forceful voice that startled everyone. “There are going to be some changes around here!”
Gavin’s mouth dropped open, the smirk left Daryl’s face, and Gus smiled.