by Linda Wiken
“Another surprise.” J.J. grinned. “I didn’t know you had an affinity for diners.”
“Another topic not likely to come up at the dinner club.”
“Maybe we should set aside time at the next one and do a go-round the table so everyone can talk a bit about their other interests.”
“Sounds like a meet and greet.”
“I can do one of those, too. Play cute little ‘getting to know you’ games. Have prizes even.”
Evan shook his head, his deep laugh rebounding in the car. “No thanks. I didn’t mean that as a suggestion.” He unsnapped his seat belt and got out. “But you’re right, we don’t really know all that much about everyone, except you.”
“Me! What do you know about me?”
“That you’re an espresso fiend, for one thing. You have a rocking mom, a dad who’s an artist, and two brothers. Oh, and a niece.”
“Huh. I talk that much, do I?’
He patted her arm as she joined him. “It’s all good, J.J. Now, let’s go get those team members talking.”
J.J. spotted a large table of men in the middle of the room and pointed to them. “Let’s start over there.”
She was almost up to the table when one of the guys looked up and smiled. “J.J. Tanner?” he asked.
J.J. smiled and stuck out her hand. “Craig?”
“The same, and these are some of the guys.” He waved a hand around the table. “I’ve already told them a bit about your coming here.” He looked at Evan inquisitively.
“This is my friend Evan Thornton. It’s nice of you guys to let us intrude like this.”
“No problem at all,” said Craig, pointing a finger at Evan’s jacket and changing to a thumbs-up. “Want some coffee? Or you’re welcome to join us in eating.”
J.J. glanced at Evan. “Coffee will be fine. Thanks.”
Craig waved at the server, who showed up with two mugs and the coffeepot. She served them and topped up the others. No one had any food in front of them yet. And, J.J. noticed Brad wasn’t with the group. She breathed a sigh of relief.
“Well, we won’t keep you long.” J.J. pulled out the photo and showed it to him. “This is Jeffrey Bailey. Was he a part of the team?”
Craig took a few moments studying the photo before handing it back. “Sure, I’ve seen him around a lot but he’s not a player. And I don’t think I ever talked with him.”
“He didn’t hang out with the team after games? Maybe go for a beer?”
He shook his head. “Not when I was there but it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. I have brand-new twins at home so usually don’t hang out too much with the guys. Or else I’d probably have to look for new digs.” He chuckled. “But maybe some of the other guys know him better.” He put out his hand and J.J. gave him the photo, which he passed to his right.
The guy three over took a long look at the photo then asked, “What do you want him for? Are you cops?”
“No, nothing like that.” She hadn’t thought about being asked that question. Best to go with a half-truth. “He died last week and his wife is trying to track down some of his friends.”
“He died? Are you serious?” He shook his head. “That’s too bad. Really bad.” His friends looked suitably sad and murmured regrets.
“But do you mean,” the original guy continued, “his wife doesn’t know his friends or his routine? Man, wish my wife could meet her. She thinks sharing means every second of your life.”
The others guffawed and slapped him on the back. Guys.
“So, do any of you know anything about him?” J.J. asked, trying to get control back.
Evan jumped in. “He went to the games and then, we’ve been told, tagged along for a brew after. We hear he’s up on his teams and stats. He might have easily fit right in.”
The man across the table from J.J. reached for the photo. “He’s not a member but I know who you mean. You’re right. He used to come to a lot of the games and then hung around with some of us at the pub after.” He looked at the fellow sitting next to him.
“Yeah. That’s him,” he agreed. “I haven’t seen him in a while, though. And, I certainly didn’t know much about him. Do any of you guys know anything?” He looked over at his friends.
A much younger-looking fellow with red hair and freckles highlighting his cheeks answered. “I don’t but Brad Patterson would. That’s his brother-in-law and it was Brad who first brought him around.”
“I think they both work at Higgins Motors. Kent Higgins is also a team member although he’s not here today.”
J.J. almost dropped the photo in her surprise. “And who is Kent Higgins? Does he own the place?”
“Naw, it’s a family business, though. Kent’s the manager at Higgins and he also happens to be the son of the owner. In fact, I think he introduced Brad to Jeffrey. Do you want Brad’s contact info?”
“I’ve got it. Thanks,” she said, sticking her hand out for the photo and shoving it in her purse. She quickly finished her coffee and Evan took a cue, doing the same.
“Well, we won’t bother you any longer,” she said, standing up. “We really appreciate you talking to us.”
“No problem,” Craig said. “Even though I didn’t know him well, I feel sorry for his wife.”
In more ways than one. She gave him a brief smile and started walking away, then kept on going until Evan stopped her just outside the door.
“Well, looks like you didn’t need me after all. Is that the same Brad who you had dinner with?”
“The very same.”
“And you didn’t get any information out of him?”
“I was testing him. I wanted to see what he’d say but he wasn’t in the volunteering mood.”
“At least you know something you didn’t before. Maybe two things.”
“What? That Jeffrey hung around with this team. And what else?”
“That maybe this Brad is not to be trusted.”
*
• • •
That was a depressing thought. J.J. played around with the idea while she made her dinner, zucchini Alfredo with a small loaf of ciabatta she’d picked up on the way home, freshly baked that morning. She ate too much but it had been that good. And, okay, she admitted there was some binge eating going on, something that could easily happen when she was upset. She’d have to go for a run tomorrow morning, that was a certainty.
She was just thinking about turning in when her phone rang. She saw it was Devine and debated about answering. It was late. What if he wanted to come over? What if he didn’t? Which was worse?
“Hi,” she said, crossing her fingers but not sure for which solution.
“Hey, I’m just heading home from a surveillance and wondered if you wanted some company. I have a bottle of red wine. It’s from a Vermont vineyard.”
Wanted company? Was he so sure I wouldn’t be on a date? And, did he carry wine to every surveillance? What was happening to her mind?
“Sure, but I warn you, I was hoping for an early night.”
“So was I,” he answered. His voice sent a tingle through her body.
Ten minutes later he was at the door. She opened it, trying to look unperturbed. He held out the bottle. Cabernet sauvignon.
“Nice choice,” she said, accepting it. She looked down the hall before closing the door behind him and noticed Ness peering around his door. She gave him a small wave and followed Devine into the living room.
She had already set out two glasses. Should she give him the bottle to open or just do it? Too many questions. She removed the cork and poured them each a half glass, took hers, and sat in the chair across from his spot on the love seat.
“Are you upset with me?” he asked.
“No, why?”
“Well, you seemed really hesitant about my coming over. And you’re sitting way over there.” He patted the spot next to him.
Humph. “I’m unsure, is what I am.”
“Of what? Me?” He looked totally surprised. Good.
“
In a manner of speaking.”
“Okay, let’s talk about it.”
“All right, but I’m not sure what I want to say.”
He shook his head, put his glass down, and went over to her, pulling her out of her chair. The kiss he gave her sent a jolt of electricity down her spine. Oh well, the least she could do was return it.
“You haven’t talked much about past relationships but I sense there’s a sad tale there. I’ve been trying not to push you into anything,” Devine said as they surfaced for air.
“And I thought you’ve been trying to keep me out of things.”
He gave her a squeeze. “That’s an entirely different matter. I don’t think I’m the only one who feels something when we’re together.” He gave her a quizzical look. She eventually nodded.
“Good. However, I’m also a bit worried that I’ve left it too long.”
She straightened up. “What do you mean?”
“I mean Brad Patterson.”
She felt her cheeks coloring. “There’s nothing going on.”
“But it could, so that’s why I thought it was time I made myself clear.” He waited until she was looking up at him again. “I know I’m on your case a lot when it comes to digging around in murders but that’s because I don’t want anything to happen to you. I like you. A lot. And all I want is to have the chance to work at some kind of relationship. If that’s what you want. Is it?”
She sighed. “I think we’re on the same track here.”
He kissed her again, very thoroughly. They almost missed the knock on the door.
Devine groaned as J.J. eased out of his embrace and straightened her top.
“If it’s Harper, I may get violent,” Devine said.
J.J. grinned. What a guy!
She opened the door and stepped aside to let Ness enter.
“Good evening, J.J. I just thought you might like some company.” He looked deliberately toward the living room. “I’m sorry, I see you already have some. Perhaps I can join you.” He strode into the living room and sat on the empty love seat. “Devine.”
“Harper,” Devine replied as he sat in one of the two white wicker chairs across from Ness Harper.
J.J. tried not to let the humor of the situation show on her face. “Can I get you a glass of wine, Ness?”
“Sure thing. So, what have you been up to?” He glanced sharply at Devine, then back at J.J. “Anything new on the murder?”
J.J. poured his wine and took her seat in the chair next to Devine. He didn’t look so happy, she noticed.
“We need to find out what James has been doing on his days off from his supposed job at the fire department, in both locations,” she said. Then she filled them in on the Plattsburgh hockey connections.
Devine sat listing in silence but when she’d finished he leaned toward her, totally serious. “You went today, on your own?”
“Not on my own. Evan was with me. He’s really into hockey, you know. He can spout off all sorts of statistics. I thought he might impress the guys and get them talking. It turns out, they didn’t need any encouragement at all. So, what do you think? Could this be important?” She looked from one to the other.
Ness answered first. “So, you still have no idea what he’s been doing in his Half Moon Bay life. It may not matter if you find the answer to his killer in Rouses Point. And that’s something the police are probably not concentrating on. Their sights are probably in town here. You might be advised to have a talk with Hastings right around now and bring him up to speed.”
“Sure, he’ll really appreciate that.” At that point, she didn’t care how sarcastic she sounded. Devine raised an eyebrow but Ness didn’t acknowledge it.
“He’s likely to appreciate even less the fact that you may have information about the victim’s life that he’s not privy to. Or maybe he is. Either way, I suggest you do it, first thing on Monday morning.”
She looked at Devine. He shrugged. “It’s still pretty vague. So, you know he loved hockey but was not a player. He hung around with the team as a wannabe. And he worked at an auto dealership. That’s not been confirmed yet. And before you rush off to do it, I’m going with you.”
She had opened her mouth in rebuttal but closed it, pleased at the thought that they’d be working together on it. She looked at Ness. His turn to shrug. He did pour himself some more wine and settle back in his seat, though, glaring at Devine.
Devine shook his head and stood. “I’d better be going. Walk me to the door.”
J.J. followed him, aware that Ness was watching with a smirk on his face. Maybe she should be grateful that he had saved them from crossing over into what could end up an awkward situation. She didn’t think so, though.
Devine backed her into the corner, out of Ness’s range of sight. “I’ll check if the dealership is open tomorrow and then call you.” His kiss was a deep and lingering one. “Hold that thought.”
She waited until her breathing was back to normal before joining Ness. He sat there grinning.
“Happy to be of service, doll.”
CHAPTER 22
J.J. waited anxiously for Devine’s call the next morning. When it came, it was to tell her that the manager wasn’t in and he would be the only one who could give them any information on employees. He proposed they drive over midafternoon on Monday.
Her disappointment, she realized, was more at not seeing Devine than at not getting any information. She also realized that she should be figuring out what to say to Brad the next time she saw him. He’d mentioned calling during the week and she wanted to be ready. She tried racking her brain, wondering what exactly he’d said about Jeffrey’s life in Rouses Point. Had he mentioned not knowing about Jeffrey’s job, friends, or interests? Or had she assumed all that from what little had been said or had been left out? She really wished she’d made notes after each of their meetings but she had to admit, she hadn’t really been after information each time they’d gone out. She’d felt an attraction but not at the same intensity as for Devine.
She wanted to see Brad again, to ask him more direct questions, and to analyze her feelings for him. If this thing with Devine was to progress, she couldn’t have any thoughts lingering about Brad. Oh man … when had this happened? No boyfriend for such a long time, only friendly dates with Connor. Then Devine. But not really Devine, despite that kiss in the car. Until now. And now was when she’d met Brad.
Of course, there was also the matter of Alison’s cousin, Henry Wieland. He seemed like he could be a nice guy but that didn’t mean anything, except she knew that Pam was trying her hand at matchmaking that afternoon.
J.J. arrived at Alison’s with a bottle of wine in hand. Alison met her at the front door and whispered as she took her coat, “Don’t get your hopes up about Henry, but also, beware of Pam.”
Before J.J. had a chance to ask for an explanation, Pam appeared and gave J.J. a big hug. Also a surprise. Alison grabbed the bottle from J.J.’s outstretched hand and grinned. With a small wave over her shoulder, she walked into the kitchen.
“Now, come and say hi to Henry. He’s been prepping all afternoon. We’re in for a real treat tonight, braised lamb with white beans, especially in your honor.
Henry glanced up at them as Pam ushered J.J. into the kitchen. “Hi, J.J. Glad you could make it.”
Alison came over and handed her a glass of red wine. “Thanks for the bottle, J.J.”
“My pleasure. That sure smells wonderful.” She drifted over to the stove, where Henry was checking on the casserole in the oven. “What’s that fragrance?”
“It could be the mixture of fresh rosemary and chilis. Or even the tomatoes. Here, have a taste.”
He reached for a spoon and dipped into the mixture, then held it for her to sip. “Watch it. It’s hot.”
She tried it. “Delicious. How long has it been in the oven?”
“Almost an hour and a half. We’re just about ready to eat. I just have to slice the bread loaf and then I’ll start dis
hing it up.”
J.J. was aware the entire time of the conversation that Pam sat at the kitchen table, watching. When she did glance at Pam, she noticed the wide grin. Alison sat across from her, also smiling, but it was more of a “poor sucker” variety.
J.J. swallowed. “Can I help with anything?”
Henry looked at her and smiled. He had a certain appeal. His body looked like he enjoyed sampling his own cooking and his smile backed that up. His eyes, emphasized behind wide black glasses frames, danced. “I can handle it, thanks. Or, wait, why don’t you slice the bread?” He nodded to the countertop where two baguettes waited.
“Happy to.” J.J. made quick work of slicing the first baguette, deciding to leave the second until she knew if they needed it. She placed the slices in the bread basket and took it into the dining room.
When they were finally ready to eat, Pam directed J.J. to one end of the dining room table, and Henry to the other. J.J. wasn’t sure if it had been meant to be symbolic, but what it did do was dampen any chance of intimate conversation between the two, which suited her just fine. She liked Henry—he was charming and easygoing—but there were no sparks. Although, the fact that they had cooking in common meant they at least had a shared interest.
J.J. asked Henry about his life as chef in such a well-known restaurant and he went into great detail about it, everything from how he first got hired to how often he switched up the menu. She was interested although she could see that Alison and Pam were less so. Probably an old tale to them. But Pam did seem to be very pleased about something. J.J. just hoped that Pam wasn’t getting any ideas. Henry was a very nice guy but they had nothing in common aside from cooking. And eating.
After dessert, Henry stood up and collected some dirty dishes. “I’ll put on some coffee while you ladies go and talk in the living room.”
J.J. grabbed a handful also. “I’ll just help you clear the table.”
Pam grabbed Alison’s arm and pulled her out across the hall to the living room.
Once they’d finished clearing the table and Henry had put the coffee on to drip, he turned to J.J. and asked her what she’d thought of the dinner.
“I loved it. Honestly. I’m really a novice at the cooking stage of things but I’m quite good at looking through cookbooks and eating.”