by Laina Turner
I opened the front door to Silk, and I wasn’t at all prepared for what I found. I’m not sure what kind of mess I thought crime techs would make, but not this. The boutique was covered with a film of fine dust, like someone had opened a large bag of powdered sugar and hung upside down from the ceiling twirling in circles, sprinkling it all over. I whipped out my phone to call Willie. I was going to complain. Not to be mean. I realized it wasn’t his fault, but it made a nice excuse to call him.
“Hello there. Didn’t I just talk to you?”
“Yes, but I’m at the shop, and while you warned me it might be messy in here, I didn’t expect it to look like the site of a donut convention.”
“I don’t think I understand. A donut convention?”
“Like there’s been an explosion of powdered sugar, and it’s everywhere.”
“Ahhh, I’ve never heard it described like that, but you certainly are correct. It’s the materials they use to try and pick up any fingerprints, and it is like powered sugar in the looks department, and very messy.”
“Any ideas on how to clean it?”
Willie laughed. “Nope, sorry about that, I have no idea. I just help make the mess, not clean it up.”
“Figures,” I said, but I wasn’t really angry. I was happy to talk to him.
“We still on for dinner?”
“Yep, talk to you then.”
I got off the phone and surveyed the boutique one more time, mentally rolling up my sleeves. I had dressed up somewhat when I met Jared and Anna for coffee that morning, so I didn’t have to listen to her give me a hard time about my yoga pants and nasty T-shirt, but luckily I wasn’t too dressed up. I had on a knee length floral print skirt with blue heels and a simple black tank top. Not the best outfit to be cleaning in, but if I could keep it a little clean, then I would still look presentable for my date with Willie. I called the girls I worked with and got hold of one of them who said she would come down and help. I wasn’t even sure where to start.
Almost six hours later I was not only exhausted, but I was barely going to have time to go home, shower, and get ready for my date. I had already called Willie to make it seven thirty and to pick me up at my condo. I was proud, though, that the store sparkled and was ready to open the next morning. I looked around, making sure there wasn’t anything more for me to do before I left. Steph had gone about thirty minutes before to meet her parents for dinner. I wanted to be able to come in the next day and just work at running the store. I was sure many clients would be in wanting to know everything that happened. The phone in the few hours I was there cleaning had rung off the hook, and a few of the regulars had stopped by. I didn’t answer any of the calls after the first couple, once I realized it was customers and some members of the press asking questions, and not about the merchandise we carried. I gathered up my things and looked around making sure I didn’t forget anything, when the door chimed. I looked up to see a man walk in, he was about five foot nine and fair skinned, blond hair, blue eyes, very Nordic looking. He was very well dressed in a navy pin-striped suit with a snappy red tie. Not my personal favorite look, but a lot of guys seemed to favor this type of power suit.
“Can I help you?” I wondered if I should be nervous that a strange man was walking into the store when I was all alone. After all, a woman had just been killed. But it was still light out, and there were people passing by outside. What were the odds that the killer would come back? I guessed I shouldn’t worry too much. I never would have before, so I didn’t want to turn into a paranoid mess then.
“Yes, you can,” he replied with what sounded like a German accent, but I wasn’t entirely sure. “I am looking to see what you have in the way of fine beautiful necklaces—and money is no object with me.”
“We have many necklaces to choose from as you can see,” I said, sweeping my arm over in the direction of the jewelry displays. “But we are closed right now. We will be open tomorrow at 9 a.m.”
“But it’s only seven now. Your sign outside says you are open until eight; I do not understand. I need a necklace right now for an important occasion, and I demand you show them to me.” His voice rose a little, and his face flushed. Guess he must really need a necklace.
Damn, I knew I should have put a closed sign up on the door and locked it. I had thought about it after the first few non-regulars stopped by, and then I forgot. “Sir, I’m really sorry but there—”
“Are you not a business?”
“Well, yes.” I had dealt with many irate customers to know that this was not going to turn out well.
“Then I demand to be served. I want to see your necklaces.” His voice rose even higher. “I have money, and I want to spend it here.”
“Sir, I’m sorry but—”
He interrupted, yelling this time. “I want to see your necklaces!”
If it weren’t for the fact that he was making me more than a little uncomfortable, I would’ve laughed because a grown man was throwing a hissy fit over wanting to see a necklace. It wasn’t like we were the only store within a few blocks that sold high-end necklaces.
“Sir,” I said more firmly ,with confidence I didn’t feel.
“Is there a problem here?” I looked behind the man where the voice was coming from and saw Willie. I was so relieved. He walked over to us and pulled out his detective shield and flashed it. “What seems to be the problem?” his voice was calm but strong. I could tell he meant business and so could the strange man. “I was walking by and heard yelling.”
“No problem,” said the man. “I just came into this store to make a purchase and this, this woman, won’t show me any merchandise. What kind of store is she running that she doesn’t want to sell anything? It’s discrimination.”
“Is that true, ma’am?” Willie said to me.
I could see he wanted to downplay the fact we knew each other, and I could play that game. “Well, we are currently closed for cleaning, and I told this man to please come back tomorrow, and we would be more than happy to help him then with his selection.”
“Sir, is there a reason you can’t come back tomorrow? She isn’t refusing to help you. Just today, they’re closed for cleaning.”
“Fine, if this is how they treat customers I will take my business elsewhere.” With that, he turned and stormed out of the boutique like a petulant two year old.
“Wow, you have great timing,” I said to Willie relieved. “That guy didn’t seem like he wanted to leave. Wait a minute, why are you here?”
“I was in the neighborhood and wanted to stop by.”
I looked at him and raised my eyebrows. “Really, in the neighborhood?”
“Okay, so I wasn’t exactly in the neighborhood, but I did want to make sure you were all right. I knew you weren’t too happy about the cleaning, so I thought I would check on your progress. Looks great in here.” He glanced around the store.
”Yeah, I had help, and believe me it wasn’t easy.” Since I was by no means ready for our dinner, I told him he could either come home with me and watch TV or something, while waiting for me to get ready, or he could go away and come pick me up at seven, as we originally planned. He said he had a few more things to follow up on for the case and would pick me up in a bit. I was relieved, since my house was messy and in no shape for visitors. I needed to have at least a few minutes to shove things in drawers and the closet to make it look like it was reasonably clean and tidy. Especially for a first-time visitor I was semi interested in. Wouldn’t do to have him think I was a slob.
I ran home and jumped in the shower doing the whole routine of washing and conditioning the hair, shaving, exfoliating, the works. I took time to blow out my hair and just hoped the humidly lessened during the evening so it wouldn’t frizz. But what to wear? I didn’t want to overdo it. I was going for effortless chic. I didn’t want to look like I’d spent hours getting ready, though he had seen me after cleaning, so he would know this wasn’t how I always looked. I finally decided on my one pair of 7 for all
Mankind jeans, and a simple scoop neck black burnout tee with a fuchsia tank underneath. I then added my favorite silver hoop earrings with matching bracelet and necklace. A pair of black peep-toe wedges completed my outfit.
I looked at my watch and saw I even had five minutes to spare, enough time for a glass of wine. I deserved it after all the physical labor I had done. I got the moscato from the fridge and poured myself a small glass. I had just finished, rinsed out my glass, and put it in the sink when the buzzer rang. He was right on time, and I liked that in a guy. I opened the door and saw he had changed, too. No longer wearing the blazer, he had changed into a soft-looking black silk T-shirt.
“I see you got my memo about wearing a black T-shirt,” I said.
He smiled. “You look nice, Presley. Here, these are for you.” He gave me a small bouquet of wildflowers in bold hues.
“These are so pretty. This is so thoughtful, but you didn’t need to get me flowers.”
“I know, but I saw them on the way, and I love the colors.”
“Really, you are full of all sorts of surprises.” I hadn’t met too many men who could appreciate flowers. Maybe he had sisters. That would explain a lot. Willie was just as courteous as Cooper. It was very unusual to find two guys with such great traits.
Cooper—why did I have to think of him right then? I sighed and shook my head, as if that would shake the thoughts of him right out. I didn’t want these now when I was trying to get to know Willie. That didn’t seem fair.
“My mom is big into her flowers, and growing up, that’s how I made all my money. Weeding, watering, pruning, all under her watchful eye of course. I bought my first ten-speed that way.”
“My mother, too. Her favorite time of year is the Junior League flower show. Those ladies are cutthroat. Even if I was a flower person, I’m not sure I could handle the pressure, especially over something like that.”
“My mom’s favorite time of year is the Oak Park flower show, and same here, it gets tense at my house. My dad and I learned to just agree with anything she says the couple weeks leading up to the show, and if she doesn’t do well, watch out. You don’t want to be around her for a few more weeks.”
“Wow, sounds like they have a lot in common.”
“Shall we go? I have reservations at eight.”
“Yep. Just let me put these in water real quick.” I grabbed a vase, poured some water, and tossed in the flowers, figuring I would cut the stems and add the food when I got home. I grabbed my purse, and we were on our way. The weather had cooled, which was nice.
“You up for a walk? It’s only a few blocks from here, and it’s nice out.”
“I think that would be lovely. Then I don’t have to feel as guilty about what I eat.” We walked along just chatting about nothing important, both of us staying away from the murder of my boss. That was something I did not want to talk about that night and was glad he seemed to be good at separating work and his personal life. It was a relief to relax and forget the drama for a few hours.
“Here we are. I hope the food is as good as I’ve heard. I’m starving.”
“Me, too”
“Reservation for Landon,” Willie said to the hostess.
“Follow me, sir, your table is right this way.” Willie motioned for me to go first in a very gentlemanly manner. I followed the hostess and surreptitiously stared at what the other diners seemed to be eating. When dining at a new place, I was always curious what people were eating and what looked good so I could order that. My foodie version of keeping up with the Joneses. When we got to our table and sat down, I was encouraged by the fact that everything I saw on the way to the table looked more than edible.
Our waiter seemingly appeared out of thin air. “Can I get you something to drink?” So far the service was off to a good start.
“Presley, what would you like?”
“Can I get a glass of Riesling, and water with lemon please?”
“I’ll have the same.”
“Good choice, it will compliment the sushi well. Here are the menus and a of couple pencils. As you can see, the menu is divided into two columns, single serving and double serving. I would recommend trying a sampling of some single serving rolls, a single serving is two so you can each have a taste, and the double serving of the ones you know you like. All meals come with soup and salad, so I will bring that right out. Oh, and I recommend the eel, we have delicious eel. Any questions before I go grab your soup and salad?”
“I’m good, you, Presley?”
“I just need help deciding because it all looks yummy, but I already know the eel is delicious.”
“I say we order a bunch of different single servings to try out a large variety.”
“Good idea.” I set my menu down and took a drink of the Riesling the hostess had brought while we were talking. I was glad to be able to relax finally.
The waiter came back and Willie ordered. I was having some of that first-few-dates nervousness where you wondered what you should talk about, but then the soups and salads came, and I realized how ravenous I was and dug in. Willie was a little more restrained, and for about five seconds I felt embarrassed and then I just didn’t care. If he didn’t like the fact I loved to eat, too bad. We ate, we chatted, our sushi came, and it was all delicious.
“You pick out great sushi,” I told him.
“I am a man of many talents.”
“Oh? What are some of your talents besides picking out sushi?”
“Let’s see. I can juggle, I can walk a tightrope, I can…”
“Were you in the circus or something?” I interrupted.
“Circus camp all through junior high. My mom got tired of me tying a rope between my bedroom window and this great big oak tree outside and swinging from it. She thought the camp would get out my energy. Which it did, and I learned a lot of neat things.”
“You got me beat. My biggest talents are ordering coffee and shoe shopping.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. Those are important skills to have, and not everyone has them. I mean, look over there,” he dropped his voice to a whisper and nodded his head in the direction of one of the other tables where a couple sat. “Look at her shoes.”
I looked and almost gasped.
“Shhhh…keep your voice down,” he said with mock seriousness. He had pointed out a penny loafer. I hadn’t seen a pair of those since elementary school.
“How did you notice those?”
“I’m a detective, I’m paid to notice.”
“Okay, you’re right, I am pretty talented.” We laughed, we talked, and laughed a lot more.
“I think it must be getting late,” he finally said.
“Why, your awesome detective skills telling you that?”
“Um, no. The fact that we’re the only ones here, and they’re turning on the lights, all while standing and staring at us, tells me they want to close.”
“What time is it? Oh wow. How did it become almost eleven?”
“I don’t know, but I best get you home before you turn into a pumpkin.”
“Now that you mention it, I am a little tired. All that cleaning, you know.”
“I can imagine. Would you like to walk back or would you rather take a cab?”
“I am too tired and full to walk. A cab would be great, and you don’t have to come with me if you’re going in a different direction.”
“I’ll come with you. I actually live just a few blocks south of you so it’s on the way. You are one block over from my gym, and I run there and back often and go right by your place.”
“Okay, wait a minute. You run to the gym?”
“Yes. Why?”
“That’s not normal. You go to the gym to exercise, not run to the gym.”
Willie laughed at me. “I hate running on a treadmill so I run to the gym, lift weights, and run home. I have to stay in shape to catch the bad guys.”
“I guess, but I still say you’re a little crazy.”