by Sonia Parin
Eve had been wondering that herself. Since moving to Rock-Maine Island, she’d had to adjust to a different pace. Running her Manhattan restaurant had been demanding but she’d worked in the food business all her life, so she’d never noticed. Now, however…
More often than not, she found herself with more time on her hands than she knew what to do with. “I’ve been thinking about expanding for a while now and this is as good a time as any to do it.”
They both took a step forward and peered inside the store.
“Nice shelving space,” Jill remarked. “What sort of business are you thinking of opening?”
Eve grinned. “We’re expanding our operation to include a catering service.”
“We are?” Stepping back, Jill asked, “Who exactly is we?”
Eve pointed at herself and then at Jill. “I haven’t worked out the details yet, but that’s okay. I set up the inn without working out the details. Once the idea seeded in my mind, it all just fell into place.”
Jill snorted. “Yes, and how did that work out for you?”
Eve looked askance. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Where do I start?” Jill struck up a pensive pose. “Oh, yes. The moment you strode into Abby Larkin’s house. Remember, she’d put the house on the market and she asked you to check in on it from time to time. You fell in love with it and decided it would be an ideal house to turn into an inn.”
“So?”
“So, you then found a dead body handcuffed to a bed.”
“And your point is?”
“You then focused on setting up the inn, but you fell in love with a French stove you simply had to have. The swanky French stove was outside of your price range so you funded the purchase by hiring out the house to a film crew.”
Eve nodded. “Yes, that’s called creative thinking.”
“I won’t argue with that, but then… You found a dead body in the kitchen. Oh, and did I mention how you came to the idea of hiring the house out to a film crew? No, so let me refresh your memory. Your old childhood nemesis came to your rescue. You hadn’t seen her in a long while. Suddenly, she reappeared in your life when she planned to hold her wedding on the island. You were forced to attend the pre-wedding party where… drumroll, someone died under suspicious circumstances and everyone pointed the finger of suspicion straight at you.”
Eve shoved her hands inside her pockets. “Are you trying to make a point?”
“I’m only wondering what you’ll be setting into motion if you decide to set up a catering company in town.” Jill bobbed her head from side to side. “I’ll have to check the town records, but I think I can safely say no one has actually been murdered in town.”
Eve lifted her chin in stalwart defiance. “I’ve already signed the lease.”
Jill drew in a breath and pushed it out in a huff. “Well then… Let the chips fall where they may.”
Sounding affronted, Eve asked, “Where is your trust?”
Jill patted Eve on the back. “I’m behind you one hundred percent.” Lowering her voice, she added, “So long as I stand behind you, I know the bullet will miss me.” Jill nudged her. “Wave. There’s your new neighbor.”
“Where?”
“First-floor, by the window. She’s looking out. I wish I could warn her to mark this day as D-Day when Eve Lloyd stood outside and unveiled her evil plot to set up shop next door to her and start the ball rolling on who knows what.”
Eve looked up and saw a woman staring down at them. While she smiled, the woman didn’t smile back. Instead, she folded her arms, held her gaze for a moment and then turned away.
“I get the feeling my reputation has preceded me,” she whispered. “What’s her name?” Eve asked as she tried to dismiss the woman’s behavior as inconsequential. After all, she couldn’t expect to please everyone all of the time.
“Susa Dresden. Her husband owns the hardware store next door. They live on the mainland but stay above the store sometimes.” Jill leaned in and peered through the store window again. “Nice hardwood floor… Please tell me you’re pulling my leg about setting up a catering service.”
“Why is it so hard to believe I’m serious about setting up another business? I already mentioned wanting to get into catering. Actually…” Eve tilted her head in thought. “I think you’re the one who might have suggested it.”
Jill put her hands up and laughed. “Oh, no. Don’t lay this at my feet. If anything happens, I don’t want fingers pointed my way and people blaming me for encouraging you.”
“Okay. I guess that means you’re not interested in looking inside.”
“I know you refuse to reveal your age but, if I had to guess, I’d say you’re in your mid-thirties. That’s not too young to take up a hobby. In fact, you’re never too young to use your free time doing something harmless like needlepoint. Actually, you might want to steer clear of any activities that involve sharp objects. I’ll have to give this some more thought.”
Eve drew a set of keys out of her handbag. Striding toward the front door, she inserted the key and then looked over her shoulder. “Coming?”
Slumping her shoulders and dropping her head, Jill dragged herself in. “Like a lamb to the slaughter.”
Inside, Eve swirled around, her arms extended. “It’s all mine.”
Jill strode around, testing the floorboards and running her hands along the smooth walls. “I guess you’re going to start by giving the place a cosmetic do-over.”
“Yes, a fresh coat of paint.” Eve tapped her chin. “Eggshell white or… aqua. I haven’t decided yet.”
“Great. That should buy the victim some time,” Jill murmured.
“What was that? Did you say something?”
“Oh, no… I’m just talking to myself.”
“The floors might need a coat of something or other. I’ll leave that to the professionals. I love the counter, so that stays. I might add a refrigerated display case. I’m thinking I might also sell to the public.”
“That’ll put you in direct competition with the café and the bakery, not to mention the restaurants in town.”
“I think the town can sustain a new eatery,” Eve said. “In fact, it needs it. From the moment the bakery opens its doors for business right through to closing time, there are always customers queuing up.”
Jill tipped her head back in thought. “Oh yes. I remember you having an audience that time you were in the bakery and the local artist shoved you against a display of cookies. Hang on, I’m on a roll. Were we sitting at the bakery or the café when your childhood nemesis cornered you? There’s an idea. You could set up a tour of the town and visit all the spots where you had your stranger than fiction moments.”
“Let’s put it in the back-burner for now. One business venture at a time.” Eve opened a drawer and winced. “I think I’ll have my hands full cleaning this place.” Digging inside her handbag, she drew out a small notebook. “I should start working on a to-do list.”
“I’m going to have to leave you to it.” Jill checked her watch. “I think I mentioned I’m visiting my granny.”
“Yes, you did.” Eve dug inside her handbag again. “That’s why I brought these. Butter cookies. I know she likes them.”
“Lovely. That should cheer her up. She’s been in a bit of a slump lately. Apparently, she only ever gets junk mail for nursing homes and funeral arrangements. I’m going to suggest she look into going on a cruise. They have so many activities onboard, it would be good for her to try something new. Oh… maybe not. I’m suddenly reminded of the time you went on a cruise with one hundred Carmen Miranda impersonators which then became ninety-nine Carmen Miranda impersonators…” Jill smiled. “Try to stay out of trouble, Eve.”
Eve’s eyes widened. “Has it come to that?”
“What? Me issuing warnings?” Jill nodded. “Yes, I’m afraid it has.” Jill waved her cell phone. “I’m only a phone call away. If anything happens, don’t hesitate to contact m
e.”
* * *
Eve crossed the street and turned back to gaze at her store. With a small nod, she decided she would have planters outside. The burst of color would do wonders for that end of the street. She could even have a table and two chairs, perhaps even a couple of garden chairs. White. Wrought iron… “Yes. It’s all taking shape.”
“What is?” a familiar voice asked.
Turning, she smiled at Helena Flanders. The local travel agent greeted her with a warm smile. Eve took a moment to admire her stylish clothing. Fawn suited her perfectly and matched her sleek hairstyle. Clicking her fingers, she said, “Lauren Bacall. You always make me think of her.”
Helena gave her a husky laugh.
“You even have the laugh. Anyone would think you spent hours practicing in front of a mirror.”
“Has something caught your eye?” Helena asked and looked across the street.
“Yes, my store.” Eve proceeded to tell her about the exciting news.
“As much as I look forward to having a new place to stop by for a bite to eat, have you spoken with the others? I can’t imagine they’d be that pleased to have more competition.”
“The others?”
“Cynthia at the Chin Wag Café. Shelby from Shelby’s Table. Not to mention the bakery.”
Eve folded her arms. “Well, let’s mosey on down to the Chin Wag and see if we can grab a table. Ditto for Shelby’s Table. As for the bakery, I’ve always had to wait in line to get a table. Yes, I think there’s room for another place to grab a bite. Although, that won’t be my main focus.” Eve narrowed her gaze. “Hang on. You didn’t actually sound surprised by my idea. In fact, you didn’t even ask about what sort of business I’ll be opening.”
Helena gave an elegant shrug. “Well, I assume anything you do will involve food.”
“Really? Am I that transparent?”
Helena held her gaze for a moment and then laughed. “All right. I’ll fess up. Jill sent me a message.”
“What?”
“Jill sent me a head’s up message enlisting my help to try and talk you out of this venture. Don’t take it the wrong way. She means well.”
Eve nibbled the edge of her lip. “Do you really think the locals will object?”
“Hard to say. If they’re having a slow day, they might.” Helena leaned in. “Will you put in a good word with Jill and tell her I tried my best?”
Drawing her eyebrows into a scowl, Eve gave her a small smile and said, “You used strong-arm tactics and wrestled me to the ground.”
“Coffee?”
“Yes, please. If we get a table by the window at the Chin Wag, I’ll be able to look at my store and keep working on my evil plot to take over the main street.”
* * *
“Checking out the competition?” Cynthia Walker asked.
The owner of the Chin Wag Café managed to keep a straight face. Without asking, Eve could guess Jill had sent her a message too.
Helena gave her an I-told-you-so lift of her eyebrow.
“I’ll actually be concentrating on catering. Yes, I’ll be serving food, but only samplers. I’m thinking it’ll be more of a drop by for a snack place. I doubt I’ll even have a menu. Whatever I happen to prepare for the day will be on offer.” Eve’s smile wavered. “Okay. I think I need to sit down with pen and paper and work out some details. Regardless, I’ve signed the lease so I will set up a business… of sorts. I told my front desk manager this morning about my plans. Samantha said she would spread the word around and could already think of a couple of friends who would love to work for me. If you think about it, there aren’t that many jobs going for young people on the island. So, I’m doing the local economy a favor.”
Cynthia shrugged. “Sounds good to me but if Jill asks, can you please say I tried my best to object? I think she’s worried about you.”
Eve crossed her arms and sat back. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s right this minute working on a study outlining the negative impact of Eve Lloyd’s new venture on local flora and fauna and the life expectancy of local residents and business owners.”
Helena nudged her and pointed across the street. “I think that’s Shelby standing outside your store. I guess she heard the news and wants to check out her competition.”
“Just how many people did Jill contact?” Eve asked.
Cynthia tore off a page from her order book and handed it to a waitress, saying matter-of-factly, “Jill used the emergency phone tree.”
“Emergency. Phone. Tree.” Eve could not have sounded more surprised.
Helena laughed. “Yes, I thought it was a bit extreme.”
“This is the first I’ve heard of the emergency phone tree. How long has it been around?” Eve asked.
Cynthia tapped her pen against her chin. “Oh, for as long as I can remember.”
“So, why am I not on it?”
“You’re on the waiting list. Jill is sponsoring you,” Helena said. “From memory, we discussed it a year ago.”
Eve gasped. “On a waiting list? Waiting for what?”
Helena fiddled around with the sugar bowl. “Approval. We need to make sure the person is trustworthy and can be relied upon to be levelheaded in an emergency.”
“And I’ve been waiting for a year. What do I need to do to prove myself?”
Cynthia asked, “Mind if I join you?”
“Yes, by all means do.”
Cynthia drew out a chair. “Eve, you have to admit, you’ve had a few close calls. Has trouble always followed you?”
As friendly as it had sounded, Eve ignored the jab. “What’s the longest anyone has had to wait?”
Cynthia looked at Helena and then at Eve. “Don’t take it too hard.”
“You didn’t answer me.”
Sighing, Cynthia said, “You’re the first one we put on probation.”
“Oh, so now it’s probation.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned anything. Coffee’s on the house.”
* * *
Eve drove back to Mira’s, her flailing enthusiasm turning her lips downward. She knew she’d get over it. Mira would make sure of that. She could always count on her aunt to dish out some solid sage advice, especially on matters relating to the small island town since she’d been a longtime resident and understood the intricate ins and outs of small-town life.
Eve decided she would spend the day working on a business plan to solidify her idea. Then she’d make lunch for them and, since the weather remained mild, she could set up a table on the back porch where they could enjoy the ocean view while they ate.
When she reached Mira’s driveway, she stopped and gave herself a good talking to. She had dozens of reasons to be happy. Thanks to the ads she had been running in getaway lifestyle magazines, her inn remained fully booked. Her staff could be counted on to provide a top service. The chef she had hired could run the kitchen blindfolded. Her aunt enjoyed perfect health and while Eve could move into the inn, she preferred to remain living with Mira, at least until Mira gave her a nudge. Yes, she had many reasons to be happy.
“So, smile and be happy, Eve.” She pushed the edge of her lip upward and spent a few more minutes making sure her smile reached her eyes.
Looking up, she saw another car parked in the driveway. She didn’t recognize it. Then again, despite being somewhat of a recluse, her aunt had many friends and Eve couldn’t claim to know them all.
Parking the car, she strode up to the front porch and let herself in. Home, she thought. No matter what happened with Detective Jack Bradford, she would always consider Mira’s house as her home base. She and Jack had been taking it easy, enjoying each other’s company and letting things blossom without the strain of high expectations. Eve liked to think they were on the same path, headed in the same direction…
As she strode in, she set her handbag down, removed her jacket and hung it in the hallway closet. She expected to find Mira ensconced in her study working on her latest novel. As
always, she had a deadline to meet and, as it drew closer, Mira barely stepped out of her study.
Another reason to present a happy front. She didn’t want to mar Mira’s thinking with her petty grievances.
She strode along the hallway, past Mira’s office and as she reached the sitting room, she stopped.
Mira sat on a chair by the fireplace.
Her hands were clasped together. Her eyes were wide.
Eve drew in a breath and stepped back.
Had something happened? She didn’t think she was imagining it…
Mira looked frightened.
Eve slipped her hand inside her pocket and only then remembered she’d taken her coat off and…
She’d left her handbag on the hallway table along with her cell phone.
Frowning, she edged closer to the French doors leading into the sitting room. Mira’s gaze remained fixed on the opposite side of the room but Eve couldn’t see anyone from where she stood. She’d have to cross the hallway and gain a better vantage point. But that might alert the person or persons inside.
She tried to draw Mira’s attention by waving.
Finally, Mira saw her.
To Eve’s surprise, she sprung to her feet and said, “Here’s Eve.”
Eve didn’t think she’d imagined her tone. She’d sounded relieved. Almost as if she’d been counting down the minutes until Eve arrived.
Taking a determined step forward, she strode into the living room and followed Mira’s gaze to see what or who had put Mira so on edge.
Eve’s breath shot out of her. Her knees wobbled. If her legs could move, she’d grab Mira’s hand and flee for their lives…
Chapter Two
“I’ll make some tea.” Eve managed to get her legs to work.
“I’ll help you,” Mira said and followed Eve into the kitchen.
Once there, Eve looked toward the living room door to make sure their unwanted visitors hadn’t followed them. “How long have they been here?” Eve asked in a hushed whisper.