The Bridal Bouquet. Tara Randel
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him.” The chief craned his neck, his gaze hunting over the people assembled. “His sister is by the fire. Over there, talking to two other women.”
Dylan searched in the direction the chief pointed out, his chest tightening when he saw Kady, the woman from the wedding. Just to be sure, he asked, “Her name?”
“Kady Lawrence.”
“You don’t say.”
The chief shot him a sharp look. “You know her?”
Dylan shook his head. “Only met her briefly at my cousin’s wedding.”
“She’d be the one delivering the flowers.” The chief squinted, like he was searching his memory. “She got into some mischief as a kid, but nothing serious. She works at the family flower shop. Nothing to tie her to her brother’s activities besides the family business.”
But there was a connection and Dylan never took opportunities like this for granted. Kady’s brother might be innocent, but he was a solid lead Dylan planned on pursuing. Spending time with Kady to get to the truth was an added bonus.
The few minutes they’d spent talking at the reception had him thinking about her on and off all day. She’d managed to snag and hold his attention, something that rarely happened when he was deep in a case. Well, he wasn’t technically on a case, but he had been focused on Esposa for the past few months. She might not have any tie to this investigation, but now he had an excuse to seek her out. Not that he’d reveal a thing. He still intended to keep his cover hidden until he learned anything useful.
Watching Kady laugh with her friends, Dylan resisted the urge to pull her from the group and question her. Because he wanted to be near her again? Smell her sweet perfume? Slow down, Matthews. She’s part of the puzzle.
The chief’s voice cut into his thoughts. “Got a local PI by the name of Max Sanders keeping an unofficial eye on things. He helps me out from time to time when I’m down on manpower. Good guy. You’ll probably want to speak to him.”
Dylan nodded, tucking the information away. “Thanks, Chief. I really appreciate you filling me in.”
Hands on his hips, legs spread in a military stance, the chief said, “Look, Matthews, I don’t have anything substantial to book these guys on, let alone connect them to Esposa. I haven’t searched the boats because I don’t have cause to. On top of that, your guy hasn’t been seen around here. This could be a complete misunderstanding.”
“Even strange boats in the marina?”
“I don’t know for sure if they’re involved in illegal activities or transporting drugs. It could simply be some fishermen I haven’t met before, looking for a place to drop their lines.”
Dylan watched the chief, his gut churning. The older man said one thing, but his eyes said another. He suspected the events were connected; he just couldn’t act on it. Yet.
“But you don’t think so.”
The chief went silent for a long moment. “No. I don’t.”
“Then we keep investigating. By the book.”
The chief shook his head. “You aren’t gonna give up on this, are you?”
“Not until I find the guy who killed my partner.”
The chief puffed up his cheeks and blew out a breath. “I get it, but I gotta say, be careful.”
“Always.”
Loud voices carried over the crowd, catching their attention. The chief perked up, his gaze assessing the situation on the other side of the bonfire. A heated argument between two burly guys looked like the makings of a fight. “Gotta get to work. Stay in touch.”
As the chief lumbered away, Dylan stared at the fire, lost in his thoughts. A group of women deep in conversation caught his eye, Kady among them. A strong protective streak swept over him, reminding the agent in him why his job was so important. But the urge to see her again reminded him that he was attracted to this woman. The brief encounter at the reception wasn’t long enough. Another chance to talk to the pretty lady presented itself and he wasn’t going to squander the opportunity.
* * *
WILL LAWRENCE STARED at the numbers, his eyes blurring. The dim lighting didn’t help. He could look at them a million more times but nothing would change. He needed more work, or a miracle, to replace the money in his family’s accounts.
He’d been an idiot. Knew better than to fall for get-rich-quick schemes. He’d been lured in by the promise of easy cash, sure this onetime venture would secure retirement not only for his folks, who’d worked for years to support their children, but also for Kady and himself. Flat out, he’d been played. Now he found himself in serious trouble.
Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
His granddad’s old saying. What would the old man say now if he knew what Will had done? Getting involved in an investment through the friend of a friend was a risky choice, but with his parents talking seriously about retiring, he’d hoped to add more funds to their portfolio.
From the partially open office window, Will heard a commotion from the beach, a mere block away. Rubbing his eyes, he stood and crossed the room. Stared outside. Normally he’d be part of the rowdy crowd, enjoying his friends. Joking around like he didn’t have a care in the world.
All that changed three months ago. It felt like a lifetime.
He turned, going back to his desk. He’d reviewed his personal budget, but even drastically changing his lifestyle wouldn’t be enough to make a difference. His only hope was the two appointments set up for next week. Through the grapevine he’d learned the country club needed a new bookkeeper. It was a big job, meaning lots of extra hours on top of his already established practice, but he would do it. If he was offered the job.
Then there was Jenna at Charming Delights Catering. Her business had grown quickly, so he scheduled an interview for next week. Every new account he could secure would help in the long run.
He’d already picked up additional work at the marina. Lined up some safe investments, which would bring in close to half of what he owed, except it took time. He was amazed at how quickly one could lose a bundle of money versus it slowly trickling back. But he had no one but himself to blame.
Slumping in his chair, he scanned the room. Anything else beat concentrating on the unchanging numbers. His gaze came to a screeching halt when he viewed the diplomas on his office wall. Top-ten college. Graduated summa cum laude. His CPA accreditation. First in his class.
What good was it all now? If word got out that he’d lost his own family’s money, his reputation would be useless. Unless he fixed the situation. Fast.
This morning, when his sister balked at selling the shop, he’d been relieved. If his folks reconciled their true financial situation, they would learn money was missing. Demand explanations. Wanting his parents to be set when they retired was a lame excuse for his losing their money, even if it was true. They would be disappointed in him, with cause. He’d let them down. Thank goodness they didn’t have a clue.
But instead, Kady’s argument about running the shop saved him. Changing their parents’ minds bought him more time. They could go on a much-needed vacation and enjoy themselves. He would make it up to them no matter how long it took.
Kady managing the shop and weddings would keep her in the dark as well. He actually agreed with her vision, was happy she finally settled down to make a wise career choice. They didn’t usually see eye to eye, but her plan to build up their wedding market share made sound financial sense. Her business plan was good, as were her projections. She could actually make a name for The Lavish Lily since his parents wanted out. He was proud of her.
He only hoped he hadn’t ruined her dreams.
* * *
KADY’S EYES BURNED as the bonfire smoke blew in her direction.