Dead in the Water (Kate Ryan Mysteries Book 10) (9 page)

“She loves you,” he said quietly. “It must be love. I mean, you’re not the easiest—”

“That’s my point. Why? She could have any woman in this city.”

“She is a beauty. I’ll give her that. And intelligent. A doctor. And she’s got moolah.”

I rubbed my sternum. “You’re not helping.”

“But don’t ya see? If she could get all that, she’s not trying to. She’s sticking with you. She loves ya, you idiot.” He laughed and took another drink. “Do you really think she’d say no? You have to know her by now.”

“I don’t know. I guess so.”

“Look, I know you had a rough time with a couple women. And that one really did a number on you and your partner all those years ago. Bad enough to make you give up your PI business and become a nature photographer.” He laughed quietly. “Now that was a big change of direction from shooting a gun to shooting pictures.”

“Hey, I was good at it. I still am. Connie calls me every once in a while for freelance work…” I stopped when Dave raised an eyebrow. “You suck me into these ridiculous conversations every time.”

“My point is, you love Maggie. She loves you. Pop the question. The worst that can happen is she says no.”

“That’s what I’m saying!”

“Kate,” he continued quietly. “If she says no, that doesn’t mean she don’t love you….doesn’t love you. It just means maybe she needs time. But I think she’ll say yes. Hey, can you get married in Illinois?”

I chuckled at his curious tone. “That seems to be the popular question. Mr. Totino asked the same thing. Yes, we can get married in Illinois.”

“Great. There’s nothing to stop you but yourself and your own insecurities. Of which you have many.” He lifted his beer bottle.

“Thank you.”

“That’s what I’m here for.” He drained the contents of his bottle, tossing it in the can. He let out a quiet belch. “Now get out of here. I want to go home.”

He walked me to the door, then pulled me into a hug. “I love ya, Kate. You’ll do the best thing for you and your gal. And no matter what, you’re still the best PI in this city. Well, at least on Devon Avenue. Now beat it.”

“I love you, too, Dave. Thanks.” I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Good grief. Shave.”

He laughed and pushed me out the door. I walked back toward the office feeling better having talked to Dave and Mr. Totino.

“I get love advice from two men,” I said, shaking my head as I sauntered down the street.

By the time I got to the office, it was nearly four o’clock. Hannah had locked up; I stood there looking at my reflection in our window. I cocked my head as I gazed at my stupid self. I was getting grayer around the edges. I could afford to shed a few pounds. That hot dog didn’t help, I suppose, or the beer.

Maggie was in good shape. She went to the gym regularly, which on occasion, I found very annoying. I went with her—probably why it was annoying—but of course, I usually walked on the treadmill with a cup of coffee in one hand while concentrating on Maggie’s derrière.

I was about to get into my car when the heavenly aroma of coffee and cinnamon wafted over me. I sniffed the air like a basset hound and followed the scent to the Rising Sun Café. Lidia Walinski stood behind the counter laughing and talking with a few late afternoon customers when I walked in.

She looked up and smiled. “Hello, Kate. Come in, sit. I be right with you.”

I sat by the window, always feeling lucky to get that spot.

“What would you like?” she called out.

“Just coffee, thanks.”

Lidia scurried over after the customers left. She set the cup of steaming coffee down and a plate with a piece of pie on it. “You can’t just have coffee. I make this today. Is peach. Tell me what you think. You can be guinea pig.”

“Well, if it’s for science,” I said, digging into the warm pie. I rolled my eyes. “Heaven in pie crust.”

Lidia laughed and sat down opposite me. “Goot. I am glad. What brings you here?”

“The aroma of roasted coffee and cinnamon. I think you do that on purpose.”

She laughed again. “It cannot be helped. Is what we do.”

I continued eating the pie while she watched me. I must have had some odd look on my face that afternoon. Lidia cocked her head.

“How is it going with you?”

“Fine.”

“Fine, fine. What kind of answer is that? Tell me.”

I sat back. “Why does everyone think there’s something to tell this afternoon? First Mr. Totino, then Dave, now you.”

Lidia grinned. “Because we care about you. And you don’t come in too often. So there is something. Now what is it?”

I took another mouthful of peach pie and washed it down with the coffee. “I’m going to ask Maggie to marry me,” I mumbled into my coffee cup.

“That is it?”

“Isn’t that enough?”

“You! I thought there was something horribly wrong with you. This is wonderful news.”

I had to laugh at her enthusiasm. And suddenly, I felt the same way. “It is good news. Right?”

“Of course. You are in love, just like Toni and Alana. Is beautiful thing.” She frowned for a moment. “Can you marry in Illinois?”

I laughed, nearly choking on my pie. “Popular question. Yes, we can.”

“Goot! When will you do this?”

“I’m thinking of taking Maggie on a cruise this weekend.”

“Ooh. Bahamas?”

“No. Lake Superior.”

“Huh?”

I laughed again at her flummoxed posture and explained our hopefully romantic excursion on the Great Lakes.

“I never heard of such a thing. But if it works and she says yes, then it is goot.” She slapped the table and stood. “Now I have pastry to make for tomorrow. You enjoy. Is on the house.”

“No…”

“Yes, you are guinea pig. Goodbye. Give Maggie big kiss from me.”

“I will. Thanks, Lidia.”

I was stuffed after I ate that wonderful peach pie. I looked at my watch and jumped up.

“Good grief. It’s nearly five o’clock.”

I fished my keys out of my pocket and headed for home…and Maggie.

Oh, I’m so whipped.

Chapter 9

I ran up the stairs to my apartment. “Maggie?”

“In the bedroom.” She turned around when I walked into the room. “Where have you been? Hannah called and said we were meeting them for dinner. Are you all right?”

I pulled her into my arms and kissed her soundly. “That’s from Lidia.”

“Well, remind me to thank her.” Maggie laughed and returned my kiss. “You just have time for a quick shower. Then you’re going to tell me where you’ve been.”

“Deal.”

After a shower, I sat on the edge of the bed, thinking about my afternoon conversations with my friends. I realized how lucky and blessed I was to be able to have friends who cared about me and Maggie.

“What are you doing?”

Maggie’s incredulous tone broke my insane reverie. She stood in the doorway of our bedroom, watching me.

“What?” It was then I realized I was sitting on the bed—naked with the towel in my hand.

Maggie walked into the bedroom and stood in front of me. “What’s wrong with you lately?” She took the towel out of my hand and began drying my hair. “You seem preoccupied.”

I shrugged and didn’t answer, mainly because I was enjoying the attention and didn’t want her to stop, and to be honest, I was getting very aroused. When she stopped drying my hair, I looked up at her. “My hair is still wet.”

“Is everything all right?” She knelt down and absently ran her fingertips along the tops of my thighs.

“Everything is wonderful,” I said. “I’m really looking forward to this weekend.”

Maggie smiled and cocked her head. “So am I. We haven’t gone away for a nice weekend in a while. Are you sure you want to? I know we have this case.”

“Costello can handle it.”

Maggie parted my legs and leaned in…Oh, boy. “Good, because I like the idea of us being alone for the weekend. And Maureen seems very capable.”

“She is.” I sighed dreamily. “One of the reasons I agreed to start the PI…” Oh, who cares!

She leaned in farther and kissed me—immediate nipple erectus. I shivered uncontrollably when her dastardly tongue slipped into my mouth. All of the sudden, I was on my back with Maggie looming over me.

“Um…dinner’s at seven,” I said, trying to control my breathing. It was impossible with Maggie lightly running her fingers all over my breasts.

“We have plenty of time,” she whispered.

I lifted my head when she peppered light kisses down my torso.
 
“Good Lord,” I whispered as she parted my legs again.

I nearly had a heart attack when I felt her tongue against me. I reached down and ran my fingers through her thick hair, pulling her closer to me. My body jumped when I heard her mumbling or moaning against my inner thigh. I had no idea what she was saying, if anything; I was concentrating on not having a stroke.

What the hell. They can start dinner without us.

*******

I glanced at Maggie while I drove down Devon Avenue toward Matt’s Café. She had a smug, very self-satisfied look on her adorable face.

“Pleased with yourself?” I asked.

“As a matter of fact, I am.”

“You made me scream. I was never a screamer before you.”

“I know,” she said with a wide grin as she looked out the window. “I love when that happens.”

“I scared Chance.”

“She’s used to it by now.” She reached over and took my hand; I laced our fingers together and held on tight.

“We’re hopeless, you know,” I said, watching the road.

“Yep.”

We were laughing as I pulled in front of the restaurant. The valet met us at the curb.

“No joyriding,” I said as I tossed him the keys.

“You say that to a valet every time,” Maggie said as the valet pulled away.

“I do not.”

“You just don’t realize it.” She bumped shoulders with me.

“Smug.” I bumped shoulders with her in return but forgot how much smaller she was than I am. I reached for her when she stumbled headlong into the door. “Sorry, honey.”

Then someone opened the door, and she nearly got it right in the face. I tried not to laugh as I pulled her out of the way. “Let’s get you inside before something drastic happens.”

Maggie playfully glared at me—at least I assumed it was playful. “Usually, you’re the one running into doors.” She laughed then. “Stop pushing me.”

“Well, get going,” I insisted as I propelled her through the open door. “I’m starving.”

“You’re always starving.”

“Well, your lovemaking does that to me. Keep it up, and I’ll be a blimp before too long.”

Matt greeted us at the hostess desk. “You’re here at last. We were going to send a search party,” he said, pulling us both into a hug. “And you looked flushed.” He leaned into me and whispered, “Did you just have sex?”

“Hey!” I winced and looked around. I heard Maggie laugh behind me. “Will you just take us to the table?”

Matt slipped his hand in the bend of Maggie’s arm. “I love to tease Lady Ryan. And you look fabulous. Love the color.”

I dutifully walked behind them, inwardly hoping he’d trip. I’m very bad.

“Well!” Hannah said, raising her stemmed martini glass. “I was ready to put your faces on a milk carton.”

“Simon,” Maggie said affectionately. She met him halfway while Simon ran to her and pulled her into a hug. “You look well.”

Simon held her at arm’s length. “And you look lovely, Maggie. Just lovely.” He kissed her cheek. “And you must sit next to me.”

“Thanks,” Maggie said to Matt as he held out the chair for her.

“Now why are you late?” Hannah asked with a devilish grin.

“We got sidetracked.”

I sat next to her and immediately looked at Costello. “Don’t say a word.”

“Bottle of cabernet for the sidetracked couple, coming up,” Matt said as he walked away. “I know what you like.”

Hannah sighed along with Simon. “Young people in love always get sidetracked,” Hannah said to him with a saucy grin.

It was going to be one of those nights. I could feel it in my bones.

“Where’s Annabel?” Maggie asked.

“Oh, she had to work. Night shift for the next week. She sends her love, and as she put it, her extreme disappointment,” Costello said. “I’m a lucky woman.”

“I’ll say,” I said. “Where’s Phil?”

“He’ll be here shortly,” Hannah said, sipping her martini without jamming the toothpick through her eye. “He’s with a client.”

“So tell me.” Simon leaned forward. “Is Phil a suspect? It wouldn’t be the first time. You know what I mean. Doing your business partner in. Are you going to grill him when he gets here?”

“Look, Charlie Chan,” I said, leaning forward, as well. This emitted a laugh from Hannah. “He is not a suspect. We just need a little more insight into what Chad might have been into. So quit with the wisecracks, will you?”

Simon looked hurt as he sat back and picked up his martini; he absently brushed the back of his hand against his forehead. “There’s no reason to be rude, Kate dear. I was just asking. But I understand. I’ll refrain. Let’s talk about our excursion before Phil gets here and the night turns into a film noir.”

“Yes,” Hannah said. “What does the stateroom look like?”

“What does the ship look like?” I asked.

“I’m glad you asked.” Simon reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and pulled out several photos. “Pass them around. Photos of the staterooms, the ship, the dining hall. It’s quite elaborate.”

We did as instructed. From the photos, the ship looked huge, much bigger than the Wendella on Lake Michigan. And the staterooms were plush, so was the dining hall.

“How many staterooms?” Maggie asked.

“Five, which doesn’t sound like much. That’s for the overnight excursions. And having only five allows for the rooms to be much larger than on one of those cruise ships. But when we do day cruises, I’m told there’s enough room on board for over a hundred people.”

“So they pay for the day. It includes a meal?”

“Yes,” Simon said, sipping his martini. “Lunch, brunch, and or dinner. I’m told the dinner cruises are in big demand right now. And we have a full house for the weekend. And a very good chef on board, so I’m told.”

“How did you get into this?” Maggie asked as Matt approached the table with our wine.

“A friend of mine had the idea but not the financing. He’s a good fellow, and I think this is a good idea. Besides, I was getting bored running the inn.”

I watched the melancholy look flash across his face while he toyed with his glass.

“How’s Dr. Stockton?” I asked. Jack Stockton was the doctor in the small New England town where Simon lived; Simon was over the moon for him, and if I remembered, the feeling was mutual.

Simon smiled. “Jack lives in California now. He was offered a very good position at UCLA. So he took it. We both decided against a long-distance relationship. They very rarely work out. He’s very happy. And I’m happy for him.”

He sounded sincere, but Simon was very good at masking his feelings. I knew how that was. I mastered that long ago. It wasn’t until Maggie came into my life that I realized I didn’t have to hide the painful memories. I looked down at my hand when I felt Maggie’s hand on mine. She gave it an affectionate squeeze.

“So you’re single and own a cruise line?” Hannah asked. “You won’t be single for long.”

“Well, one ship does not a cruise line make, Hannah,” he said, raising his glass to touch hers. “But it’s a start. And if this maiden voyage goes as planned, there will be a few more ships at sea. That’s what Monty is hoping for anyway.”

“Monty?” I asked.

Simon elegantly pressed his napkin against his lips. “Winston Montague. And I thought Monty would be a better nickname than Winnie. He’s the one who’s starting this and who I’m financially backing. Well, me and a few other investors, who will be joining us for the weekend. Monty has high hopes and is a nervous wreck over this.”

“Why?” Hannah asked.

“I’m not sure. He doesn’t say much, but I presume it’s the money he needs. If this doesn’t go well…”

“I can see that,” Costello said. “Are we talking a great deal of money?”

Simon smiled and took a sip of his martini. “Oh, yes. Scads.”

Maggie laughed then and raised her glass. “Well, then I hope it works. I look forward to a nice romantic weekend.”

“So do I.” I touched the rim of our glasses. “And the food better be good.”

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

Phil Bledsoe stood there, looking I suppose for a place to sit around the already crowded table. We all scooted out of the way and made room for him. Simon raised an eyebrow when he glanced at me. I gave him the “down boy” look, which he took in stride. And by that, I mean, he ignored me.

“Not at all. We were just gabbing away,” Hannah said.

“Phil, this is Simon Merriweather. Simon, this is Phil Bledsoe.”