If we can only be certain the mystery woman is Keegan, she might just lead straight to the killer, if she’s not the killer herself.
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day.
Maybe I’ll give her a personal invite to the not-so-little shindig taking place in the ballroom.
Cupid might be aiming his arrow at those looking for love, but I’m aiming mine straight for a suspect.
Here’s hoping I strike the killer right through their ice-cold heart.
Chapter 16
That infamous day that adulates love has finally arrived, and the entire inn is buzzing with excitement.
Jordy and I spent all afternoon making sure that the ballroom was a hot pink glittering spectacle per Bobbie and Lacey’s wishes.
Ironically, before I ever set foot into the ballroom, I called Keegan Merritt and set up her cuddling services for Jordy tonight, right here at the Perfect Pairing shindig. Odd, I know, considering I had already sold him off to Lacey. But I needed a cover to segue into getting Keegan to show up so I could ask her a few questions. I let her know that the event was open to the public and she shouldn’t let anyone bully her into not heading over. She said she’d think about it.
Diane and Lacey were here for hours this morning setting up clues and prizes for the scavenger hunt, and now that evening has finally descended upon us there are throngs of women running to and fro, laughing and squealing, as they hunt for the next object on their list. And judging by the sand that’s tracking over the floors, they have them running all over the cove as well.
I just hopped over to my cottage and slipped into a red lace dress with a sweetheart neckline that cuts off above the knee. I figured I could change into the wonky quilt dress Mackenzie and Gwyneth picked out for me, just before the ceremony. And no sooner do I step back into the foyer of the inn than I see canoodling in one another’s arms, Nessa and Grady.
Next to them it’s a free-for-all for Georgie’s sea glass ornaments as couples take them and head for the Valentine’s Day tree by the window. So much for Georgie raking in ten bucks a pop. But I’m not worried about the larceny taking place.
Sugar mewls as she nuzzles up against my chest, Aren’t they adorable?
Fish hisses, Bizzy doesn’t approve. I can tell by that beady-eyed look she’s giving them.
“I’m not giving them a beady-eyed look,” I whisper. “I’m trying to come to terms with the fact that my guests will most likely be treated to this scene each time they walk over to the reception counter.”
Sherlock growls, Go ahead and fire them if you want to, Bizzy. They can’t even lick one another properly. Fish and I can take over their duties at the inn.
Fish yowls, We can’t take over their duties. We don’t have opposable thumbs. Besides, who would want to stand on their feet for eight hours straight?
It’s ten hours. Sherlock gives a soft bark. I’ve heard Grady say that Bizzy works them like dogs.
Lovely.
Grady’s hands grope their way around Nessa’s body and I groan.
“All right, you two. I’d say get a room, but I’m afraid you’ll take me up on it.”
Grady and Nessa part ways with goofy grins.
“Room thirteen is still available,” Grady says as he winks over at Nessa. “Don’t worry, Bizzy. I’m kidding.” He shakes his head over at Nessa because clearly he’s not. “Why don’t you two head to the dance? I’ll work the desk tonight.”
“Really?” Nessa’s eyes grow wide. “Thank you, Grady. I’ll find some way to make it up to you.” She moves in close and licks her lips his way before taking off for the ballroom and Sherlock follows after her.
“That was nice,” I say. “All right. At some point in the night, when you hear a nice slow song bellowing over the speakers, go ahead and put up the sign.”
The sign in question lets the guests know that we’ve stepped away from the desk, but if they’re in need of service to call or text. And the number it leads to happens to be mine. It’s the same sign I put up each night when I go to bed.
“A slow song?” He looks completely baffled by my suggestion.
“Yeah, you know, one you and Nessa can dance to as a couple. It’s Valentine’s Day. It would be a perfectly romantic gesture. Nessa would love it.”
Grady tugs his lips to his side. “I guess I could. But Nessa and I are just having fun. Trust me. She doesn’t care about a silly dance.” Unless we’re dancing in the sheets. That goofy smile floats back to his lips.
Fish pats my chest with her paw. This is going to end badly, isn’t it?
“You got that right,” I whisper.
I speed my way over to the ballroom and the chandeliers have been dimmed, the pink twinkle lights give the room a dreamy illumination, and there are bouquets of pink mylar balloons in the shape of hearts hovering over the refreshment table, as well as over the altar that Jordy constructed at the front of the room. Stretched above that, a larger banner with pink shimmering letters reads Welcome to the Perfect Pairing Valentine’s Day Soiree.
The music is pumping, people are dancing, and it’s wall-to-wall bodies—a surprisingly even split of women and men. It’s clear Bobbie and Lacey’s ardent fans have followed instructions and found themselves a perfect pairing indeed, at least for the night.
“There’s Bobbie,” I whisper to the cats in my arms.
Come on, Sugar, Fish says, using my chest as a springboard, and Sugar does the same on her heels. Let’s enjoy our last night together before you get shoved into a purse or something.
I say we eat cookies! Sugar calls out as the two of them dart underneath the refreshment table.
Near the back of the room a thick crowd is gathered around both Bobbie and Lacey as they laugh and regale their fans with
