After a couple of encores, the band came offstage a sweaty mess.
Throngs of groupies flocked, looking for autographs, pawing the guys. The band soaked up the adulation. Few things in life are better than being a pseudo-rock star after a show.
To my surprise, Tiffany squeezed her way through the crowd and slinked past the security guy. His job was to selectively filter out people.
I did a double-take. "Funny seeing you here.”
"I thought I'd come out and support. I can be a fan, can't I?"
"The more, the merrier.”
Jack signed a few autographs, then caught sight of Tiffany. I think he was as surprised to see her as I was. "To what do we owe the pleasure?”
She shrugged, then looked at the ground sheepishly before looking up at Jack with those big blue eyes. I had no doubt Tiffany's shy, starstruck routine was well-rehearsed. "I have a confession to make.”
I didn't think she was going to admit to murdering her husband. It wasn't that kind of confession.
"I've been a fan of Wild Fury for a while now. I love how you capture the ’80s nostalgia, but it still somehow feels fresh and new.”
Jack smiled. "You know, we're just a group of guys having fun.”
"It shows."
Crash interrupted and asked me, "Is it cool if we bring people back to the boat?“
"Keep it a small event."
Crash scoffed. "Of course."
I gave him a doubtful look. I'm sure he had invited half the female population already. But I wasn't going to complain.
He looked at Tiffany. "You should join us."
Crash could barely keep his tongue in his mouth. Tiffany was mouthwatering.
"Crash, I don't think you've met Tiffany," I said.
He extended his hand to shake.
I continued, "This is Coach Madison's wife."
"Oh. Well, bring your husband along." Crash hadn't been keeping up with the news.
"My husband's dead."
"Even better!” He cringed, then cleared his throat after realizing his faux pas. "I mean, I'm so sorry for your loss.” He made a somber face. “I think the social interaction might be good for you.”
He rebounded quickly.
Tiffany smiled. "Thank you for your concern and kind words.” She looked at me. "If it's okay with Deputy Wild, I'd love to join the party.”
"Why wouldn't it be okay?" Crash asked with a knitted brow.
"Tiffany was a person of interest at one point in time,” I said.
Crash looked surprised, then surveyed Tiffany. "She’s definitely a person of interest, alright. But no. No way she's a killer. A heartbreaker, maybe, but not deadly.”
Tiffany chuckled. "I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or be offended."
