They settled at a pair of tables on the far side of the patio.Shelley forced a smile as she surveyed the Square.She had an ace up her sleeve, something they didn't know yet.Something that would leave Gray with no choice but to let her stay with him.But she'd save that card for the right moment.
"So, Shelley," Cici began, her voice casual but her eyes sharp, "you said the funding committee sent you here.That's surprising.Gray just submitted another round of data, and they extended his contract another two months.You're the one who handles the analysis, right?"
Shelley smiled thinly.She could hear the restraint in Cici's tone and knew she was fishing.Fine, she'd play along.
"Yes, that's me.Well, my roommate Katie helps sometimes, but it's mostly me.I'm sure once we process everything, it'll all be fine.But for now, the committee had concerns, and with the lab empty, it made sense to send me here to help Gray."
Shelley clamped her mouth shut, realizing her mistake, but it was too late.Cici's expression sharpened, and Declan leaned forward, his interest piqued.
"What do you mean, the lab is empty?"Cici asked, her tone deceptively light."Where are the research teams?"
"Oh, you know," Shelley said quickly, waving a hand."They've got a lot on their plates."She glanced around."Where's the washroom?I drank too much water, and this heat is something else!"
Cici nodded toward the back."Over there.Should I order you a drink, or have you had enough for today?"Her smirk told Shelley everything she needed to know.Cici wasn't buying her story.
"Just water, thanks," Shelley said, standing abruptly.She headed toward the restroom but kept scanning her surroundings, looking for an exit.
As soon as she disappeared, Declan turned to Cici."What do you think she meant by 'the lab is empty'?"
"I don't know," Cici admitted, frowning."But we're getting answers as soon as she gets back."
"And then we need to figure out where she's staying.I haven't even told you all the weird questions she was asking me when I was touring her around!"Declan added, but his attention drifted.He glanced around the Square and frowned."Does it seem busier than usual to you?"
Cici followed his gaze.The Square buzzed with activity, far more crowded than on a typical weekday."That's odd.Did more than one cruise ship dock today?"
They exchanged uneasy glances, their curiosity growing.Meanwhile, Shelley slipped out through the back of the restaurant, unseen.She had things to set in motion, and she needed to retrieve her luggage before anyone stopped her.
Chapter 56
More questions
"Whereshouldwestart?"Marta asked as Daniel drove along the island's main road.Frustration tinged her voice."Who would be dumb enough to bring someone out here without telling us?Everyone on the island knows you don't just show up at the Lagoon unannounced."She sighed."Did you even hear a boat?I didn't.Maybe someone drove her there, but that makes no sense either."
Daniel glanced at her."You saw her, right?One of those young guys at the harbour wouldn't say no to her.I can hear it now--'Oh, I just need a little favour.'"He mimicked a syrupy Southern accent, drawing a reluctant smile from Marta.
"Fine, maybe.But when did she get here?Where's she been staying?Why come at all?"Marta stared out the window, her frustration mingling with disappointment."I hate this."
"We'll figure it out," Daniel reassured her."First stop: the booth.Then, we grab her luggage and find her somewhere to stay.No way she's bunking with Gray, or me, for that matter."
"Oh, she's not staying with me!"
Daniel chuckled."I wouldn't wish that on anyone.But we need answers.Let's go."
They pulled up to the booth, where Greta greeted them with her usual cheer."Hey!What brings you two here?Closing early today?"
Greta grew up on the island and was its longest employee at the booth, having been there since the beginning almost 8 years ago.She was calm even with the prickly tourists.And her cool demeanour won them over every time.It was an invaluable skill when dealing with people from all over the world every day.
"Not exactly," Marta replied, her tone lower."We've got a mystery to solve."
"Oh, you know I love a good mystery!"Greta laughed, but her expression sobered at their serious faces."What's going on?"
Daniel leaned against the counter."Someone showed up at the Lagoon today, and she works with Gray back in California.She claims a 'young man' brought her there, but we don't know if it was by car or boat.She says she got here today, and her luggage is supposed to be here with you."
Greta glanced at the back of the booth, frowning."Well, no luggage here, just my stuff.And if she arrived today, that's odd.There aren't any flights onto the island today.What does she look like?"
As Marta described Shelley, Daniel added, "She mentioned equipment, too."
Greta nodded slowly."I saw someone earlier, carrying a bag that looked out of place.I'm pretty sure she went into the Conch Shack.If she got to the lagoon two hours ago, whoever brought her must've realized their mistake and left quickly."
