"The adventure is just beginning, Deputy.”
"I like the sound of that."
"I was thinking you might enjoy another adventure. Something more cultured.”
"Color me intrigued."
"I’ll keep it a secret for now. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but are you available this evening?”
"I certainly could be.”
"That sounds noncommittal. Perhaps you're not interested."
I laughed. "Oh, I'm interested.”
"Good. I'll have my driver pick you up at 7:30 PM.”
“Perfect. How shall I dress?"
"Wear something stylish. Look nice. I'm sure you'll have no trouble in that department."
"It's a date," I said.
“Caio.”
I ended the call and slipped the phone back into my pocket with a grin that couldn't be contained.
JD waited for me to spill the beans.
I told him about my plans, then called Cassandra. It went to voicemail, and I left a message.
We left the Nautilus and stopped by her apartment, but she wasn’t there. I called Isabella and asked her to track Cassandra’s phone, but it was off the grid and had been since the day of Evelyn’s murder. That raised a flag.
We went back to theAvventuraand chilled out for the rest of the afternoon. I got a workout in, took Buddy for a run, then took a shower and got ready for my date. I slipped into a nice Di Fiore suit, collared shirt, and shoes by Giancarlo Savini. I looked pretty dapper, if I do say so myself.
Marco picked me up in the Navigator at 7:30 PM on the dot.
I slid into the comfy leather seats in the back. "So, where are we going?”
"I'm not at liberty to say," he replied.
That was fine by me. I enjoyed the mystery of it all.
Marco drove through the streets of Coconut Key and pulled into the parking lot at the museum. He drove to the main entrance, put the vehicle in park, then hopped out and grabbed my door. I stepped out of the Navigator and adjusted my jacket.
"She's waiting for you inside the lobby," Marco said.
I thanked him and climbed the steps, then pushed in through the main doors.
Catalina looked delicious in a black, skintight cocktail dress that hugged her glorious form. A plunging neckline revealed a deep valley of cleavage adorned with a sparkling necklace. Her smoky eyes smoldered, and her full lips begged for attention.
She greeted me with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. "So glad you could make it. She took my arm and escorted me into the museum. "We have the place all to ourselves tonight.”
"That's a neat trick. How’d you manage that?”
She smiled. “I have friends in high places.”
A few security guards remained to look over the priceless artifacts. We took the steps up to the second floor and began the tour.
