Killer Confections8 Delectable Mysteries(53)

When we arrived at the center, Tiffany was busy ringing up coffee purchases. Mother and Stan needed to visit the restrooms so they headed in that direction. I knew the offices were located in the back of the building, so I decided to find out if Regan had an update yet.

I walked through the closed back door into a short hallway. The first office, dark and empty, was presumably Victor’s. In the next, Regan sat behind a functional modern desk, hands clasped under her chin, peering at rows of tiny numbers on her computer screen. I knocked on her door, and she jumped.

“Laurel, you startled me. What are you doing back here?”

“I wanted to see if you’d heard anything new about Dave.”

“The attorney called a little while ago.” Regan leaned back in her chair and rubbed both eyes.

I sat in the one extra wooden chair in her tiny office. “This has to be so hard on you.”

“It’s a nightmare. In my heart I know Dave didn’t do it, but then sometimes I wonder…” Her voice trailed off, and her eyes widened. “I wonder if my husband did kill Keiki.”

I jumped up, put my hands on her desk and leaned over, our chins practically touching. “You can’t be serious. You believe your husband––my brother–– could commit murder? You two really do have a screwed-up marriage.”

Regan shrank back in her chair. “I don’t know what to think about my marriage. I can’t remember the last time Dave confided in me about anything.” She opened a drawer, grabbed a tissue and blew her nose. “And it’s been months since we’ve made love.”

Okay, this was awkward. Why did all of my family members feel obligated to share the details of their sex life, or lack thereof, with me?

Regan cleared her throat. “I better get back to work.”

“Will we see you tonight?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know how late I’ll be working. I’ve taken over some of Victor’s duties during his absence. We’ve had issues with our crops due to the borer beetle invasion, so we don’t have nearly the quantity of beans we thought we’d have for sale. Between Ritz’s spending for all the improvements and less coffee revenue than I anticipated, our bottom line isn’t looking good. I’ll be glad when Victor returns. Maybe he can figure out why there’s such a shortage.”

“That reminds me, Victor and Kiana invited us to Keiki’s memorial service. Are you going?”

Her face paled. “I suppose I have to or Victor will be offended. I’m sure Ritz and Pilar will attend as well. As for Dave…who knows if he’ll still be in jail or…?”

My cell rang. I picked up, hoping the caller would have an answer to Regan’s question.

“Hey, Steve. Do you have any news?”

“I do, but where are you?”

“We’re still at Koffee Land. I’m in Regan’s office right now.”

He paused for a few seconds. “Call me back when Regan isn’t around.”

I glanced at my sister-in-law who was listening intently to my end of the conversation.

“Sure, we’re leaving soon. Thanks for the call.”

Regan interrupted before I clicked to end the conversation. “Does Steve have any news?”

“Not really. He wanted to see how we were doing. I should leave you to your work.”

“Okay, I’ll keep you posted and please do the same if you hear something first.”

I hugged her good-bye then bolted down the hall and out the door leading into the center. Stan and my mother stood by the register chatting with Tiffany. I joined them.

“Do you have any news about Dave?” Mother’s voice cracked slightly and she dropped the bottle of passion fruit jelly she’d been holding. Tiffany caught the jar before the sticky substance could crash and explode all over the counter.

“I’ll update you in the car.” She paid the bill and I scurried out the door, with Stan and Mother on my footsteps. I was anxious to call Steve back and learn why he wanted Regan kept in the dark.

I dialed from the parking lot.

“Is it safe to talk?” Steve asked.

“I’m with Mother and Stan, getting in the car. Why are you acting so mysterious?”

“Try to stay calm and don’t let your mother get freaked out.”

If Steve thought that comment would calm me, he was wrong, because I was the one starting to freak.

“Dave will be released in an hour or so,” he said.

“That’s terrific news. But why can’t Regan…” I could feel my mother’s eyes boring into my head. “Do we need to pick him up?”

“No, I’ll get him. Basically, after talking to the police, Dave doesn’t want to be with Regan.”