Killer Confections8 Delectable Mysteries(57)

“On the floor of Steve’s closet.”

Dave stared at it for a full minute before responding. “Gosh she was lovely. But why would Steve have a photo of her?”

“I have no idea. Could Steve be the older man she was seeing?”

Dave flipped the photo back and forth in his hand as he gazed out at the ocean. “Man, I never saw that one coming. I know Steve dated someone a while ago, but he said he broke up with her.” Dave’s eyes met mine. “I had the impression he was becoming interested in you.”

I rested my chin on my palms. “I kind of thought so myself. Especially after that last boat ride.”

And especially after that burning kiss.

I sure do know how to pick them.

“Hey, just because we found Keiki’s photo here doesn’t prove anything. It could be work related,” Dave said. “You know, for promotional reasons. She performed on his boat occasionally.”

“True.” Then I remembered a conversation from earlier today. “Amanda from the Sea Jinx said she saw Steve and Keiki together away from the boat on several occasions. Although she said the meetings took place awhile ago.”

Dave and I stared at each other.

“Do you still want to spend the night with Steve?” I asked.

Dave slumped in his chair. “I don’t know where to turn right now. I’m too exhausted to spend another night arguing with Regan, and now I’m not sure about staying here.”

“Why don’t you come back to my hotel? I’m sure Stan would let you bunk with him.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“C’mon, the worst that can happen is Stan will talk your ear off all night.”

“Or lend me his clothes.” Dave snickered as he stood and followed me back inside the condominium unit.

I was relieved Dave retained his sense of humor. I couldn’t imagine the stress he’d been under since the discovery of Keiki’s body less than six days ago. Dave gathered his things while I loaded our dirty dishes in Steve’s dishwasher.

Even suspects deserve to come home to a tidy kitchen.

We stepped into the elevator, which chugged down the three floors to the lobby. I could have made better time walking down the stairs. And if we’d taken the stairwell, we also wouldn’t have been so surprised when we reached the ground floor.

The doors opened with a clang, followed by an “oh shit” from my brother.

Steve looked as surprised as I felt. “Where are you two going? Dave, aren’t you spending the night?”

Dave froze in place, eyes wide. Lips silent.

Great. He picked a heck of a time to relinquish his big brother “I’m in charge” status to his baby sister.

“My mother was anxious to see Dave,” I explained. “She’s been beside herself with worry so we’re going back to the hotel.”

Steve looked surprised. “Did you get a room there?”

“No, I’ll stay with Stan,” said Dave.

That comment made Steve’s blond eyebrows merge into a bushy question mark. “Okay, buddy, whatever you want. It’s too bad ‘cause I invited some friends over for a poker game. I thought it might lift your spirits to hang with us. But I’m sure you’ll have an interesting time hanging with, um, Stan.”

“Maybe next time,” Dave replied. “This week has been pretty tough on Mom.”

“Sure, I get it. Hey, Laurel, can I have a word with you?”

Dave and I exchanged looks, but he waited while Steve and I walked out to the open-air lobby.

“I’m worried about your brother,” Steve said. “He told me about some of the stuff he shared with the cops. I hope the information won’t put him in any danger.”

So did I. Especially danger from the friend he’d shared the information with.

“I don’t know who Keiki’s murderer is, but they aren’t getting near my brother.”

Steve put his arm around my shoulder and drew me close. I swear I am the worst detective in the world. Here I was ready to put the guy in jail and throw away the key, and he still made me tingle.

I drew away from Steve. He looked perplexed but let me go. “So how will you keep Dave occupied for the next couple of days?” he asked.

I nibbled on my lower lip. “I hadn’t really thought that far ahead. Liz arranged an ATV tour of Waipi’o Valley tomorrow morning so we’ll try to include Dave.”

“That should be a great trip. I wish I could join you, but we have a morning snorkel sail.”

Steve’s comments and actions seemed so normal I decided my suspect meter must be broken. There was no way such a nice guy could kill anyone.

Dave called out. “Hey, Laurel, let’s get going.”