The Missing Dough(32)

“Nothing much,” I said as I applied the sauce. “Why? Did they say something to you?”

“That’s just it. She’s sitting there in silence, and he looks like he’s afraid to take a breath without permission. On second thought, that’s how I’d like all my exes to be.” Maddy realized what she was saying, and she quickly added, “I didn’t mean it that way. I wasn’t Grant’s fan, but I’m still sorry that he’s dead. You know that, don’t you, Eleanor?”

“Of course I do,” I said as I came from behind the counter and hugged her. “You don’t have anything to explain to me. No matter what, I’ve always got your back, Maddy.”

“I know that. As a matter of fact, I count on it,” she replied as she hugged me back briefly and then let go. “What do you suppose they want to talk about?”

“Is there any doubt in your mind? It has to be about what happened to Grant last night.”

“But why should they want to talk to us?” Maddy asked as I loaded on the toppings and then sent the pizza through the conveyor oven.

“I’m guessing they’re in hot water with the police. Who knows? Maybe they saw us talking with Kevin Hurley and think we can help them, or maybe they’ve even heard about our crime-busting ways. I, for one, am glad that they showed up, whatever their reasoning is. It saves us the trouble of tracking them down ourselves.”

“How hard should we push them?” Maddy asked as she picked up a sub that was waiting to be delivered.

“Let’s take it easy at first. If things start to stall, we can always up the ante a little. Agreed?”

“As always, I defer to your judgment,” Maddy said with no expression at all.

She held that look for barely one second before she burst out laughing, and I was not far behind her.

Josh came through the kitchen door just then and asked, “What’s going on?”

“More complications,” I said.

“I was hoping to get something to eat before you break for lunch,” he admitted. “That sub looks pretty good.”

“Sorry. It’s for a customer,” I said, “but if you deliver it, I’ll make one for you, too. How does that sound?”

“Wonderful. By the way, what were you two laughing about when I came in? If you know something I don’t, I’d love to share in the joke myself.”

“We were just being silly,” Maddy said. “Don’t mind us.”

“Hey, as long as I’m not the target, I’m a happy camper.” He reached for the sub. “Let me take that. You two can hang out some more.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got it,” Maddy said as she evaded his grasp. Maddy paused at the door and winked at me. “Thanks, Sis.”

“You’re most welcome.”

Josh looked at me as he said, “You know, you two are the main reason I wish I had a sibling myself.”

“You and Greg are close, aren’t you?” I asked as I started cleaning up.

“Sure we are, but there’s nothing like blood, is there?”

“No, sir, there’s not. How many tables are full out there?” I knew he’d notice. Once you were used to monitoring a dining room, it was a tough habit to break.

“There are still three sets of customers, but I’m guessing that everyone left will be finished in less than five minutes, except for the pizza you just made.”

It was time to make an executive decision. “Do me a favor, would you? Flip the sign and lock the door. With any luck at all, Maddy and I will be getting out early for lunch.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Josh said as he hurried back out into the dining room.

I had a feeling that we were going to need all of the time that we could muster for this particular lunch hour. Not only did we need to speak with Samantha and Kenny Stout, but I also wanted to have a few words with Bernie Maine, if we could find him, that is. I had a hunch the man might be a bit elusive after what had happened to one of his business partners the night before, but if he was still in our part of North Carolina, Maddy and I would find him.



I plated and cut the pizza for Samantha and Kenny and grabbed some plates. I’d sent Josh on his way, with his sub and a soda, so the four of us had the place to ourselves.

Maddy was out front wiping down the tables and cleaning up in general, and she cut me off before I got too close to the exes.

“Have you been talking to them yet?” I asked her quietly.

“No. I decided to wait for you.”

“That’s a remarkable show of restraint on your part,” I told her.

“Well, one of the reasons I waited was because they wouldn’t answer any questions until the four of us were all together,” she replied with a grin.