He seemed relieved when we declined but still felt the need to explain his actions. Once again he pulled out his business cards.
“As you can see I work for a highly reputable company. We’ve been in the industry for more than fifty years.” He looked at Bridgy. “Didn’t you say you work at that café up the boulevard? I can drop off some brochures. Show you the quality of our resort designs. World of Luxury Spa Resorts is a company of international esteem.” He made a big show of staring at his expensive-looking wristwatch, plotting his escape.
“With all due respect, Mr. Kostos, we’re not interested in the quality of your company’s work. We’re interested in why you used our friend’s funeral as a place to try to cut a business deal. Passing out business cards at the church. Trying to negotiate a sale at the reception. It’s hard to believe that a company that conducts business in such a way could be well regarded by anyone.”
He turned beet red, pursed his lips and shook his head. “I told Ms. Gustavsen . . . But she’s, well, a bit overeager.”
Was that the best response he could come up with? Blame Rowena?
“Rest assured we’re Miss Delia’s friends, and we are going to let it be known far and wide that she didn’t want that land sold ever, to anyone.” I delighted in giving him a verbal smack down. And we turned to leave.
Kostos growled, “Like anyone is going to care what a couple of waitresses say. You environmentalist freaks don’t understand business.”
“Oh, we understand business, buddy. We own the Read ’Em and Eat. Decent companies don’t destroy nature; they work hard to coexist.”
Walking away, I flung over my shoulder, “You have a lot to learn about doing business here on the Gulf Coast.”
* * *
The next morning was hectic at the café, with patrons at every table and more than a half dozen boaters lined up at the counter waiting for box lunches for their group trip to Mound Key. We were all pressured by the hustle-bustle. While I was filling thermoses and she was bagging the take-out orders, Ophie joked, “Did Miguel say when he was coming back to work?”
The boaters left, promising that for their next day trip they’d call in their orders ahead of time. The early crowd began to thin, and the late risers straggled in for their breakfast. A few of the regulars asked how Miss Augusta was managing, which reminded me that we should check on her later in the day.
I was walking among the tables, refilling coffee cups, when Ryan came in. He stopped at the counter and signaled. Without so much as “hello,” he told me to get Bridgy and come outside.
I was remembering when Cady made me come outside to learn the awful news about Miss Delia. Ryan must have seen the dread on my face, and brushed away the worry, saying he had a happy surprise. Then he gave it away by asking us to bring out a saucer of milk.
Bow.
Bridgy told Ophie to watch the front and picked up a container of milk. I already had a saucer in hand.
A pet carrier with Fort Myers Beach Animal Rescue League stenciled on its side was sitting on the bench outside our door. Bow was wearing a ratty-looking green ribbon that had long since come undone, and her fur was dirty and matted, especially the long hair on her stomach and britches. We put some milk in the saucer, but when I reached to open the carrier, Ryan cautioned me.
“She was kind of feisty when we found her. Actually scratched the first guy on the scene.”
I unlatched the carrier door carefully and slid the saucer inside. Bow gave me a suspicious look and turned up her nose. So I turned up my nose and added, “Humph.” Two could play this game. I closed the carrier door thinking that once I moved out of sight she’d start to drink. I took a few steps away, and soon enough I heard Bow lapping up the milk.