Northwest Rendezvous

CHAPTER 1

She stood there, staring at the light from the neon fixture reflecting in the still, crimson pool. The shock of finding the body had her mind working slower than usual. Callie could feel her heart thudding as her gaze again fell on the dead woman lying at her feet. The coppery smell made her slightly nauseous. She wanted to run away but, as time and reality regained their normal speed, she thought I should be doing something.

Only this morning the dead woman had sent an e-mail saying that she needed to speak to Callie about an important matter. The message had seemed a little odd because it had been sent from her smart phone instead of her work computer and had been signed ‘Trish’ rather than the usual ‘Patricia Martins’.

Callie wondered what the important matter might have been. Surely, it had to do with her request to sell Farmington’s Fabulous Pastries. Ms. Martins wouldn’t have any other reason to contact her. She was prepared to have her application rejected but not to find a dead woman in the otherwise deserted office suite on the third floor.

Callie slowly took out her phone and deliberately dialed 9-1-1. How do you report something like this without sounding like a character in a TV show? she wondered. When the operator answered, she automatically said, I want to report a murder.

Detective Alvin Baines sat across from Callie and waited patiently for her to have another sip of water. He thought he could see shock behind the composed mask of her face. He noticed that she held her lithe body rigidly erect. It was an exaggeratedly proper, business-like posture. She’s probably around 29 or 30. he speculated. Her hair had a distinct auburn tint which accented her skin tone and deep green eyes. Good eyes, smart eyes. They take in everything around her. he mused.

But Baines was unimpressed by Callie’s manner of dress. He didn’t go in for the casual Northwest look that was so popular in the Seattle area. He preferred women to be ‘feminine’ in their dress. Low boots, jeans, and a crisp white blouse may do it for the tech weenies but he liked a woman in a skirt or dress.

Back to business. Baines thought. Okay, so she sent you a message this morning, right? He studied her face for any sign of change as she answered the question for the third time.

Callie stared at the detective for a moment. He was of middling height and what some people politely referred to as comfortably overweight. His sports jacket was clean and pressed but definitely out of style. The skirt pockets bulged slightly. He had a ruddy complexion that ran up to his thinning hair. What she noticed the most were his eyes. They were clear and penetrating. It struck her that they could probably peer into someone’s soul to see the truth.

She nodded. Right. And like I told you before, I don’t know what she wanted to talk about. She just said that it was important. She was growing weary of this man’s asking the same questions over and over. Was he just slow or did he actually believe that she would kill Trish Martins and then calmly report it to the police?

And, when you got here, you found the body and called 9-1-1. And you didn’t touch anything. Right? Baines was looking at his notebook now, not writing in it.

Like I said the last two times, I didn’t touch anything. I did sit down in this chair because the 911 operator told me to wait here until the police arrived.

You see, that’s strange because someone has been through her things. Baines stared accusingly at her. We found her cell phone and tried to look up someone to call about her. Funniest thing, there was nothing in the phone. Not even the message that she supposedly sent to you. Baines leaned forward. It wasn’t really a menacing gesture but it wasn’t friendly either. And, d’you know why there was nothing in the phone? His gaze bored through her.

If the phone was powered but there is no data, I would guess that the SIM card has been removed. Callie stared right back at him. And, before you decide that I took it out because I figured that out, I think you should know that I am something of a geek, so I know about things like SIM cards.

She was growing impatient and a little nervous about where this line of questions was going.

Detective Baines was trying to decide whether he believed her on not when a uniformed officer walked up to him. The officer had a large plastic bag in his left hand. Inside the bag was a woman’s handbag. Callie noted that it was stylish but not expensive. It looked like one of those designer wannabes that you find in the discount stores.

As Baines took the bag the officer said, We found this in a dumpster about a block away. I looked inside it and it seems to belong to our victim.

Baines ripped off the top sheet of the blotter calendar on the desk. Then he dug into the bulging side pocket of his sports jacket and extracted a pair of latex gloves. As he donned the second glove, it snapped definitively against his wrist. He removed the handbag from the plastic and opened it carefully.

What? Callie thought. Is he expecting it to bite?

Baines lifted the dead woman’s wallet out of the handbag. He carefully examined it, turning it from side to side as if looking for something.

Ah! You’re making sure that there isn’t anything important sticking to it! Callie was suddenly aware that she had spoken her thoughts aloud.

Baines gave her an annoyed look. Yeah. Like maybe a long hair – your color maybe? He sneered, seeing if he could provoke a rise from her.

Detective, I told you, I have waited here since I called. She sounded just a bit defensive, even to herself. I am sure that a firm this size has video surveillance. The tapes will prove that I did not leave the building.

Well, they would but the system is down. Right now, everyone is relying on the roving security personnel and the card reader system for the executive elevator. Baines paused for a minute, mulling over a bit of information before he continued. However, we do have the time that you clocked in at the desk. And we know the time you contacted 911 to report finding the body. And we know when the first unit got on scene. There really isn’t enough time for you to have slipped out, dumped the purse, and then slipped back in to be here when the uniforms got here. He gave a slight shrug. Guess that puts you to the back of the suspect list for now. Not off the list, but at the back."

Detective Baines placed victim’s wallet on the clean calendar page. He opened it and began examining its contents. There were the usual items, driver’s license, credit cards, coffee hut punch cards, grocery lists, crumpled receipts, and a wrapper from some breath freshening gum. From a back pocket, Baines extracted a photograph of two young girls. He looked at it thoughtfully, turned it over, and then set it down, face up on the blotter.

No phone numbers, no ICE info. he said.

Callie was stunned by the photo. More stunned than she had been when she found Trish Martins’ body. ICE? she mumbled.

Yeah. In Case of Emergency – ICE. Baines replied. Hey, are you alright? He was suddenly aware that the color had drained from Callie’s face. You look a little green.

Callie barely heard him. His voice suddenly sounded muffled. She felt light headed and her stomach clenched as time and reality slammed into low gear again. She couldn’t get the photo out of her mind. She didn’t dare stare at it or she would just arouse Baines’ suspicions again.

Huh? She came back to an awareness of what he was asking. Oh, yeah, fine. I just didn’t get lunch and I’m feeling a bit queasy. She lied to buy time to think. Are we done here? she asked. I really need to get going. It’s a bit of a drive home.

Sure. Baines’ reply held a note of genuine concern.

You’re okay to drive aren’t you? he asked.

Yeah, I’ll get something to nibble on and I’ll be okay. Callie rummaged through her purse for her car keys.

Baines wondered if she had some kind of blood sugar issue but he hadn’t seen any of the things in her purse that you would expect to find if she were diabetic or someone with hypoglycemia. Okay. And let us know if you have any plans to leave the area.

Right, don’t leave town as they say in the movies. Callie stood up to leave. She tried to make the furtive look at the photograph on the desk blotter look casual. There was no doubt about it. The little girl with the blond curls was her. But who was the other girl?

CHAPTER 2

It had been little more than a week since she found the lifeless body of Trish Martins and her life was starting to seem almost normal. Callie had been compulsively following the news about the murder. There was the sensational reporting right afterward. Last week there had been a press conference where a police spokesman said that they had some leads that they were following up on but that it was too soon to name any suspects. Now there wasn’t any mention of it at all, which was just fine with her.

She really hadn’t expected it, but Will seemed like he was trying to be a help through all of this. It turned out that he knew someone on Detective Baines’ department. Will’s friend had kept him informed about the case.

Callie had met Will shortly after moving to Bellington. He was on the city council and quickly became a regular at her coffee stand. When he introduced himself, he joked that he made it a point to know about ‘strangers’ in his town. It was kind of corny but kind of cute as well. Will told her that, being a former cop, old habits died hard and with no doughnut stand in town, he had to hang out somewhere. She liked that Will seemed to be able to laugh at himself. Yet, somehow, the humor didn’t always ring true. There was a lot about himself that he kept hidden.

After a several chats at the coffee shop, Will asked her out to dinner at one of the nicer restaurants in town and she had agreed. Since then, they had shared a number of meals out together. Callie noticed that Will always behaved like a gentleman and seemed to be interested in her as a person. She was glad to have a friend in town and it was comforting to know that he had asked his police friends to keep an eye on her new business.

At some point, Callie noticed that her relationship with Will was moving very quickly; a bit more quickly than she liked at times. She was a strong, capable woman who welcomed other people’s input but she also claimed the right to choose the path that was right for her. It wasn’t that she didn’t like strong men, she did, but Will had a way of getting people to do what he wanted, despite their personal inclinations. His manner of taking control was insidious, virtually undeniable, and unnervingly effective.

Before she was even aware of it, Callie had slipped into a situation with Will that was a lot more intense than she intended. It was great fun to be out with him. He took her to nice places, places she wouldn’t have gone to on her own. But there was also something missing between them.

About the same time, she noticed that Will was pushing to occupy more and more of her time and attention. She worried that he saw their relationship differently than she did. It didn’t seem to matter to him that the ‘spark’ wasn’t there or that it seemed unlikely it ever would be. Even though Will was a good looking guy, financially secure, and possessed of a boyish charm, she realized that she would only ever think of him as a friend. To let him down gently and show him that she didn’t harbor any romantic feelings toward him, Callie began to spend more time with her expanding circle of friend and to occasionally turn down his invitations.

However, she did continue to see Will and recently, over dinner and a little too much wine, Callie told him about how she had been forced out of her first coffee stand. Wine sometimes made her feel a bit maudlin and it allowed the past to encroach on a bit on her otherwise positive outlook.

She started at the very beginning, telling Will how she had convinced the manager of the grocery store to let her set up just outside the front doors of the store. In return for the space, she worked at being a great ambassador for the store. She made a point of telling her customers about the specials inside and eventually, her business boomed because people would stop and get the ‘insider’ information from her over a beverage.

After a few months, the manager was able to see an increase in his own business that could be directly attributed to Callie’s coffee cart. He approached the corporate heads with Callie’s idea of actually putting a coffee bar/café inside the front doors of the store. Of course, he didn’t tell them that it was her idea but, as long as it worked out for everyone, Callie didn’t feel the need to take credit.

Things really picked up once she was inside the grocery store. Callie offered the store’s in house baked goods to her coffee customers. They were a popular accompaniment to her beverages and Callie always directed her patrons to the bakery in far back corner of the store so they could take some home with them as well. The manager wouldn’t allow her to offer sandwiches and soups since her café was close to the deli. The café’s proximity to the deli naturally drove traffic there and the manager didn’t want a ‘middle man’ eating away at his deli operation’s profits.

Despite this restriction, things were working out well for Callie. She was able to put some money aside and it looked like her dream of going to school and becoming a systems engineer was getting a lot closer. Callie’s plan was to build up the coffee business, open a freestanding café and then, when the time was right, sell the works and go to school. She had been fascinated with computers since an early age and demonstrated a native ability to get them to do things that really wowed other people. But, like with most things in her life, the situation changed abruptly for the worse.

It seems that the supermarket’s corporate heads really liked the way that her café was drawing customers. And, as with most corporate decisions, someone had decided that if an ‘unknown’ could make that much of a change, what would a ‘name brand’ do? So, on one particularly sunny June day, the manager came by to tell her that she had sixty days to vacate the space. Her café was being replaced by one of the new Farmington’s Fabulous Pastry Cafés. Even to this day, she could remember the sun dimming as her world turned upside down.

Once she recovered from the shock of having her dreams destroyed, Callie slipped into her analytical computer mode, as she liked to think of it. She decided to start again but this time with a freestanding drive through coffee hut. It would take all her saved money but she had a plan. Farmington’s did have wonderful pastry but their coffee was mediocre at best and they couldn’t match her personality or customer service. That is when she struck on the idea of handling Farmington’s Fabulous Pastries herself. She would beat them at their own game; and with their own ball.

As Will listened and made supportive comments; Callie could sense an emotion bordering on rage building within him. It only lasted a moment and then his rigid self control kicked in. In a tone that was eerily calm he said, Well, I’m not surprised that Farmington is still pushing the little guys around.

They ruined my family long, long ago and it seems like they’re still trying to ruin people. Will slowly, deliberately took another sip of wine. She could see him checking to see if his self control was intact. His anger seemed so out of place amid the atmosphere of the restaurant. Of course, they were at the best table on the patio. The soft summer breeze, smell of the ocean, candlelight, crisp linen table cloth, and gleaming crystal made his flash of fury all the more noticeable.

Callie’s interest was piqued and she asked him how Farmington’s ruined his family. Well, this is going to take some time so, howsabout another bottle of wine? Will always got ‘folksy’ when he was passionate about a topic. It’s what made him a natural politician.

My grandma and granddad never made any bones about how the Farmington’s had ruined their lives after the War. Heat began to seep into his words. He told Callie how his granddad had been hired on before the war and had done pretty well with the company. He was loyal and hard working. But, after the war they cut his job.

Will explained how, late in the game, Farmington’s chose a new direction in order to set themselves apart from the other large bakeries. By then, jobs with any bakery were harder to find, especially for an older worker. Granddad struggled to find work but no one would take him on. Will’s eyes betrayed his lingering anger.

Will took another long sip of wine and paused. He looked curiously at the wine glass, gave a soft ironic snort, and held the glass out toward Callie as if its appearance explained everything. Finally, it was all too much for him; the shame of being unemployed; the shame of not being able to support his family. That’s why Granddad sank into an alcoholic depression. His drinking ran our family into financial ruin; and it was all because Farmington’s hadn’t kept faith with their long time employees.

Will’s story was punctuated by another pause. Callie could sense that he was struggling to control his anger at the Farmingtons as well as trying to avoid sounding pitiable. Will wasn’t the kind of man to take even empathy well. It hurt is pride. By then, my Dad was old enough to work and he helped keep the family going. After he married Mom, even with her working, they struggled to make a go of it.

Dad had a strong sense of duty and he made Mom see that too. So they supported my grandparents until they died. An angry frown momentarily crossed his face. That didn’t leave a lot left over for us, but Dad said it had to be done. There was no one else to help them. Will continued with an obvious trace of bitterness in his voice, The shame and expense of having an alcoholic father held my Dad back.

But they did the best they could and here we are. It’s just a shame that they didn’t live long enough to see their son the councilman. He said in a false lighthearted voice as he mockingly toasted himself.

So, you see, the Farmingtons had a terrible effect on me and my family too. he concluded. Will took a long sip of wine and twirled the glass, looking at the ruby liquid. But, I have finally found a way to pay them back. he said with a disturbing, self satisfied smile. Yes sir, we’ll see how they like it.

Callie just stared at him. What could he mean by that? she wondered.

CHAPTER 3

Yes, Will had been a help. He had vouched for Callie, although it turned out she was never seriously considered a suspect. He had even stopped by the coffee shack several times to ‘see if she was alright’ and check on how she was doing.

While he still couldn’t be open with her, Callie had to say he seemed to be trying to be supportive. That is, he tried to be supportive when he wasn’t meeting with someone about his decision to run for Congress. That Will had ambitions was undeniable. He had made the move from cop to councilman. Why not the move from councilman to congressman? Once he got an idea into his head he was absolutely determined to see it through. She guessed that was how he overcame his humble beginnings and moved up so quickly.

Callie was loading several sample bags of her premiere coffees, a press pot and various other items of coffee paraphernalia into her all wheel drive station wagon. What are you up to now? The unexpected voice from behind her caused her to startle slightly. She had not heard any approaching footsteps.

As she turned, she could see Will standing there staring at the boxes of cups, stirs, coffee bags, and all the other things she was packing away in the back of the wagon.

Oh, hey! Her voice sounded more than a little relieved and the tiniest bit shaky from being surprised.

Just getting stuff loaded to go to Morriston for my demo.

Callie turned back to loading her car. Morriston was a small town about an hour and a half up the west slope of the Cascades. Despite its small size, Morriston held year round attractions for visitors from Seattle, Tacoma, and beyond. It was replete with diverse art galleries, elegant boutiques, folksy gift shops, charming restaurants, and snug little B & Bs. It hosted a wildflower festival in the Spring; great river rafting trips in the Summer; annual Highland games in the Fall; and the Winter snow sculpture event kicked of the season for snowboarding, skiing, and ice skating.

Oh, you’re still going through with that huh? Will’s voice held a distinct note of disparagement. He didn’t move a muscle to help Callie get everything loaded, communicating his disapproval through inaction.

Callie stopped loading, turned and placed her hands on her hips. Her voice held no lingering trace of the surprise she had felt a moment before. It was clear, firm, almost challenging. Sure, why shouldn’t I? She watched Will closely through slightly narrowed eyes.

Will took a deep breath. He was obviously caught off guard by the strength of her response. No reason really. I just thought that with your recent upset and all …… His voice trailed off. Well, I just thought that you might be too rattled to go through with it.

Callie softened her stance a bit. He’s trying to be supportive she reminded herself. She gave him a smile and said, Actually, it has helped to have something else to think about. I really want this account at the Morriston Inn. They do a lot of tourist trade and it is a good spring board to opening a café there. Once people get to know the coffee, they’ll jump at the chance to get it even when the Inn isn’t serving.

The Morriston Inn was a holdover from an earlier time. Unlike so many places that are open from dawn to well into the night, the ‘Inn’ as it was known only served dinner during the week and lunch and dinner on the weekends. That worked well for Callie. She could introduce her coffee through the inn, and then, with a couple of carefully crafted ads, get a large part of what was the lunch trade as well as the after dinner crowd into her own café.

Will looked at her with that charmingly boyish smile of his. You know I just worry about you.

Abruptly, his body posture altered. It went from confident to tentative as he shifted his weight onto his left foot and scratched lightly behind his right ear. I’ve been thinking, a candidate needs more than a girlfriend.

Callie was completely taken aback by the sudden and unexpected turn of the conversation. She stammered, Will, what … what are you saying? She was sure that her mouth was hanging open.

Well, I was thinking, we get along well… He was almost stammering at first. Then his voice became determined and persuasive. Darn it Callie, we should get married. I just think you would make a great congressman’s wife and, who knows, if it all works out well, a super First Lady. Will gazed at her expectantly.

Will, I’m flattered but… She wasn’t sure how to go on from here. It’s just, well, we have never talked about this before and, well, I have my business to run; I want to go back to school. I, I just don’t know what to say. Callie wondered how he could just casually drop the fact that he wanted her to marry him. She corrected herself. He hadn’t said that he wanted to marry her, but instead, that she should marry him.

I know, I know. This is really fast, isn’t it? She was amazed. She had never seen Will backpedal on anything before. But I do think you would make a great congressman’s wife. We get on well, we have a lot in common, it’s just …… Again his voice trailed off. Tell you what. he said. Think about it while you’re in Morriston. We can talk about it more when you get back.

Callie looked at Will. He’s back in campaign mode. With those looks, that charm, and his persuasiveness, he could sell ice cubes to Laplanders. she thought. Callie was determined to not be rushed into anything let alone marriage. But, she didn’t want to slam him either. Okay, I’ll think about it but that is no promise that I’ll agree. Although she smiled slightly at him her voice was firm and unyielding.

Will didn’t miss the cue. He knew she wasn’t giving in like she should. His smile hardened. You could do a lot worse, you know? Besides, everyone who has seen us together says we are made for each other.

Will, I frankly don’t care what other people think. I am my own person and I won’t make important life decisions on the spur of the moment and especially not because other people think I should. Her tone clearly communicated her growing resentment at his presumption. She hated the fact that he assumed she would leap at the idea of ‘making a good match.’ She wasn’t one of those weak willed women in a Jane Austin novel that traded happiness for security. Besides, she was doing pretty well making a secure life on her own.

Callie struggled to set her anger aside. She wanted to put this discussion on hold for now. The timing wasn’t right and she really needed to maintain her focus on the upcoming demo at the Morriston Inn. When I get back we can talk about this, alright?

She could feel Will stiffen at that. His expression hardened even more. He wasn’t used to being put off. Callie watched him closely. She could almost see the calculations going on in his head. He recognized that pushing her at this point would only strengthen her resolve to resist his proposal. Instead, if he soft pedaled it, he thought he had a better chance to turn her to his position. As he weighed the possibilities his expression relaxed somewhat. She could see him switch his tactics and it enraged her all the more.

Okay then. That’s all I ask. And I’m sure that you’ll see that, while sudden, this is a great idea for both of us. We can really help each other. It’ll be a great merger of our talents and goals.

Will looked at his watch and blurted out, Ah crap! I’m late. I’m sorry I can’t help you load up. I’m going over some new plans for the campaign with Micah today. He’s kicking things into high gear and we’re gonna dominate this race. Getting him is a real coup.

See you later sweetie. He said dismissively, giving her a friendly peck of a kiss and his best campaign smile.

Callie stared at his retreating back in disbelief. He hadn’t listened to a single word she said. He was still assuming that she would bend to his will. And he treated her like a fool, thinking that she couldn’t see the change in his tactics. Most disturbingly she began to wonder, Is that what I am to him too? Another coup to counted?

"Will, you’re not taking me seriously. Frustration mounted in her not only at his presumption but at the fact that he had turned and dismissively walked away from her. She was sure he could hear it in her voice. Her pulse was racing and she had to take a deep breath before continuing. I said I’d think about it but I’m not going to make a snap decision about anything. I mean, we hardly know each other. How do we know that we’re even compatible?"

He spun around; a look of condescending irritation clouded his features. "Compatible? Of course we’re compatible. I mean, don’t we get on well? We’re the same kind of people. We started from little or nothing and built ourselves up to be something. It only makes sense that we move to the next level of combining our talents, for everyone’s benefit."

The cold, detached, businesslike assessment of what should be a purely emotional decision caused her to snap. "Combine our talents? Merge our abilities? Will, we’re not talking about a business arrangement here. We’re talking about romance, love, committing to each other for the rest of our lives. There’s no balance sheet, no poll numbers. It’s about emotions, about gut feelings; it’s about taking a leap into the unknown because you know, you know, that the other person will always be there to catch you; no matter what."

Will’s lack of understanding was evident. His face was a mask of confusion. Callie had no doubt that he had never thought in these terms.

You’re obviously worried about this demonstration in Morriston. I’m sure that once it’s over you’ll be able to look at this rationally. That patronizing response incensed her.

He glanced at his stainless steel watch again. We’ll talk later. I really have to go.

You pompous, presumptuous bastard! Callie thought. At that moment all her doubts about Will Sampson crystallized into a clear understanding of his character. Sure, he was handsome. He was ambitious. He was going places. But she was convinced beyond any doubt that she didn’t want to go where he wanted to take her, or for the reasons he wanted her along.

She took a deep breath and struggled to control her anger. The tears of rage could not flow. No, would not flow. Will, your arrogant attitude is not making this any better. In fact, not only do I not want to think about your proposal, I don’t care if I ever see you again.

Will stood staring at her. He clearly had no idea what she was telling him. You’re upset. We’ll talk after you calm down, Now, I really gotta go. I don’t want to keep Micah waiting.

He turned again and walked back toward his offices, absently waving his hand as she had seen him do when leaving the podium after a political speech.

Callie felt herself shaking with barely controlled anger. Her mouth was dry and her breath burst from her in rapid pants. Needing some release for her tension, she turned back to loading the wagon and tried to focus her mind on her demo for the Morriston Inn.

Damned right I’m upset. And it’ll be a cold day in Hell before we talk again. She was muttering to herself as she shoved the various boxes into an ever compressing mass in the back of the wagon. She could not believe his insensitivity and oppressive belief that he knew what she wanted and needed.

Then it dawned on her how lousy Will’s timing was. What’s he trying to do, sabotage me?" she wondered as she shoved the boxes around in the back of the wagon.

CHAPTER 4

Barry was pulling another perfect shot of espresso from the machine. When he joined Callie shortly after she opened she had no idea that he would become such an integral part of her business. Not only was he a top barista but he also had an associate’s degree in restaurant management. His intelligence, easygoing manner, honesty, and innate sense of how to run a small business made him indispensable. Callie was able to do demos aimed at expanding the business because she could trust Barry to run things exactly as she would. She once asked him why he wanted to work for her. His answer was at once simple and flattering. It only took one cup of your coffee for me to know that you’re really going somewhere.

With a practiced flourish, he spun the black knurled knob to cut off the flow of superheated water just as the golden colored crema reached the top of the shot glass. So, you got everything you need?

Callie looked around her before replying. Yep, I think so.

She was dressed in her customary jeans and shirt. Barry looked at her critically and then spoke again, his voice rich with good natured sarcasm. And this is how you dress for a big presentation at a classy joint like the Morriston Inn?

Callie rolled her eyes playfully. Barry’s easy going nature always improved her mood. Nooooooo. she replied. I have my blue suit in the garment bag. I’m going to change when I get there. I don’t want it all rumpled from traveling in it. And before you ask, I got my nails done this morning. She wiggled her fingers, showing off her fresh French manicure.

Barry smiled broadly, and assumed an air of mock seriousness. I would hope so. I’ve got a manager position riding on this! He and Callie chuckled.

"Hold your horses buster. I said you could manage the new café in Morriston if this succeeds. There is a lot of work to do between now and then."

Barry put up his hands in mock surrender. Okay boss lady. I’m just saying – don’t blow this for me. He knew that Callie would be stunning at the presentation.

She was one of those people who always looked fresh and presentable but transformed into spectacular when they donned certain attire. He also knew that just as soon as she was finished, she would change back into her comfy clothes. He really appreciated that. It was one of the things he liked best about her. Callie was a savvy businesswoman but she wasn’t a ‘stuffed shirt.’ Barry hadn’t ever liked working for the ‘suit and tie’ set.

Callie smiled indulgently at him. Barry had ambitions of opening his own place one day, and she never doubted that it would be a success when he did. He told her that he wanted to learn from someone who had the same kind of drive and commitment to quality that he had. Not only was he good for the business, he was also good for her ego.

After a couple of months of working with him, Callie also discovered that Barry had a hidden talent. Not only did he have a head for business but he was also a talented Web and graphic designer. The fliers, coupons, ads, and website that he designed were quite effective at pulling in and retaining business. He also drew cute caricatures of some of the regulars on the daily specials board. It was his idea to name special drinks after the more creative customers. It all produced buy-in from the customers and they all loved it and him.

Barry put a friendly hand on Callie’s forearm. Seriously, are you alright? You look really bugged about something.

Callie looked at his amber-brown eyes. She could see his concern. But she couldn’t bring herself to tell him about Will’s infuriatingly presumptuous proposal. Yeah, I’m still a little freaked about finding that dead girl.

It’s more than that boss lady. He gently prodded, encouraging her to open up to him. Hey, you know you can talk to me. I can keep my mouth shut, no matter how much I run it to the customers.

She smiled at Barry. I know. It’s just something that I saw when I was talking to the detective. Callie had a habit of chewing softly on her lower lip when she was deep in thought. Barry noticed that she was doing it just before asking her question. Have you ever seen something that looked real but it couldn’t possibly be?

What, like a vision or a hallucination? His