Page 33 of Deep Tide

“Still, a coffee shop? Much too risky.”

She sighed. “That leaves what, though, in terms of motive?”

“I don’t know. Nothing good,” Emmet said. “What does the fed think?”

She felt a dart of annoyance. He knew about Sean Moran somehow, even though she hadn’t told anyone about his involvement.

But of course Emmet knew. After seeing him in Brady’s office, Emmet would have made it his mission to find out who the guy was and what he was doing there. He’d probably sweet-talked their receptionist into telling him. Or maybe he’d just come right out and asked the chief.

“Nicole?”

“I don’t know. He was pretty tight-lipped when we went by the apartment yesterday. He didn’t tell me what he’s working on.”

“Big surprise. Did he collect any evidence?”

“No. So listen,” she said, eager to change the subject. “Brady wants a meeting at two. The whole team. Could you do me a favor and tell McDeere for me when you see him?”

With Owen sidelined and Joel out, they were using McDeere for some legwork, even though he wasn’t officially a detective.

Emmet didn’t respond, and Nicole wondered if he was being prickly again because she was relaying the chief’s orders, which was part of her job as the team leader. Was this because she was a woman? She’d never picked up any sexism from him before, but she was beginning to wonder.

“Emmet?”

“If I see him, I’ll tell him.”

“Good.”

“What’s the meeting for, anyway?”

“He wants an update on what each of us is working on. Bring your notes on the phone records.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

•••

Siena leaned against Leyla’s kitchen counter, watching her peel shrimp for a batch of gumbo.

“Are you planning to go to the service?” she asked Leyla. “It’s Thursday afternoon in Port O’Connor.”

“Yes. Do you need a ride?”

“I don’t know. I may not be going.” She folded her arms and looked out the window above the sink. “I haven’t decided yet.”

Leyla lifted an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. She’d thought Siena and Amelia were close and had assumed she planned to attend the funeral.

Leyla grabbed another shrimp and peeled off the shell. She used the efficient, two-pinch method that her uncle had taught her on his boat dock when she was five.

“Dana plans to cover the shop,” Leyla said. The newest manager didn’t know Amelia, so she’d offered to work a double shift so Amelia’s friends could go to the service. “And I’ve got Wade covering the Java Place.”

“That’s not the issue,” Siena said. “I’m just not comfortable at funerals.”

“No one is.”

“I know, I’m just not sure if I want to go.” She uncrossed her arms. Then crossed them again.

“Here.” Leyla handed her a cutting board and a bowl of peeled shrimp. Clearly, Siena was antsy and needed something to do with her hands. “Devein these for me, would you?”

Sighing, Siena selected a paring knife from the wooden block on the counter.

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