Page 12 of Hide Me Darling

Deciding to try a small seaside cafe that catches my eye, with tables set up outside under colorful umbrellas, I find a seat at one of the tables with a view of the ocean and order a seafood salad and a cold drink.

As I wait for my meal, I pull out my phone and review my notes, thinking about how to proceed with my investigation. The blog posts still nag at me, but they aren’t going to provide me with any more detail than what I already have. I need to learn the ins and outs of everyone on the island and survey the area to see if any location could match up with the small hints from the posts.

Judging from how long they have been posting, it has to be a long term resident and not someone simply visiting on vacation. But there are still a lot of residents, a lot of personalities to learn about.

It could be any number of people, though; there is no detail on how the killer interacts with their victims. Do they actually get to know them or are they simply people who are in the wrong place at the wrong time?

The blog gave details that these victims are almost all homeless, the mention of having no one is a clear indication that they are targeting people who won’t be missed.

Because it won’t draw attention to them and the island? Because they think that they will get away with it the longer no one investigates? Are they relying on it not being investigated and if so, why post the blog?

My food arrives, and I dig in, savoring the fresh, tangy flavors. It's a nice change from the usual hurried meals back in the city. As I eat, I overhear snippets of conversation from the other diners—mostly small talk and vacation plans, but occasionally, something about the island's history or local legends.

Once I finish my meal, I go inside to pay at the little counter. There is an older woman there with her brown hair tied back behind her neck and kind brown eyes as she offers me a friendly smile, her badge says her name is ‘Lily’. "How was it, dear?" she asks.

"Amazing, thank you. I can honestly say I've never had seafood that tastes so good before," I respond, and her smile widens.

"I'll have to let Jonah know you said that."

I tilt my head curiously, wondering if Jonah is the chef. Lily chuckles and clarifies, "Jonah is one of the local fishermen. We only source local seafood, and he supplies our little slice of heaven here almost every morning."

I smile as she hands me my change. "Please do. I'm sure I'll be back here again soon."

"See you then, dear." She nods as I turn away and leave the cafe.

I make my way to the little grocery store near the real estate office I spotted earlier. It’s not overly busy inside, which I assume is because most tourists rely heavily on the cafes and restaurants.

An old lady with short salt and pepper hair behind the counter is serving a customer while a young boy helps bag up items. They all glance at me as I enter, but I just smile and take a basket before strolling down one of the few aisles. I can hear low voices talking amongst themselves as I pick up more coffee and basic essentials for sandwiches, along with some snacks. Lastly, I grab some wine before making my way back to the front.

"Well, if it isn't our newest resident," the old lady says with a smile, and I almost want to duck my head as the heads of the few other people in the store turn in my direction. "Don't be shy, I'm Gladys. You must be Taylor, aren't you a pretty thing," she says as I put my basket on the counter in front of her. I blush slightly.

"Nice to meet you, Gladys," I respond as she starts to scan the items in my basket. I feel someone step up behind me, almost overbearingly so, and I shift so I can look without being too obvious.

"I wouldn't get too attached, Miss Gladys. She looks like a city girl. You know they don't last long around here," comes a deep male voice.

I focus on him while still keeping an eye on the rest of the store. The man behind me is a little taller than me, his brown hair short and shaved close to his head on the sides. He's muscular with tattoos and wears a tight shirt with a construction company logo, jeans, and heavy-duty boots. Dirt and dust from an already busy workday covers him. His face isn't unfriendly but also not open and friendly either. He seems wary and jaded.

Just like me.

"Oh, hush, Rye. Nothing wrong with city girls. You forget I was one once upon a time," Gladys responds with a wave of her hand in his direction. A smile pulls at Rye's lips, probably thinking about how long ago that must have been, as he dips his head to her in response.

A couple of other people in the store have stopped to watch. One is an older gentleman with gray hair who seems to find humor in our conversation. The other is a man who looks to be in his early thirties, with messy sandy blond hair and a few days' worth of stubble.

He looks rugged with tan skin, like he spends too long in the sun, but it’s the deep scowl on his face that catches my attention. His focus isn't on me but on the man behind me. When his green eyes meet mine, he simply turns and enters one of the aisles.

Should I take that as a sign I should be wary of Rye? There is obviously more to the look, but I doubt I'll find out what it is right now. I don't even know who that other man is.

Gladys finishes scanning my items while I am focused elsewhere and, with a smile, she says, "Ignore Rye. Don't let his hatred of city girls scare you off."

She shoots him a glare before taking my money and giving me my change. The young boy, who looks like he could be Gladys' grandson, hands me my groceries in a paper bag. I thank them both and make my way out of the store pleased that I am already getting to know people and clearly making an impression.

The more I can get these people to know me, trust me, the more likely it will be that I can get to the bottom of this town and complete my mission.

The sun is starting to lower across the sky, casting a deeper golden glow over the beach. I take my time walking back along the shore, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the calming sound of the waves. By the time I reach the house, the sky is a deep orange, and the forest behind the house is a silhouette against the fading light.

Unlocking the front door, I push it open and step inside. The house is quiet and still, a stark contrast to the bustling beach and the lively cafe. After putting the groceries away, I head straight to the office, where my makeshift investigation board awaits. The questions and notes taped to the wall seem to beckon me, and I need to add the information to it I learned today.

It would also help me pass the time until darkness fell across the island. Until I could go out again and see what was hiding in the shadows.

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