Page 15 of Hide Me Darling

The rhythmic pounding of my feet on the pavement helps me focus. I need to think strategically, consider the dynamics of a group rather than a single individual. How many are there? What roles might they play? Who is in charge? How do they communicate and plan their actions? Is it a collective decision to post the blog and leave breadcrumbs?

As I make my way past the now partially familiar buildings, my mind races faster than I can keep up with. I need to adjust my approach. If there is a group, I can't just focus on one suspect at a time. I need to consider connections and patterns among multiple people.

One person on a small island getting away with murder is one thing, but how could multiple people hide their actions in such a small close knit town? Any one of the people I have met could be part of this, or none of them could be. I need to watch for interactions, subtle signals, and anything that might indicate a larger conspiracy.

Reaching the beach, I slow to a walk, letting the sound of the waves calm my thoughts. The early morning light casts long shadows on the sand, and the scene is almost serene. But somewhere out there, the killers are likely planning their next move.

Was it here on the beach last time? Is the same sand I’m walking over really just another crime scene?

Today, I decide to start by revisiting the places I observed last night. The artist's studio, the gym and the tattoo parlor are my first stops. I need to gather more information to put in the profiles I began building last night. Their routines, their behaviors, what hand they tend to write with—everything matters.

I also plan to keep my ears tuned in to everything around me. Surely someone knows this latest victim, maybe I could overhear a snippet of conversation with a clue to who she was. There is a decent number of tourists on the island, enough that one disappearing here and there isn’t noticed. But the numbers are now adding up to double digits, surely someone has realized something by now.

I pick up my pace again and jog towards the bakery. The lights are shining brightly, and it looks like there are already a few of the locals inside with the same idea as me. The smell of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee reaches me even before I step inside, making me release a happy sigh.

When I push through the door, Allegra greets me with a grin. “Morning! If I knew you liked to run, I would have invited you to run with me in the mornings,” she says, her voice much too cheerful for this early hour, especially when I haven’t had any coffee yet.

I smile in response, glancing around at the few people already seated at tables with their coffee.

“Umm, at exactly what ungodly hour do you wake up to run and still get here to caffeinate people?” I ask. Her laughter draws the attention of everyone in the room.

“Don’t tell me you’re a night owl. There are far too many people around here that enjoy the darkness more than the beautiful sunshine,” she responds, and for a moment, my heart races. I know she means it literally, but it still cuts a little too close to my own personality. She doesn’t seem to notice the effect she’s had on me as she continues, “Same as yesterday, hun?”

I look at the display case for a moment before responding. “How about a slice of that banana bread instead? It looks amazing.”

She grins with pride as I hand her the money and turn to head toward one of the vacant tables by the window.

Suddenly, I’m forced to pull up short so I don’t physically run into the man standing behind me. His deep green eyes are assessing, and it takes me a moment to place where I’ve seen him before. He was in the grocery store the day before, the one scowling at Rye.

Standing in front of me, he tilts his head as though to acknowledge me, but doesn’t say anything as I step past him and make my way to the table.

“Morning, Jonah,” Allegra says cheerfully. How can she be so cheerful all the time?

I pause when I realize I know that name. This must be the man who supplied the café I ate at with the amazing seafood.

My mouth waters just thinking about it as I settle into my seat, taking a moment to observe the room. Jonah moves to the counter, exchanging a few quiet words with Allegra. She turns to start preparing the coffee and Jonah walks over to stand near my table.

“It’s Taylor, right?” he asks, his voice carrying a raspy undertone. He looks at me curiously.

I smile and nod. “Yes, that’s right.”

“How are you liking the island?” he inquires.

“It’s... interesting,” I respond, and I swear his lips twitch in amusement. It’s kind of adorable.

Allegra comes over with my coffee and banana bread, placing them on the table, and handing Jonah a to-go cup.

“Anything else you need, hun?” She directs the question to me.

I shake my head. “No, this is perfect. Thank you.”

When Allegra heads back to the counter, I take a sip of my coffee, savoring the warmth.

Jonah remains standing by my table, his curiosity apparent. “What brings you to the island?” he asks, taking a sip from his to-go cup.

I hesitate for a moment, debating how to respond, though I’m sure my pause is suspicious as fuck. “Needed a change of scenery.” I say, keeping it vague.

Jonah’s eyes narrow slightly, as if weighing my words. “Interesting choice. Not many people move here just for a change of scenery.”

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