Page 35 of Hide Me Darling

She leans back, thinking. "I heard you ran into Rye Anders, he’s a character, for sure. He’s a bit gruff, but he’s got a heart of gold. He’s also been here all his life and knows the island like the back of his hand. Maddie mentioned she told you about his wife. Maddie Graves, you know, she’s a sweetheart, always looking out for everyone but loves good gossip just like I do. Same goes for Lily Holt, she works at the café and has a knack for making people feel welcome while also getting them to spill their secrets.”

I can’t help but laugh at her honesty. She really is an open book. I make a note to be careful around Lily if she is known for getting people to open up, I will have to stick to the story I created for myself like glue around her.

Allegra taps the edge of her cup with her nails thoughtfully. “Jonah Brine keeps to himself mostly, he's a bit of a loner. He’s out on the water a lot of the time, but when he’s in town, he’s friendly enough. Chester Ryan is a bit of a free spirit and the resident heartbreaker. He’s sweet but can be unpredictable. Art types, you know? But his art is amazing."

She looks at me with a sly grin for a moment. “So has he talked you into his bed yet?”

I choke on my coffee “What?” I ask sputtering slightly.

She laughs loudly but doesn’t move to help my lack of air. “Oh he must be on his best behavior, if you don’t know what I mean, he is a charmer. There is always someone from his little art classes who will leave with a broken heart after being with him.”

I huff but can’t help smiling at her, he was a little flirty when I met him but not the charmer she seems to think he is. “I haven’t taken one of his art classes, so I think I’m safe.”

Allegra nods, smiling over the edge of her cup. "Then there’s Telvin Quinn who is quiet but talented. He’s got a small workshop on the other side of the island and makes the most beautiful furniture. He’s not one for small talk and doesn’t really like a lot of people, but if you get onto the short list of who he likes, he’s a sweet friend.”

I try to hold all of this information with my head, bringing up their image when she tells me about them and mentally making notes to add to their profiles.

“Makai Vinson runs the gym and is probably the most disciplined person you’ll ever meet. Even though the gym is basically next door, you won’t see him in here. He’s ex-military and keeps everyone on their toes. He rides a Harley around here some weekends and has all of us ladies and even a few men flustered," she says, fanning her face with a hand while giggling.

I laugh along with her before moving the conversation along. "And Ty?" I ask, even though I already know a bit about him.

Allegra smiles. "Ty Santiago is a bit of a local celebrity, but he isn’t a flirt or charmer like Chester. Everyone loves him, and his tattoo work is renowned even beyond the island. He’s a good conversationalist as you’ve probably noticed, and he’s always in high demand."

I lean forward, curious. "Anyone else I should be aware of?"

Allegra taps her chin, thinking. "Well, there’s also Dr. Lachlan Hughes. He’s the island’s only doctor and pretty much runs the clinic single-handedly. Then there’s Gladys Bishop, she owns the grocery store. Took over when her husband passed away. She’s been here forever and knows all the old stories."

"You do know everyone," I say, trying to absorb all the information. "So, have most of them been here their whole lives?"

Allegra frowns thoughtfully. "A few have. I’ve heard rumors that Jonah was born here but left for a number of years before coming back home, I don’t remember him though. Chester, Telvin, Ty, and the good doctor all came at various times over the last tenish years, I believe."

I nod, intrigued. "Why do you think they decided to settle here?"

Allegra shrugs. "Different reasons for different people. Jonah never talks about why he left or why he came back, which is why it’s only rumors you’ll hear and I may be one to gossip but I do not spread lies.”

I nod thoughtfully, appreciating her restraint and honesty. “Chester probably came for the inspiration—I’m not sure where he lived in England or what it was like there, but this island is beautiful and a bit wild, perfect for an artist. Telvin... well, he’s got his reasons, I’m sure, but he's not one to share. Ty, though, he came here for a fresh start. He’s got a past, like everyone, but he’s made a good life for himself here."

"And the doctor?" I ask.

"Dr. Hughes is a bit of a mystery himself. He showed up one day, conveniently just before old Doc Mason died. He helped update the clinic and took charge of it, and that was that. He’s dedicated, though. Takes care of everyone here like they’re family. I even texted him in the middle of the night when I was having stomach pains and within minutes he was at my door, willing to do whatever it took for me to be able to sleep."

I take another sip of my coffee, mulling over all this new information. "It sounds like a lot of them have secrets."

Allegra nods, her eyes twinkling. "Doesn’t everyone? That's just life on an island. We all know each other's business, but there are always a few secrets kept close to the chest. It keeps things interesting."

I smile. "I guess I'll have to stick around to uncover some of those secrets," I say before tilting my head as I look at her. "And what about you? What's your story?"

She shakes her head as she stands, waving a finger at me jokingly. "Oh, I definitely have secrets too. Maybe one day I'll even tell you, if you stick around," she says with a wink.

With those parting words, she makes her way back behind the counter just as a new customer enters the bakery, leaving me to mull over all the new information she shared. The bakery's atmosphere shifts back into its usual rhythm with Allegra seamlessly slipping back into her role as the friendly and efficient baker and not the town gossip.

I take the time to add all the new notes onto my tablet, but Allegra's insights only helped add small tidbits to each of the suspects. It's evident that this island, with its close-knit community and picturesque charm, holds more than its fair share of mysteries. As I finish my sandwich and sip the last of my coffee, I decide that my next step should be to follow up on some of these leads.

Waving goodbye to Allegra, I gather my things and leave the bakery, intending to wander along the street in hopes of running into one of the suspects.

The warm afternoon sun greets me as I step outside, the fresh sea breeze carrying the scent of salt water while the scent of coffee follows behind me. The island's main street activity is starting to thin as it approaches the late afternoon and as I turn to make my way down the street, I’m stopped in my tracks by someone calling out my name.

Chapter 17

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