Page 20 of Little Shattered Dreams

“I’m sure you’re aware of how hard it is to get a business off the ground. You’re a business owner yourself.”

“Some businesses find it more difficult than others. Mine, it seems, has had a steady stream of clients since we opened.”

“You’re lucky. I couldn’t even fill this place during our first year in business. There are other establishments similar to mine, but they don’t offer what we do. What they had that I didn’t was loyal clientele. I knew it would be slow at first, and that’s why I put every cent I had into the retreat. Even then, I thought we were going to have to close our doors, but then something wonderful happened. Our guests started spreading the word about this place. It’s helped a lot.”

“I’m glad it worked out for you.”

“Me too. I’d do anything to protect the retreat’s reputation. So please, let me hire you. A little birdie told me you’ve solved every case you’ve ever worked on. If anyone can figure out what happened to Quinn and why, I understand it’s you.”

I wondered if that little birdie was my mother.

“Why not leave it to the police to investigate?” I asked.

“You know how long it could take. Police departments only have so many resources. Quinn’s murder could take months to solve, or years, or it may never be solved. To think about the effect that would have on the retreat is worrisome. Who knows? Maybe it would flourish despite what’s happened. Either way, it’s a risk, one I’d rather not take.”

I didn’t blame her.

If it was my business, I’d feel the same.

“I appreciate your honesty,” I said. “If I agree … if I take this money, there will be conditions.”

“I wouldn’t expect any less. Name them.”

In truth, I’d already decided to investigate Quinn’s death. The money Grace was offering was an added bonus. I was sure Simone and Hunter would appreciate it too. I just wasn’t sure they’d want to give up their time at the retreat to help me solve Quinn’s murder.

Perhaps there was a way they could do both.

“As for my conditions, I’ve seen a few cameras around this place. I’d like to view all the footage from yesterday to see who was coming and going.”

“I turned the recordings over to an Officer Higgins this morning.”

It didn’t surprise me to learn Foley had already gotten a jump on things.

Grace raised a finger. “The good news is, the footage is always backed up. You’re welcome to view it whenever you’d like.”

Her cell phone buzzed. She glanced at it, then looked past me and said, “Will you excuse me for a moment?”

She rose from her desk. As the door opened and she exited the room, I looked back, seeing the security guard standing outside the door, three hundred pounds of solid muscle, by the looks of it. They talked for a brief time and then she returned to her desk.

“Everything okay?” I asked.

“I was just speaking with Calvin. He’s just confirmed no one came inside the gates yesterday and no one left, except the police and those with the police.”

“And you. You don’t live on-site.”

“Correct.”

“Your staff come and go during the week, don’t they?”

Grace shook her head. “They all live here. They work in shifts, often assisting each other when needed. They work for three months and then we close for a week so they can have time off. But this is their home, and everything they need is here.”

“Why require them to live at the retreat?”

“Sometimes guests require assistance after-hours, and that’s why I prefer my staff to remain on the premises.”

“Why don’t you just rotate staff so you don’t have to close at all?” I asked.

“Every person who works here was handpicked by me, and it’s hard to find good help nowadays. I’d rather keep them here, keep them happy.”

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