Page 57 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

A thought suddenly occurs to me. Yet another job I’ll need to fill sometime soon. “I don’t know if this is coincidence or not, but our marketing director just quit without notice. She and Andre have been flirting with each other for months. Now she’s gone, too. It’s like she disappeared.”

Emma wrinkles her brow. “Speaking to you as a lawyer, not your sister, if something appears suspicious, it usually is. I bet she knew what Andre was up to.”

“You’re probably right. Although I don’t have any proof that she’s done anything inappropriate or criminal.”

“If you do find something, let me know right away.”

“Okay. I appreciate you. I know I don’t always show it, but I do.” I take a breath. “Can you do one more thing for me, though?”

“Sure. What’s that?”

I hesitate, because my sister might think this ask is a little crazy. “Find Carlos Vargas.”

“What do you mean, find Carlos? I’m an attorney, not a private investigator. Besides, I would think our father’s best friend and partner in crime, so to speak, would be the last person you’d want to see.”

I know she’s just looking out for me and the business. But this is for the business. “I’ve always felt Carlos was only doing Dad’s bidding; plus, I didn’t have a say in getting rid of him while Dad was still alive. I do know one thing; Carlos is loyal. He stuck by Dad until he died. The hard part for me all that time was dealing with him every day and wondering if he knew where Joselyn was. But I need to put all that behind me now and do what’s best for the Celtic Knot. And that’s having Carlos back at the winery. I can’t dwell on the past.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I need Carlos,” I say stoically. “You have access to cell phone records and other stuff to locate Carlos quicker than I do. Please. Do this for me. Bill me for your time if it makes you feel better.”

Emma picks up the cap of a pen from her desk and inserts it between her teeth. I know what that means. She’s nervous about something.Spill it, sis.“What?”

“Okay, speaking of Carlos, there’s something you need to know.”

I lean forward, bracing myself for the next hit.

“Joselyn’s back in town.”

Chapter 3

Joselyn

Running into Emma at Jumpin’ Jacks threw me off kilter. My plan was to reconnect with my father first, then ease myself into the possibility of whether Emma or Brennen might be willing to talk. Before I lose my courage, it’s time to reach out to my father.

I’m assuming he hasn’t changed his number, since he’s always been a creature of habit. He’s probably still using that old flip phone he had when I left instead of upgrading to a smart phone. The regret that propelled me to leave Vegas motivates me now. I need to do this.Full speed ahead.

My pulse races as I punch in the numbers that I’ve known by heart for almost twenty years. I’m not sure he’ll answer, since my current cell has a Nevada area code he won’t recognize.

Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring.Should I hang up and try later?

Ring. Ring.As I’m trying to figure out whether to leave a voice mail message or hang up, the ringing stops.

“Hola?”

Despite my nervousness, my heart melts at the sound of his voice.Thank God he answered!

“Papa, it’s Joselyn.”

Silence. Maybe he doesn’t want to talk to me. Maybe this was a bad idea. He probably hates me.Just as I’m about to disconnect, I hear a sob.

“Joselyn,mi bebita…”

He can’t see the tears welling in my eyes as I respond. “Yes, Papa, it’s me. I’m back. In Florida. I want to see you. I need to talk to you. Are you still in Pelican Point?”

“Ah, my daughter. I was afraid this day would never come. I’m in Hibiscus Harbor. I no longer work at the winery since Patrick passed away. I mostly do odd jobs for the wealthy on the island.”

So, he’s no longer living or working there. That’s one question answered. And Patrick Murphy is dead! I won’t shed a single tear over that news.“I’m staying in Hibiscus as well. Can we meet for dinner at the Silver Willow? Do you know it?”

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