Page 23 of Look for Me

“Ming, you still there?” Pilar was still holding her cell phone.

“Yeah.” Ming’s voice came through just fine on the speakerphone.

“Want some water? That’s all I have.” Martin walked to the small refrigerator in the cabinet under the television.

“No, thanks. I’ve got water in my car.” Pilar sat down in the lone armchair without being invited.

“What’s the plan?” Martin sat on the queen bed. Somewhere at the back of his mind, he wondered what Corinne would say if she found him here with a woman who was not his sister or stepmother.

Then again, this was business. And Ming was on the phone.

“Stay away from the Key Largo Chocolate Shop.” Pilar’s voice hardened. “Let me get to know Dinah for a few days. See what’s going on.”

“And how are you planning on doing that?” Martin asked.

“Already got the ball rolling,” Ming replied.

“I thought you said to wait until Tuesday.”

“Well, after we talked on the phone, I was afraid you’d go do something incredibly ill-advised,” Ming said. “You know, like applying for a job at the chocolate shop.”

Martin nearly choked on his water. “How did you know?”

“No comment,” Ming and Pilar said in unison.

Martin raised an eyebrow. He could have raised both eyebrows, but that would give away the fact that he was surprised that Ming was doing his job. Along with that, Martin would have to admit his lack of knowledge regarding matters related to private investigations.

“I start work tomorrow,” Pilar continued.

“Tomorrow? Corinne doesn’t work on Sundays,” Martin said.

“Exactly why I start tomorrow. They need someone to fill in for her—this being a busy summer, you know. I’m happy to work at minimum wage.”

Martin frowned. He pursed his lips. He wanted to be the one working there with Corinne.

Then again, his presence at the store could scare her off and she’d run again.

“The chocolate shop opens at noon on Sundays,” Pilar said. “I’ll leave the church service fifteen minutes early. I don’t expect to stay here for more than two weeks. After that, I’ll be gone.”

Martin wanted to say that he didn’t care what she did with her own free time, but he didn’t want to get on the wrong side of a PI who was helping him to reconnect with Corinne.

“If you’re looking for a church to attend, there’s one about fifteen minutes from here. Google Beach Town Church. Pastor Butler.” Pilar smiled—almost slyly. “It’s a tiny church—and frankly, the building on the website looks like it needs a new paint job—but one Dinah Miller is singing in an ensemble tomorrow morning at eleven.”

Corinne?

Somewhat shocked, Martin tried to remain calm.

“Nonetheless, we can’t be seen together, so from now on, separate cars. Text me or Ming or call if you need anything.”

Martin barely nodded.

Corinne singing in church?

It was all he could think of the rest of the day.

Chapter Eleven

Wanda’s church was so small that sometimes they met behind the Christian-owned gift and tackle shop next door that closed on Sundays. The parking lot was empty all the way to the shady trees, but it was too hot for the congregation to meet under the bright morning sun, so they took their camp and folding chairs to the grassy patch that separated the parking lot from the beach.

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