Page 56 of Bear Creek Valentine
“Our mutual friend tells me you have a problem. Start from the beginning and tell me what’s happened.”
Aiden slid copies of the website email and phony reviews across the tabletop as he spoke. Then he explained the cut internet cable, followed by the graffiti, and finally the broken windows—all supported with photographs stored on his phone. He also explained that the Sheriff’s office was aware of every incident, but had no leads.
“The security cameras gave us a little, but it’s not enough to figure out who it is. At first, we thought it was some bored teenager with nothing better to do, but the Sheriff thinks it’s a person with a grudge. Frankly, I have no idea.”
Their food arrived, and Wahl looked over the information Aiden brought with him as he ate. After a couple minutes of silence, he got right to it.
“In this case, I agree with the Sheriff. This is classic revenge in all its glory, but the question is who. I need to ask you some personal, and perhaps uncomfortable, questions if we’re going to get anywhere. Are you willing to be candid with me?”
Aiden nodded, and the interrogation proceeded as they finished their meal. He was asked about his family relationships, school chums, coworkers, and finally past and present lovers. Memories, both good and bad, surfaced as he gave the man a tour of his uneventful life. Wahl didn’t take notes but seemed to absorb everything Aiden told him. Following the last question, the P.I. thought for a moment before speaking.
“Thank you. I appreciate your honesty. A few possibilities come to mind, but I would like to look at the security images. There may be clues hiding in plain sight that have been overlooked.”
Aiden paid for their meals and led the way toDelicious. Wahl looked at the shop from various angles and then scanned the area all around. Next, he wanted to examine the back of the building and followed Aiden to the corner where they turned right, then right again at the wide alley. Wahl performed the same examination there but also walked a generous portion of the alley in both directions. Aiden pointed out Gordon’s house and what he’d told them about the graffiti incident. Wahl nodded and then asked to see inside the shop.
They enteredDeliciousfrom the back, and Aiden gave him a quick tour—introducing his employees along the way. Toby seemed uncomfortable, and after a perfunctory hello, bent to his task without looking up again. Blanche greeted the man with a relieved look in her eye—as if his very presence could ward off another appearance of their enemy. Serena surprised them all with a rather abrupt greeting for Aiden’s guest.
“A private investigator? I sure hope you catch the son-of-a-bitch!”
Wahl’s brows arched at the pithy comment, and she backed down a little.
“Pardon my French, but all this crap is exhausting. Aiden doesn’t deserve it, and neither do we.”
Wahl acknowledged her frustration.
“I understand, Miss Thompson, and will do my best.”
After looking around the front of the shop, Aiden and Wahl retreated to the break room. There, they viewed the security images from the last two attacks. Though the clothing was different, it was clearly the same person—shrouded in shadow and never revealing their face. Wahl scanned them several times, though Aiden didn’t know what he was looking for that hadn’t already been seen. He finally ended his perusal and sat back in the metal folding chair.
“Tell me, Mister Romero, aside from your mother and half-sister, have there been any women in your life?”
What kind of question was that? Aiden glared at him.
“No. I’ve been openly gay since high school and never dated a woman. Wait...are you saying my enemy is female?”
Wahl nodded.
“I am. I can understand why you initially thought it was a teenager, given their height and slimmer frame. Somewhere in your past, you must have interacted with a woman who now wants revenge. For what, I cannot say, but it fits everything else we know so far. Whoever this is, she’s clever and determined, but clearly an amateur. If she’s not a relative or lover, that leaves friends, neighbors, roommates, coworkers, or even strangers. Does anyone come to mind?”
Old and discarded memories flashed past; snippets of women who had floated in and out of his life. None of them stood out as being anywhere near the level of hatred coming from his unknown enemy.
“Nothing, sorry.”
Wahl tried another tack.
“Is there anyone in Bear Creek who knew you before you openedDelicious?”
Aiden nodded.
“Yes. Two of my recent hires have been friends for years—Serena, who you’ve already met, and Leo, at our production facility. We used to work together at theManor Housein Scranton. You don’t suspect either of them, do you?”
Wahl held up a placating hand.
“I cannot rule out anything at this point, and it’s possible someone close to you is feeding information to a third party. I would like to speak to each of them privately, however, and it’s best if you keep our conversationin its entiretyto yourself. I will give Serena and Leo the same instructions.”
The next hour was a confusing blur for Aiden. He sent Serena to the breakroom for her interview with Wahl and noticed her sad expression when she returned fifteen minutes later. Their eyes met, and she looked away as if ashamed to have been telling a stranger private things about her old friend. He completely understood but had no time to dwell on it. Aiden drove Wahl to D2, showed him around, and then assisted Skip in the kitchen while Leo met with Wahl in the manager’s old office. When they returned toDelicious, Aiden asked if Wahl got what he needed.
“I have several leads to pursue and will be in touch if I have further questions. If it helps, both of your employees are deeply loyal and very protective. Friends like that are difficult to come by. One more thing. Since the incidents have happened under the cover of darkness, I suggest you and your staff park on the street and enter and exit through the front door.”
