Page 85 of Shadow Sabotage
“It is delicious,” Leslie agreed. “Although I prefer the peach tart tatin. The caramelized peaches are absolutely luscious. Positively sensual.” She let the word linger on her lips, casting me a meaningful look.
I didn’t have to see Claire to know she would be fighting back an eye roll.
Darla shook her head, fighting a knowing smile, and tactfully brought the subject back to the menu. “Really, you can’t go wrong. Everything here is fabulous. Wildwood may be small right now, but I’d put any of our offerings up against the top vacation destinations.”
“Having been to those places, I think you’ve got something even more charming here,” I said, offering her a charming smile. I meant it, too, although I had to exclude the bistro from my thoughts about the town in general.
“Thank you. We think so too.” She beamed. “That’s just what we were talking about, actually. We’ve formed a sort of unofficial committee, you see, to try to get the word out about our little corner of the world. With the right marketing, I think we could easily grow as big as Jackson Hole or Vale.”
Claire’s voice interjected. “Oh, I sure hope not.”
Darla turned toward her and frowned. “What on earth do you mean? Your family would benefit as much, if not more, from the added tourism dollars than anyone else here in town. And with increased revenue from tourism, we could build additional infrastructure in order to maintain that status year round. You must admit that would be a game changer for your family financially.”
“Yes,” Claire admitted. “But the best part of Wildwood is that it’s still, well,wild.Jackson Hole probably gets a million visitors every year. I mean, can you imagine? Having that many people traipsing through here every year would change Wildwood forever.”
I could hear the passion in her voice. Again, I agreed with her. Wildwood had charmed me so far because it was authentic, small, and personal. Vastly expanding tourism would change that.
“Threemillion visitors a year, actually,” Darla corrected with a tight smile. “That’s what’s flowing into Jackson Hole—and providing countless jobs and revenue. Changing Wildwood is the point. Most of us want prosperity and financial security more than we wantwild.”
Darla exchanged a smug glance with Leslie. Serena’s face remained cold.
She definitely had a problem with Claire.
Before Claire could open her mouth again, I interjected, changing the subject.
“I appreciate the dessert recommendations, ladies,” I said. “And I don’t want to keep you any longer than necessary. But I do wonder if you could help me with one more thing?”
“Of course,” Leslie said, giving me a coy smile. “Anything you need.”
“I’m sure, being as connected as you are, that you’re all aware that we’re working Katelyn Brown’s homicide case. We’re trying to find out if she had connections in town. Have any of you ever seen her here, either as a tourist or visiting anyone?”
I deliberately avoided mentioning Tony, knowing that Leslie would never forgive or trust me if I brought his name into it—and also curious about how she would reply in front of her friends.
She sat back, slightly startled by my request, but Darla spoke first.
“Yes, of course,” Darla said, looking at me like I was stupid. “Katelyn briefly dated Leslie’s son, Tony, and came to stay with them over Christmas. We met her at a holiday dinner party at their house. She was a lovely girl, and Tony was smitten with her. I was quite heartbroken when we heard the news.”
Leslie turned white. “Darla, I’m trying to keep Tony’s connection to her under wraps,” she hissed. “Why would you say something like that in public?”
Darla gave her a cold stare. “You had to know that Tony’s connection to her would come out. Frankly, I’m surprised it hadn’t already.”
“It had,” I said. “We were already aware of the relationship.”
“See?” Darla said, lifting a graceful hand. “Agent Weston already knew.”
“I knowheknew,” Leslie said, fury in her eyes. “I just don’t want anyoneelseto know.”
Darla shrugged, looking around. “Leslie, we’re the only customers here, and Marcia is in the back.”
Leslie glanced toward the front, her shoulders sagging in relief when she realized Darla was right. “I’m sorry for snapping, Darla. But you know Tony’s had a rough time of things. Everyone was so jealous of him in high school that they made up awful stories, tried to ruin his reputation.” She threw a sharp glare at Claire. “He’s come so far. I don’t want people to assume that he…” Her voice broke off in a sob.
Darla patted her hand. “Oh, Leslie, no one thinks that. It’s absolutely unthinkable. We’re all so proud of Tony.” She looked back at me. “He’s a good kid. I assure you, he would never have done something like this, no matter whatsomepeople may think of him. I’m certain you’re insightful enough to realize that notevery opinion should be taken as gospel truth.” Her eyes flicked toward Claire.
I gave Darla an understanding smile and nodded, letting her think I was convinced. But then I turned to Serena, whose physical reaction to the whole conversation I found to be much more interesting than anything Darla was saying. The moment I’d brought up Katelyn, her back had gone rigid. She had stared straight ahead the entire time, her face blank. Her hand gripped her teacup so tightly that her knuckles were white.
“And what about you, Mrs. McGrath?” I asked her. “Did you ever meet Katelyn?”
Her breath caught. Then she shook her head quickly. “No. We were sick the night of the dinner party,” she said, giving Leslie a hesitant look.
