Page 91 of Stella
If not for Manny’s pastries, I could be minced meat by now.
I tuck the photos back into the envelope and slide them into my jacket and head out, Calli on my tail as I whistle for her to follow. Willow joins me in the truck and we head over to the clubhouse, Calli sitting behind in her kennel. It’s spacious, and she usually rides in there when I have a passenger.
When we arrive, the lot looks all but deserted. Good, because the last thing I want is a showdown. I’m here to talk to Cash, and only Cash, and if I can do just that, it’d make this part of the job a hell of a lot easier. I place Calli on her leash, just in case we run into any trouble.
The clubhouse doors are unlocked as we approach, Calli on my heels as I push the front door open. It’s quiet inside — no music, movement, or any sound at all.
When we approach the bar, Amber stops what she’s doing and raises her eyebrows. “Detective Callaghan?” she says with surprise.
“Morning, Amber,” I reply. “Here to see Cash, is he around?”
“He’s at the house, assuming it can’t wait?”
“It can’t wait,” I confirm.
She furrows her brow as she slides her phone from her back pocket. “Is everything okay?”
I nod. “Everything’s fine, just need to speak with him as soon as possible.”
“I’ll give him a call now.”
“Thanks, appreciate it.”
Amber steps away to make the call, and I turn to Willow. “We might even get Cash by himself, which will be nice.”
A few seconds later, Stella and Manny walk out of the kitchen. Stella has a bucket in her hand, and Manny is waving his arms around telling some story as she laughs. I shouldn’t be instantly jealous of Manny making her laugh, he’s no threat, and he’s in a happy throuple, but I like being the one to make her smile, laugh, come — it’s all the same.
They stop in their tracks, Stella’s smile instantly fading. “Cale?” she stammers. “W-what are you doing here?”
I feel Willow’s eyes on me, even though I’m not looking at her, and call it women’s intuition, but Stella’s reaction only fuels what she probably already suspects about us.
“Stella,” I say cordially. “Manny. We’re here to see Cash.”
“Is everything okay?” Manny asks immediately, his face dropping.
“Everything’s fine,” Willow puts in. “Just official police business. We need some help with our inquiries, that’s all.”
The words hang, and I can see the wordinquiriesflicking through both of their minds.
Manny recovers quickly, a smile spreading across his face. “So, Detectives, let me feed you. Before the boss gets here, what can I get for you? Coffee and donuts?” he laughs at his little joke.
“We’re fine, thank you,” I say.
“Hey, speak for yourself.” Willow rolls her eyes.
Manny wags his finger. “Make yourselves at home, I’ll be right back.” He darts back into the kitchen as fast as his legs carry him. Not wanting to miss out on any opportunity to feed someone, God knows what he’s going to bring back with him.
I give Willow a pointed look, which she now chooses to ignore, and Calli whimpers as I shift my attention to her. Glancing down, her tail is wagging furiously; she’s dying to go greet Stella, but I try not to do that too much when she’s working. Still, we’re not exactly raiding the place, and Calli isn’t on official police business where I can’t afford her a little free time, so when she looks up at me I say, “Go.”
I let her leash fall, and she jumps up and runs to Stella, who, of course, drops to her knees and starts petting her and telling her what a good girl she is.
Willow eyes me as I avoid her stare and turn my attention to Amber, who’s walking back toward us. “He’s not happy, but he’s coming,” she says, making a face.
“Thanks,” I reply.
Willow moves to the bar to chat to Amber, and I move closer to Stella.
She glances up at me. “How are you?”
