Page 68 of Tiki Hut Tragedy

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“W-why do you ask?”

Instead of answering, Millie removed her cell phone from her pocket, pulled up the photo of the attractive woman who was in the casino. “Is this Astrid?”

The color drained from Wendy’s face. “Yes, I mean. It’s a mess.” She started rambling on about Dixie, the Belly Busters, the competition and arguing with her. “Astrid has a gambling problem. I heard her tell Dixie she figured out a way to rig the contest so that she won in exchange for splitting the winnings.”

“How?”

“I don’t know. She didn’t tell Dixie how she planned to accomplish it.”

“To cover her gambling debt,” Millie said. “How did you find out?”

“I overheard them talking. She told Dixie she owed someone a bunch of money.”

“And how did Dixie respond?”

“She told Astrid she was going to turn her in to Amerifinest.”

“But before Dixie could report her, she drowned,” Millie said in a soft voice. She removed the note from her pocket and handed it to Wendy. “Did you write this?”

Wendy’s face crumpled, and she started crying. “I didn’t know what to do. After Dixie drowned, I wasn’t sure Astrid…I thought maybe had done something to her, and figured someone should know.”

“This is a very serious accusation,” Millie said. “I think it’s time for us to meet with Dave Patterson so you can tell him everything you told me.”

“Am I…would I be considered an accessory?”

“I’m no legal professional, but you didn’t have proof, only suspicions, and you tried telling someone, albeit anonymously.” Millie placed a light hand on her shoulder. “You did the right thing.”

“I hope so. I mean, I’ve always gotten along with Astrid.”

“I get along with her too, but that doesn’t make her a good person. We need to talk to the head of security about what you know.”

It took a minute for the women to reach Patterson’s office and another few minutes to track him down. They waited in the hallway with Millie encouraging Wendy to share any information she thought might be helpful.

Within moments he arrived and escorted them inside.

Taking turns, the women brought him up to speed.

Patterson’s expression grew grim. “Do you think Dixie was drugged?”

“Maybe.” Wendy nervously twined her fingers. “There’s a drug. It’s called Gainquist. It helps with food digestion. Dixie mentioned it once but I never saw a bottle, or maybe I just didn’t notice it.”

Patterson reached for his notepad. “I’ve requested a toxicology report. I’ll specifically ask if this drug was in Dixie’s system.”

“I don’t take it because it makes me dizzy.” Wendy answered a few more questions and then Patterson told her she was free to go.

“What will happen to Astrid?”

“I’ll bring her in for questioning. I’m sure the Miami authorities will want to speak with her as well.” Patterson escorted Wendy to the door and waited for her to leave. “It sounds as if Astrid has some explaining to do.”

Chapter 28

“You guys hang out here while I check to see if Pastor Haakenson is in his office.”

Sharky patted the top of the coffee maker. “This baby is like brand new. He’ll get years of use before it breaks down again.”

“I’m glad to hear he’ll be back in business as far as inviting others in for coffee.” Millie slipped into the sanctuary. Walking down the center aisle, she could see the pastor’s office light was on and his door was ajar.

She gave it a light rap.