Page 64 of Absinthe Minded

I motioned behind me like an idiot. How had she been here the entire time and not realized someone had wandered in? “There was a woman in the break room.”

Her eyes widened. “When? Just now?”

“She said the side door was unlocked.” I didn’t know Jessie well, but she’d never struck me as the careless type.

“I came in through the employee entrance about an hour ago. I haven’t been up front, and IknowI locked the doors last night.” She ran her hands over her arms. “I’ll make sure nothing’s missing. Do me a favor and don’t mention this to Gabe. The family’s already giving him grief about me working here.”

By the family, I assumed she meant Papa Joe. The man was a notorious misogynist. “Want me to stick around to make sure everything’s okay?”

“I’m expecting a friend any minute.” She blushed and handed me a folder labeledreceipts. “He brings me coffee on weekdays.”

“Your secrets are safe with me.” I tucked the file into my bag.

* * *

There aresome things that one simply should not see by the light of day—Bourbon Street is one of them. I ignored the gaudy strip clubs, and piles of garbage, but I couldn’t help doing some quick window shopping at a couple of the sex shops.

What can I say? Living with Gabe had woken my dormant hormones.

My skin prickled, and the sensation that someone was watching me returned. I ducked my head and picked up my pace. Every block or so, I glanced over my shoulder, but no one stood out.

I turned the corner on Poydras Street and ducked beneath the awning of a souvenir shop. A man in a leather jacket followed, made eye contact, and continued on his way. He looked back at me twice but smiled each time.

Is he following me or flirting?

I blew it off as paranoia after the conversation with Shanna and walked the rest of the way to theNOLA Society Newsoffices.

I didn’t have an office or know many of the employees milling about, but no one questioned my presence. The badge hanging from my lapel gave me the right to use the research computers with access to many of the city record databases.

My first search turned up general information about the Marchionni Corporation. I took notes on their holdings and the members of the board of directors. Next, I conducted individual searches on each of the properties owned by Gabe’s brothers, and jotted down names associated with the businesses.

I’d become so engrossed in my work that I didn’t hear my boss approaching until Marlena set a hand on my shoulder. I jumped out of my chair. “You scared the stuffing out me.”

“I’ve been practicing my stealth moves.” Marlena cackled and met my gaze. “You should have told us you captured one of New Orleans sexiest bachelors. It killed me to read it in the competition.”

“I didn’t place the announcement in thePicayune.” My cheeks heated. I had a good idea who’d leaked the story and fully intended to have a word with my would-be mother-in-law. “As for the engagement, it’s complicated.”

“If I was in your shoes, I’d march that man down the aisle so quick he’d need a seat belt and helmet.” Marlena leaned in and gave me a half-hug. “Though many women are mourning his loss, myself included... Congratulations.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks. You should know, my relationship with Gabe won’t affect the piece.”

“Of course it will, but given your personal relationship, I trust you’ll come up with something that’s a different flavor of delicious.” She leaned forward to read the screen.

“I’m not changing my tactics. The piece will be honest, and from the looks of it, gritty.”

Marlene’s frown started in her eyes and worked its way down her face. “Did you find something?”

“Not yet, but I have a private source who’s doing some digging into financial records. I’m focusing on identifying the key players outside the family.” I closed Shanna’s file to keep Marlena’s eagle-eyes off the police report.

“Smart. If there are dirty secrets, you’re more likely to find them on the periphery, but are you certain you want to go this route?”

“Absolutely. I also took a part-time job in a Marchionni establishment.”

Marlena’s perfectly shaped brow rose. “Oh?”

“I thought it would be interesting to get an insider’s perspective. See what their employees have to say about the men behind the myths.”

She pursed her lips and glanced over the bank of computers. “Maggie, given the circumstances, you should use a pseudonym on this piece. If it turns out to be more than the typical story, I’m going to sell it to the highest bidder. You’ll want anonymity.”

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