Chapter 55
More lies
As they drove into town, Shelley surprised Cici and Declan by having a lot of questions.
How much their rent was, and did they all live together?
And most strangely, how big was Gray's place?
Declan and Cici only offered vague answers, but Shelley didn't seem deterred at all and chattered on the entire drive.
As soon as they approached the Square, Declan slipped back into his tour guide persona.
"This is where all the action happens, Shelley," Declan swept his arms in a broad arc to encompass the lively scene.
"Come on, there are plenty of seats at the fish and chips shop." Declan led the way, but Shelley faltered for a moment, her stomach tightening. She'd been here eavesdropping only a few days ago. Please don't let the same waitress be working today.
They settled at a pair of tables on the far side of the patio. Shelley forced a smile as she surveyed the Square. She had an ace up her sleeve, something they didn't know yet. Something that would leave Gray with no choice but to let her stay with him. But she'd save that card for the right moment.
"So, Shelley," Cici began, her voice casual but her eyes sharp, "you said the funding committee sent you here. That's surprising. Gray just submitted another round of data, and they extended his contract another two months. You're the one who handles the analysis, right?"
Shelley smiled thinly. She could hear the restraint in Cici's tone and knew she was fishing. Fine, she'd play along.
"Yes, that's me. Well, my roommate Katie helps sometimes, but it's mostly me. I'm sure once we process everything, it'll all be fine. But for now, the committee had concerns, and with the lab empty, it made sense to send me here to help Gray."
Shelley clamped her mouth shut, realizing her mistake, but it was too late. Cici's expression sharpened, and Declan leaned forward, his interest piqued.
"What do you mean, the lab is empty?" Cici asked, her tone deceptively light. "Where are the research teams?"
"Oh, you know," Shelley said quickly, waving a hand. "They've got a lot on their plates." She glanced around. "Where's the washroom? I drank too much water, and this heat is something else!"
Cici nodded toward the back. "Over there. Should I order you a drink, or have you had enough for today?" Her smirk told Shelley everything she needed to know. Cici wasn't buying her story.
"Just water, thanks," Shelley said, standing abruptly. She headed toward the restroom but kept scanning her surroundings, looking for an exit.
As soon as she disappeared, Declan turned to Cici. "What do you think she meant by 'the lab is empty'?"
"I don't know," Cici admitted, frowning. "But we're getting answers as soon as she gets back."
"And then we need to figure out where she's staying. I haven't even told you all the weird questions she was asking me when I was touring her around!" Declan added, but his attention drifted. He glanced around the Square and frowned. "Does it seem busier than usual to you?"
Cici followed his gaze. The Square buzzed with activity, far more crowded than on a typical weekday. "That's odd. Did more than one cruise ship dock today?"
They exchanged uneasy glances, their curiosity growing. Meanwhile, Shelley slipped out through the back of the restaurant, unseen. She had things to set in motion, and she needed to retrieve her luggage before anyone stopped her.