CHAPTER Thirty
As planned, Camille and Ross headed into town the next morning to buy groceries and other necessities.
Camille was looking forward to driving Ross all around the area where she’d grown up, even by her old high school.
Camille was so in love with him; she was eager to share every bit of her life, especially the parts before he was in it.
Since they didn’t have to work at the brewery until three o’clock, Camille’s plan for the day even included showing him a few of her favorite wineries on the nearby wine trail.
The lunch crowd would be easy for the regular crew to handle, but happy hour would be packed, especially this time of year, with Christmas just a few days away and many people enjoying extra time off from work.
While Ross and Camille were out and about, the Hargroves did what they always did—prepared for the day. That morning at the brewery was pretty typical until a burly, unkempt man arrived, sat at the bar, and struck up a conversation with Marla Hargrove, who was doing a bit of cleaning.
“I’m sorry,” Marla explained. “We’re not officially open. I can get you something to drink, but there’s no one in the kitchen to cook until eleven o’clock.”
“No worries, ma’am. I’m not here to eat. Actually, I’m here to ask for work.”
Marla was a bit stunned. No stranger had ever just walked in and asked for a job.
He was somewhat attractive and very polite, but his scruffy appearance and dirty clothes turned her off right away.
Although he probably needed the job, Marla hesitated because of his rough appearance.
Apparently, this was his best look, and frankly, Marla was not impressed.
“I wish I could help you,” she replied. “I just don’t have anything available right now.”
Marla could use a bar-back on weekend nights, but there was something about this guy that gave her a bad vibe. Feeling a little self-conscious and guilty for turning him down, Marla found herself getting extra chatty.
“Coffee?” she asked.
“Sure, that would be nice.” “Are you from around here?”
“No, not originally. I like it, though. I’d like to stay if I can find work.” “Well, maybe check the wineries around. Although this is not their prime season, they might have something.”
“Yeah, I probably need to find a more permanent place so I can stay cleaned up a little better,” the man admitted.
Marla tactfully agreed. She was dying to offer some suggestions for approaching other businesses and asking for a job, but her guilt and big heart, however, kept her from talking.
“It’s a shame I don’t have anything. We have a boathouse down by the pond, but my daughter and her boyfriend just moved home, and they’re staying there.”
The man’s interest seemed to spike, and instantly, he had a few questions. “Boathouse, huh? That would have been perfect. Do you think they’ll live there long, or is it just a temporary space while they find something else?”
“Honestly, I don’t expect them to be there long-term. My daughter is a private investigator. She doesn’t call anywhere home for too long.”
The man brought his hand to his face and rubbed his chin, as Marla continued.
“But even when they leave, I probably won’t rent out the boathouse just in case they want to use it in the future.”
“I see,” he answered. “Does your daughter work here? Is she here now? I’ve never met an actual private investigator. I bet she’s something special.”
Marla Hargrove got a little chill at the tone of his voice. His query seemed genuine at first, but Marla sensed a touch of sarcasm toward the end that turned her off.
“I’m sorry, I have to finish some things in the back. If you don’t mind, I need you to leave until we’re actually open.” She was suddenly nervous, and she could hear her voice crack as she spoke.
The man knew he had crossed a line, but his heart was beating a mile a minute as he reached in his pocket for a couple of bucks to pay for his coffee.
“No need,” Marla said, picking up his cup. “And your name?’ she asked. “Shane,” he replied.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t help you with a job, Shane.”
“No worries. Thanks anyway.”
Shane Simpson’s curiosity was on overdrive ever since he’d discovered Camille Hargrove’s parents owned the Brew4U brewery.
He had set out that day to poke around and get the lay of the land.
He was quite certain Camille and Ross would make it home for Christmas, and he would take care of them once and for all.
When he showed up at the brewery that day, Shane had no idea Camille and Ross had already made it home. When Mrs. Hargrove leaked that information, he was smug at first, and then terrified. If Camille and Ross had been there, it could have ruined everything.
When he found out they were gone for the day, his fear turned to delight.
He had not expected things to just fall into his hands this way, but he had to admit it was nice.
Everything he’d planned was coming together.
Going to the brewery that day, nosing around, paid off far better than he imagined.
Shane was primed for payback, and with basic knowledge of the area, he was certain he could pull off his ultimate plan.
Thanks to Mrs. Hargrove, he had all the information he needed and still held the element of surprise. Shane grinned, and his thoughts were twisted. He was thrilled and eager for his next move.