Driving in to town later that morning, I planned my day. First I’d hit the Pet Palace for chew toys for Emma, then Linens and Loots to talk to Ginny. Jen had complained about needing all her employees to work on the weekends, and since I knew the club had an event tomorrow, I was betting Ginny would be on-site today. Finally, I’d hit the grocery store and top the trip off with a quick stop at a locally owned drive-in that served the best fish tacos in the area. The place was a dive, but clean, and the food, amazing.
First stop done, and I found myself in the parking lot for Linens and Loots. I decided to splurge on the grill pans Greg and I’d been talking about so we could cook fresh veggies over the grill easier. And a grill brush cleaner tool.
My cover purchase decided, I locked the Jeep and strolled into the store. Jen hadn’t been kidding, the place was packed. Women pushed undersized plastic carts through the narrow aisles, filled with bedsheets, towels, and kitchen equipment. I saw Jen at one of the registers and waved. I didn’t see Ginny on a register, so I wandered back through the store. I found her folding towels in the bath section. I ran my hand along one of the towels and pretended to consider it, but then was shocked at how plush and soft it felt.
Ginny must have seen the reaction on my face because she laughed. “They are the best we carry. If I could afford to, I’d replace every towel I owned with these. I buy one a month. That’s all I can do on my salary.”
I looked at the price tag. She wasn’t kidding. But then I felt the fabric again and sighed. “I might just have to eat peanut butter sandwiches for a month to afford these.”
She continued to fold and stack the new shipment. When she saw me still standing by the towels, she paused. “Can I help you with something?”
“You’re part of that geocache club, right?” I kept my hand on the top of one stack of towels, pretending to consider a purchase.
“How did you know?” Now I had her attention and she stopped folding.
“My boyfriend and I went to an event last month. I thought I saw you over by the food booth.” I shook my head. “I heard about that poor girl who died on the beach. It was so nice of the club to give her a memorial.”
Ginny snorted. “Well, the members owed her at least that. Kacey was the heart and soul of the Coastal Geocache Club. She built that group from just a few people who liked to get together on weekends to geocache.” She smiled at a memory. “That’s how we met. I was her best friend, especially during her breakup with her jerk of a husband. She and I went everywhere together.”
“I’m sure you’re going to miss her. So sad for a young woman to just die like that.” I knew I was pushing buttons, but that’s what I was there for, right?
Her hands tightened on a towel, squeezing the softness out of the plush. “She didn’t just die. She was murdered. And I know who did it.”
The overhead speaker buzzed, then Jen’s voice came over. “Will all available associates come to the front to open more registers? Customer service alert.”
Ginny shook her head. “I’ve got to go up front. You should get the towels, you won’t be disappointed.”
I watched her disappear, disappointed I hadn’t heard her theory on who had killed Kacey. Of course, she could be in the “hang Austin” camp since she didn’t seem to care for him at all. I decided I’d have another chance with her on Sunday. No way would she miss the monthly club activity. I picked up two of the bath towels in a powder blue that would match my current bathroom décor and decided against the grill accessories. I’d come back later.
By the time I got to the checkout line, I was three people back. Ginny’s line was packed with people who had several carts filled to the brim and seemed to be redeeming gift cards. I looked at my watch and decided to stay in the line I was in. Jen paused by the cashier’s station as I was checking out. She bagged my towels.
“I see you found the good stuff.” She squeezed each towel as she put it into the bag. “I adore this brand. If I had my way, it would be the only towel I sold.”
“Your associate, Ginny, told me how wonderful they were, so I decided to take a chance.” I handed the cashier a credit card.
Jen looked toward Ginny’s line. “That’s interesting. I didn’t think she recommended anything we sold.” She flushed and glanced at the cashier, who was soaking in all the gossip. “Anyway, I’m serious about coming in to South Cove for a coffee date. Text me next week and we’ll set up formal plans.” Jen nodded to Ginny and me, then walked toward a cashier who had been waving her over.
The cashier handed me my slip and credit card. “Here you go, thanks for visiting.” Then she leaned forward. “I didn’t realize the boss had any friends. Glad to know she’s human.”
I nodded and tried to act very friendly so maybe my own persona would make Jen seem more in tune with her employees. As I walked out of the store, I thought about the pressure to perform that corporate bosses put on managers like Jen. And for not the first time, I blessed my luck in owning my own business and being my own boss. Well, after Aunt Jackie.