A man steps into view. He’s mid-forties and wearing jeans and a button-up shirt. “How can I help you?”
“I’m sorry to bother you, but my cousin is Piper Moreau. I believe she’s marrying John Williams here this weekend.”
The man smiles. “Yes, she is. Come on in. Any family of hers is family of mine.” The man holds out his hand. “Tom.”
“Durango,” he says as he shakes the man’s hand. “We met once a year or so ago at a party Piper’s parents had.”
Tom smiles. “Yes, I remember.”
“And this is my friend Oz.”
I shake his hand too.
“Is there any chance Piper is here now?” I ask.
Tom frowns. “No, we don’t expect to see her until Saturday. John insisted they didn’t want to do a rehearsal in advance. My wife isn’t as convinced, so I’m sure she’ll try to get them over here soon.”
“Have you seen Piper since she’s been back in town?” Durango asks.
Tom shakes his head. “I haven’t seen her since she left town. John used to bring her around to ride the horses.”
The pieces click into place for me. “Are you John’s father?”
Tom smiles. “Yes, I am. And I can’t tell you how happy I am that this marriage is finally going to happen. It’s wonderful we will be able to bring our two families together.”
This is business for him too. He might not exactly be on board to help keep Piper’s interests in mind.
“This is all happening quite fast. I would really love to do something nice for my cousin. I could pay for the flowers and all the arrangements,” Durango says.
Tom’s eyes widen. “Wow, that’s very generous of you. That would be wonderful, yes.”
“Would it be possible to see the space where the ceremony and reception will take place? It will give me an idea of what to request.”
Tom smiles. “Sure, it’s dark, but I can turn on the exterior lights.”
“Exterior?” I ask.
“Yes, we are doing an outdoor wedding.”
“In January?” Durango asks.
“We have a large, covered deck. Well, come see for yourself. It’s perfect for the occasion.”
We all stand up.
“While you two do that, can I use your bathroom?”
Tom frowns.
I rub my stomach. “We got some hotdogs on the road, and well, I don’t feel so good.”
“Oh, I hope it wasn’t from Hattie’s Hotdogs. Locals know to stay away from those.” He laughs, so I smile but hold my stomach. “Sure, first door on the left there.” He points down a hallway.
I immediately head that way as they walk the other, which I presume will take them to a back door.
Instead of stopping at the bathroom, I take the opportunity to scan as many rooms as I can in case Piper and John are here somewhere.
After a quick peek in the kitchen and an office, I move down another hall. Music is playing on this side of the house and, as I near, I hear two voices.
