* * *
Mark waited until Darcy finished her shift on Monday before heading over to the Hip Hop. Which meant he missed his usual breakfast. He’d spent the previous afternoon and most of the night on the computer clearing Janie, which was why he was here. He was hungry, tired and as crabby as a bear in spring.
He walked into the café close to three. There were only two customers. The waitress on duty said that Janie was in her office in the back. Mark made his way to the cramped space and knocked on the open door.
Janie looked up and smiled. “Howdy, stranger. I didn’t think you were speaking to me these days.”
“I’m talking.”
“Not to most of us. Since you’ve been home, you haven’t been the least bit neighborly.”
He sat down in the only spare chair in her office. “Sorry about that, Janie. I’ve had a lot on my mind.”
Her smile faded. “I guess getting shot would give a man something to think about.”
He studied her pretty features. He and Janie were the same age; he’d known her most of his life. In the eighth grade he’d thought she was as pretty as an angel and it had taken him two years to get over his crush on her. All these years later she was happily married and he felt as old as the black hills.
“Something’s come up,” he said.
She nodded. “The sheriff was in here a couple of days ago asking me a lot of questions. I got the feeling there was a problem. Want to talk to me about it?”
“Actually I want to talk to you about the people who work for you. We’ve had a tip that someone is laundering money here at the Hip Hop.”
Janie’s blue eyes widened as her mouth gaped open. “You’re not serious.”
“I’m afraid I am.”
“There’s not enough money going through this place. I mean, we do well for a restaurant in Whitehorn, but it’s not as if this is Chicago and we’re talking about thousands flowing through here every day.”
“There are more ways to launder money than through the cash register. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if the sheriff brings in someone to go over the books.”
Her gaze narrowed. “Because you’re going to recommend it?”
“It’s part of my job.”
She threw up her hands. “Mark, I don’t know anything about this, but I want to cooperate with you. The sooner you start investigating, the sooner you’ll find out that someone was playing a joke on you and Rafe.”
“I hope so. I’d like to see a list of employees.”
Janie typed on the computer, then hit the print button. Seconds later a single sheet of paper appeared. He took it and glanced at the names. Darcy’s was on it, but then she worked here.
“Thanks. I’m going to be checking into the backgrounds of the employees. Anything you want to tell me now?”
“No. I’m not aware of anyone having a criminal record. At least nothing anyone has told me about. I’ve known some of these people for years.”
“And some are new.”
She frowned and took the list from him. “Darcy is our most recent hire. She’s been here about six months.” She returned her attention to him. “Mark, I refuse to believe she’s doing anything illegal. You know her—you two are neighbors. The woman works her butt off all day here, then heads home to bake for several local businesses.”
“I have to check out everyone.”
She pressed her lips together. “Don’t get all gung ho about this. If you go tearing in like you’re trying to beat the clock, you may end up ruining what looks to be a very promising relationship.”
He wondered what Darcy had told Janie about them. Were the two women close? “I appreciate the advice.”
“Yeah, right. But the truth is you’re going to do exactly what you want. Just don’t forget, Darcy is a born caretaker with a big heart. She’s sweet and kind and if you hurt her, I’ll be really pissed off.”
“Point taken. Tell me about the other employees.”
