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Riley hesitated a moment, then said, “Let me see what I can do.”
19
Haley was still upset this Thursday morning, even though Theodosia and Drayton had shown up last night, reasoned with the police, and taken great pains to assure Haley that under no circumstances was she a suspect. Haley had nodded agreeably, been allowed to say goodbye to Ben, and then let Theodosia and Drayton drive her back to her apartment above the Indigo Tea Shop. But deep in her heart Haley remained fearful—about Ben, about the intensity of last night’s raid, about what might happen next.
“Do you want me to ask Miss Dimple to help out in the kitchen instead of doing tea service with me?” Theodosia asked.
Haley shook her head. “No, you need her more than I do. We’ve got a lot of people coming in for the Glam Girl Tea so you should be front and center with the guests.”
“Which Drayton and I can manage just fine.”
“It’s not a difficult menu today, so I’ll be okay. Eventually.” Haley turned to her butcher-block counter and added an extra dollop of mayonnaise to her crab salad. “But I’m still ticked off that the cops thought Ben was a murderer. That totally frosts me.”
“I know, and I’m sorry you had to be part of that nasty setup last night.”
“Who do you think planted that crap in Ben’s house?”
“Your guess is as good as mine,” Theodosia said.
Haley’s lower lip quivered. “The police should have believed us when we told them we didn’t know where that beekeeper stuff came from.”
“Yes, they should have. On the other hand, the police have to take every tip seriously. They are trying to solve a murder.”
Haley studied her carefully. “I thought that’s what you were doing.”
“I was... I am... but I can’t say I’ve made a whole lot of progress.”
“You will, I know you will,” Haley said.
Theodosia smiled, thinking, I’m getting pep talks and encouragement right and left. From Lois, now from Haley. So I should be able to figure things out, right?
“You’re sure you’re up to prepping today’s luncheon?” Theodosia asked again. “My offer to help still stands.”
“I’m going to arrange everything on our big three-tiered trays so I only need help carrying them out.” Haley drew a deep breath and added, “So I guess I’ll be okay.”
“Yes, you will,” Theodosia said. She put an arm around Haley and hugged her again. “Because I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Haley’s eyes pooled with tears. “You promise? Pinky-swear?”
“Absolutely.” Theodosia stuck out her pinky finger and shook with her. “And if any more police come calling, we’ll get in touch with my uncle and let him deal with it.”
“The one who’s the high test lawyer?”
“That’s right.”
“I’m starting to feel better,” Haley said. “It’s nice to know I have people who have my back.”
“Remember,” Theodosia said gently, “family doesn’t always have to mean blood relatives.”
Haley wiped at her eyes with the corner of her apron. “Okay,” she said in a slightly choked-up voice.
Back out in the tea room, Theodosia checked in with Drayton, who was working behind the front counter.
“Everything okay in the kitchen?” Drayton asked.
“Haley’s still a little sniffly, but she’ll get through the day.”
“You’re sure she can manage all the tea sandwiches and goodies?”
