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Theodosia paused as the front door swung open.
A late guest? No, all the seats are taken.
And that’s when Lamar Lucket strolled in. Dressed in a sharp black sharkskin suit, a powder blue shirt, and a dark blue tie, he looked more like an unsavory banker than an unsavory politician.
Theodosia immediately ran over to head him off.
Lucket saw her coming, stopped in his tracks, and said, “Miss Browning, I believe you changed your hair.” He spoke in a manner that was a little imperious, a little bit presumptuous.
“It’s a wig,” Theodosia said, patting her head somewhat self-consciously. Why are you here? she wondered.
“Cute.” Lucket leaned to one side and peered around her, taking in the tea room filled with women. But that didn’t slow down his approach. “I’ve heard such wonderful things about your tea shop, I thought I’d stop by and see for myself.”
“Unfortunately, we’re closed to accommodate a private party right now. But if you’d care to stop back another time...”
Lucket raised a hand. “Yes, I see you’re quite busy. But perhaps I could trouble you for some takeout?”
“A scone and a cup of tea?” Drayton asked from behind the counter.
Lucket squinted at Drayton. “Sure, why not?” he said as Drayton immediately grabbed a takeout cup and got busy filling it with tea.
Bless you, Drayton, Theodosia thought as she hastily packaged up three of their almond-orange scones for Lucket.
Lucket watched her carefully, then said, “You know, I’m keeping my eye on you.”
Theodosia turned to face him. “Why would that be?” Please just hurry up and leave.
“I don’t mean that in a threatening way,” Lucket said, in a slightly threatening tone of voice. “I was thinking that maybe you could cater one of your fancy teas at my hotel some time.”
Theodosia favored Lucket with a bright smile as Drayton slid a takeout cup toward him and said, “No charge.” Then Theodosia handed Lucket his bag of scones and said, “I’m sure your own food-service professionals can manage just fine.”
“I’ll take that as a no,” Lucket chuckled.
“It’s our busy time,” Theodosia said as she followed him to the door and shut it behind him. Then watched as Lucket climbed into a dark green Jaguar and sped away.
***
An hour later, with Lucket’s visit over and forgotten, the mood in the tea shop was even more laid-back. Drayton had switched to a chamomile and white tea blend for their guests (which meant très relaxation) and most of them had already enjoyed multiple sessions of trying on wigs, indulging in quickie manicures, and getting touch-ups on their makeup.
Theodosia stood behind the counter, nibbling a scone, ready to cash out those guests who’d been busy shopping and had selected tea accoutrements from her various displays.
The tranquil mood was suddenly broken as Delaine rushed in, threw up her hands in a helpless, hapless gesture, and yelped, “Where’s Theo? I need Theo!”
“Right here,” Theodosia said, stepping out from behind the counter.
Delaine, who was a trifle nearsighted but abhorred wearing glasses, squinted at her and said, “You don’t look like Theo.”
Theodosia pulled the wig off her head, letting her masses of auburn hair tumble down. “See? It’s really me.”
Delaine gave a surprised gasp, then grasped her arm and shook it. “Thank goodness. Because I need your help. Mignon needs your help.”
“For what? What’s going on?”
“Mignon’s shop has been vandalized!” Delaine cried. “And is it ever awful!”
“Have the police been called?”
“Of course they have.” Delaine hopped up and down, barely able to control her emotions. “But you still have to come right this minute, Theo. I know you’re the only one who can figure this out.”
