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Susan cast a derisive glance in her direction. “It seemed harmless at the time. Randy’s always been an odd duck. Besides, I didn’t know you were being stalked.” Her lips flattened into a thin line as she leveled her gaze at Cole. “If you’re looking for a suspect, I’d question Randy.”
FIFTEEN
Oak Gardens was a beautiful wedding venue situated on several acres of rolling hills. Oak and pecan trees dotted the landscape, providing the perfect backdrop for photographs of the bride and groom. A small lake, with a fountain shooting out of the center, glittered in the sunshine. Entering the arched gates normally brought a smile to Olivia’s face. Today, it only made the ball of nerves tighten in her stomach. She regretted having a second cup of coffee this morning. The caffeine didn’t help her anxiety.
Cole was stretched out in the passenger seat. He’d spent most of the drive over doing a background check on Randy Higgins. His brow was furrowed as he flipped through documents on his phone.
The anticipation was killing Olivia. She gripped the steering wheel. “Did you find anything interesting?”
“Nope. Randy Higgins, 35, head chef at Oak Gardens. Before that he worked for several restaurants in Austin. He married his wife five years ago. They don’t have any children. Randy isn’t very active on social media. It seems he’s a private person. Most of his posts are about fishing or hunting.” Cole clicked a button to lock his phone. “He’s mentioned in a few articles about Oak Gardens. Everyone agrees he’s a talented chef.”
“He is.” Olivia admired the creative way he adapted the menu for each couple. It was one of the reasons she recommended Oak Gardens to clients.
Cole slanted a glance in her direction. “How would you describe your relationship with Randy?”
“Friendly. Respectful.” She sighed. “Honestly, I’m shocked by Susan’s comments. If Randy was watching me from behind pillars…” Olivia grimaced. “That’s creepy.”
Before today, she’d never felt uncomfortable for a second in Randy’s presence. Nor had she picked up on any romantic interest from him. Then again, she hadn’t noticed David’s either. It made her feel uncertain and more than a little stupid. How could she have been so blind?
The main building of Oak Gardens loomed large. It was new, but designed to look like a Southern plantation. Winding roads and signs directed people to the chapel or the barn. Neither was visible from the main building, since both were hidden in the trees.
Cole tapped his knee with an index finger. “I find it strange Susan didn’t mention Randy’s behavior before today.”
Olivia pulled into a parking spot in front of the main building. Then she turned to face him. “You think she’s lying?”
“Lying, no. Exaggerating… perhaps. Susan strikes me as someone who likes drama.”
He wasn’t wrong. Olivia’s mind spun with the possibilities. She didn’t know what to believe anymore. “Lord, give me the wisdom to trust Your guidance. Help us uncover the truth.”
“Amen.” Cole shot her a heart-stopping smile before hopping out of the truck and circling to open her door.
Olivia grabbed her purse. The February air was nippy despite the sunshine. She tucked her hands into the pockets of her coat. “Game plan?”
“Just interact with Randy as you normally would. I’ll take care of the rest.”
She nodded and started up the walkway with Cole at her side. Some of her nerves settled as he held open the door to the main building for her. Sometime in the last few days, the trust between them had grown. Spending so many hours together had cemented an easy friendship. One Olivia hoped would continue even after this case was solved.
She peeked at Cole out of the corner of her eye as she crossed over the threshold into the lobby. The scent of his aftershave tickled her senses. Olivia’s heart skipped a beat. Who was she kidding? There was more than friendship simmering under the surface of their relationship. But now wasn’t the time to entertain anything romantic. Not with a stalker lurking somewhere in the shadows.
“I have to stop in the ballroom and check on the decor, but let’s visit Randy first.” Olivia turned down a hall, nodding at staff cleaning the carpets as she headed to the rear of the building. She found Randy in his office off the main kitchen. It was a cramped room, just big enough for a rickety desk and a few chairs. The printer whirred.
“You have perfect timing.” Randy grinned. A dimple appeared in his left cheek, making the smile boyish and disarming. Unruly, curly brown hair and round cheeks added to the effect. He wore a chef’s jacket and dark jeans. Extra pounds around his midsection showed he liked to eat as much as cook. He waved Olivia and Cole into his office. “I’m going over the menu again for tomorrow's reception.”
“Susan said you had an issue.” Olivia set her purse down in the chair but didn’t bother sitting. “Oh, Randy, this is my new assistant, Cole.”
“Nice to meet you.” Randy offered Cole an equally bright smile and shook his hand. Then he turned his attention back to Olivia. “The bride wanted lamb sliders with crispy fried onions, but my supplier doesn’t have the meat. Something about a lamb shortage this year. We can make beef sliders.” He grabbed the paper from the printer. “Or I can substitute one of these appetizers instead. I made sure my supplier has the ingredients.”
Olivia took a photograph with her phone of the menu options. “I’ll message Avery and ask her.” She shot off the text. “Let’s give her a minute to see if she replies.”
“Sounds good.” Randy ran a hand through his hair and his smile lessened. “How are you doing, Olivia? I heard about the break-in at your house on the news. Crazy. Stuff like this isn’t common in Serenity. Was it just a robbery?”
“The police are still investigating. Thankfully, I wasn’t home at the time.”
“I’m glad. My house was broken into in Austin. Robbery. They took jewelry and some cash. My computer. I remember my wife, Jessica, was terrified to stay home alone while I was working at night. It’s part of the reason we moved out here.” He shook his head and grimaced. “I’m worried this incident will set off her PTSD again.”
Didn’t Susan say Randy and his wife were separated? It didn’t sound that way to Olivia. “That’s rough. I know of a great therapist if she needs to talk to someone.”
“I’ll let her know. Thanks.”
