“She’s coming with me. We’re already out the door, so get out of there.”
Poppy had already dialed the police. When the dispatcher came on the phone, she gave them the address and told them what happened.
Her heart pounding, Ivy started the car, pulled across the street and parked farther away. She turned off thelights. Interrupting a robbery, if that’s what it was, could be dangerous.
While they waited, Java Beach remained dark and silent, with no discernible movement inside.
Shelly rubbed her forehead. “Who would destroy such a beautiful painting?”
“Someone angry with an obvious grudge,” Ivy said, watching the area for any movement. “Has Mitch mentioned anyone giving him trouble? Customers or former employees?”
Shelly shook her head. “Most people love Mitch.”
In the rearview mirror, Ivy saw a police car pull up in front of Java Beach. Two young officers got out to walk around and inspect the property. Chief Clarkson arrived and joined them.
Ivy watched them circle the building, shaking their heads.
Mitch pulled up behind them in the Jeep, his lights off. With Daisy in his arms, he raced toward her. “Take her and stay here. I’ll talk to Clark.”
“It doesn’t look like they found anything,” Shelly said, taking Daisy, who watched the unusual activities with wide eyes. She ran her little hands over the red leather seats, cooing at the bright color.
Mitch gazed at the spray-painted destruction on the wall with dismay. Grim faced, he said, “I need to see if they gained entry.”
Shelly pressed Daisy to her heart. “You’re such a good girl. Stay quiet for me.”
The toddler seemed to understand and looked around with curiosity, watching while her father spoke to the policeofficers. They went inside and emerged again shortly afterward.
Mitch gave them an all-clear signal with a wave.
Shelly let out a breath. “Oh, thank goodness it wasn’t worse.”
“Clark’s a great guy but seeing him twice in one night on police business is a little much,” Ivy said.
“I can’t tell Mitch what we did earlier now,” Shelly said, chewing her lip. “He won’t be in the mood to understand.” She blinked as Mitch strode to the car.
“Nothing was disturbed inside,” he said, blowing out a breath. “The chief says it’s probably random vandalism, but I’m not so sure. Tomorrow, they’ll check to see if anyone saw anything. Jen and George have cameras on the hardware store, so maybe those recorded something. There’s nothing we can do tonight, babe.”
“I’m so relieved,” Shelly said, smoothing her hand over Daisy’s back. “Can we leave now?”
“I’ve got to finalize the report, but you can all go. I’ll meet you at home. We have a big day tomorrow.”
2
The next morning after breakfast was finished and early weekend guests had checked in, Ivy tidied the kitchen. The events of last night weighed on her mind. Her nocturnal dig paled in comparison to the vandalism at Java Beach.
Shelly appeared in the doorway, zipping her seafoam-green hoodie. “The yoga class is over, and all the guests are happy. Back to reality now.”
Ivy emptied the dishwasher as she spoke. “Any news about Java Beach?”
“Mitch told me some of the patrons swore there was a gang of three dressed in dark clothes sneaking around the village last night.”
Ivy froze. “You’re kidding. You’d think they would’ve seen the red Chevy, too.”
“You didn’t park right by the lot. Even if they did see it, no one would suspect you. At least Clark knows who that trio was and that we wouldn’t vandalize Java Beach.”
Ivy’s heart thumped. Should they be worried? “I hope he believes that. Maybe we should call Imani.”
The retired attorney now ran the flower stand in the village, but she’d helped Ivy sort out several thorny legal issues. And now she was dating Clark.
