“I might have an idea,” Fin whispered.
Making her way down the stairs and weaving through the high-top tables, Daphne made her way toward us. The men following stopped at the front door.
“I never expected to see you here,” my stepmother said, holding on to the back of my chair. The sweetness of her perfume made it hard to breathe. “The filet with caramelized onions is to die for.”
“It is a surprise for sure.” I lifted my chin toward the door. “You’re dining with Grant and Preston?”
“Oh, you see I’ve barely left the house since” —she pressed her lips together— “you know. I was going stir crazy. Those two had dinner plans and invited me to join.”
“Grant and Preston had dinner plans…together?” I asked.
“Oh, well, Vee. Just because you broke things off with Preston doesn’t mean his company isn’t still enjoyed by others.” She patted Fin’s shoulder. “You’re in good company, it seems.”
“Mrs. Hubbard.”
“Oh, please, Fin, my name is Daphne.”
“Daphne,” he repeated.
She appeared practically giddy. “Have you heard about Bre’s arraignment?”
“I did. Leigh called me,” I replied.
“Isn’t that the best news you’ve heard?”
“I’m surprised you’re happy about her being out on bond.”
“She isn’t. She couldn’t make bond.” Daphne bounced up and down. Before I could reply, she went on. “I didn’t know how any of this worked until today, but Joe told me that Kentucky was the first state to ban for-profit bail bond companies. You know, they’re those places where you only need to pay a percentage of the bond. With one of those, she could be out for as little as fifty thousand dollars. He said that sometimes the judge can release the criminal on something called personal re…” Her forehead furrowed.
“Recognizance,” Fin volunteered.
“Yes. That’s it,” she said. “But because they believe Bre would be a flight risk, the judge didn’t offer her that or even a percentage. To get out of jail, she needs to pay the full five hundred thousand dollars.” Daphne’s eyes twinkled. “If not, she’s staying in jail.”
I squirmed in my seat and looked at Daphne. “Do you really think it’s good to allow her to stay in jail?”
“Of course I do. She’s a murderer.”
“I didn’t know that Bre couldn’t make bond,” I admitted. “I assumed she was out.”
“Nope. Tucked away nice and tight.” Daphne leaned closer; the aroma of rum emanating from her words wasn’t enough to overpower the perfume. “Do you think they’re making her wear one of those orange outfits?” She shook her head. “No one looks good in orange. It’s a horrible color. I’ve been able to make amber work, but orange is so harsh.” She looked up. “Oh, I need to go. Grant has somewhere he needs to be.”
“Bye,” Fin and I said together.
After the three of them stepped through the doors, I turned to Fin. “Something is weird.”
“You think?”
I shook my head. “First, Grant and Daphne were acting odd at the funeral, and now she’s dining with Grant and Preston.” I opened my eyes wide. “It started before that. Last weekend, I didn’t expect Daphne to join us to fly to the game in Vegas, but she did. She said Grant told her when to be to the airport.”
Fin lowered his voice. “I might have some information, but your request for a just-you-and-me night means I will need to share later.” He grinned. “Besides, you might lose your appetite for the delicious filet she mentioned.”
I lifted my wine and took a drink. “Daphne knows I rarely eat meat. She’s known that forever. Bre is a defendant, not a criminal, until her trial. Those are just a few examples of how Daphne speaks without thinking.” Setting my glass down, I turned to him. “I mean, why would Daphne be with Preston and Grant? And Grant and Preston had plans?” I shook my head. “Since Dad’s passing, it seems Daphne and Grant are often together. It’s just weird. Do you know what I mean?”
“Shit, Vee. Maybe your dad wasn’t the only one with someone on the side.”
“Eww, Daphne and Grant?” I shivered. “I have enough disturbing images in my head due to Bre. I won’t be able to eat anything if I consider Daphne and Grant…”
“Mr. Graham?”
