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“Good friends. She was preoccupied, but she was also happy. Cal and Jamie decided to move up their wedding to Sunday, and Rena was thrilled. Jamie also announced she’s pregnant—I gave her the next ten days off, paid, for the wedding and some time with Cal, after everything that’s been going on.”
“In the middle of your biggest season?”
“You know, it doesn’t matter. Really. I was married for sixteen years. I would give anything to have an extra week with my wife before she died. Anything. So I’m happy to give Jamie and Cal this time. But now... Jamie is going to be devastated.” His voice cracked and he looked down at his half-empty mug. “I can’t open today.”
“Was Rena friends with Cal as well?”
“Sure. Why?”
“The last call she made was to Cal.”
“Probably about the wedding. Maybe, I guess, I don’t know. They were all friendly, but Jamie and Rena were two peas. And anytime Cal and Jamie wanted some alone time, Rena would watch Hazel. She loved that kid.”
“So it wouldn’t be odd for Rena and Cal to meet for coffee or lunch, even without Jamie.”
“No.”
“Did Rena have any problems with anyone who worked here?”
“No.”
“What about customers? Anyone who was flirty or thought she gave them bad service?”
“Really?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Everyone loved Rena. She was a sweet girl.”
“Ex-boyfriend?”
“No. I mean, she probably had one somewhere, but she never talked about it. She relocated here after high school. She used to come here for vacations with her family, she said, and she loved the town, wanted to live here. Odd for a young pretty girl like her, but I understand. I have no intention of leaving the island. When it’s in your blood, it’s there to stay. If there was anyone, a guy or girl, Jamie would know. But truly, Rena was just a happy person all around.”
“Did she park in the same place every night?”
“The lot on the other side of the alley? Yes. It’s free, it’s safe.” He grimaced. “Or it used to be safe. Crime is low here, Kara. Really low. I can’t believe what’s happened this last week.”
“Who was working last night? I was here, but I don’t know everyone.”
“I’ll get you a list. It’s a small operation, I just need to double-check who was on in the kitchen.”
“I need when they clocked in, when they clocked out. Thank you, Pete. We’re going to find out who killed Rena, I promise.”
Cal was working at West End, waxing boats and doing light maintenance. Kara found him at the end of the pier.
“Agent Quinn,” he said.
“Detective.”
He looked at her oddly, but she didn’t elaborate. “I need a few minutes of your time. Is there a place we can sit?”
“Jamie—oh, God, is she okay?”
“I’m not here about Jamie.”
“Something happened. Just tell me.”
So she did. She watched his face carefully. He looked like he didn’t believe her, then his face fell. “Oh, God. Rena.”
