False Pretenses - Kathy Herman [48]
“There you are,” Zoe said. “What are you doing?”
“I spotted footprints over here and thought I’d pass a mop. We still have a few minutes before we turn on the Open sign.”
Zoe glanced outside at the gray dawn, her thoughts turning to Remy. How many times had she turned on the Open sign and unlocked the door, only to find Remy standing outside with the newspapers?
“Okay, that’s better,” Savannah said. “I’ll go plug in the coffeemakers. Let the Saturday morning rush begin.”
“Wait, I need to ask you something. Did you notice a new male customer that came in alone a few times this past week?”
“Define new.”
“Just someone you’re not used to seeing who kept coming back all week.”
“Not really. A Mr. Shapiro who’s staying in Lafayette on business has been in several times—but always with another man. He said he ran into you and Pierce the other night and you gave him coupons and invited him to try us.” Savannah smiled. “He’s hooked.”
“Anyone else?”
Savannah shrugged. “Not at the moment. I’d have to think about it. You looking for someone specific?”
Just the creep who keeps slipping notes under my door. “Not really. I’ve given out a lot of coupons to men and was just curious if they’re using them.”
“By the way,” Savannah said, “did you ever pick out a uniform?”
“I found something I like, but I’d like to know what you think. I thumbed through the catalog a hundred times, and I’m still inclined to go with a black skirt and white blouse. I really don’t want them to look like uniforms, and it’s unfortunate I have to do this at all. But I’ve had it with being the bad guy when one of the waitresses comes to work dressed inappropriately—present company excluded—and I have to send her home to change. Would it bother you to wear the same thing every day?”
“Not at all, especially if it’s stylish. It’ll be a relief not to buy so many clothes.”
“Actually the blouse is girly. It’s short sleeve with a sweetheart neckline and looks nice tucked in or left out. The skirt is straight and I want it just below the knee. I honestly think the outfit’s flattering.”
“So when do I get to see it?”
“I’ll bring samples in next week and let you try them on. You wear a size two, right?”
“A two or a four, it depends.”
“I’ll bring both. All right, you go plug in the coffeemakers. And I’ll plug in the sign and unlock the front door. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to Remy not being on our doorstep when we open.”
Zoe unlocked the door, surprised when Hebert opened it and came in. He was dressed in too-short khaki pants and an unironed blue shirt. At least his white socks matched today and went with his athletic shoes.
“Well, aren’t you the early bird? How are you feeling?”
Hebert kissed her on the cheek, his whiskers chaffing her face. “Commes les vieux.”
“Like the old people? What makes you say that? Aren’t you feeling well?”
Hebert put his hand on his heart. “Dis ting dat’s happened to Remy makes me feel all ninety-four years. I was wid Emile last night. He can barely speak.”
Zoe stroked his back. “Come in and have some coffee. Being with friends will help.”
She led Hebert to the table next to the window. “We’ll help each other through this. We’re not going to let whoever killed Remy kill our spirits. We have to be strong and keep going. It won’t always hurt this much.”
Hebert’s eyes brimmed with tears, and he looked outside. “I know dat in my head. Just doesn’t feel dat way right now.”
Zoe, overwhelmed with empathy, fought not to cry and was relieved when the front door opened and Father Sam came inside.
The priest, his full head of white hair neatly combed, walked over to the table and sat across from Hebert. “Hello, friends.” He shot Zoe a questioning look. “Rough morning?”
“Hebert was with Emile last night,” she said.
Father Sam put his hand on Hebert’s. “I wasn’t as close to Remy and Emile as you were. But I’m sad too. And angry. I want the authorities to find the person responsible and punish him for this horrendous crime.”
Hebert nodded. “Dey will. Folks won’t let dis go. Did you see all dose media vans