“Yeah, I noticed that. So self-involved.” And she really didn’t understand why they were fighting over what was genuinely becoming a miserable job.
“I should have known they would act this way.” She held her hand up as if she were swearing in for office. “I forgot how they were when we were in college. They made my life miserable when I pledged to their sorority. Heidi thought I was on Robin’s side and Robin thought I was teaming up with Heidi. Hazing was brutal.”
“But you became friends,” Cole said with a raised brow.
“Uh, yes. We are sorority sisters.” She turned to Angie. “Although after my ceremony I’m not going to have them in the same room again.”
Angie was recalling what Robin had said at the hospital the other day. The bridesmaid thought she deserved to be the maid of honor. Was it so important to her that she would hurt the competition?
“Nonfat triple-grande sugar-free extra-hot extra-foamy caramel macchiato,” the barista called out.
“That’s my drink. It’s about time,” she said as she started to walk away. “Cheryl and I have so much to do and I’m in desperate need of caffeine. Don’t forget the mani-pedi at five.”
How could she when Brittany sent hourly reminders? “Can’t wait.”
Cole waited until he saw Brittany and Cheryl exit out the door before he spoke to Angie. “I’m beginning to think Heidi’s fall had nothing to do with substance abuse. But I still want to get her blood test results to rule it out.”
“I agree.” The bespectacled woman in front gave another curious look. Angie beamed a bright smile and tightened her hold on Cole’s arm. “We should focus on Robin.”
“Robin? No, Brittany.”
“Are you kidding?” She looked up at him. “Brittany is trying to make this ceremony perfect. The last thing she wants to do is create problems.”
“Didn’t you hear what she said? Heidi and Robin were terrible to her when she rushed for a sorority.”
“And what better way to get revenge than make them her bridesmaids?” She saw the woman in front of her nod in agreement. “There is a twisted sense of justice in that but Brittany isn’t that complex.”
“Why do you think it’s Robin? She hasn’t gotten along with Heidi for years. Why act now?”
“Because Heidi had something Robin wanted.”
“And you think she caused an accident so she could be promoted to maid of honor? No, my money is on Brittany.”
“How would she have hurt Heidi?” Angie asked. “She was the center of attention at the bachelorette party.”
“Not for the whole party,” Cole said. “And who was it that found Heidi? Brittany.”
He had a point. “Brittany wouldn’t do it,” she insisted. At least, she hoped Brittany didn’t. The woman was marrying her best friend.
“Maybe we should go back to the strip club and see if it was possible.”
Angie groaned. “Do we have to?”
“Don’t worry, Angie.” He gave a comforting pat on her hand. “I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
“Okay,” she reluctantly agreed. “But first I want you to take me somewhere.”
“Name it.”
She paused and stared at him. “I want to see your agency.”
Cole tilted his head back in surprise. “Why?”
She shrugged. “I’m curious.” His apartment and his car never held any personal items. No trinkets, souvenirs or pictures. His office may show something different.
Cole gave a long and deep sigh. “I really am a private investigator.”
“I know and I’m sorry I questioned that. I was angry,” she said. “You don’t have to show me your license. But I’ve never seen a detective agency and I’m curious.”
“It’s not that special.”
But it may show what was special to him. “Cole, let me be the judge of that.”
10
COLE MADE ANOTHER attempt to slide the key into the lock. He hoped Angie didn’t see how his hand shook. Quickly glancing at her, he noticed she was brushing her fingers along the lettering on the window.
“Foster Investigations,” she read softly. “Sounds very impressive.”
He shouldn’t be nervous. He was proud of his business. It was small and struggling, however, it was his. The agency was in a neighborhood mostly populated by college students who couldn’t afford much and plenty of seniors who’d been there for years. It was humble in every sense of the word, yet he wanted Angie to see what he’d done on his own. He didn’t realize how important her opinion was until he opened the door.