Page 19 of Kidnapped in Dark Waters
“Thanks, sis,” Monique replied. “So do you.”
The two of them got into Dominique’s car. “Have you heard anything from Angelique this morning?” Dominique asked as she started the engine.
“I spoke to her about twenty minutes ago. She was at her store, and the new girl who started working for her was also there so she said she would meet us at the café,” Monique said.
“Good. Last time she was supposed to meet me, she didn’t show because of staffing issues.” Instead, she had enjoyed her lunch with Luke. “I’ve missed the three of us getting together.”
“Yeah, me too. But with all of us working different hours, it’s hard to coordinate,” Monique replied.
“Speaking of work, how are things going at the dress shop?”
“Really well. Debbie has stepped away and rarely comes in anymore. I think she’s about to make me a full-time manager.” Debbie Waltrip, a woman who was retirement age, owned the All That Jazz dress shop.
“That’s exciting. Are you ready for all the responsibility that would come with that?”
“Definitely. It’s nice that I love working there so much,” Monique replied.
“Debbie is lucky to have you. I’m sure you’re her top seller. You are so good with the customers.”
Monique laughed. “If you’re trying to make me feel good about myself this morning, it’s working.”
“Yeah, just don’t get a big head,” Dominique replied, making Monique laugh once again.
They chitchatted for a few more minutes until they reached the café. Dominique parked and it didn’t take them long to be seated in a booth.
Sunny approached them. “Good morning, ladies,” she said brightly. “What can I start you off with? Coffee? Juice?”
“We’re waiting on Angelique, but in the meantime, I’d love a cup of coffee,” Dominique said.
“Make that two,” Monique added.
“I’ll be right back with those.” She left the booth and before she could deliver the coffee, Angelique arrived. She slid in next to Monique and greeted them. She was dressed in a pair of black slacks and one of the purple T-shirts with her store logo on the front.
“Glad you could make it,” Dominique said.
“I finally have a nice, responsible young woman working for me,” Angelique replied.
“That’s good because you occasionally need to get away from the store and have breakfast with your sisters,” Monique said.
Angelique grinned with good humor. Within minutes all three had coffee and had ordered their food. As they waited, they talked about the things going on in their lives.
Dominique hadn’t decided yet if she was going to share the note she’d received. The last thing she wanted to do was worry her sisters. They were already worried enough about her shadowing Pierre at night, although they were pleased that Luke was going with her when she went out to catch their mother’s killer.
She looked around the café. Was the man who left the note for her sitting in here right now? She didn’t see anyone paying any particular attention to her.
Sunny arrived with their food. Dominique had ordered pancakes this morning while Monique had ordered an omeletand Angelique the French toast. They were definitely different when it came to their favorite breakfast meals.
As they ate, they continued to catch up with each other. What they didn’t discuss was their mother’s murder or the investigation. There was nothing more to say about either subject as they all just hoped an arrest would be made very soon and the killer would finally face justice.
There were still days when Dominique’s grief over the loss of her mother would rear up and threaten to consume her, but those days were coming less frequently now. Time truly was a healer.
“Girls, it’s so nice to see you all three together.” Nola Fontenot stopped by the side of their booth. “Your mother must be smiling down from Heaven knowing the three of you are all together,” the plump, brown-haired woman said.
Nola had been Mystique’s closest friend and was like a favorite aunt to the sisters. “How are you doing, Nola?” Dominique asked.
“Oh, you know, I still have days of grief. I miss your mother like crazy,” she replied.
“We all do,” Angelique said.
