The door cracked open. “It’s Molly, Gabe. Molly Sutton.”
Relief washed over him. Saved by the Molly-bell. “It’s okay, Molly. Please, come in.”
Patty’s glare said that he’d be sorry for this, but she slowly stood and faced the door. Then stared in stunned surprise. “Well, hello.”
Molly smiled uncertainly. “Hi. I’m sorry. I’m clearly interrupting. I’ll wait in the dining room.”
“No.” Gabe rose and rounded the desk, his hand outstretched. “Please. Let me introduce you to my cousin, Patty.” His back to his cousin, he mouthed to Molly, “She doesn’t know.”
Molly tipped her head down in the slightest of nods. “Hi, Patty. It’s so lovely to meet you.”
Patty shook Molly’s hand, her eyes narrowing as she glanced between him and Molly. “Likewise. Happy birthday.”
Molly smiled as if she and Gabe were going on a date instead of embarking on a murder investigation. “Thank you. I have to say, your étouffée was amazing last night, just like always. Your restaurant is where we always come to celebrate.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Patty’s gaze darted back to Gabe. “So... you two are together?”
He opened his mouth to correct her, but luckily Molly beat him to it.
Molly’s smile never wavered. “We’re colleagues, of a sort. He’s going to teach me to make that sinful cake that my friends and I demolished last night.”
Patty’s lips curved, and Gabe drew an easier breath. “You’d be the first person he showed how to make that cake,” she said with false casualness. “It took me years to get the recipe, and Gabe and I grew up together.”
So, not such an easy breath. Patty was still suspicious. She’d have to stay that way.
“I’m ready to go whenever you are, Molly.” He made a show of cleaning off his desk, even though it was already spotless.
“And how long will you be gone?” Patty asked. “Teaching her how to make your secret cake?”
Oh yeah. She was still suspicious. And pissed off. Bad combination.
“I don’t know. After I’ve taught Miss Sutton how to bake a cake—and I never said it would be my secret-recipe chocolate cake—I plan to get away by myself for a little while. I should still be in cell range, so call if you need me.” He leaned in and kissed Patty’s cheek. “I’ll be okay. I promise.”
Patty nodded, her throat working as if she were trying not to cry. Then she turned to Molly, looking her up and down, her eyes narrowing in on the slight bulge at Molly’s side, covered by her jacket.
“You’re carrying,” Patty said, her voice barely a whisper. “Gabe, why are you leaving with a woman carrying a gun?”
Molly looked down at herself. “Well, shit. You’ve got a good eye, Patty.”
“You’ve got a good tailor,” Patty replied evenly. “I might not have noticed, but it’s not normal to wear a jacket in this heat.” She turned to Gabe. “I’m waiting.”
Molly’s brows lifted, seeking guidance.
He lowered himself to the edge of the desk, letting his head fall forward. “Fucking hell, P.”
Patty came into his field of vision, squatting low and looking up. “Tell me.”
Gabe met Molly’s gaze helplessly.
“You want me to tell her?” she mouthed silently.
He shook his head, his gaze locking onto Patty’s, rising as she straightened to her full height, which was only five foot two. “I think my dad was murdered,” he said softly, so that no one outside the office could overhear. “I hired Miss Sutton to investigate.”
Patty’s mouth fell open. Then closed. Then opened again. She remained silent, though, maybe for the first time ever.
From the corner of his eye, he watched Molly walk to the corner of the office where they kept a case of bottled water. She pulled two bottles from the case and handed one to Patty and the other to Gabe.
Patty nodded her thanks, still silent. She took several big gulps of water, then sat in one of the visitor chairs, visibly shaken. Finally, she cleared her throat. “How?”