18. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Hydessa

T he bakery is bustling with activity when I arrive, but Allegra still smiles happily when she sees me. The aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries fills the air, making my stomach rumble even more. I place an order for a coffee and a sandwich, and manage to find a small table near the window to settle in with my tablet to review my notes while I wait.

As the lunch rush gradually subsides, I notice Allegra moving more freely behind the counter, chatting with the remaining customers. When someone steps up next to my table, I look up to say something expecting it to be Allegra, but my words catch in my throat with my breath.

It's not Allegra at all—it's Ty. In his hands are a coffee and a brown paper bag.

"Hey Taylor," he says happily.

I smile. "Hi, I'm surprised you aren't midway through a tattoo right now."

He laughs, leaning his hip against my table. "I actually had a cancellation. I would have called you to see if you wanted the spot, but your number was mysteriously missing from the form."

I cringe, I had intentionally left my number off the form, hoping he wouldn't notice so quickly. "Oh really... I'm sorry, I must have overlooked it."

Ty raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying my excuse but deciding to let it slide. I'm sure tons of people get nervous about tattoos and leave out random bits of information like that here and there.

"No worries," he says, waving it off. He glances down at the tablet on the table in front of me. "Having troubles?" he asks, indicating the screen. For a moment, my heart speeds up, thinking that I've left something incriminating visible. But thankfully, it's just a search for computer companies on the island.

"Ummm, yeah, maybe," I say, trying to sound casual. "Do you know someone who might be able to help? The results on here aren't exactly promising." I avoid answering the question directly, hoping he might have some useful information.

Ty tilts his head, frowning. "I'm sorry, you're not going to have much luck here. Even I have to send my computer equipment to the mainland if I have an issue."

I nod, my disappointment clear but for different reasons than he thinks. I had hoped one of the masked men might have made a name for themselves by helping others with their tech problems because he is clearly good with computers, having been able to hide their identity from Uncle Max.

"That makes sense," I say, forcing a smile. "Thanks anyway."

"Sure thing," Ty says, taking a sip of his coffee. He glances back at the tablet. "You know, if there's anything else you need, feel free to ask."

I decide to fish for more information, following a hunch. "I will admit, I kind of fangirled a little when I met you. But I didn't realize you had another brother besides Lucien," I say slyly.

He laughs, shaking his head. "Who, Telvin? Nah, he's just a friend. It's a pretty small island in case you haven't noticed, and he is pretty much the only furniture maker here whose work gives me the look I want. I didn't know we looked related though."

His eyes twinkle as he grins, and I can't help but smile back, though my mind is already making a note of the new information. "That makes sense," I say.

Ty nods. "Well, got to get going, I should get set up for my next appointment. Enjoy your lunch, Taylor."

"Thanks, Ty. See you around."

As he leaves, Allegra comes over with a bright smile and a pot of coffee in her hand to top off my cup. "Looks like you already have a celebrity fan," she says with a laugh as she watches Ty walk away through the window.

I roll my eyes. "Then I have lots of fans because everyone seems to want to know all about me."

Waving her hand in the air she chuckles. "Oh hun, that's 'cause you're fresh meat."

Leaning back, I raise a brow and grin. "I feel like it's only fair that I know about all of them if they want to know all about me."

She takes the bait instantly, setting down the pot of coffee and glancing behind her. "Give me a second to grab a cup, and I'll tell you everything you want to know."

When she turns away, I have to restrain myself from patting myself on the back. This could be a goldmine of information. I take a sip of my coffee, trying to appear casual as I wait for Allegra to return.

The bakery's activity has slowed to only a couple of locals who just smile when she takes a seat at my table and pours herself a cup of coffee; this is obviously not out of the ordinary for Allegra during the slow times.

"Alright, where do you want to start?" she asks, leaning in conspiratorially.

"Let's start with the basics." I shrug. "Tell me everything about everyone."

Allegra taps her finger on her chin, thinking for a moment. "Who have you met so far? We can start there."

"Well, yourself obviously," I say with a grin.

Allegra brushes me off with another wave of her hand. "Oh, I'm not important. But let's see... you've met the sheriff and his deputy, right? Both of them have been here their whole lives. Sheriff Brooks is a solid guy, very much by the book but fair. His deputy, Eli, is a bit younger and has a bit more fire in him. They're a good team, though."

I nod in acknowledgement, taking another sip of my coffee. "I've also met Rye, Jonah, Maddie, Telvin, Lily, Chester, Makai, and Ty as you just saw."

She leans back, thinking. "I heard you ran into Rye Anders, he's a character, for sure. He's a bit gruff, but he's got a heart of gold. He's also been here all his life and knows the island like the back of his hand. Maddie mentioned she told you about his wife. Maddie Graves, you know, she's a sweetheart, always looking out for everyone but loves good gossip just like I do. Same goes for Lily Holt, she works at the café and has a knack for making people feel welcome while also getting them to spill their secrets."

I can't help but laugh at her honesty. She really is an open book. I make a note to be careful around Lily if she is known for getting people to open up, I will have to stick to the story I created for myself like glue around her.

Allegra taps the edge of her cup with her nails thoughtfully. "Jonah Brine keeps to himself mostly, he's a bit of a loner. He's out on the water a lot of the time, but when he's in town, he's friendly enough. Chester Ryan is a bit of a free spirit and the resident heartbreaker. He's sweet but can be unpredictable. Art types, you know? But his art is amazing."

She looks at me with a sly grin for a moment. "So has he talked you into his bed yet?"

I choke on my coffee "What?" I ask sputtering slightly.

She laughs loudly but doesn't move to help my lack of air. "Oh he must be on his best behavior, if you don't know what I mean, he is a charmer. There is always someone from his little art classes who will leave with a broken heart after being with him."

I huff but can't help smiling at her, he was a little flirty when I met him but not the charmer she seems to think he is. "I haven't taken one of his art classes, so I think I'm safe."

Allegra nods, smiling over the edge of her cup. "Then there's Telvin Quinn who is quiet but talented. He's got a small workshop on the other side of the island and makes the most beautiful furniture. He's not one for small talk and doesn't really like a lot of people, but if you get onto the short list of who he likes, he's a sweet friend."

I try to hold all of this information with my head, bringing up their image when she tells me about them and mentally making notes to add to their profiles.

"Makai Vinson runs the gym and is probably the most disciplined person you'll ever meet. Even though the gym is basically next door, you won't see him in here. He's ex-military and keeps everyone on their toes. He rides a Harley around here some weekends and has all of us ladies and even a few men flustered," she says, fanning her face with a hand while giggling.

I laugh along with her before moving the conversation along. "And Ty?" I ask, even though I already know a bit about him.

Allegra smiles. "Ty Santiago is a bit of a local celebrity, but he isn't a flirt or charmer like Chester. Everyone loves him, and his tattoo work is renowned even beyond the island. He's a good conversationalist as you've probably noticed, and he's always in high demand."

I lean forward, curious. "Anyone else I should be aware of?"

Allegra taps her chin, thinking. "Well, there's also Dr. Lachlan Hughes. He's the island's only doctor and pretty much runs the clinic single-handedly. Then there's Gladys Bishop, she owns the grocery store. Took over when her husband passed away. She's been here forever and knows all the old stories."

"You do know everyone," I say, trying to absorb all the information. "So, have most of them been here their whole lives?"

Allegra frowns thoughtfully. "A few have. I've heard rumors that Jonah was born here but left for a number of years before coming back home, I don't remember him though. Chester, Telvin, Ty, and the good doctor all came at various times over the last tenish years, I believe."

I nod, intrigued. "Why do you think they decided to settle here?"

Allegra shrugs. "Different reasons for different people. Jonah never talks about why he left or why he came back, which is why it's only rumors you'll hear and I may be one to gossip but I do not spread lies."

I nod thoughtfully, appreciating her restraint and honesty. "Chester probably came for the inspiration—I'm not sure where he lived in England or what it was like there, but this island is beautiful and a bit wild, perfect for an artist. Telvin... well, he's got his reasons, I'm sure, but he's not one to share. Ty, though, he came here for a fresh start. He's got a past, like everyone, but he's made a good life for himself here."

"And the doctor?" I ask.

"Dr. Hughes is a bit of a mystery himself. He showed up one day, conveniently just before old Doc Mason died. He helped update the clinic and took charge of it, and that was that. He's dedicated, though. Takes care of everyone here like they're family. I even texted him in the middle of the night when I was having stomach pains and within minutes he was at my door, willing to do whatever it took for me to be able to sleep."

I take another sip of my coffee, mulling over all this new information. "It sounds like a lot of them have secrets."

Allegra nods, her eyes twinkling. "Doesn't everyone? That's just life on an island. We all know each other's business, but there are always a few secrets kept close to the chest. It keeps things interesting ."

I smile. "I guess I'll have to stick around to uncover some of those secrets," I say before tilting my head as I look at her. "And what about you? What's your story?"

She shakes her head as she stands, waving a finger at me jokingly. "Oh, I definitely have secrets too. Maybe one day I'll even tell you, if you stick around," she says with a wink.

With those parting words, she makes her way back behind the counter just as a new customer enters the bakery, leaving me to mull over all the new information she shared. The bakery's atmosphere shifts back into its usual rhythm with Allegra seamlessly slipping back into her role as the friendly and efficient baker and not the town gossip.

I take the time to add all the new notes onto my tablet, but Allegra's insights only helped add small tidbits to each of the suspects. It's evident that this island, with its close-knit community and picturesque charm, holds more than its fair share of mysteries. As I finish my sandwich and sip the last of my coffee, I decide that my next step should be to follow up on some of these leads.

Waving goodbye to Allegra, I gather my things and leave the bakery, intending to wander along the street in hopes of running into one of the suspects.

The warm afternoon sun greets me as I step outside, the fresh sea breeze carrying the scent of salt water while the scent of coffee follows behind me. The island's main street activity is starting to thin as it approaches the late afternoon and as I turn to make my way down the street, I'm stopped in my tracks by someone calling out my name.