“Obviously you are an amazingly intuitive woman,” Laura said dryly. “Neither of the two would tell me why they wanted to talk to you, but one of them carries a badge that says she is with the Cadence Police Department. Detective Alice Martinez.”

“Good grief.” Celinda stared at her, flabbergasted. “Probably not a potential client, then. It’s highly unlikely that a woman living on a detective’s salary could afford our services.”

“I’m inclined to agree with you. The man with her gave his name as Davis Oakes. He did not elaborate further.”

“Weird.” She did not know anyone by that name. She did not know any police detectives, either, for that matter. “And weirder.”

“I would have asked Ms. Takahashi to deal with them, but she’s at that charity luncheon today. She won’t be back until around three.”

Patricia Takahashi was the owner of Promises, Inc. The fact that Laura regretted not being able to get her involved spoke volumes about just how nervous the visitors had made her.

Celinda hoisted her large black tote higher on one shoulder. “Well, I suppose I’d better go see what they want.”

She started around the edge of the desk, heading for a short hallway lined with closed doors.

Laura looked at the oversized tote. “Where’s Araminta?”

“Napping. She had a big lunch. Unfortunately, it was not her own.”

“Oh, dear.” Laura’s smile was half-amused and half-sympathetic. “Another restaurant scene?”

“I’m afraid so. I’ve explained to her that just because the food on someone else’s plate looks better than what I ordered, it does not necessarily follow that she can help herself to a stranger’s meal.”

“How nasty did it get?”

“Very nasty. The person whose meal Araminta swiped referred to her as a rat. I, of course, took offense on her behalf. The waiter got involved. Evidently there is a rule about bringing animals into restaurants unless they are companion animals.”