by CeeCee James
It sounded like Kristi took a sip of something before she continued. “It was about that time when Mike, your security guy, knocked on the door. She opened it to the safety chain, being careful to stay out of sight, and used a hoarse whisper to answer Mike’s questions. Then it was just a matter of wiping everything down to get rid of fingerprints, clipping his nails, and removing the cup and brandy bottle she’d staged the night before. Richardson then climbed back through the vent and, after leaving everything in the conduit, went back to her room.”
I nodded, even though Kristi couldn’t see me. “She was so good. She even complained about the noise upstairs. I remember her door had been open, and she must have heard Dayton tell us about it that night when we were leaving. She wanted to give herself an alibi too. Because what Dayton had heard wasn’t from the room above, but actually her crawling through the vent.”
“That makes sense,” Kristi nodded. “And she probably lost her burner phone when she climbed back into her room during one of those trips. You gave her more trouble when you wouldn’t release the belongings to her brother, who was impersonating her.”
“So he got desperate and tried to force us to open the safe.” I mused, feeling a bit overwhelmed at the memory. “They almost got away with it.”
Kristi clucked her tongue in a no-nonsense way. “Not with you on the case.”
I grinned. It was nice to be appreciated even if I did bungle things up more often than I figured them out.
Chapter 24
A week had gone by, and I felt as run down as a pair of sneakers after a marathon. The murder was solved, with no following fanfare, no news story, and no picture in the newspaper for helping to catch the Milan jewel thieves. The Milan police extradited Austin, the courthouse security guard, along with his sister Devin Richardson, to Italy where they awaited their trial.
The PR team for Oceanside hotel did their best to squelch any connection to the jewel thieves. Poor (or not so poor, depending on how one viewed a mule for stolen property) Mr. Dayton’s death didn’t even get so much as a blurb in our local paper.
I couldn’t help thinking poor. He’d been so frightened and convinced he’d been haunted by ghosts. I still remember how desperately he’d gripped my arm while staring at me with beseeching eyes to believe him.
My heart felt heavy as I applied my mascara. I was finally getting my date with Jake, one that was long past due. He’d flown in last night from his business trip and I missed him so much. It was amazing how quickly one started to rely on another person for support, and I’d gone through a lot these last few days without him.
My phone rang, and I picked it up, expecting it to be him. It was Kristi.
“So we got the forensics report, and I thought you’d like to know.” Kristi began without even saying hi. “The lab found traces of Benzodiazepines in the coffee pot, along with the dregs in one of the wine bottles. Devin Richardson hasn’t admitted to any of this, but we surmise that during her first visit, when she posed the brandy bottle, she grabbed Dayton’s sleeping pills. Back in her room, she pounded the pills into dust and dissolved them completely in water in her coffee pot. Then she crawled back over and poured the liquid into the opened wine bottle. My guess is that she removed the drinking glasses, so he was forced to drink from the bottle, which further hid the tampering. As for the DNA on the watch strap, they’re still investigating that. But they’ve isolated that it came from a woman. I suspect it’ll turn out to be Richardson’s, and Dayton’s actually got on it when she dragged the body from the bathroom. Finally, as far as who the uncle was who spoke with you on the phone, we’re at a loss. But with our suspects in custody, it’s a moot point. And with that, I get to say my favorite phrase. Case closed.”
“Wow. The cause of death was the last piece of the puzzle for me. I remember your partner finding the near-empty bottle.”
“She probably left a few to make it look less suspicious. Anyway, I hope this news helps you relax now.”
“I’ll try. Thanks for calling, Kristi.”
“Anytime. And the next time we talk, let’s just focus on some good ol’ local gossip. I know Ruby has a few stories. She feels neglected, you know.”
“Lunch next week,” I promised and we hung up.
About a half-hour later, just as I was slipping on my shoes, I heard Bingo baying. Jake must be here. I thanked God for that dog because Momma wouldn’t have let me know Jake was here until she’d had a good long conversation with him, probably including a perusal through my baby photo album.
The thought of it sent shivers down my spine and I ran out of my room.
Momma had indeed let him in and now stood with her hand hooked over his arm.
“Maisie!” she exclaimed. “Look who showed up.”
“I’ve got it from here, Momma,” I said, shooing her away. She left, but not without a little harrumph.
“Hi,” Jake’s smile was as smooth as his voice. His eyes moved to take me in. “Love. The dress.”
“This old thing?” I said, giving a little twirl. I’d seen it half-price at the Dress Expo and grabbed it up. Blue and curve-hugging, I knew the best part of the dress was from behind, and I could tell by his sudden intake of breath that he thought so too. I’d been working on that booty, so I was feeling pretty confident.
“Hmm, maybe take another spin so I can make sure,” he said.
I laughed and pushed his arm. “Where are we going?”
He grinned. “I was thinking maybe the Steak Grill?”
“That sounds wonderful!” I looped my arm through his and walked with him to his car.
“So, I have something to show you,” Jake said after I’d gotten in. He reached behind the seat and tossed something on my lap. It was a page from a newspaper, carefully folded into a square.
“What’s this?” I asked, picking it up.
“Read it,” he advised, his eyes in the rearview mirror. Carefully, he backed the car out of the stall.
I opened it up. Bold letters screamed out at me. Oceanside Hotel surfs the high seas in my books!
What?
I flicked my gaze over to him curiously.
“Keep going,” he advised. He flipped on his blinker and pulled out onto the road. I was kept from reading more as he gunned it, jerking me back into the seat. The corner of his lip quirked.
“Show off,” I teased.
“What?” he said, speeding up even more.
I shook my head and read out loud. “The Oceanside hotel boasts of its five-star rating, and it’s easy to see why. From the gorgeous rooms, attentive staff, food service, and the attention to details, you’ll never want to leave this hotel.”
My grin kept me from reading more. “Aww! How is this possible?”
Jake raised an eyebrow. “Your name is in there. I made sure to let my brother know.”
I glanced back at the article. “General Manager Maisie Swenson is as personable as she is professional. Despite her busy schedule, she took the time to meet with individual guests and see that their needs were provided for. I have her personally to thank for my lack of a sunburn.”
My mouth dropped open in bewilderment. Was it really her? I scanned for the writer’s name. Jennifer Parkins.
Seriously? The woman who’d been the complete antithesis of what a hotel reviewer normally appeared? Happy. Content. Appreciative? She was the critic?
I tipped my head and laughed. Just when I thought I understood human nature, someone flipped the chart again.
“What’s so funny?” Jake asked. “I thought you’d like it.”
“I do. I do. It’s just that I thought I’d been so smart to figure out who the reviewer was so I could cater to her every need. She probably was shocked to see me all the time.”
“Who’s she?”
“Mrs. Richardson. The murderer.” I answered. My fingers went to my wrist and then fell away at the lack of a rubber band.
Jake seemed to notice the gesture. He flipped on his blinker.
&
nbsp; “Where are we going? This isn’t the way to the Steak Grill.” I set the paper next to me and sat straighter in the seat.
“You have been so busy, I thought it’d be nice to really get away.”
Anticipation fluttered in my stomach. “What did you do?”
“Don’t get too excited. It’s just a small thing,” he warned. He pulled into the Starke Springs city park and found a spot for the car. I could tell he was excited by the zip in his step as he jumped out. He hurried around while I watched in wonder, and then he opened my door.
“You ready?” he asked, offering his hand.
I took it and allowed him to help me from the low seat. I never did feel very graceful trying to maneuver out of a car in a tight skirt and heels, but the smile he gave me made me feel like a princess.
“What are you up to?” I asked again before leaning down to look for my purse. I scooped it up and turned back.
“It’s been four months since we got together, you know,” he said, grabbing my hand into his.
“You keeping track?” I asked teasingly.
He shut the door and locked it, then gave me a smile. “Come on.”
Hand in hand, he led me down to the paved path. I tried to coax the destination out from him again, but he just lifted his eyebrow and gave a casual shrug.
“Tell me!” I insisted.
“So impatient,” he said as we rounded a group of trees.
The park was empty at this time of night, but it wasn’t quiet. In fact, now that I was concentrating on it, I could hear music. Violins.
I chuckled and briefly closed my eyes. He still didn’t say anything as we walked along the gently winding trail.
The sun had nearly set, and the surroundings were softly grayed. I lifted my head to search as the music grew louder.
Up ahead was the park’s white gazebo. It glowed from what appeared to be hundreds of tiny white lights. A table, decked with a white tablecloth, stood in the center.
“Join me for dinner?” Jake whispered in my ear. His warm breath sent shivers down my spine.
I nodded instead of speaking and he led me to the gazebo steps. To one side sat four violinists. The hauntingly beautiful music swelled around us as Jake pulled out one of the chairs.
“I can’t believe you did this,” I murmured, trying to take it all in.
“It’s been four months. I wanted to celebrate.”
I smiled gratefully at him. My heart sang at being with someone who appreciated spending time with me that I felt the same way about.
The table held a vase of white roses, which he moved to one side. He reached for my hand again. “How do you feel about peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches?”
A snicker shot out of me. “Only if it’s grape jelly.”
“Grape jelly? I didn’t realize you were so picky. We might be in trouble then because all I have is strawberry.”
A waitress seemed to materialize out of nowhere holding a bottle of wine. Jake took it from her and poured two small amounts for us to sample. He was a sommelier and knew his stuff.
“Red wine pairs with peanut butter. I never knew,” I joked.
He swirled his glass and breathed in. “This is Sangiovese. Which perfectly pairs with filet mignon.” His eyes twinkled. “I did promise you a steak.”
I made an appreciative noise and tried to imitate his sniff of the wine. He sent the glass down and pulled out a thin box from his jacket pocket.
“For you,” he said. “In celebration.”
I took the gift box, feeling a bit unsure. What could he be giving me? It had only been four months. With a quick glance to him—and noting his pleased expression— I slid off the ribbon and slowly opened the box.
Inside, lay a black leather cord. A few tiny silver and enameled blue beads were strung along it.
“It’s for your wrist,” he explained, nodding to my arm. “You know how you usually keep a rubber band there? I thought this might work instead.”
Heat flushed my cheeks at his thoughtful gesture. The fact that he knew my tick and didn’t judge me, but actually cared, touched my heart so deeply I felt tears prickle my eyes.
“Here, let me see.” He took the box from me and carefully removed the bracelet. Then he reached for my arm. The bracelet tickled as he slid it around my wrist. It took him a few seconds as his big fingers struggled with the silver clasp, but finally, he fastened it.
I looked at it under the sparkling lights. “It’s beautiful,” I whispered.
He cupped my chin, his thumb softly stroking my cheek. His eyes stared deep into mine. “It’s strong, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind. Just like you are.”
I ran my fingers over the bracelet with a happy sigh, not quite believing how lucky I was. Life was such a crazy, wonderful, amazing, frustrating, exhilarating adventure. There definitely were some rollercoaster lows, but boy, were they worth the peaks that followed.
Also by CeeCee James
Thank you for reading Suite Casualty. Book six will be out soon! Here are more mystery series to whet your appetite in the meantime. All are free with Kindle Unlimited.
Oceanside Hotel Cozy Mysteries
Booked For Murder
Deadly Reservation
Final Check Out
Fatal Vacancy
Suite Casualty
Baker Street Cozy Mysteries
Cherry Pie or Die
Cookies and Scream
Crème Brûlée to Slay
Angel Lake Cozy Mysteries
The Sweet Taste of Murder
The Bitter Taste of Betrayal
The Sour Taste of Suspicion
The Honeyed Taste of Deception
The Tempting Taste of Danger
The Frosty Taste of Scandal