Mousse, Moscato & Murder

by Jamie Lee Scott

  Chapter Ten

  When I left the studio, it was nearly 5:30 PM. I walked out to the main driveway and looked up to Hattie’s house, hoping I’d see John’s patrol vehicle. No such luck. Either he’d been there and gone while I was doing my photoshoot, or he hadn’t been to the house at all. Turned out, I was going to be late for dinner after all, because I was going to have to drive into town to talk to him.

  I had just jumped in my car and picked up my cell phone to call John when I saw his patrol car drive up the hill to Hattie’s house. My luck didn’t usually run this way. But thank goodness for luck tonight, because I had no desire to drive all the way into Pear.

  Feeling lazy, I started my car and drove up the hill instead of walking. I arrived in Hattie’s driveway just as John was getting out of his vehicle.

  “I don’t see you up here much,” he said.

  “I haven’t seen you here much lately either,” I said.

  “Touché.”

  I waved him off. “I’m not here to see Hattie anyway. I’m here to see you.”

  “How did you know I’d be here?”

  “I can see the driveway from my studio. But in this case, I was just leaving my studio when I saw you drive up the hill. Did Hattie get a chance to drop the beer bottle and cigarette butt by the station?”

  “Actually, that’s why I’m here. I need to talk to her about a few things. I guess after she admitted that she was at Becca’s house, and actually went inside, she wasn’t so sure she wanted to face me. I’m making her face me now.”

  I raise my eyebrows in a look of shock. “Really? Hattie afraid of someone? Do tell.”

  John closed the door and leaned against his car. “What did you want to talk to me about other than the beer bottle and the cigarette butt?”

  “How do you know I wanted to talk to you about anything else?”

  “There’s always something more with you, Willa.”

  I leaned against John’s car. Since we hadn’t seen each other in a while, this felt stilted. He probably hated the fact that we were seeing each other again over another murder, but at least I hadn’t found this body, and the body hadn’t been found on Hattie’s property. “I don’t know. Something about Ivy rubbed me the wrong way. Have you talked to her yet?”

  “We have.”

  Really? That’s all he was going to give me? It’s not like I was going to go blabbing the information to anybody. “And?”

  “And she told me that you blurted out that her sister was dead.”

  “Yeah, I did, but that’s what I’m talking about. Randy, who is Ivy’s current on-again, off-again boyfriend, who is also Becca’s ex-boyfriend, answered the door the other day when Peter and I were there. And before you ask, Becca worked for Peter, and he was going there to check on her welfare when she didn’t show up for work.”

  John yawned and rolled his eyes. “Yep, tell me another story. I’m sure that’s why you were there.”

  “That’s why Peter was there, anyway. I didn’t say why I was there. And I just found it strange that Randy, whose name I didn’t know at the time, said that Becca had moved out and gotten an apartment in town. When we went into that house, all of Becca’s stuff was still there.”

  John gave me a curious look. “You know Becca that well? You know her well enough to know that all of her stuff was still in the house?”

  He had me there. “Fine, I didn’t know her that well, but her stuff was in her bedroom. And I noticed something else.” I didn’t finish the sentence because I wanted to see if he was interested enough to ask what.

  “What did you notice, Willa?” He didn’t sound sincere, but I was going to tell him anyway.

  “In the bedroom, she had a lamp on both nightstands. But in the living room, she only had a lamp on one of the end tables. I know that doesn’t mean much, with her taste in interior decor, but something told me that there had been a lamp on the other table. Like the dust on the table. And I didn’t go digging through the carpet, but I was sure that I saw a shard of glass on the floor by the end table, sort of under the slipcover of the couch.”

  “We hadn’t done a thorough search of the house yet. So, you and the other two of your Three Stooges were in the house before we were. But my guys did go through the house this afternoon. I’ll ask them if they saw any broken glass.”

  I gave half a smile that didn’t reach my eyes, because I didn’t know if he was just humoring me. “Here’s what I think. I think there was a fight in the house. That lamp may have gotten damaged in the fight, and that’s where Becca was abducted from.”

  I’m pretty sure John had had enough of me, because he was refusing to meet my eyes and he was shaking his head. “Thank you for that, Willa. I’ll keep your theory in the back of my mind when I continue this investigation.”

  “Thanks for patronizing me, John. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.” I couldn’t keep the sarcasm from oozing like honey.

  “Vicky told me that you were a regular at the restaurant, along with your friend Bob.”

  “Bob! Did you find anything out?”

  “They are still going through fingerprints that were on and in Becca’s car, but I do have the fingerprints identified from the book you gave me.”

  I looked at him, wide-eyed, leaning a little forward, hoping that he would tell me who Bob really was without me having to ask. It didn’t work. I finally said, “I gave you the book, so are you going to tell me or not?”

  “Willa, there’s just some stuff in investigations that I shouldn’t share with you or anyone outside the department.”

  I didn’t push. I’d just call Saylor later and have her get the information from Deputy Ballic. Somehow, that girl had a way with that boy, and she could get information that I couldn’t get from John.

  “Okay, whatever. You do know that Hattie is still furious with Chief Hicks?”

  John nodded. “I’ve told her not to worry about Anita. The woman was stressed, in a new job, and didn’t handle things properly.”

  “Has she apologized to Hattie yet?”

  John laughed. “I swear, Anita and Hattie are the two most stubborn women I have ever met in my entire life. Hattie thinks she did no wrong, and I agree. But Anita thinks that Hattie was rude to her, so she’s absolutely not going to apologize.”

  “I’m going to take Hattie’s side on this one. The chief was nasty, rude, and short, not just with Hattie, but with nearly everyone. All of those people were out there volunteering, and she did not once think to thank any of them as she shooed them away.” I felt my blood starting to boil at the thought of it.

  “I wasn’t right there and I didn’t hear anything, so I am getting two sides to the story. Anita said that she was very grateful and made sure that everyone there knew they were appreciated.”

  It was my turn to laugh. “I’d hate to see what it’s like when she’s not appreciative.”

  “I need to go up and see Hattie, and then I have an appointment to talk to Becca’s boyfriend tonight, so I’ll talk to you later.” John turned to walk away.

  “You mean her ex-boyfriend, right? Randy?”

  “No, I haven’t talked to Randy yet, but he’s on my list. My appointment is with Becca’s current boyfriend: Vicki’s son, Austin.”

  I watched John walk up to the house, disgusted with myself for even trying to be a part of this. But I was in, so I was sticking with it. Though I wasn’t sure why I was spending so much time and energy for a girl I barely knew when the cops were fully capable.

  I got back in my car and grabbed my phone. Saylor could get Bob’s identity for me. I was pretty sure she could get anything out of Deputy Ballic. Why not this?

  When Saylor answered, I said, “How is my go-to girl?”

  “What do you need from me now?” she asked, sounding only slightly irritated.

  “Remember I told you that Bob had left his book behind at the restaurant when he took off after Becca?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “I gave t
hat book to John, so he could get the prints off of it and find out who Bob really is.”

  “What’s this got to do with me?” The irritation was more pronounced now.

  “I was hoping John would give me the information once he got the fingerprints, but he’s not sharing. I was hoping that maybe Alan knew who Bob really was. And if anybody could coax it out of him, you can.”

  “I talked to Alan about an hour ago. We both decided that it’s best that I stay out of this. It was bad enough that I let you and Hattie into that house before the police had a chance to go through it. Chief Hicks is furious, and mentioned something to both Alan and John about obstruction of justice. There is absolutely no love lost between her and Hattie, is there?”

  I wondered if I should tell Saylor that Hattie may have a jealous streak. I think Hattie’s animosity towards Chief Hicks had more to do with seeing her and John sitting in a booth next to each other than it did with what happened the day we were searching for Becca. I decided to keep it to myself because this was Hattie’s issue, not mine. Saylor was great at grabbing the latest info and sharing, but I just didn’t think I should tell her why Hattie didn’t like the chief. Then again, my theory could be all washed up. Who knew?

  “Wait a minute, it’s not like we had any idea that the police hadn’t been through the house yet. So we can’t be in trouble for that.” It sort of made me mad that the chief was even considering holding us responsible for any kind of obstruction.

  “I’m just telling you what she said. Don’t shoot the messenger.”

  “I get it. You have a business to run, and you need to stay on the good side of the police. I wish Hattie felt the same way, but no one tells her what to do.”

  “I’ll ask Alan for you, but this is it. After this, I’m done,” Saylor said, almost apologetically.

  “I get it. I’m sorry I got you involved. Peter and I have a dinner date tonight, so I’d better get home. I need to let this go, but I feel like I’d be leaving Becca in that field if I stop now.”

  Saylor harrumphed. “Please, you can’t help yourself. Ever since Tippy’s death, you’ve been on a mission with any murder in the county.”

  That hurt my heart a little. It wasn’t completely true. “Not every murder, just a few.”

  “Keep telling yourself that, Miss Marple. Have a nice date with your hubby.”

  “Ex-hubby,” I reminded her for the millionth time.

  I got home early so I could shower and clean up for my pseudo-date with Peter. We’d always gotten along well and only divorced because he had cheated on me. The most ironic part about him cheating on me was that he was the one who didn’t have time for me, not the other way around. And then he went off and did something that gave him plenty of time for the next few years. I wasn’t sure I was ready to just forgive and forget, but I had dwelled on it for too long. I still loved Peter, and it made Tommy very happy that we were trying to make a go of it again.

  I peeled off my clothes as I walked through the bedroom and jumped in the shower, taking my phone with me so I could listen to some of my favorite blogging podcasts while I showered and got ready. I hooked my phone up to the external speaker and turned the volume way up. I loved using my down time to listen to podcasts, but sometimes when I listened to them in the shower, I left my conditioner in my hair longer than usual and decided to shave everything from my toes to my armpits (twice) just to have the extra time under the hot water, listening to the informative guests on some of the shows. I was still listening to a podcast when I got out of the shower and got dressed.

  When I walked into my bedroom, I noticed that the door was closed. I didn’t remember closing it behind me. Strange. But I guess it was better to have the door closed than to have had me close it and come in to find it open. Did that even make sense?

  I combed out my hair and pulled it back into a braid, then got dressed. I contemplated whether I should get dressed up or go casual. Best not to overthink it. I pulled on a pair of leggings, then looked for a matching T-shirt.

  When I opened my bedroom door and walked down the hallway, I could smell smoke. No, it wasn’t smoke, it was the smell of sulfur. When I turned the corner into the kitchen and saw candles lit on the table, I realized the smell was matches.

  On the kitchen table were two candlesticks, a dozen fire and ice roses (which were my favorite), and what looked like a box of chocolates.

  I wished I had time to go back to the bedroom and dress a little nicer before Peter noticed me.

  “That was one long shower,” he said as he worked in the kitchen.

  “You know how I am, I listen to those podcasts and end up taking a twenty-minute shower.”

  His hands covered in flour, Peter came around the bar, walked up and kissed me on the lips. “I sort of wished that you had stayed in the shower longer. I’m not quite ready for you.” He looked toward the table.

  “What is all of this?” I wondered if he was trying too hard.

  “You caught me. I wanted to have an early Valentine’s Day to make up for all of the years that we didn’t get a Valentine’s Day. I’m trying to be a better husband for the next time around.”

  “Valentine’s Day is almost two weeks away,” I said. “This is a really early Valentine’s Day.”

  Peter walked back to the kitchen and turned on the water to wash his hands. “I know, but you know how bad the week before Valentine’s Day is, and you know we aren’t going to spend the day together, so this was the next best thing.”

  I grinned from ear to ear. “It’s been a long time since you gave me flowers. I can’t believe you remembered.”

  Peter looked up from washing his hands, turned off the water and grabbed a paper towel. “Fire and ice? How could I forget? It’s sort of a reminder of you and me.”

  He was so right, but maybe fire and ice are what had made us work in the first place.

  “Anything I can help you with?”

  Peter opened the oven, and I could smell the calzone. “Nope, I think I’ve got it. Everything should be done in about fifteen minutes. I was just cleaning up the flour on the counter. I’ve even torched the sugar on top of the crème brûlée and placed them back in the refrigerator. Ice cold crème brûlée for dessert.”

  “Sounds calorie laden.”

  “Really? Coming from the woman who has designer coffee and cupcakes for breakfast almost every day?” Peter laughed.

  I ignored the jab and asked, “Where’s the beer?”

  “In the fridge. Grab me one, too.”

  I opened the fridge and noticed that Peter hadn’t purchased one of the local microbrews for this meal. Inside was just a plain old six-pack of Blue Moon. That was fine by me, since it was one of my favorites.

  I pulled out two bottles and twisted the tops off, tossing them in the garbage. Handing one to Peter, I held my bottle up for a toast. We clinked bottles and I said, “To us. Happy early Valentine’s Day.”

  Peter smiled and leaned in to kiss me again. I liked kissing him. I helped him set the table and place the calzones and crème brûlée before we sat down. We were cutting into the calzones when the back door opened.

  Peter and I nearly got whiplash from turning our heads so fast. We weren’t expecting anyone.

  “Hey Mom, hey Pops,” Tommy said as she came in the house.

  “Hey, you. This is a surprise. What are you doing home?” I said.

  Tommy made a beeline for the refrigerator and pulled out a bottled water. “Can’t a girl just come home to visit her parents?”

  Peter said, “Yeah, if she isn’t you.”

  Tommy came into the dining room, leaned down, and kissed Peter on the cheek. “I’m glad to see you too, Dad.”

  “Sit down, join us. We’re having calzone and beer.”

  Tommy held up her water bottle. “I’m driving, so I’m good with water. Besides, I ate a burger on the way home.”

  Peter said, “Sit anyway.”

  Tommy understood that this wasn’t a suggestion, even
though Peter said it lightly.

  Once Tommy sat down and took a swig of her water, Peter said, “Tell us the truth. You’re here to see Jacob.”

  Tommy shook her head vigorously. “I’m here because of Jacob, but I’m not here to see him.”

  I frowned at her, not quite understanding. “Why are you home?”

  Tommy fiddled with her water bottle and didn’t look at us as she spoke. “I’m worried about Gran.”

  Peter and I looked at each other.

  “Do you know something we don’t know?” I asked.

  Now Tommy did look up at us. “Jacob told me about Becca. And he told me that Gran’s got some kind of a wild hair and decided to investigate the murder. I decided to come home and talk some sense into her.”

  Peter and I both laughed, but we knew if Hattie was going to listen to anybody, it would be her granddaughter.

  “How does Jacob know?” I asked. “Other than what he knows from the search?”

  A guilty look came over Peter’s face. “There’s a possibility I may have been ranting in the kitchen about my crazy mother. I might have said something about her having it in for the chief of police.”

  I shook my head. “I don’t think anyone needs to worry about Hattie. But I do think it would be a good idea if she backed off. Chief Hicks doesn’t seem like someone you would want to mess with.”

  “I heard what happened when you guys were out searching for Becca. Jacob said it wasn’t pretty.” Tommy leaned back in her chair.

  “I can’t believe you came all the way home for this. You have school. You could’ve called, you know.”

  “Gee, Mom, good to see you, too.”

  Now I felt totally guilty. “Hey, you know we are happy to have you home any time, and I’m very happy to see you.”

  “That goes double for me,” Peter said.

  Tommy looked at her dad, then at his plate. I saw her eyes shift to the dessert. She quickly glanced at me. “Oh my gosh, I interrupted a date, didn’t I? I’m so embarrassed. I’m outta here.” She jumped up and twisted the cap back on her bottle of water.

  Peter stood to stop her. “No, we’re just having an early Valentine’s Day.”