by Sonia Parin
“I’m going to turn around,” Eve said.
“Don’t try anything heroic.”
“I’m not armed.” She waved her hands. “And I have no sleeves, therefore, no place to hide a weapon.” As she turned, she took a step to the side and hoped that would put Jill out of range of the revolver. “Okay. You have our attention. What’s up?”
“You know very well what’s up.”
“No, not exactly. We’re in here minding our own business, tidying up the rooms while everyone is out having lunch and celebrating the end of filming. And now, here you are pointing a gun at us.”
“Stick to running an inn because your acting sucks.”
Eve tilted her head. “How is this going to play out?”
“I heard every word you said. How do you think it’ll play out?”
“We were chatting. There’s nothing wrong with talking on the job, especially since I’m the boss.”
“You think you’re smart.”
She nodded. “I am in possession of street smarts but if you’re referring to brain power… well, I was never any good at algebra but I do have an excellent memory, if that counts for anything. And to prove it, I memorized every recipe in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume 1. Would you like to hear some of them? Chapter One. Soups. Leek and Potato Soup—”
“Shut up.”
“Go on. Test me. Ask me about any recipe that comes to mind.”
“I know what you’re doing and it’s not going to work.”
She raised her eyebrows. “What do you think I’m doing?”
“Buying yourself time. You think the others will come back from lunch and you’ll scream and they’ll come rushing to your rescue. It’s not going to happen. They’re not the rescuing type.”
“I beg to differ. They love my cooking. Any one of the crew would go to war for me.” She’d never heard such evil laughter outside of a movie theatre.
“I’ve got news for you. They’re all out for what they can get for themselves. It’s this game we’re all in. It’s the survival of the fittest.”
“I never would have pegged you as a killer. How did you do it?” She chuckled. “I know, I should ask why, but I’m more curious about how.” Eve heard Jill’s throaty growl.
“Did you attack me?” Jill blared out.
“Jill, don’t do anything silly. I’ve got this.”
“I want to know. I’m still experiencing residual throbbing on my shoulder. Once you’re done suing I’m going to hit them with my own law suit for reckless endangerment or whatever I can pin on them.”
“No one is going to sue anyone. In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m holding a gun.”
“And what exactly do you plan on doing with it? You can’t fire it. The neighbors will hear.”
“We’re going for a car ride. I’m told there’s a nice cliff on the other side of the island.”
Eve rolled her eyes. “That’s your endgame? You’re ripping off Thelma & Louise? No one will buy it. We’re not the suicidal types.”
“You have a better suggestion?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. Let’s negotiate.”
That evil laughter was grating on her nerves.
“Negotiate? I let you live and what do I get in return?”
“A lighter sentence.”
“I’m not going to prison.”
It was her turn to laugh. “Famous last words. I’ve heard them before. In what reality do you see this playing out the way you planned it? It defies logic. There isn’t a single script known to man with an ending like this.” She gnawed the edge of her lip. “Okay. So Thelma & Louise does sort of approximate the end you envisioned for us and Shakespeare is responsible for a few innocent bystanders dying in the end…”
“Are you done?”
“Not quite. You still haven’t told me why you killed Randal.”
“He was unpredictable. Had been for a while. It was costing all of us money. Something had to be done about him. Especially when he threatened to leave Marina. All these years she’d been bankrolling his projects, now he wanted to cut her out of the picture.”
“Are you saying Marina’s in on this?”
“She should be, but she was annoyingly complacent with Randal.”
“You surprised the hell out of me. I really expected her to be involved in some way. If not as the killer then as the instigator of a plan to get rid of Randal. But you didn’t kill him for her benefit. Did you?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “And money wasn’t the only motivator. You wanted Ricky Sheffield back.”
“You said it yourself. As a long-term investment, Ricky would be a safer bet for Marina and the rest of us than her husband.”
“And it never occurred to simply stop working with him?”
“That would never happen. Too many emotional attachments involved. I don’t know why Marina put up with him all these years.”
“And so, you took matters into your own hands.” She searched for a sign of impatience or even nerves but saw nothing to use to her advantage. “He must have been surprised when he saw you coming.”
That evil laughter was getting quite a workout. “He didn’t think I had it in me.”
“And that’s been a problem with you? No one pays attention to you? No one sees your true worth?”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
Eve shrugged. “I’m thinking of doing a course… to help me better understand the criminal mind.”
“You don’t get it. This is it. The end of the road for you.”
“Out of curiosity, was it a premeditated act or did you act on the spur of the moment?”
“You’re still talking?”
“Eve?”
“Don’t worry, Jill.” She smiled. “Isn’t someone going to miss you at lunch?” She rolled her eyes. “That’s right. No one notices you. You’re so essential to the smooth running of things, yet… you don’t get the recognition. But now you will because you’ve taken care of a major problem. So, it’s all going to be smooth sailing from now on. I guess that means you’re not grappling with your conscience. You really are cold-blooded.”
“I’ll take that phone.”
“Why?” Jill asked.
“Shut up.”
“You lied,” Eve said. “Marina is in on it.”
“She’s not. Put the cell on the floor and kick it over. Now.”
Jill did as told.
“Why do you want her phone? There has to be something incriminating.” She clicked her fingers. “Let me guess. You tried to reason with her. Maybe you even suggested Randal was expendable and not worth the trouble.” When cold eyes stared back at her, she knew she was onto something. “She didn’t trust you. That’s why she used a disposable phone. So, any conversation with you wouldn’t be traced to her phone. But she wanted to keep tabs on you. And now you’re going to use that phone to… to blackmail her.”
“Car keys.”
Her heart gave a little thump. She needed more time. She needed a trigger. Something. Anything to pull the rug from right under this vicious killer.
“I’m going to have to reach inside my back pocket.”
“Go ahead.”
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want you to get all nervous and pull the trigger.”
“Just do it quickly.”
“How about I count to three?” She mentally pictured Jill snatching one of the expensive moisturizer pots from the dresser and hurling it at their assailant.
Grab. Grab. Grab, she silently hollered.
“Okay, here goes. One…” She lowered her hand. “Two.” She eased her hand behind her and quickly curled and uncurled her fingers in the hope Jill would read it as a sign to grab something. “Just please keep that gun aimed at me. I promise I won’t try any funny business. Okay?”
The gun was raised slightly.
“Here comes number three.” Putting all her faith in the power of synchronicity, she leaned to one side.
H
er prayers were answered.
In that split second, she saw a flash of mother of pearl flying through the air. Jill had grabbed Catherine’s brush.
It landed right on target.
Eve knew she had a split second to act.
Grabbing a handful of the bedcover, she growled as loudly as she could and lunged forward. Jill was right behind her.
Screams erupted as the three of them fell to the floor.
In the confusion, Eve almost forgot the gun.
Fear gripped her when she felt something hard jabbing against her stomach.
“Roll over, Jill,” Eve screamed.
The gun went off.
If shown in slow motion, it might have looked as if the force of the bullet had sent both Eve and Jill flying.
While Eve took a second to thank her lucky stars, Jill wasted no time. She grabbed a vase and smashed it against the killer’s nose.
“That’s for my shoulder.”
The pounding of footsteps on the stairs had them both straightening.
“Jack.”
He barely spared Eve a glance, his entire focus fixed on the gun. Once he secured it, he looked up. “Is everyone okay?”
They both nodded.
Gratitude poured through Eve. Her legs wobbled and she crumbled to the floor landing with a hard thud.
“That was a close one.”
Chapter Twelve
“Breakfast in bed.” Eve set the tray down next to Jack and swung away.
“Where are you going?”
“Everyone’s leaving. I have to go say goodbye. Don’t worry. I’ll be back.” The previous day, the film crew had returned from their extended lunch quite late. After being told the killer had been caught, they’d all decided to continue partying at the inn. This morning, however, they were all ready to move on to the next job. “It’s like a circus out there. Clearing out, moving on.”
She strode down the stairs and met Jill in the foyer talking with Catherine Allan.
The movie star looked resplendent in a retro outfit of smoked salmon pink Capri pants, black sailor’s top and a polka dot beret.
“I have to say, I’m not surprised at the outcome. Good luck with your inn. I wouldn’t mind returning for a brief sojourn. Perhaps we could hold a pre-release event here.”
A wave of shivers crawled up Eve’s spine. She smiled and nodded without the slightest hint of enthusiasm.
Rachael strode down the stairs carrying Catherine’s cosmetics case. Matthew Clayton followed with the star’s suitcases.
“So, he’s been moonlighting as Catherine’s minder.”
“If I put myself on a strict diet, I don’t think I’d ever force you to keep tabs on me. I’d like to think I’d be stronger than that.” She smiled at Rachael and Matthew. “I hope you’re not forgetting anything,” she said in reference to the nanny cam.
Rachael gave her a head to toe sweep that landed on her waist. Her eyes filled with disdain.
Feeling slightly self-conscious but unrepentant of her curves, Eve brushed her hand across her stomach. Perhaps she could consider forgoing dessert for the duration of her cruise. Then again… What was a vacation without a few treats?
“Your neighbor must be pleased to finally see them all go,” Jill said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets an extra security camera and aims it right at your inn.”
“At least she’s only here every other weekend. I’d love to think she’s the type to throw in the towel and find somewhere quieter to live, but I get the feeling she’ll stay on for the sheer pleasure of putting me on edge.” She looked around her. “Where’s Marina Bergstrom?”
“Are you afraid she’ll skip out on you without paying the bill?”
Legally, Eve had been told she didn’t have a leg to stand on. The inn had been leased to Randal Bergstrom. In fact, all production costs had been under his name. According to Jack, that pointed at premeditation.
“If she does, I’ll hunt her down. I don’t care what the lawyer said, that money was earmarked for my stove and I’m getting it.”
Jill sighed. “I’m still puzzling over the mothballs.”
“What mothballs?”
“The ones I smelled when I was attacked.”
“The killer might have been wearing something from the wardrobe department… Don’t worry, Jack will get a confession out of—” A door slammed upstairs. “That’ll be her coming down. She does like to announce herself.”
Marina Bergstrom strode down the stairs; her head held high, her lips set in a polite smile. Her eyes spoke of cold-blooded indifference.
“May I have my luggage back, please?”
Eve folded her arms across her chest.
Marina flicked her hair back. “Fine.” She retrieved her cell. “Here’s proof of payment. A direct deposit into your account, as per your instructions.”
Eve’s cell beeped.
When Eve didn’t read the message, Marina raised a perfectly curved eyebrow.
“Well?”
“There’s something I’d like to know first. What were you doing with my neighbor?”
“What are you talking about?”
“We saw you getting out of Mrs. Harvey’s car.”
Marina gave a casual shrug. “So what? We went out to lunch. You have a friendly neighbor.”
“A neighbor with a security camera which at the time might have captured images of the killer entering the house. Where you by any chance trying to gain access to it?”
“So, what if I was? It’s called curiosity.”
Just so long as that’s all it was. She didn’t want to give it any more thinking time, but the seed sprouted and she imagined Marina had probably wanted to see if she could collect something she could then use as blackmail…
She checked the message verifying payment. Her lips stretched into a wide smile. “Well, I hope you enjoyed your stay. Your luggage is out on the porch.”
Ricky Sheffield came trotting down the stairs. “Ready to go?”
Eve’s mouth gaped open. The way Marina smiled at him told her they had paired up. “I didn’t see that coming. I wonder what Catherine has to say about that?”
“We’ll have to wait until the movie premier. She’s bound to hit back or show she doesn’t care by bringing a toy boy along.” Jill made a point of standing at the door and waving at them. “Come back soon.”
“You know, sarcasm doesn’t suit you.”
“And then there were none.”
“Finally, I have my inn back. Jack and I have a couple of days before I go on my cruise with Mira. I want to make the best of them. It’ll be a great way to put this sorry business behind me.”
“I suppose David Davidson had hired the best lawyers he could find. I wonder what might have happened if he hadn’t taken steps to silence you?”
“He wasn’t going to get away with it. I saw the footage from the security camera. I would’ve recognized his shoulder shrug.”
“To think he actually managed to get what he wanted. A film made at no cost. And he won’t be able to enjoy a single penny of it. He must have planned it well in advance.”
“But only because he knew the financial set up he had with his wife. Nothing was under his name.”
Jill clapped her hands. “I guess it’s time for me to take off. I’m going to spend a solid month painting.”
“You’ve got your mojo back now?”
“I’m raring to go, but I’ll be crossing the days off on my calendar. It’ll be interesting to see what happens while you’re away…” Jill hid her smile.
“What?”
“Just thinking about your fellow passengers on the cruise.”
“Now who’s being a death knell…”
I hope you have enjoyed Eve Lloyd’s A Deadline Cozy Mystery Books 1 to 5. The series continues with Sleeping With the Fishes.
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Preview - Sleeping With the Fishes
A Deadline Cozy Mystery Book 6
About Sleeping With the Fishes
There are 100 Carmen Miranda impersonators on board the cruise ship and they’re all moving to the rhythm... Chica chica bom chic. Now there are 99 Carmen Miranda impersonators... and it’s sink or swim for Eve Lloyd.
Eve is on a cruise with her aunt, Mira, and suffering from separation anxiety. However, she’s made up her mind to enjoy the trip and, despite her reservations, she is willing to use anything and everything in her arsenal of personal inducements to ensure she makes the best of this cruise. But on her first day, she discovers someone has gone overboard. At least, that’s what the captain wants her to believe. Eve has had too many close encounters with killers and suspects foul play. Now she must tread with care because the killer’s choice of weapon leaves no room for negotiation...
Chapter One
Less than an hour into her forced captivity with fifteen days remaining. She’d never make it, Eve thought as the cool sea breeze swept around her.
A few weeks before she’d been counting down the days and walking on air because she’d finally agreed to take some real time off to relax.
Now...
Eve watched the shoreline disappearing.
Sagging against the railing, she made a point of smiling.
“You’ll be pleased to know we arrived safe and sound,” she told Jill, her voice light and cheerful.
Jill laughed. “Try saying it with less anxiety in your voice. What’s up?”
“It’s not anxiety, it’s...” Eve sighed and tried to admit to being out of her depth, but her pride stopped her. “Have you ever been to an Elvis convention?” she asked. “Or any convention where everyone is dressed in their elaborate costumes... and you’re not.”
“Not in this lifetime. Don’t tell me there’s one on board?”