Photo Bombed

by Daria White

“You want to wait until later to talk to them?” Melanie asked. “There’re too many people. I don’t want to crowd them.”

  “I feel bad for them,” Alyssa said.

  “I think we should wait until later,” Bianca’s mother said. “We can talk later. Let’s just show our support by being here for them.”

  “Okay.” Bianca wanted to give the family space. She knew how it felt when her own father died. The smiles, hugs, and cards had been thoughtful, but she’d needed time to herself.

  “You don’t mind if I sit here, do you?”

  Bianca’s head jerked to see Detective Sims standing in the aisle next to her. “Um…”

  “Of course, detective.” Bianca’s mother motioned for Melanie and Alyssa to slide down the pew.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Wallace.” He gave her a smile.

  Hair lifted on the back of Bianca’s neck. Forcing a smile, she slid down the pew so Detective Sims could sit next to her. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  “Came to pay my respects to the family.” He folded his strong hands in his lap.

  Bianca eyed him. “You think the killer will be here too?”

  His smile grew. “We’ll make sure nothing goes wrong, Ms. Wallace. You’ll be safe.”

  Bianca toyed with her watch to release her nervous tension. “I appreciate that.”

  “It’s my job,” he said.

  “How do you like Edenville, detective?” Bianca’s mother asked.

  “It’s growing on me. I like the close-knit feeling.”

  “Bianca said the same thing when she moved here. I moved here after my husband passed.”

  “My condolences,” Detective Sims said.

  “Thank you. I needed a fresh start.” Bianca’s mother touched her arm. “I assured her she would love it here too, despite her reservations. If you need someone to show you the best places in town, I’m sure Bianca would be more than happy to accommodate you.”

  “Mother.” Bianca could have disappeared. The last place she wanted to be set up was at a memorial. “I’m sure Detective Sims can find his way around town.”

  “No harm in being neighborly, Bianca,” her mother said, nudging her shoulder.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Wallace. Believe it or not, your daughter has shown me a thing or two already.” The corners of his mouth turned up as he stared at Bianca.

  Her lips parted, but a high-pitched scream startled the room. Bianca stood, only to see Priscilla’s hands reach for Martin’s enlarged picture. “Oh, no. No!”

  “Poor thing,” her mother said.

  “What can we do?” Melanie asked.

  “Pray. Pray hard for this family.” Bianca’s mother took Melanie’s hand.

  Bianca didn’t take her eyes off Priscilla, who allowed Chad and Richard to help her back to her seat. Then she spotted Judy, who gave her a tissue. Nicole sat next to her mother-in-law, with her head bowed.

  “Wakes and funerals are never easy,” Detective Sims said.

  Memorials neither. “You’re telling me.” Bianca returned to her seat. The door opened and air rushed inside but quickly closed. Bianca saw Jordan. She hadn’t thought he would show, but she knew his feelings for Nicole wouldn’t keep him from supporting her. Bianca made eye contact with him and he gave a faint smile.

  Then he proceeded down the aisle. When Nicole spotted him, she rose to her feet, but Priscilla rushed to stand first.

  “Get him out!” she yelled.

  Chad didn’t hesitate. He marched over to Jordan. “It’s best you leave. Now. I don’t want a scene.” The sternness in is voice apparent.

  Nicole came up behind and touched her husband’s arm. “Chad. Please?”

  The murmurs between the guests increased in volume. Detective Sims stood. Would there be an altercation? Why wouldn’t Priscilla want Jordan to attend? He’d done nothing wrong.

  She pointed at him. “I can’t believe you would show your face here. After everything you’ve done to this family.”

  “I only came to support Nicole,” Jordan said as he took a few steps back.

  “I bet you did.” Chad snarled. “Looking for another way back into her life? Too late. She’s my wife now. Mine.”

  “Get out! I don’t want you here!” Priscilla motioned for him to leave.

  Judy touched her sister-in-law’s shoulder. “You’re making a scene. I don’t think—”

  “I want him out! Now!” Priscilla returned to her seat as her voice broke in more tears.

  Richard intervened and stepped closer. He said something to Jordan, and Bianca watched Detective Sims join the huddle. She didn’t even see him get up, too engrossed in the melodrama ahead of her. Nicole pulled Chad back and to his seat. He snaked an arm around her shoulders. Who knew what they were saying to each other?

  “I’ve never seen Ms. Priscilla act like that,” Alyssa said.

  “She’s never had a problem with Jordan.” Melanie covered her mouth with her hand.

  “She’s distraught. I’m sure she doesn’t mean it, but he may need to leave. The stress is not good for her,” Bianca’s mother said.

  Priscilla rested her head on Judy’s shoulder as Detective Sims walked beside Jordan down the aisle to the doors.

  “I’ll be back.” Bianca slipped out of her seat and stayed out of the detective’s sight. Standing in the foyer, she cracked the door as she listened.

  “You want to tell me what that was about?” Detective Sims asked Jordan.

  Jordan folded his arms. “I came here for Nicole.”

  “Is there a reason Mrs. Davis acted that way? Is there something I should know? Chad seems to think—”

  “I don’t know what you’re getting at, but I had nothing to do with Martin’s death.”

  “I didn’t say you did. Why would you assume that?” Detective Sims tilted his head to the side.

  Jordan flung his arms in the air. “Okay, I didn’t like the guy. Who did? I’m surprised this many people are here to pay their respects, but I did nothing. I only wanted to be here for Nicole.”

  Bianca’s eyes shifted back and forth between the men.

  Detective Sims stuffed his hands inside his pockets. “All right, but for now, your presence is causing a disturbance. I’m going to ask you to leave. You can reach out to Mrs. Lee in your own time.”

  A tsk sound escaped his lips. “This is dumb, man!” Jordan stalked off to the parking lot.

  Bianca bit at her bottom lip. Why didn’t Priscilla want him there? She could understand Chad’s jealously by why Priscilla’s sudden outburst?

  “Lost, Ms. Wallace?”

  Bianca shut her eyes but opened them. Detective Sims stood in the doorway, catching her snooping.

  “I… um…” She straightened and adjusted her dress. “Just getting some air.”

  He chuckled. “Sure.”

  Chapter 13

  Warm steam from a hot cup of herbal tea warmed Bianca’s face. A repast at the Edenville Community Church immediately followed Martin’s memorial, and she, along with Melanie, Alyssa, and her mother, sat at on folding chairs surrounded with Martin’s relatives.

  “I was hoping to have a word with Priscilla,” her mother said, scanning the crowd.

  “I’m sure she’ll make her way around.” Bianca sipped the warm liquid. She turned to her left and spotted Alyssa scrolling on her phone. She was grateful her daughter didn’t gripe about staying too long.

  Melanie bobbed her head. “I really didn’t expect this many people.”

  “Melanie!” her mother said, taken aback.

  Melanie shrugged. “What? Martin wasn’t the… nicest man in the world.”

  Bianca couldn’t have agreed more.

  “I understand that, but we’re here because someone killed him. Regardless of how we felt about him, it shows human decency to have compassion on our fellow man.”

  “Understood,” Melanie said.

  Bianca gave a faint smile. Crossing her legs, she noticed Detective Sims in the crowd. It surprised he
r he had stayed this long. Did he see anything unusual? Bianca had kept her eyes open during the entire memorial service. Outside the big-to-do about Jordan getting kicked out, nothing appeared out of the ordinary.

  “Enjoying the view?” her mother asked.

  Bianca choked on her tea.

  “Mom?” Alyssa patted her back.

  “I’m all right.” Bianca touched a hand to her chest. She faced her own mother. “Really?”

  “I only asked a simple question, although I noticed the subtle looks he gave you during the—”

  “Mom, I don’t think this is the time for your matchmaking.”

  Her mother dismissed her comment with a wave. “I’m always looking for opportunities to match make. People have met at…” She gestured to the crowd. “Memorials.”

  “Mom, who wants to tell that story?” Melanie asked. “‘By the way, I met my husband at a memorial service right after they served the refreshments.’”

  “It happens. I’ve done my research. People meet online. In grocery stores. Car accidents. I’ve even had a client tell me she met her ex-husband in an ambulance.”

  “Ex-husband?” Bianca tilted her head as she listened to her mother.

  Her mother fiddled with the neckline of her black dress. “Well… it turns out she wasn’t the only woman he’d met in an ambulance.”

  Melanie covered her mouth to stifle her giggle.

  “The point is,” her mother continued, “you never know where you might meet someone amazing. It never hurts to keep your eyes open.”

  Then Bianca spotted Priscilla’s face in the crowd. She was coming toward them. While she hugged a few attendees with a faint smile, her face softened when she made eye contact with Bianca. She could only imagine what this woman was feeling.

  “Some friendly faces.” Priscilla opened her arms despite her red eyes.

  Bianca stood to hug her, followed by her mother and sister. Alyssa even tore her gaze away from her phone long enough to hug Priscilla too.

  “I can’t tell you how glad I am you came.” Priscilla wrung her hands together.

  “We wouldn’t miss it,” Bianca said.

  “How are you holding up?” her mother asked Priscilla.

  “Sometimes it’s like…” Priscilla’s voice choked, but she finished. “It’s like it’s a nightmare, and I’m going to memorial up and he’s here.” She shook her head. “He’s not.”

  Bianca’s mother pulled her into another embrace. Perhaps it was best for Chad and Nicole to take her home. Hadn’t she been through enough without having to force a smile in front of Martin’s family members?

  As Bianca’s eyes glanced the room, she couldn’t help but focus her attention on Richard. Whoever he was talking to, he threw his head back laughing. All she could do was picture him on the night of the rehearsal dinner arguing with Martin. She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but why did his presence send a slight chill through her?

  “If you need anything, we’re here for her.” Her mother pulled back and held Priscilla’s hands in hers.

  “Thank you.” Priscilla gave a faint smile. “Your support means more than you know.” She turned her attention to Bianca. “Do you have a minute, dear?” She motioned for her to follow her.

  Bianca followed Priscilla to a somewhat secluded corner.

  Priscilla sniffled. “I haven’t asked you about the… anniversary photos.”

  Bianca’s lips parted. “Oh, Priscilla. I meant to get back with you.” She pressed a hand to her forehead. The pictures were almost finished anyway.

  Priscilla placed a hand on Bianca’s shoulder. “No, I meant to follow up earlier, but then he…”

  Bianca said, “I’ll get right on that. I’m sure you’ll want them now more than ever.” Would she want Bianca’s surprise? She wouldn’t tell her yet, since another question burned in her mind.

  “I do. Thank you, Bianca. This past week has thrown this town for a loop so I appreciate whatever you do.” Her eyes glanced over at Detective Sims. “I wasn’t expecting the police here though.” She released a deep breath, regaining the color back in her cheeks.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Of course,” Priscilla said.

  “Did Jordan do something for you not to want him here?”

  Priscilla shook her head. “I know he’s your friend, but the way he pines over Nicole is too much. There are enough rumors around town and I don’t want Chad in one with people wondering about Nicole and Jordan.”

  Not wanting a scandal? So far Bianca had heard nothing of that nature, but she didn’t dispute with her. Nicole had had a history with Martin so she didn’t blame Priscilla. “He said he found her bracelet. You were with Nicole?” Bianca had been in another room with the bridesmaids.

  “I sat it on the table. Nicole was so nervous about her vows. I was trying to calm her down. Then the wedding planner came in and told us we were starting soon. I thought Nicole grabbed it.” Priscilla’s eyebrows squished together. “We were so busy that day. I think I may have left the door open when we left, but I told that to the police already.”

  Busy was an understatement for Nicole and Chad’s wedding. If Priscilla put the bracelet on the table, who came up behind her then? Was someone else watching and snuck into the room?

  Bianca bobbed her head as she noticed another woman walk through the door. Her face looked familiar. Though Bianca thought she had met everyone in Edenville, she didn’t know this woman. Medium-length silky black hair rested on her shoulders underneath a large brim black hat. Her black dress fitted her slender frame, and judging by her chic style, Bianca wondered if she was a friend of Priscilla’s. She appeared to be the same age, but had a square face and smooth skin. Slender in shape, and her black hat resembled Ms. Ella’s large brim hat at the memorial.

  “I think you have another guest.” Bianca pointed toward the mysterious woman.

  Priscilla stared toward her hand. “What is she doing here?” She groaned. “Give me a moment, will you?”

  “Of course,” Bianca said.

  Priscilla pressed through the crowd and toward the door. Bianca returned to her family.

  “Everything okay?” her mother wondered.

  “Yes.”

  “Do you know her?” Melanie asked.

  “I don’t think so. She can’t be a friend if Priscilla asked what she’s doing here.”

  Bianca’s eyes shifted to the sign that led to the restrooms. It wasn’t too far from where the women stood. No harm in making a quick trip to the ladies’ room. “I’ll be back.”

  Bianca adjusted her purse on her shoulders as she paced to the ladies’ room. She even refused to look in the direction as Detective Sims. He was a distraction from her mission. Mission? Not quite, but if it would help her friends, why not?

  She stepped into the hallway of the restrooms but leaned against the wall as she listened. Despite the chatter and murmurs, she tuned into the conversation.

  “What are you doing here, Nora?” Priscilla asked.

  Bianca gasped. Nora. She’d seen her picture when she’d Googled Martin’s business endeavors with Richard. Nora showed? Bianca didn’t anticipate that.

  “I came to see if it was true,” Nora said.

  “I think it’s best you leave. He wouldn’t have wanted you here anyway,” Priscilla said.

  “He may have left me for you, but that doesn’t mean I can’t offer my condolences. The man was my husband first.”

  “But he’s my husband… was my husband,” Priscilla said. “Nora, I think you should go before you cause a scene. This is a small town. I wouldn’t want the rumors to start. Martin kept his private life private.”

  “Well…” Nora said. “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we, Priscilla? We’re having a civilized conversation.”

  Priscilla replied. “Time matures a person.”

  Nora spoke up. “You will keep me up to date on the investigation? Martin didn’t deserve to die that way. Not even the world’s
worst husband deserves to die that way.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of keeping this away from you,” Priscilla said.

  Bianca slipped into the women’s restroom. Resting her hands on the counter, she pondered what she’d just heard. As she paced the vinyl floors, her heels clicked in the background. How long had Nora been in town? Had she come to the wedding with no one spotting her in the background?

  She leaned against the counter and sighed. This case kept getting more and more complicated. She clutched her phone for a moment but decided to return to her family, before her mother sent someone looking for her. Exhaling a deep breath, she exited the restroom, only to bump into her sister.

  Bianca held back a shriek. “Don’t do that.”

  Melanie folded her arms. “Better me than Mom. Are you all right?”

  Bianca shook her head.

  Melanie touched her arm. “Are you sick? Do we need to leave? I can drive—”

  “Martin had another wife.”

  Melanie’s eyes bulged.

  Bianca kept her voice low and stared behind her sister. Opening her mouth to continue, she thought better of it and pulled her sister into the ladies’ room.

  “Is it that bad?”

  “There’s a woman here that I saw Priscilla talking to. She was Martin’s first wife. Nora,” Bianca said.

  Melanie’s eyes got even bigger.

  “Looks like he left her for Priscilla.”

  Her sister’s mouth fell open. “So… Martin leaves this Nora woman for Priscilla. Why?”

  “The better question is… How much of a grudge would she have held against Martin for leaving her?” Bianca raised an eyebrow. “I’m still suspicious of Richard though, especially with his butcher knife missing.”

  “Why show up now? Think about it. Would you attend Malcom’s funeral and talk to his new wife?” Melanie covered her mouth. “Sorry.”

  Bianca’s shoulders dropped. “I think I could be civil enough for Alyssa’s sake, but infidelity is a powerful motive for murder.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Not sure.” She stuffed her phone inside her purse. “Let’s get back out there before Mom sends a search party for both of us.”

  “Good point,” Melanie said.