Photo Bombed

by Daria White

  Chapter 14

  Monday started a new week. Bianca erased her latest task from her dry erase board. Her computer chimed, alerting her of more emails. Wallace Designs was high in demand and Bianca loved the challenge of her job. Ever since she’d been a girl, her mother would catch her drawing pictures of trees, flowers, or the surrounding houses and buildings nearby. Her father had always told her she’d had a gift for art.

  Though Bianca had wanted to study art overseas, marrying Malcom out of high school had changed her plans. Next thing she’d known, she’d been an expectant mother. She hadn’t minded putting her dreams on hold for the time being. She’d had a new family to take care of, so when Malcom had filed divorce papers, he might as well have stabbed her in the chest.

  Bianca’s chest heaved with a sigh. That had been a long time ago. She’d healed and didn’t mind being on her own. Closing her eyes for a cleansing breath, the color gray flashed in her mind.

  Detective Sims. Rolling her shoulders back, she opened her new emails. It was best to focus on work. She inhaled the fragrant ocean breeze air from her freshener, but Casper soon disrupted her with his incessant barks.

  Bianca caught him wagging his tail as he stood to the side of her office chair. “What now? You’ve eaten already.” She couldn’t say the same. The most she’d had for lunch had been a granola bar.

  Casper only barked in response. Bianca leaned back in her chair. Glancing at the clock on her wall, it wouldn’t hurt if she took a break to give her puppy a walk. Standing to her feet, she stretched her own hands over her head, feeling stiff from sitting so long.

  Grabbing Casper’s leash, Bianca locked the door behind them and they proceeded down the street. Then they continued to the nearby park. Casper didn’t stop for a second. He must have been excited to get some fresh air.

  Bianca settled on the bench. Unhooking his leash, she let her puppy roam the grounds. She inhaled the smell of fresh-cut grass mixed with pine needles. Rubbing her fingers together, she couldn’t help but wonder again about Martin’s death.

  There was no way Nicole had killed him. The woman didn’t have it in her, did she? Priscilla? Did she have the nerve to kill her own husband? Did she know about Martin’s involvement with Nicole? What about Richard? He seemed to be going on with his life as if Martin’s death didn’t matter to him at all. Their argument had been intense for all to hear.

  Bianca rubbed her head at the possibility, only to spot Chad running on the runner’s trail. Did he usually run in the afternoon? He followed the path as it curved, and he headed in her direction.

  “Chad?” She waved at him.

  He didn’t smile, but jogged to her on the bench. “How are you? Taking a lunch break?”

  “Something like that.” Bianca browsed the park for her dog, spotting that he was chasing after birds. A chuckle escaped her mouth. “Waiting for him.”

  Chad looked toward her dog. “Nice.” He stopped running in place and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

  Bianca couldn’t help herself. “How are you? How’s Nicole holding up?”

  Chad blew out his cheeks. “We’re supposed to be on our honeymoon in Italy, but we can’t leave until all of this mess clears up.”

  Her heart sunk for them. “I’m so sorry.”

  Chad sat next to her, draping an arm on the back of the bench. “She said you talked to her before the memorial. Did she… tell you about her past with Martin?”

  Bianca swallowed. What all had Nicole told Chad? “She… shared some things.”

  Chad’s chin dropped to his chest. “She hated him, Bianca. I… can’t say I blame her. I wasn’t too keen on him marrying my mother, either.”

  Bianca didn’t respond.

  “I hate seeing my mother hurt like this,” he said.

  “Is that the reason you wanted Jordan to leave the memorial service?” she asked.

  He looked past her and then behind him. When he faced her again, he cleared his throat. “I don’t want him around Nicole. I tolerated it when we dated, but she’s my wife. I don’t want gossip around town.”

  Priscilla had been right. “But everyone knows they’re best friends.”

  “Yeah, they’re best friends, but it’s not as if he hid his feelings. You and I both know, Bianca, this town will spread that around like wildfire. There are already rumors that I punched him at the memorial with Nicole screaming. I even heard the rumor that Nicole planned to leave me at the altar and run away with Jordan.”

  Bianca sighed.

  He rubbed at his forehead. “Things aren’t good with Nicole and me.”

  “This was a shock to everyone. I can’t imagine how it’s affecting you two.”

  Chad shook his head. “It’s causing unnecessary tension. Have you… talked to Jordan?”

  “Not today. He may need time to process getting thrown out publicly like that.”

  “It’ll be better if he leaves town for good.”

  Bianca’s lips parted. “What? Why? Chad I don’t think he’s a real threat to you. Nicole married you. She loves you.”

  Chad’s fist clenched. “She kept telling me they were just friends, but I knew better. I saw the way he looked at her when he thought no one was looking. Martin did too.”

  “Martin?”

  Chad ran a hand down his face. “Martin was blackmailing Nicole, and Jordan knew it. I know he would have done anything to protect her.”

  A sudden coldness hit Bianca’s core. Jordan? Would he kill Martin on Nicole’s behalf? Chad was right. The man would have done anything for Nicole, but he’d backed off. Right?

  “Chad? You said that you hated Martin.” She couldn’t quite ask what she wanted to.

  Chad sighed. “I know and I did. He had gambling debts, and I found out when I was working for him that he was laundering money from his own real estate company to pay them. He cheated people out of their money, Bianca. The man was awful, but I didn’t kill him.”

  “Chad Lee?”

  Bianca recognized Detective Atkins, with Detective Sims not too far behind him coming from the parking lot. Joggers and parents with young children watched as both officers walked over to where Chad and Bianca were sitting. Even a few dogs barked on leashes as they walked with their owners. Casper joined in the barking too, but Bianca picked him up and held him close. Why were the police here? Was Nicole alright?

  “Officer? Is there a problem?” Chad asked.

  “Chad Lee, we need you to come in for questioning for the murder Martin Davis,” Detective Sims said.

  Detective Atkins added. “If you would follow us to the police station, we’d appreciate your cooperation.”

  “For what?” Chad’s stared back and for between both detectives.

  Detective Atkins held up his phone. “Do you recognize this bag?”

  Chad leaned in. “Yes. That’s my gym bag.”

  Detective Atkins stuffed his phone back in his pocket. “We need you to clear some things up for us. A few questions and we’ll let you go about your day.” He gestured for Chad to follow him.

  Had she heard this right? Chad?

  “I’ll see you later, Bianca,” Chad said.

  “Do you want me to call Nicole?” she asked.

  “No, I’d rather she hear from me,” he said.

  Bianca watched as her friend’s husband walked to a nearby police car with Detective Atkins as his escort. Detective Sims cleared his throat. He hadn’t moved.

  Bianca held Casper in one hand facing Detective Sims. “What’s going on?”

  Detective Sims said, “We’re only bringing him in for questioning, Ms. Wallace.

  “But why?”

  “Ms. Wallace?”

  She continued. “Don’t forget I saw the body first. Maybe I can help. Something may jog my memory. Do you have a picture on your phone too?”

  Detective Sims rubbed the back of his neck. “We found a bloody towel in his gym bag.”

  “Martin’s blood?” she asked. But how?

  �
��It’s not official, but I’m sure when the results are in, it’ll show it as Mr. Davis’ blood.”

  How? Bianca thought back to when she was at the gym earlier this week. She didn’t see Chad that day. “What about the butcher knife? Was it with the towel?” She caught herself as soon as she’d asked the question.

  Did Detective Sims’ eyes tighten around the corners? “We haven’t located the knife yet, Ms. Wallace.”

  So much for calling her “Bianca.” She nodded in response.

  “Can I see the towel you’re talking about?” she asked.

  Detective Sims pulled out his phone to show her a photo. Bianca focused her eyes on the picture. The towel looked familiar. Hadn’t she and Melanie seen something similar at… oh, no?

  Bianca gasped.

  “Ms. Wallace?” Detective Sims was observant.

  “I… I recognize the towel.”

  “Okay good. From where?” he asked.

  Bianca’s skin tingled. It couldn’t be, but who could deny it? “My sister and I stopped by Richard and Judy Long’s restaurant and bakery last week before the memorial. One worker was cleaning the windows and he… had a towel similar to the one in the picture. It was golden, but not like a regular towel. I don’t remember a pattern or a logo on it. Anyway he—”

  “It’s a microfiber towel. They’re known for absorbency.” Detective Sims sighed as he stuffed his phone back in his pocket. “Thank you, Ms. Wallace. I’ll look into it.”

  With a final nod, Detective Sims walked away to join Detective Atkins. Chad a suspect. Bianca stared after them with Casper in her arms. Sitting back on the park bench, she released him, but kept the loop of his leash around her wrist. Then she reached for her phone in her purse. Bianca wouldn’t tell Nicole about Chad leaving with the police since he wanted to tell her himself. Yet, she wanted to send a message of support.

  Checking on you. I know it’s been crazy but here if you need anything. Sent.

  Chapter 15

  Settling into the booths nestled against the wall, Bianca waited for Jordan at Edenville’s diner, The Southern Quarter, for lunch. The sizzle sound of burgers made her mouth water, but today she’d decided on a Caesar salad. Then again, grilling meat and onions frying filled her nose. Despite the diner’s specialty in southern cooking and town favorites, burgers and fries, they’d expanded their menu to include soups, salads, and even vegetarian choice meals.

  Their double chocolate cake didn’t sound too bad today. Bianca blinked. No, she would stay strong. She would treat herself over the weekend.

  The bell dinged as a customer entered, but it wasn’t Jordan. Bianca pulled her phone out of her purse. Ever since she’d found out about Martin’s first marriage, she’d done more research on the internet. No kids together and after five years, he’d filed for divorce.

  Digging into more of Nora’s background, Bianca discovered she was the daughter of a well-known businessman who’d owned various oil rigs. After college, Nora had gotten into philanthropy work, volunteering at children’s hospitals, as well as donating money to third-world countries.

  Bianca even watched a recent YouTube video on the woman giving a speech to her most recent charity donation. She seemed pleasant, but had that changed when she’d been with Martin? Bianca knew all too well that looks could be deceiving. Like with Richard, but with Chad on the police’s radar, she couldn’t pinpoint why he would shift blame to Chad. What was the family dynamic to drive them to this? Did Richard have the man cleaning his windows follow Chad to the gym?

  The bell dinged once more and she spotted Jordan. Another possible suspect. Chad painted him to be this man who would do anything for the woman he loved. Including killing the man who was blackmailing Nicole. Bianca’s limbs should have shook with fear when he entered the diner, but he was her friend. She never felt unsafe with Jordan. Kindhearted. Charming. Sure, he had a temper, but he wouldn’t kill. He scanned the room, but Bianca waved her hand in the air. He didn’t waste time walking to her table.

  “Hey.” Jordan took off his jacket and sat across from her.

  “Are you okay?” Bianca leaned in closer.

  He wrung his hands together on the tabletop. “Getting there. Have you ordered yet?”

  “Not yet,” Bianca said.

  “What can I get you both?” Harmony, the waitress approached them with her pen and small notepad. She had pulled her medium length platinum blonde hair into a pony tail. Despite the beads of sweat along her hairline, her makeup remained flawless on her ivory skin. “Sorry about the delay, but the lunch crowd is always like this.”

  Bianca’s eyes scanned the diner as the chatter increased. The cutlery clinked on tables, scratching against plates. She turned to Harmony. “That’s okay, Harmony. I’ll have water and a Caesar salad with the grilled chicken.”

  “Same for me, Harmony,” Jordan said.

  The waitress bobbed her head and took their plastic menus from their table.

  Bianca waited until she was out of earshot. Then she focused on Jordan.

  “I heard the police suspect Chad,” he said.

  “They brought him in for questioning. They found a bloody towel in his gym bag, but he hasn’t been formally charged.”

  “This is getting worse by the day.”

  “Want to tell me why you were kicked out of Martin’s memorial that day?” She hadn’t seen him since, not even in church. When he’d texted that morning wanting to see her, Bianca had accepted. His altercation with Chad lingered in the back of her mind. Though she wanted to keep her eyes open, her heart great heavy considering Jordan was responsible for all of this.

  “They didn’t tell you?” he asked.

  Bianca said, “I want to hear your side.”

  Jordan ran a hand down his face. “I wish I knew.”

  “You don’t get along with Priscilla. Did you have a problem with Martin?”

  “I never liked the guy. Nicole always gave him the benefit of the doubt despite their history. She blamed herself.”

  “That’s how she is.”

  “Exactly, but back then, she didn’t know how to set healthy boundaries. Martin took advantage of that.”

  There had to be more than that. Bianca leaned in again. “Jordan, what aren’t you telling me? Why did you want to see me?”

  He shook his head. “Looks like I’ve caused enough trouble already.”

  “But this can help Nicole. The police still suspect her. And Chad.”

  “Chad has enough money where he buy off a judge, lawyers, and the jury.”

  Bianca tilted her head at him. “What about Nicole? She’s not in the clear yet.”

  His jaw clenched. “They can’t prove anything.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “How do you know that? I still can’t get past the bracelet.”

  “I found it, brought it to her, and sat it on the table.” A smile grew on his face. “She looked incredible in her dress.” His face fell. “Anyway, Priscilla answered the door. I wished Nicole good luck and left.”

  “Maybe Nicole misplaced it again. Priscilla said she’d been nervous about her vows. Perhaps the wedding jitters got the best of her. Then again, Priscilla did say the wedding planner came and they rushed out of there. She thinks she left the door open,” Bianca said. Who would plant Nicole’s bracelet at the crime scene?

  “I guess it didn’t help her if the police found it anyway.” He cupped the back of his neck. “There’s no way she could have done this, Bianca.”

  “How do you know?” she asked.

  “I… was there.”

  “Where? At the murder?” Bianca’s eyes shifted to make sure no one was listening.

  Jordan folded his hands on the table and leaned in over the wooden table. “The rehearsal dinner.”

  “I didn’t see you. I thought you said you weren’t coming because of—”

  “I know, but Nicole is still my best friend.” He sighed. “I was going to leave, but I stopped by the men’s room first. When I got into the hallwa
y, I heard an argument.”

  “Between whom?”

  “Martin and Richard. At first they were whispering, sort of, but I heard Richard asking Martin for more time.”

  “More time?” Time for what? Money? He did ask Bianca the same thing with his payment for her services. Bianca’s fingers touched her parted lips. “What else?”

  Jordan bit the inside of his cheek. “Richard had something in his hand. I couldn’t see too close, but I think it was… a knife. That changed everything.”

  Bianca gasped.

  Jordan continued. “Next thing I hear is Martin saying, ‘Now calm down. Put the knife away and we’ll talk about it nicely.’ Then I head Richard’s voice saying, ‘No! We’ll talk about this now.’ He wouldn’t put the knife down.”

  “That must have been the moment we all heard yelling. Something broke too.” Bianca sat back in her chair.

  “I slipped out the back. I figured it was best to leave anyway. I’m still… getting used to Nicole with someone else,” Jordan said.

  Bianca leaned in again and touched his hand. Even if Jordan didn’t hear Richard actually threaten to kill Martin, a butcher knife in hand was threatening enough. Was that his intention? Was he in the middle of chopping something and happened to have the knife in his hand while talking to Martin? Did this argument start in the kitchen and then to the hallway for Jordan to hear?

  Bianca covered her mouth with her free hand. “Have you told the police this?”

  “As far as I know my story proves nothing. I didn’t stick around to see what else happened. Like I said, it could be nothing. Maybe it’s a coincidence.”

  “So… why didn’t Priscilla act that way at the wedding?” Bianca then recalled how the woman practically turned her nose up at Jordan when he asked her to dance.

  He continued. “She’s never liked me no matter how much she pretends to be civil. Since Nicole and I were so close, I think she got into Chad’s ear that I would steal her from him. I stepped aside once I saw how serious they were, but I did get into an altercation with Chad a while back. Only yelling so not a fight. Nicole wanted me at the wedding to bury the hatchet. I guess she convinced Priscilla.”