by Daria White
“And?” Bianca asked.
“You know how Nicole would sleep on my couch sometimes when she was looking for an apartment?”
“Right.” Bianca would have had her friend stay with her, but that was when she’d been with Malcom. He hadn’t cared for anyone staying with them unless it was his own family members. Bianca rolled her eyes.
“Anyway, she told me to meet her with the rest of her things after she’d left my place. So I did. I ended up meeting her at an office building, which turned out to be Martin’s building.”
“She worked for him?” Bianca couldn’t believe she didn’t know this. She recalled the years of Nicole’s job as a receptionist after graduate school, but not about Martin being her boss. Is that how this all started?
“That’s how they met,” Jordan said. “Anyway, Chad was there. You know how he is when it comes to her. Words were exchanged and next thing I know, Martin has security escort me off the premises. I was so angry and hurt over Nicole, I…”
Bianca did a double take. “You what?”
“I might have threatened to… kill him and Chad.”
“What?” Her eyebrows shot up.
“That was a long time ago, Bianca. Chad and I have since been somewhat civil, but I never made amends with Martin. I don’t know. I guess he told Priscilla and she probably thinks I had a hit out on him still.”
“Is that what you told the police too?” she asked.
“Yes. I’m telling you they can’t prove anything against me or Nicole.”
Bianca ran her fingers through her hair. “What about Richard?”
“I wish I knew. Like I said before, I didn’t stick around to hear.”
“I wonder.” Bianca tapped a finger to her full lips.
“What?”
Harmony returned. “Here you go. Enjoy your lunch.” She placed two plates full of salad in front of both Jordan and Bianca. Once she’d served their water, Harmony left their table.
“What are you thinking, Bianca?” Jordan asked.
“If it was money he owed, do you know how much?”
“No.”
“Are you free once we finish here?” Bianca grabbed her fork.
“I have some time. Why?”
“I think maybe we need to pay Richard a visit and see what we can find. I wonder if there’s something in his books in his office.” How much did he owe to Martin? $20,000? More than that maybe?
“He’s not going to let us in his office, Bianca,” Jordan said.
“No, but we can find a way inside.”
Jordan narrowed his eyes at her. “Sounds like college all over again. Us sneaking off campus for a party.”
“I’m a responsible adult now.” She winked at him.
“Sure you are.” Jordan took a bite from his salad.
***
Chocolate squares, macarons, and eclairs caught Bianca’s eyes, but she would not order them. Jordan followed behind her as they entered R&J’s Restaurant and Bakery. Her mouth watered at the smell of cinnamon, and judging by the small crowd, they had beaten the usual lunch rush. Customers chatted as they ate, but Bianca only focused on finding Judy.
Jordan cupped her elbow with his hand. “You see her yet?”
“Not yet.” Bianca eyed the narrow hallway. She’d visited the bakery enough to know where the office was. Should she press her luck?
“Let’s take a seat first.” Jordan led her to a back table near the hallway.
Bianca folded her hands on the table once she sat.
“What are you thinking?” Jordan asked. He checked his watch. “I do have to get some work done.”
The corners of her mouth quirked up. “How’s the writing coming along?”
“I have two books I’m working on. It’s going well so far.”
“Will you ever write anything under your actual name?” she asked.
Jordan shook his head.
Bianca pursed her lips together as she ran her hand down her pant leg. Leaning over, she glanced down the hallway. “I’m thinking about slipping to the ladies’ room.”
Jordan looked behind her. “I think the office is the last door on the right.” He turned and winked at her.
Bianca stood from her chair and walked down the hallway. Since she’d worn flats today, her heels didn’t click on the floors, but when she came to the last door on the right, she noticed it was cracked. A small light shined from a lamp. When she peeked in, she saw no one.
Her stomach fluttered, but she stepped inside. Her eyes met a wooden desk covered with sticky notes, paper and pens, a desk phone, and a calculator. Bianca walked closer, bypassing a tall filing cabinet, and stared at the documents on the desk. More stacks of files and papers.
Reaching out, she opened a manila folder. A ledger. Richard and Judy didn’t use an accounting software? Bianca raised her eyebrow as she read over the revenues. She didn’t touch the receipts, but from the looks of it, their business was in a tight spot.
Not enough evidence. Spreading the papers further, Bianca spotted a piece of printed paper. A letter folded in half. Ignoring the hardness in her stomach, she opened it. Only speechless could describe her reaction.
Martin threatened to take over Richard and Judy’s business? They owed $41,000. Bianca’s gazed around the office. Forty-one thousand dollars, and they had until the end of this month to pay the money in full.
Was that a noise? Bianca jerked and folded the letter back in place. Stepping away from the desk, she headed for the door. Was there anyone there? Was Jordan coming to warn her? Bianca peeped her head out to see. No one. She looked ahead.
The ladies’ room. There wasn’t any more time to waste. Biting her lower lip, hoping she didn’t get caught, Bianca dashed for the restroom, shutting the door behind her. She breathed easier once inside, rubbing the back of her neck.
Walking to face the mirror, she stared at her own reflection. Had someone seen her inside the office? How would she explain that?
Then Jordan’s story replayed in her head. He’d seen Richard with a knife. Had it been the same butcher knife that had killed Martin? Bianca’s hand scraped through her hair. When would this puzzle come together?
Okay. She had to remain calm. If what she’d thought she’d seen was true, Judy and Richard were having financial problems. Martin had helped with the funds, but it’s possible he’d held the debt over their heads. What if Richard had gotten fed up? What if he’d killed Martin and covered it up by trying to pin the blame on Nicole?
That makes no sense. What did he have against Nicole? She thought they all got along. They’d even catered the engagement party, bridal shower, and the wedding reception. Bianca’s shoulders dropped. This was getting her nowhere.
Stepping out of the ladies room, she ran into a hard chest, but before she could scream, a hand covered her mouth. Her eyes bulged. Jordan.
“Shh.” He released his grip.
She punched his gut, but based on his toned stomach, she’d hardly hurt him. She kept her voice at a whisper. “Don’t do that.” She straightened her blouse. “What are you doing?”
“I came to check on you,” he whispered back.
“Next time, text me.” Her eyes shifted down the hallway back to the main dining area. “See anything?”
“No sign of Richard or Judy yet,” Jordan said. “What did you find?”
“A motive. They owed Martin $41,000. They had until the end of this month to pay him or he was going to take over their business.”
“What?” He still kept his voice to a whisper.
Bianca nodded. “I don’t want to believe it, but…”
“But what?”
“It makes sense because of the money problems, but I don’t see why Nicole is being blamed.” Bianca didn’t want to continue the conversation. Perhaps the noise she heard was someone listening. It was best to save this for later. “Come on.” She looped her arm through his.
“Will you explain to me what’s going on?” Jordan asked.
> Bianca tilted her head to the side. “I will. For now, go home, and get your work done.”
“You expect me to go to work and ignore what you just told me?” he asked.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea if you stay any longer. Now that I think about it, it’ll probably be best if Judy and Richard didn’t see you this soon after the… memorial outburst.” Bianca gestured to the door.
Jordan opened his mouth as if to argue, but he didn’t. Instead, he kissed her forehead. “I don’t get what you’re up to, just be careful.”
“Okay.” She motioned him to leave. He did.
Turning on her heels, Bianca made her way to the front counter. Judy. She must have been in the back. “Hey, Judy.”
The redhead’s eyes didn’t beam as they usually did. “Bianca. I didn’t see you come in. What can I get you?”
“An iced tea to go if you don’t mind.” She reached into her purse and grabbed some cash. “I didn’t have time to talk to you during the memorial for Martin.”
“I know.” Judy pinched the skin at her throat as her forehead wrinkled. Circles under her eyes showed but it looked like she did her best to cover it with her makeup. “It was such a long day. I was so exhausted by the time we got home.”
“I understand. How are you and Richard holding up?” she asked.
Judy scratched at her nose. “We’re taking it one day at a time.” Reaching into her back pocket, she took out a white envelope. “When I saw you were here, I grabbed this. It’s only half of what we owe, but it’s something. We’ll have the rest of the money soon for our final payment for the invitations. Thank you again.”
Bianca tilted her head to the side as she took the envelope. She put it inside her purse. “Of course. I didn’t mind working with you on the payments.” Especially now after seeing their $41,000 debt to Martin in their office. “But how are you two? Really with… everything?”
Judy looked around her and then back at Bianca. “The memorial didn’t go as we planned. I didn’t think Priscilla would act that way when Jordan showed up.”
Might as well ask now. “Do you know why she did? I don’t think I remember her having a problem with him before.”
“Jordan never got along with Martin or Chad. I can’t blame Chad since the whole town knew about Jordan’s feelings for Nicole. Poor boy.” Judy handed her a to-go Styrofoam cup.
Bianca handed her the cash. “You think Priscilla thought he would—”
“They all have tempers. I guess Priscilla didn’t want to cause a scene, but her being so distraught over Martin, she probably overreacted more than usual.”
Bianca tested the waters. “Business seems good for you and Richard though.”
Judy dropped her head.
“Judy?” Bianca reached out her hand.
She shook her head. “It’s nothing to worry about. It’s been… tough, but we’re getting back up on our feet.”
“You weren’t going to lose this place, were you?”
Her eyes focused on Bianca. “This is our dream and I won’t let anyone hinder that.”
Bianca’s lips parted. The conviction in Judy’s voice was undeniable. Was it possible that she…? No way. Holding up her cup, she gave a faint smile. “Thanks for the drink.”
Judy extended her hand with Bianca’s change, but Bianca shook her head.
“Keep it. Consider it a tip.”
Judy bobbed her head with a smile. “Thank you. That’s very generous of you, Bianca.”
“You’re welcome.” How was she going to figure out this murder? Who was guilty and who was telling the truth?
Chapter 16
Plum or sunflower yellow? Bianca held both nail polishes in her hand. This was what she’d needed. A day at Nina’s Spa and Nail salon. A chance to unwind from a full workload and investigating Martin’s murder. Though no massage today in one of their private rooms, getting her nails done would suffice.
Nothing was adding up still, so Bianca dropped Casper off at her mother’s house for a dog play day, while she treated herself. Steam wafted from her herbal tea on the side table next to her.
“Which would you like?” an attendant asked her. The woman’s shaped eyebrows complemented her square face. Her kinky dark brown hair had been pulled into a high ponytail.
The summer hadn’t quite arrived yet, but they were in spring. Yet Bianca loved wearing dark colors to complement her brown skin. “Let’s go with the plum.”
The attendant smiled, and Bianca took one last sip of her tea as the woman worked on her nails. She would check her emails when she returned home. Looking upward, she went over the list in her head. Answer emails. Pick up Casper from her mom’s home. Pick up Alyssa from school.
Bianca hadn’t told her daughter yet, but if she wanted to learn how to drive, she would give her some pointers and if Alyssa wanted to take lessons, Bianca would let her sign up. Her mother had told her that Alyssa could have her grandfather’s restored Camaro once she received her license.
When her phone rang, she reached inside her purse in her lap. Thank goodness one of her hands was finished. Malcom? At least he was trying. While Bianca was still getting used to them co-parenting, she could appreciate his efforts despite his shortcomings before. Using her free hand, she answered.
“Hey,” she said. No more, “Hey, babe” or “Hey, honey.” Those days were over.
“Is this a bad time? I’m on break at work so I thought I’d call you,” Malcom said.
“I’m on a break too. What’s up?”
“I wanted to check back with you about Alyssa spending the summer here with me.”
Bianca pondered the thought. Her daughter away from her for an entire summer? The most time they’d spend apart was her spending the night at her friend’s or her grandmother’s home.
“Bianca?”
“I’m still thinking about it,” she said. “Have you called her?”
“Not yet.” He sighed. “Look, I know it’s a lot to ask, but I’m trying here. I want my daughter in my life.”
Bianca bit back her response. It was another trigger for her. Where had this dedication been to Alyssa when he’d left them? He’d barely called Alyssa when he’d moved to California to be with his new wife. Now, he wanted Alyssa around.
She blew out her cheeks. She’d gone through this in therapy. When triggered, it only meant she needed another moment of healing. Bianca had already made peace with his decision. There was no sense in rehashing everything.
“Call Alyssa and if she wants to, it’s okay with me.” There, she had said it. “I’ll find something to keep me occupied.”
“Alyssa told me your mom gave you two a puppy,” he said.
Bianca giggled. “Yes, Casper. He’s growing on us, I guess.”
“Thank you, Bianca. Thanks for agreeing to this.”
“She’s getting older, so I’m trying to get better at trusting her judgment,” she said.
Malcom groaned. “We have a teenager.”
“Don’t remind me. I still can’t get that baby girl is not a baby anymore.” A hmm noise escaped her as she cleared her throat.
“Something on your mind?” Malcom asked.
“She hasn’t said anything to me yet, but I know it’s coming.”
“What? Don’t tell me she has a boyfriend. Who is he? Have you met him? How old is he? Where did she—?”
“Calm down, Dad.” She grinned at his protectiveness taking over. “If she does, she’ll tell you. I’m talking about her getting her driver’s license.”
“She’s only sixteen.”
“She’s old enough, Malcom. Besides, this will teach her even more responsibility. My mom even has a car she’s been wanting to give Alyssa. I think she’s ready to take lessons now. Learning how to drive would help me too. My business is booming. Knowing that Alyssa can take herself places will lighten my load.”
Malcom sighed.
“Still there?” Was he having another moment?
“Yes, I’m her
e. I don’t like this, Bianca.”
“What do you want her to do? Stay a little girl forever?”
He groaned. “I’ll think about it. Maybe… a few lessons will be okay for now. Let her decide if she wants her license.”
“I’ll talk to her.” Bianca’s gaze lowered as the attendant finished her manicure. She pointed to the front desk. Bianca mouthed a “thank you” to her. She smiled and waved back.
“Good.” Malcom continued. “Where did the time go? Wow, I sound old.”
Bianca stood in her wedged sandals, grabbed her purse, and headed for the front desk. “Not that old.”
“Thank you.” He groaned again. “I have to get back to work, but tell Alyssa I’ll call her if she doesn’t call me.”
“I will. Bye, Malcom.”
“Bye.”
He hung up. Despite the tenseness in her stomach, the conversation with Malcom hadn’t been bad at all. Though he’d been paying child support consistently, that didn’t replace quality time with his daughter. Perhaps things were getting better with time. He was reaching out more now than ever. Would they learn to be friends again?
For a time, they’d been best friends. They would stay up for hours on the phone. It didn’t matter what the conversation had been about. She rubbed at the twinge in her chest. Perhaps that was what hurt the most. More than him leaving. More than him marrying another woman. Their friendship had died with their marriage.
Bianca paid the attendant and took her receipt. Would she find that with someone else? Was she willing to open up her heart that way again? Rolling her shoulders back, she thanked the receptionist and headed for the door.
Then Bianca paused. Nora. Her hand was on the door handle as she talked with another attendant. Perhaps she was in one of the private rooms for a massage. Was she leaving?
Bianca remained close behind as Nora said goodbye.
“I’m so sorry,” she said to Bianca. “Here I am blocking the door.”
“No problem.” Bianca retrieved her keys from her purse.
“I think I know you. Your face looks familiar.” Nora tapped her chin as she tried to remember. “I could have sworn…”