Photo Bombed

by Daria White

  Alyssa nodded and Bianca paced to the front doors.

  “Jordan?”

  “Bianca? Can you talk?” Did his voice sound shaky?

  Bianca stared outside. The light from the sunset peaked through the store window. Then she decided to take the call outside, standing a few inches away from the front doors. “Jordan, where are you? Are you all right?”

  “I’m at a convenience store. Why? How’s Nicole? I can’t reach her. She—”

  “Slow down.” She shuffled her feet as she waited for Alyssa. “I can’t either. Nicole hasn’t gotten back with me so I’m giving her some space. Do you know anything? I know you still—”

  “Nicole has a good heart, but she made some desperate choices,” Jordan said.

  Bianca chose her next words carefully. “Jordan, I know you would do anything for her.”

  “Forget that. Think about it, Bianca.” He exhaled a deep breath. “I didn’t tell you this. Priscilla knew about Nicole and Martin. Nicole told me she talked to her about it once she and Chad started to get serious.”

  Bianca’s lips parted. Her heart went out to Priscilla. Bianca knew what it felt like to be caught between her husband and another woman.

  “What’s your point, Jordan?” She’d have to talk to Nicole about this one for sure. As long as they’d been friends, why didn’t she bring this up?

  “I think Priscilla has more to do with this. Plus I think I’m being followed.”

  “Priscilla? Why? She’s too…”

  “Too what?”

  “The woman has the poise of Grace Kelly. I can’t see her causing all of this mess.”

  “Didn’t you watch Dial M for Murder?” Jordan asked.

  “That was self-defense in that film and you know it. Why do you think you’re being followed?”

  “Since we met up at the Richard and Judy’s place. It looks like Judy’s car. I’m going to the police again. Bianca, I’m telling you, something’s not right about all of this. Nicole said they hashed it out, but I don’t think Priscilla’s forgiven her. Plus when I went to see—” Clank!

  Bianca flinched. “Jordan?” What happened? “Jordan? Jordan, are you okay? Jordan!”

  ***

  Colorful lights from police cars and an ambulance flashed as Bianca pulled into the parking lot of the convenience store after she’d dropped off Alyssa at home. Though her daughter noticed her change in demeanor and repeatedly twisting at her right earring, Bianca assured her daughter not to worry. She’d called Jordan multiple times, but he hadn’t answered. Bianca had called the police. She’d scrunched her face and then released it, trying to remain calm as she’d explained what had happened to the dispatcher.

  Cutting the engine, Bianca stepped out of the car. She saw Jordan’s car, but no Jordan.

  “Jordan?” she called out. Despite the yellow tape urging caution, Bianca stepped closer. Her mouth dropped at the sight of his charcoal sedan. She spotted a pair of shoes still on the feet of a body sticking out from the side of the vehicle. “Jordan!”

  “Ms. Wallace.” Detective Sims. Of course he was here. What surprised Bianca was him reaching out to keep her at bay, his hands on her arms.

  “What happened?” she asked. “I was just on the phone with him.”

  Detective Sims led her to the front of the convenience store. “When did you last talk to him?”

  She shrugged, clasping her hands together. “It was… maybe almost thirty minutes ago. I was shopping with my daughter and he called.”

  Detective Sims wrote on his notepad. “Do you know who might have done this?”

  Bianca’s eyes widened. “Are you saying he was attacked?”

  He sighed. “Someone struck him on the head. The EMTs are working on him now.”

  “Struck with what? I heard like a clanking type of noise.”

  Detective Sims looked over his shoulder, but he faced Bianca again. “We found a golf club next to him. The attacker struck and left right afterward.”

  “Have you checked the security cameras? Did you ask the workers inside if they saw anything? Have you—”

  “Ms. Wallace, we’re doing everything we can to sort this out. There’s a killer on the loose. I don’t need you snooping around and asking people questions. Let us do our job.”

  Bianca raised an eyebrow. “Snooping?”

  “For the lack of a better term, yes.” He stared her down, but Bianca didn’t flinch.

  She opened her mouth to give him the rebuttal of his life, but she stopped. Bianca stared ahead. A golf club. Someone had hit Jordan in the head with a golf club. “Richard.”

  “Ms. Wallace?”

  Bianca blinked. “Richard Long.” She ran a jerky hand through her hair. Did he involve Judy in this? “Martin’s step-brother. I remember him saying that he would play golf with Martin now and then.”

  “He told you that?” he asked.

  She bobbed her head. “He also told me that… he hated Martin, especially after Richard left the real estate business to run a restaurant and bakery with his wife.”

  Detective Sims ran a hand down his face with his free hand. “Anything else you can think of?”

  Bianca pinched the skin at her throat. “Jordan did mention Priscilla. Nicole’s mother-in-law. He said that she…”

  “She what?” Detective Sims asked. “Go on.”

  “Only that she may have had something against her husband.” Bianca didn’t want to overstep her bounds. Yet this was a murder investigation. Boundaries no longer existed, apparently. “And… he said the car following him resembled Judy’s. Richard’s wife.”

  “I’ll look into it. We also know about Richard playing golf with Martin, and Judy reported her car stolen this week. We’re more aware than you think.” He focused his eyes on her. “Now, will you do me a favor?” He used his free hand to cup her elbow. He led Bianca to her car.

  “Is he going to be okay?” she asked as she looked behind her shoulder. “Judy’s car stolen? Who would do that? What about the man from the park? Have you found—”

  “I’ll let you know when I have more information. Please, Ms. Wallace. Go home.”

  Her eyes bored into him. Was that concern in his voice? Why wouldn’t there be? She was a civilian, and he’d sworn to protect people like her from crime.

  “But I think I saw the car.”

  He jerked, taking out his notepad again. “When?”

  “Yesterday. It was in my neighborhood. It followed me, but I wasn’t sure. At least I think it was Judy’s car. I’m sure she’s not the only one that drives it in town. I tried to take pictures, but they were too blurry.” She rubbed at her eyebrow. “What is going on?”

  “We’re working on it. Right now, go home to your daughter. Lock your doors and call next time.” He cocked his head to the side for emphasis.

  Bianca nodded. Then she looked over again to the place where Jordan was. “He’s my friend.”

  “I understand that, but you’re not doing anyone a favor by interfering.”

  She folded her arms. “Didn’t I give you valuable information?”

  “You did.”

  “So?”

  He chuckled. “So I thank you, and now I would like for you to return home.”

  Bianca didn’t smile. “That’s all?”

  “That’s enough.”

  Bianca’s nostrils flared as she bit the inside of her cheek. She unlocked her car and slid into the driver’s side. Detective Sims backed away as she started her engine. Bianca let down the window. “Detective?”

  He stepped closer. “Yes, Ms. Wallace?”

  “You will let me know if he’s okay. Please?” Her voice trembled. Jordan… attacked like this?

  Detective Sims gave her a faint smile. He reached into his pocket and handed her a business card. “Here’s my card with my cell phone number. Call me and I’ll make sure you’re informed about his condition. I’ll also let you know if we find the guy that attacked you in the park.”

  “Thank yo
u.” She let up the window as he gave her a final nod. Bianca pulled out of the parking lot but didn’t hesitate to look in her rearview mirror. Richard had attacked Jordan?

  The evidence pointed to him. He’d told her himself he hated Martin, and being $41,000 in debt to him too? Bianca drove home in silence, wondering how she would piece together this puzzle.

  ***

  Bianca eyed the rows of tables and booths filled with local seasonal produce. Bundles of beets, carrots, asparagus, and bags of potatoes. She heard the hum of people socializing and breathed in the fresh herbs, citrus fruits, and ripening berries.

  “Can you believe that?” Melanie asked.

  Bianca blinked. “What?”

  “Are you even listening?” her sister asked.

  “Sure.”

  Melanie paused in her tracks. “What is it? You’ve been acting funny since we got here.”

  “I’m just… worried about Jordan.” He was still in the hospital healing from a head injury. At least the doctor said he was going to pull through it all.

  Melanie’s eyes softened. “I still can’t believe somebody attacked him. Who would do something like that?”

  “I’m trying to figure it out.”

  “Why?” Her sister exhaled. “I was okay going to Richard’s restaurant, but this is getting too dangerous, sis. The text message? The park? Whoever this person is, is on to you.”

  “I know.” Bianca couldn’t dismiss the obvious.

  “Then why don’t—”

  Bianca pulled at her sister’s sleeve to get her to follow her behind the jars of honey and beeswax.

  Melanie whispered. “What are you doing?” She ducked beside her sister.

  Bianca pointed ahead and her sister followed her gesture to see Richard. He stood beside the herbs, talking with the attendant behind the table. “I don’t want him to see us.”

  “Why not?”

  Bianca pursed her lips together. “I think attacked Jordan in the head with a golf club. When I talked to him last, he said that he played golf with Martin.”

  “Lots of people play golf in town.” Melanie pointed out.

  Bianca shook her head. “I wonder if he’s dragging Judy into this. She reported her car stolen.”

  “This doesn’t make sense.”

  “I know. It’s completely twisted.” Bianca added.

  “Are we hiding back here forever or is he leaving?” Melanie asked.

  Bianca watched Richard wave at the attendant as he walked away. Was that all he’d needed?

  “Looking for something?”

  Bianca shrieked along with her sister. Pivoting, she spotted Priscilla. A black-and-white scarf decorated her neck, covering her quarter-length black dress. White gloves covered her hands, favoring the ones she’d worn to Chad and Nicole’s wedding. Priscilla never failed to dress her best.

  Pressing a hand to her chest, Bianca said, “Not really. Nice to see you.”

  Priscilla covered her mouth as if to stifle a laugh. “I couldn’t help myself. Forgive me for startling the both of you.”

  Melanie rubbed at her shoulder. “No harm done. I’m going to browse the jams and jellies for Mom. I’ll meet you at the car.”

  Bianca nodded her head as her sister left her alone with Priscilla.

  The older woman gave her a soft smile. “I heard about Jordan. How are you holding up?”

  Bianca folded her arms across her chest. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. I hope the police catch whoever did this. Too many people are getting hurt.”

  “I agree. Who would do something so horrible?” Priscilla shrugged.

  This was a change in her attitude about him since Martin’s memorial. Perhaps Priscilla didn’t mean to overreact as she did. Bianca pulled her lips in. She needed to know one thing. “Did Martin ever mention his relationship with Richard?”

  “Martin didn’t tell me everything. Even during our family gatherings, he and Richard kept it to small talk. I don’t think they were ever close.” Her chin dropped. “I was so worried when they brought Chad in for questioning.”

  “I was there when it happened.”

  “He’s only trying to protect Nicole, but my son’s not a killer. He and Martin didn’t get along, but my son always respected my marriage,” Priscilla said. She looked away but continued. “I suppose Nicole told you about her past with Martin.”

  “She mentioned a few things,” she said.

  “Martin and I… separated for a time. That’s when he met Nicole. He confessed everything to me when we got back together. I didn’t know what to think, but I knew I loved him.” Her bottom lip trembled.

  “Priscilla?” Bianca cocked her head to the side.

  Priscilla covered her mouth, as if she’d said too much. “Oh, Bianca. I didn’t mean to dump our family problems on you, and I don’t blame Nicole. I fell for Martin’s charms too.” She took out a handkerchief and wiped at her nose. Then her lips parted, and she pressed a hand to her chest.

  She wasn’t having a spell, was she? “Are you okay? Do you need your—?”

  Priscilla dug into her purse and pulled out a prescription bottle. “Good. Can’t go anywhere without these.”

  “What kind are they?” She recalled seeing them at her house but forgot the name. Were they the same ones her father would take when she was a child?

  “Digoxin.” Priscilla shook the bottle, causing the pills to rattle inside. “A lifesaver.”

  Bianca’s father’s recent heart medication before he passed had been Xarelto. “Do you need to take one now? Can I get you some water?”

  “Don’t worry about me.” She exhaled. “Thank you. I try not to get overwhelmed, but… I can’t help it.”

  “I understand.” She snapped her fingers. “I almost forgot. I had a surprise for you and Martin but with everything going on—”

  “I understand. I saw the photos.” Her lips quirked into a soft smile. “They’re amazing. Too bad he… didn’t get to see them.”

  Bianca’s heart sunk. “I… made a video of you two. I thought it would be a nice touch to the pictures for your anniversary. You’re welcome to come by and get it anytime.”

  “You’re a gem, Bianca.” Priscilla’s eyes beamed, though they still shined with fresh tears. “I’ll let you know for sure.”

  Bianca’s heart went out to her. “Can we give you a ride home?”

  Priscilla shook her head. “I have a driver today, so I’ll be fine.” She touched a hand to Bianca’s shoulder. “I didn’t mean any harm. I would hate to think the worst of Nicole, or even Richard. We can only hope the police resolve all of this mess.”

  Bianca agreed.

  Priscilla hugged her. “I’ll talk to you later. Have a good one.”

  “You too.” Bianca nodded as Priscilla walked away. She headed to her car, where her sister was waiting. She tried to put the upsetting information out of her mind, and even with Martin dead, she couldn’t believe how he had treated his own wife.

  Pausing in her tracks, Bianca’s brain recalled her own anger when she’d discovered Malcom’s infidelity. She’d thrown a coffee mug against the wall. It had shattered to pieces on impact and the shards had scraped the hardwood floors.

  She had been numb, and while she had worked toward forgiveness in the last couple of years, it didn’t change what his decision had done to their family. Bianca shook her head and cupped her cheeks. This wasn’t about her, although the scenario had brought up her triggers. This was about Martin’s killer, the serial attacker, and finding out who it was.

  Chapter 23

  Bianca opened her car door to find Melanie gulping from Bianca’s extra water bottle.

  “What took you so long?” Melanie asked. She screwed the cap back on.

  Bianca locked the door, started the engine, and fastened her seatbelt. “Priscilla. I think she needed a moment.”

  “I can’t imagine what’s she’s going through.”

  Bianca pulled out of the parking lot. She held on
to the steering wheel and turned onto the main road back to Edenville. “I can’t stop thinking about Richard.”

  “You really think he did it?” Melanie asked.

  Bianca’s eyes widened. “Remember the summer bash he and Judy held on their yacht a couple of years ago?”

  Melanie popped a mint in her mouth. “Yeah, it was the best. I don’t know why he and Judy stopped hosting them. Everyone in town loved their parties on their yacht.”

  “But their finances have changed. He went to Martin for a loan out of desperation. He regretted it since Martin held it over his head.” A $41,000 debt would worry almost anyone.

  “That sucks.”

  “I know. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to duck out on Richard today.” Bianca switched lanes. “Maybe we can stop by his restaurant and talk to him about Judy’s stolen car.”

  “I don’t know. Haven’t enough people gotten hurt already? What if he is the killer? I don’t want to be next on his list.” Melanie’s forehead wrinkled.

  As they approached the bridge leading them back to Edenville, Bianca switched lanes again. A white Honda repeated her move. She hadn’t noticed it before, but they edged closer, tailgating her. Bianca swallowed just as Melanie’s phone rang.

  “It’s Mom.” Her sister answered. “Hey, Mom. We’re on our way back.”

  “Did you get the strawberry jams?” their mother asked through the speakerphone.

  “Yes, we did,” Melanie said.

  Bianca shifted her eyes between the rearview mirror and her side mirror. She switched to the middle lane. Was it her imagination? No. The car followed again. Who was driving it? Her lips parted. Sweat surfaced on her palms, but she didn’t want to panic with her mother listening.

  “Mom?” Bianca said. “Do you mind picking up Alyssa up from school today? We’re stuck in traffic and I don’t know when it’ll let up.”

  Melanie’s eyes widened at the obvious lie, but Bianca mouthed, “We’re being followed.” Melanie gasped but covered her mouth.

  “Sure, sweetie. No problem. I can probably get more info for you on that boy she’s crushing on. I know young love when I see it,” her mother said.