by Clara Lewis
“I’d like to formally introduce myself, I’m Olivia Hudson.” Olivia held her hand out for Keri-Anne to shake.
Without hesitation, the woman reciprocated the gesture.
“I used to live in Dresden,” started Olivia, “but I left when I was a teenager. Nothing seemed to have changed except its residents.”
Olivia inclined her head as she waited for Keri-Anne to answer. Keri-Anne simply smiled and nodded.
“Oh, I moved here about a year ago, but I officially moved here about three months ago.”
Three months ago. That timeline certainly struck something within Olivia and yet, she couldn’t quite understand it. Holding a finger up to Keri-Anne, Olivia dug into her bag and pulled out her phone. Recording the conversation would be helpful for later, when Olivia was in a place quiet enough for her to think.
Olivia saw Keri-Anne stiffen as she saw the phone.
Holding her hands out, Olivia explained, “I’m not a reporter, I’m an investigator helping with a case. Would it be alright if I recorded our conversation?”
Keri-Anne relaxed and nodded but a guarded expression remained.
That’s expected.
“As you are aware, Betty DeVos is dead.”
Keri-Anne nodded. Just a day after the event, people had already found out about the incident. The gossip surrounding Betty’s death had gotten so bad that Betty’s husband had to beg people to stop bringing it up.
“I didn’t kill her, if that’s what you’re asking," Keri-Anne said quickly.
Her voice had gotten quiet and her smile faltered.
“I wasn’t trying to accuse you of murder, Ms. Taylor, I just wanted to ask a few questions.”
“I wasn't even invited to the event," Keri-Anne added.
The event was not a big bash. It was nothing like the galas and functions that these people would throw for fun. It was quite modest, and everyone was invited. Well, not everyone. Olivia made a mental note to get a copy of the guest lists.
“I see. Ms. Taylor, what was the nature of your relationship with Mrs. DeVos?”
Keri-Anne frowned.
“Simply put, she hated me. My success story wasn’t like hers; I didn’t become rich by myself.”
Keri-Anne suddenly looked around uncomfortably, as if she had said something she wasn’t supposed to say. When she had finally looked at Olivia again, Olivia didn’t look as friendly.
“Would you like to elaborate on that, Ms. Taylor?”
“That has nothing to do with Betty I’m sure," she stammered.
“It might," Olivia replied.
Keri-Anne shook her head and kept silent. Olivia felt a smidge of guilt and decided to apologize. In an effort to make Keri-Anne more responsive, Olivia decided to approach her through casual conversation.
“I noticed that there’s a lot of plants in and around the house; do you take care of them yourself?”
Keri-Anne’s eyes brightened at the comment and her shoulders relaxed. The atmosphere was warm again.
“Yes, I took botany in school. I absolutely love plants.”
School? That would explain the age difference.
Olivia made another mental note to herself:
Do more research before questioning a potential suspect.
They talked comfortably for some time before Olivia consulted her notes again.
“So, Mrs. DeVos didn’t like you at all. Did she target you in some way compared to others?”
Keri-Anne seemed to be in thought. She was hiding something with the way she thought about her answers.
After a while, Keri-Anne responded.
“No, she didn’t target me. She just didn’t talk to me whenever we attended the same events.”
“I see. Did you resent her at some point?” Olivia asked.
Keri-Anne looked up in shock and Olivia raised her hands to show that she didn’t mean anything hostile by it.
“I can imagine,” Olivia continued, “Eventually, getting ignored and treated like you’re lower than them can pile up.”
“It could, but I never let it affect me.” Keri-Anne smiled at her.
Judging from her answer, Olivia knew that the conversation with Keri-Anne was going nowhere. And from her responses, Keri-Anne was definitely hiding something.
If Olivia wanted answers, talking to Keri-Anne wouldn’t cut it. She’d have to do something else.
Chapter 4
Olivia regretted letting Jordan choose the rental car. It was almost impossible to hide in the dark when a cherry-red vehicle was parked on the side of the road.
The dealership owner had her convinced that the car was “lovable” and “had character.” Olivia soon discovered that the car was a piece of junk. It failed to start most times, it was noisy, and when driving, the car rattled so loudly that it alerted the whole neighborhood.
As Olivia left Keri-Anne’s house, she was struck with an idea. Olivia decided to observe what went on in Keri-Anne’s private life. She parked the car in the woods and waited.
Olivia saw nothing the whole day and even felt guilty about having spied on Keri-Anne. That is, until she saw a black car zoom past and drive into Keri-Anne’s driveway.
When Olivia tried to enter the estate, the security at the gate had grilled her with questions. Since she no longer had a badge she could flash, Olivia was forced to stay at the gate with her window open until security deemed her safe enough.
This car, however, needed no introductions. The gates opened immediately, and Olivia saw the petite figure of Keri-Anne exit the entrance and into the black car.
“Things just got interesting," Olivia muttered to herself as she put her car in gear and got ready to follow.
Olivia was grateful that she still remembered which roads would lead into which area. She wanted to avoid suspicion and her knowledge certainly helped.
Who could Keri-Anne be meeting at such a late hour?
After a few minutes of driving, the black car had come to a stop at a place that Olivia knew very well.
The Barlowe residence. Now Keri-Anne could be meeting anyone from here. She was young enough to suit Liam Barlow, but something told Olivia that she simply wasn’t his type. She remembered his reaction toward Madison in the cafe and ruled him out. John Barlowe was a workaholic to the bone. He was also married. So, if anything, he had no time to entertain a mistress.
It was at this moment when Olivia put two and two together.
Keri-Anne moved in three months ago, on the day that Ruth was known to have left town. Keri-Anne lived lavishly despite being fresh out of college.
Olivia suddenly remembered the conversation she’d overheard in the Barlowe library. Eustace Barlowe had a mistress, and her name was Keri-Anne.
Olivia hadn’t seen any physical proof that Keri-Anne was the mistress. Although, something told her that by tonight, she’d have enough leverage over Keri-Anne and finally get her to talk. She saw two dark figures exit the car and make their way into the house. That was bold of Eustace, bringing his mistress home.
Olivia quickly unbuckled her seat belt and stepped out of the car, determined to follow them. Eustace and Keri-Anne walked onto the porch, holding hands. They were having some sort of conversation that, judging from their body language, was about to turn into an argument.
Olivia crept closer, determined to hear bits of conversation.
“She’s accusing me of murder. I have to tell her what Betty knew!” Keri-Anne hissed.
Eustace Barlowe shook his head.
“No one can know about us," he said.
Keri-Anne shook off Eustace’s hand and pushed him away when he attempted to get closer.
“You’re just embarrassed that I’m your mistress; isn’t that it? You probably think of me the same way the rest of them do!” Her voice was shrill and shook at the end.
“No, I would never think that about you," Eustace said reassuringly.
He reached for her again and this time Keri-Anne let him hold her.
Oli
via crept closer. She just had to get under the porch, and she was golden. Her hiding place in the gardens would easily out her should the motion lights come on.
“Once I fix the mess left behind by the previous case, I will marry you Keri,” Eustace said. “Don’t tell anyone anything about you and Betty.”
“What if she comes by again?”
They were talking about her. Olivia frowned.
“I’ll contact a lawyer for you. Don’t say anything without them present.”
In her irritation, Olivia moved too fast, activating the motion lights. In her attempt to avoid the lights, Olivia stepped on a few dry leaves, causing Eustace to turn in her direction.
“Who’s there?” he shouted.
His eyes widened as he recognized her figure. Olivia took that as her cue to run away.
Once back to her car, she hurriedly snapped her seat belt on. She jammed her key into the ignition and slammed the steering wheel when it failed to start.
“Come on, now is not the time to die on me," Olivia pleaded.
After two more tries, the car started. Olivia stepped on the accelerator, determined to make her way into town where there were more people. It was safer there.
Chapter 5
Olivia’s heart beat an unsteady rhythm. As she drove away from the estate, she heard another car following closely. She had been taking chances ever since she arrived in Dresden, and this was one time when she truly felt like she had pushed it too far. Her life was in danger.
As she sped over the roads, Olivia spotted the vehicle behind her. Its headlights blinded her in the mirror, but she focused on the road in front of her. She placed both her hands on the steering wheel and stepped on the accelerator.
Even while being chased, Olivia had to find out who this car belonged to. Risking a look, she raised her eyes and identified the vehicle. It was a Barlowe car. It had come from the estate.
“Maybe Eustace was capable of murder after all," Olivia whispered to herself.
Her vehicle was small in size, its performance decidedly not powerful. Olivia regretted her effort to save money getting this cheap rental when she saw the black car gain on her. The roads were treacherous; they had sharp curves that forced Olivia to slow down, causing the pursuing car to bump her from behind.
She lurched forward causing her seat belt to cut into her collarbone. Olivia cursed.
She stepped on the gas even harder. Olivia could pay for any repairs. All that mattered was to get into town and get to Jordan.
In the distance she could see the town lights. She was almost there.
And then she was upside down.
Everything hurt and she felt lightheaded. She felt something on her temple and winced as she reached out to touch it. In the moonlight, she saw that her hand was stained red.
Olivia looked up and saw the headlights of the car that had run her off the road. A person stepped out, but Olivia couldn't quite tell who it was. She squinted and tried to focus.
As soon as her eyes closed, Olivia felt relief. She was just so tired, and it was time to rest.
Chapter 6
There was an incessant beeping in her ears. Olivia reached her hand out to stop her alarm and hissed when a line of fire-like pain shot up her arm.
Her eyes opened and as they focused on her surroundings, she realized that she was in a hospital. She looked down at her hands and saw they were bandaged.
Olivia tried to get up, but she was unable to. A dull throb beat in her head and she felt nauseous every time she moved.
Someone shifted on the bedsheets beside her.
“Olivia?”
Marion rubbed her eyes and yawned. When she was fully awake, she shot to her feet and gently cupped Olivia’s face.
“How are you feeling?”
Olivia couldn't help but laugh. She immediately stopped when she saw that Marion was on the verge of tears.
“I’m fine, I guess," Olivia replied.
Marion didn't look pleased.
“No, you're not. Someone ran you off the road and you could have died. You’re lucky the Barlowe butler found you before your car exploded.”
Olivia nodded meekly but she suddenly grew worried. She struggled to get out of bed until Marion pushed her back down.
“Stop! Stop! What are you doing?” Marion yelled.
“My bag. Where is it?” Olivia demanded.
“I got it. Everything is intact,” Marion said, “now will you please get back in bed?”
Relieved, Olivia sat back down and sighed when her back hit the pillows. Her whole body was in pain, and with her in this state, the case would be held back. She hadn’t even been able to look at the body.
“What’s day is it?”
“It’s Wednesday,” Marion replied. “Why?”
Olivia slapped a hand against her head and groaned.
“I was supposed to meet Jordan today at the coroner’s. They would have been done with the autopsy by now and I can’t even stand up without wanting to throw up.”
Marion stood up and gently caressed Olivia’s forehead.
“I’m here now, aren’t I?” she said.
Olivia would have given Marion the car keys, but unfortunately the car was a wreck. Luckily for her, the dealership owner was ecstatic that the car was gone for good.
A nurse came in and injected Olivia with some painkillers. It helped, but she felt drowsy.
Before she could close her eyes, she mumbled, “Hold, on. I have to send you my notes.”
Marion waited outside in the cold air. Unlike Olivia, Marion loved the cold. She had left Dresden soon after Olivia had but a small part of her had missed the town.
She didn’t miss it for the people but rather the idyllic scenery and the peaceful lake. She made a mental note to visit the pier later. With how much Olivia complained about the weather on the phone, Marion made sure to pack enough warm clothes.
* * * * *
Jordan drove to the hospital, looking worried.
“How is she?”
Marion put a hand on his arm.
“She’s fine, but she’s asleep now. I don’t think this was an accident, so I suggest calling your buddies and have them post at least one policeman by the door.”
Jordan nodded and made his call. After that, Marion informed him of the change in plans. While Olivia recovered, she would take over the case.
“Fill me in. What are the theories you and Olivia thought of?”
“Olivia hadn’t really told me anything. I figured she wanted something more solid before she could present something.”
Jordan felt bad about leaving Olivia to her own devices. After all, it had resulted in an accident; but the blame wasn’t on him. His guilt was evident in the way he gripped the steering wheel and how he clenched his jaw as he drove.
“What did she tell you?”
“Well, she suspected two people. Madison and Keri-Anne. They were both part of the same circle, but they were only friends for the public.”
“I see.”
Marion scrolled through the notes Olivia sent her. The girl was thorough for sure.
Madison was the queen bee. However, Betty threatened her position. If she had wanted to, she could’ve taken away Madison’s status in the blink of an eye.
Madison’s arrogance could have driven her to get rid of the competition. It made sense.
Betty DeVos was known for being a gossip. Ever since Marion was a kid, Betty was always the first with a story. Keri-Anne had a story, and if Betty had found out about it, she could have single-handedly destroyed Keri-Anne’s reputation.
Judging from what Olivia overheard before her accident, Keri-Anne seemed more guilty. However, Marion was sure there was another perspective to this.
Even if Marion liked the cold, she was grateful for the warmth inside the coroner’s office. She reached her hand out, asking for the brown file Jordan held in his hands.
One detail jumped out from the form, causing Marion to consult Olivia’s notes.
Betty was poisoned, and conveniently, Keri-Anne was a botanist.
“This is very obvious," Jordan said once he compared the report and the notes.
“I agree, but I don’t think it's her.”
Jordan looked confused.
“Hear me out,” Marion said. “Keri-Anne didn’t even know about the event. She wasn’t invited that night. That alone makes me question this, but I want to know what Olivia has to say about it first.”
Chapter 7
“Look, I’m fine! It was just a mild concussion and a few scratches! I shouldn’t have to stay this long in the hospital," Olivia complained.
She waved her arm around, eager to prove that she was indeed okay and could go straight back on the case. Marion rolled her eyes and laughed.
“You’re being discharged today anyway; no need to be a drama queen.”
Olivia limped to the parking lot where Marion’s rental car awaited. It was a reasonably sized, black pickup truck. At the sight of it, Olivia threw her hands in the air.
“I should have gotten one of those!”
She turned her head to Marion who looked confused.
“Remember my car? Well, it was cherry red. It was difficult to hide with that thing.”
On the way to their hotel, Marion handed Olivia her tablet.
“Take a look in there and tell me what you find," Marion said, her eyes on the road.
Olivia skimmed through the autopsy report.
“How did you get this report out of the office?”
“I scanned it, but Jordan threw a fit.”
Olivia laughed. It sounded like him. She continued to skim through the paper and Marion advised her to compare her notes as well. At the sight of a certain detail, Olivia’s smile dropped.
“Poison? Check. Botanist? Check. Suspicious conversation in the middle of the night? Check. Tell me if I’m missing something.”
“Exactly,” said Marion nodding. “We can either start questioning Keri-Anne again or we can look into a different theory.”
Olivia wasn’t convinced. She crossed her arms and looked out the window.