I hugged her. “I want us to be safe too. I promise I’ll be even more careful.”
She gave me a guarded look and finished setting the table. After dinner, Jenny went up to play an online computer game with one of her virtual friends. Kitchen clean, I put some clothes in the washer.
The back door opened. My heart pounded. The alarm beeped as it was turned off. I peered into the kitchen and breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh. It’s you.”
Patty said, “You were expecting someone else?”
I laughed, my heart still pounding. “No.”
“What’s going on? I was worried when I got your text.”
“I think I’m getting in over my head.”
“On something in particular or in general?”
“In particular.”
“Let me get comfortable.” She went into the living room and plopped down on the couch. Putting her feet up, she gave me a hard stare. “Okay, spill.”
I sat opposite her. “Things have been moving pretty fast with Rob.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“I have a date with John on Saturday.”
“Oh.”
“Yes, oh. It seems like I’ve seen Rob every night for the last week or so. Tonight we met for drinks, and he asked me to dinner on Saturday. I had to tell him I had a previous engagement.”
“How did he take it?”
“There was an awkward pause, and then he asked if he could take Jenny and me to church on Sunday with brunch after.”
“Do you have some sort of exclusive arrangement with him? Have you agreed not to see other people?”
“No. But it still makes me feel weird. I feel like I’m doing something I shouldn’t.” I shrugged.
“I wouldn’t worry about it until you have a more serious conversation.”
“Thanks, Patty. I knew you’d make me feel better.”
“I’ll see you soon.” She blew me a kiss.
I locked the door and reengaged the alarm. Running lightly up the steps, I knocked on Jenny’s door. “Time to wrap it up—school night.”
“Okay. Five more minutes.”
Saturday came quickly. After running errands and doing some much needed chores, I donned one of the outfits Jenny preselected and stopped by Pick of the Vine to get a nice bottle of wine. At five forty-five, I gathered up my purse and wine and took one last glance in the mirror. Fluffing my curls, I applied a quick dab of lip gloss and left.
John greeted me with a hug. He took the wine and my coat.
I surveyed his living room. “I can’t believe how much you’ve done. Remind me, when did you close?”
“A little over a week ago. I find I can’t relax after a move until the house is about 95 percent there.”
“Not to quibble, but it looks more like 100 percent to me. I’m always amazed when people can move in and it immediately looks like they’ve lived there forever. I’m a mull-it-over kind of person. When I was painting the inside of my house, I painted four different poster boards and stationed them around the rooms. They stayed there for six months before I got up enough nerve to pull the trigger and choose a color.”
John laughed. “I plan everything out first so when I move in, I know where everything goes. Then it’s just having enough time to place everything as outlined on my diagram.”
“You actually diagram everything out?”
“Yes. It’s much more efficient that way.”
I smiled. “Impressive.” Wow, seriously anal retentive.
“Would you like some wine? I have a nice Spanish Rioja I’ve been looking forward to trying.”
“Sounds good to me.”
He went to uncork the wine, and I strode to the fireplace. Admiring his ornate candleholders on the mantel, I picked one up to study it. “These are heavy. Are they silver?”
He handed me my glass and took the holder from me, putting it back. “Yes. They’re quite valuable.” He smiled. “You might say they’re a family heirloom.”
I took a sip of the wine. “Nice depth with some good fruitiness.”
“Yes. It is good. Want to know what dinner I’m pairing it with?”
“Let me guess…steak.”
“How did you know?”
I laughed. “You told me it was your specialty, and I hoped I was worthy.”
“Ah, I’m giving all my secrets away. But I don’t mind. Not with such a pretty lady.”
I smiled at the compliment. “Why, thank you, kind sir.”
“Would you like a tour?”
“Sure.”
He guided me around the house. The kitchen was top-of-the line, like everything else, and sported an induction cooktop. I said, “I’ve never had one of those. Do you like it better than gas?”
“It requires different pots and pans, but I like the energy efficiency and the fact that the top remains cool to the touch.”
We went up the stairs, and I traced the ornate railing. “This is beautiful. I love the detail work on the wood. It gives the house a lot of character.”
He showed me the two extra bedrooms and then the master bedroom. It was dominated by a large king bed with a deep-purple coverlet. A large mirrored headboard formed the shape of a sun. The oversized bathroom included a shower that had two rain showerhead fixtures and a bench. It even had a separate sumptuous soaking tub.
I looked at him with envy. “You are so lucky to have this setup. If I lived here, I don’t think I would ever leave the bathroom.”
He gently reached for my hand and put it over his heart. “You can use my bathroom anytime you like.”
“I’ll have to remember that.” Retrieving my hand, I hurried out of the bedroom and walked down the stairs.
He caught up to me. “I’m worried about you. Do you want to tell me more about what happened at your house last weekend?”
“It’s just that someone broke in while we were away.”
“Did they take much?”
“No. They didn’t take anything.”
He frowned. “That’s odd. Why wouldn’t they take anything? Does it have anything to do with what you found at Ben Ford’s?”
I stopped dead in my tracks and stared at him. “Where did you hear I found something at Ben Ford’s?
“To be honest, I’m not sure. Information travels fast here and comes at you from all sides.”
I nodded. “It sure does. I did find something at Ben’s, but I gave it to Detective Ziebold. The police have it.” John paled. “I was helping my neighbor’s cousin. She was asked to clean out his house.”
“What did you find?”
Taking a slow sip of wine, I tried to figure out what to tell him. If I told him the truth, he might let something slip. But I had promised to be more careful. Decisions, decisions. I swirled my wine. “This is really tasty.” I stared into his eyes. “The police asked me not to talk about what I found, but if you promise not to say anything…”
“You can trust me.” He pulled me toward him in a hug.
Smiling up at him, I gently untangled myself from his arms. “I’m not sure exactly what it was, but it seemed like some type of ledger. I couldn’t decipher the entries. The police will figure it out.”
He frowned. “I better get those steaks on the grill or we’ll be eating at midnight.”
Over dinner, the conversation slowly grew more personal. I told him the short-story version about my ex-husband Drew. “What about you? Were you ever married?”
“Yes, once. What a mistake! We were both too young to know what we were getting ourselves into.”
“I thought you always have a plan.”
“I do. But sometimes it doesn’t work out quite the way I want. And sometimes it does.” He smiled and moved his water glass. “But enough about me. How’s business?”
Even though we chatted pleasantly the rest of the evening, I couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy with him. Was he being blackmailed? And what would be damaging enough that he wouldn’t want anyone to find out? I was somewhat relieved when I realize
d it was late enough that it wouldn’t be suspicious for me to leave. I rose. “What a nice evening. Your house is beautiful, and the steaks were wonderful! I really enjoyed myself.”
“Are you sure you need to leave? The night is still young.”
“Yes. I don’t want to leave Jenny alone too late.”
“She’s seventeen. I’m sure she’ll be fine.”
“It’s evident you don’t have kids.” I smiled. “No, I really must go.” I picked up my purse and scooted to the door.
He joined me and pulled me toward him for a hug. I let him but stepped back quickly after I gave him a peck on the cheek. Leaving, I waved. I couldn’t help but notice the raw disappointment on his face.
Hurrying home, I relaxed as soon as I opened the door. Setting the alarm and double-checking the doors and windows, I started obsessing. What if we are wrong? What if John is just an innocent superintendent? My head spinning, I decided I’d think about that tomorrow. I hopped into bed, turned out the light, and pulled the covers over my head.
Sunday morning was rushed. I hadn’t slept well, and it was a chore to get Jenny up and functioning. At a quarter past ten, the doorbell rang. I sighed. Right on time when I could have used about ten more minutes.
Running down the stairs, I pulled the door open. “Come in. I’ll be ready in a few minutes.” I dashed back upstairs. Two minutes later, Jenny and I ran downstairs.
Rob smiled. “And a very good morning to you both.”
I laughed. “Sorry. Today my manners are not all they should be. Good morning to you as well. We need to hurry or we’ll be late.” We moved quickly down the sidewalk toward the church and slid into a pew just in time. Taking a deep breath, I scanned the crowd, nodding to those I knew. I started to relax and then stiffened. John Gordan sat across the aisle, two rows down. He nodded and turned away from me.
The Mass started. Rob put his arm around me and squeezed as we sang the first hymn. The homily was about the choices we make in life and the consequences that arise from them. How apt.
After the Mass, we exited the pew. “Did you see John?” Rob asked.
“Yes.”
“He seemed upset. Maybe we’ll get a chance to talk to him outside.”
I smiled brightly as I bit my tongue. “Wouldn’t that be nice.”
Quite a few people still mingled on the steps as we came out. I waved to Patrick and Patty, and Jenny made a beeline to Cindy. John strode toward us. Rob pivoted to see what I was looking at and held out his hand. “John, great to see you again.”
John shook his hand, his jaw clenched. “I thought Father Tom gave a good homily today.”
I nodded. “I thought it was particularly meaningful.”
John clasped my elbow and looked down at me. “I had fun last night. We’ll have to do it again sometime.” He glanced over Rob’s shoulder. “Oh, I see Hank Jefferson. I need to talk to him about the budget. Merry, I’ll give you a call soon.” He patted my arm.
Rob stared at me.
“It’s not what you think.”
“Which do you think concerns me more? That you went out with a potential murderer? Or that you went out with someone besides me? The answer, if you are interested, is both. I’ll call you later.” He stalked off.
Isn’t that just dandy?
Jenny returned. “Where did Mr. Jenson go? I thought he was taking us out for brunch?”
“Our plans changed.”
“Oh. The Twilligers are going to the Iron Skillet, and they invited us.”
“Why don’t you go with them? Tell Mrs. Twilliger I’ll call her later.”
Jenny gripped my arms and looked me in the eye. “Are you okay? Do you want me to come home with you?”
I hugged her. “I’m okay. Go ahead with them and have a good time. I love you.”
I dragged my feet on the way home. This is not shaping up to be my best day. I may as well clean. I finished dusting and started on the second bathroom. The front door opened, and the alarm beeped. Coming out of the bathroom, I took off my rubber gloves. Cindy and Jenny whizzed past me as they ran up the steps. Patty stared at me, both eyebrows raised.
I sat heavily. “I blew it.”
She sat next to me. “How so?”
“I had dinner with John last night. He thanked me for a good time in front of Rob this morning.”
“Ah, I wondered what happened. It wasn’t very sportsmanlike of John.”
“No, not very.” I frowned. “And I think he may have done it on purpose.”
“Why?”
“Rob put his arm around me at the beginning of the service, and John was behind us. He must have seen it.”
“You don’t think he’d be so spiteful, do you?”
“He may have murdered Ben. Spite’s a definite step down from there.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t think it’s up to me to apologize. I never said I wasn’t going to see other people. But, to tell you the truth, it felt weird being at John’s last night. I felt like I was betraying Rob. Was I?”
The doorbell rang. Patty and I exchanged glances, and she said, “Shouldn’t you get that?”
I opened the door. Rob stood there looking sheepish with some red roses in his hand.
“Come in.”
“These are for you.” He handed me the flowers.
I took an appreciate sniff. “They smell great. I’ll put them in water.”
Rob sat on the sofa. “How are you, Patty?”
She jumped up. “Just leaving. Good to see you Rob.” She walked out the door.
I came back with the flowers in a vase and put it on the coffee table. “They’re lovely. Thank you for thinking of me.”
“Where’s Jenny?”
“Upstairs with Cindy.” I sat. “I want to apologize.”
“I think I should apologize.”
“Let me go first. I’m sorry for breaking my promise to you about investigating suspects alone.”
“Thank you. My turn?”
I nodded.
“I want to apologize for being mad about you seeing someone else. Although I have strong feelings for you, we haven’t agreed our relationship is exclusive. I also need to apologize to Jenny for not taking you both to brunch.”
“Apology accepted.” We both stood and hugged. “Did you eat?”
“No. I wandered around town until I started seeing some sense. Did you?”
“I went on a cleaning jag. I have some bagels in the freezer and some cream cheese and lox in the fridge.”
“Sounds great, if you’re sure it’s not too much trouble.” He grimaced. “I’ll pass on the lox, though.”
“Your loss.” We went into the kitchen, and I put the bagels in the microwave to defrost. A quick toast after they came out and we were enjoying our food.
“If it won’t get me in trouble, can I ask if you found out anything at John’s last night?”
“No, it won’t get you in trouble, and the answer is not a lot. He finally admitted he was previously married. He also asked me about what I found at Ben’s.”
His eyes widened. “You didn’t tell him anything, did you?”
“I did. I wanted to see his reaction.”
“Merry! I’m not sure that was wise. How did he react?”
“He paled and then got busy putting the steaks on the grill.”
Rob brightened. “So I may be right in suspecting him.”
“Yes. You may be right. Do you want more coffee?”
He smiled. “No. Two high-test is my limit. By the way, I did go to Urbana the other day to see if I could get more information on Suzie Krump.”
“What did you find out?”
“Not much more than what we already knew. The husband was a brute. The police were called out several times for domestic disturbances: broken arm, collarbone, etc.”
“That’s awful.” I pressed my napkin to my lips. “He’s in jail now, right?”
“No. She refused to press c
harges. He made himself scarce, though, after that. I guess it scared him.”
“It sounds like Suzie made the right choice in leaving him.”
“Absolutely. This is going to sound bad, but it’s interesting she was able to. Usually abusers don’t stop. I wonder how she was able to get away. I’m sorry. I hate to leave on such an ugly note, but I do need to get some writing done.”
He hugged and kissed me. Then he took both of my hands in his, and stared deeply into my eyes. “We are going to have that exclusivity discussion very soon.” Giving me a stern look, he left.
I watched him till he turned the corner. Shutting the door, I leaned against it and sighed. Was I ready for that conversation?
Chapter 18
Midway through work the next day, a text from Rob popped up on my screen: “Next steps?”
“On what?”
“Murder investigation. We need a plan.”
“Okay.”
“Dinner tonight? Pick you up at five thirty?”
“Great.”
I texted Jenny to let her know I’d be late and outlined her frozen leftover options. At five thirty exactly, Rob came into my office. Packed up and ready to go, I asked, “Fiorella’s?”
“That sounds good. Want me to drive?”
“Yes. I left my car at home.”
“I thought you might have. It’s been another lovely day.”
Settling into the plush leather seats of his coal-black Audi, I enjoyed the quick drive. Luckily we were seated right away because I was starving. I ordered the pasta carbonara with shrimp, vowing to only eat half and to double my workout in the morning. Rob ordered chicken parmigiana.
He sipped his wine. “Have you thought about what our next steps should be?”
“Should we try to talk to John’s ex-wife?”
“Together?”
“Yes, together. We’ve found out quite a bit separately, but it may be time to try tag-teaming.”
“I’m game if you are.” He moved his chair closer to mine.
“I’ll try and find her contact information tomorrow and see if she is willing to speak with us.”
“Afternoon on Wednesday would work for me or Thursday morning.”
“I’ll let you know.”
In what was becoming a habit, we ordered our desserts to go and brought them home to eat with Jenny.
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