“Thank you. That would work. Give me a second to call him and then lock up.”
On the short drive to the Hamilton home, I didn’t say much, the memory of seeing Doug and Monica together still fresh in my mind. I knew I was being ridiculous and wondered why seeing them together should bother me, but it did. If he had been with anyone other than Monica, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it.
When we arrived at the Hamilton home, Doug opened the door and ushered me into the living room, telling me to make myself comfortable while he went to find his father. The house was a lovely, old colonial with high ceilings and lots of crown molding and wood trim. A blend of antique and reproduction eighteenth-century furniture filled the living room.
I looked around me in awe. “This is lovely and so true to the period. Thomas Jefferson would have been right at home here,” I told Doug when he returned.
“It’s my mother’s doing. Dad always said the trip they took to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia was one of the most expensive vacations they ever took. She fell in love with the colonial style and came home and totally redecorated the house.”
“She did an excellent job. Coming from someone in home decorating, that’s high praise.”
“I wish she could have lived a few more years to enjoy it. That’s a portrait of her.” Doug pointed to a painting with ornate wood framing over the fireplace. “She had a wicked sense of humor and had it painted and framed to give the impression it was done in the eighteenth-century.”
“It’s perfect in this room. A modern painting wouldn’t have fit in as well.”
“She was delighted when people asked her if it was a portrait of one of her ancestors.”
Taking my arm, Doug led me through the house. “Let’s go into the family room. Dad’s in there. We can join him for a glass of wine before dinner. It won’t take me long to throw a few things together.”
After Doug made the introductions, I settled into a comfortable chair next to the fireplace. I was able to study both Doug and Mr. Hamilton at the same time. Doug had slightly graying blond hair, still cut in a military style, and a body that hadn’t started to soften yet to civilian life. Mr. Hamilton was an older version of Doug, still handsome in his golden years. It was easy to imagine Doug at his father’s age.
“I hope you don’t find the fire too warm.” Phillip Hamilton pointed to the blazing fireplace. “Since my stroke, I get chilled easily, and the temperature on these spring evenings can still dip fairly low.” He stroked the longhaired cat in his lap. “Ginger here helps keep me warm. Do you have any pets?”
“She’s beautiful. I live with a cat, Inky. He makes it clear that I don’t own him. He only allows me to care for him.”
The heat from the fireplace eased the chill I had been feeling, and I began to relax.
“Can I offer you a glass of wine?” Doug held up a bottle with a colorful label. “It’s an Australian Shiraz, which I highly recommend.”
“Yes, please.” I accepted the glass of ruby wine he handed me and settled back.
As much as I enjoyed the wine, I decided to go easy on it. After a sleepless night, I was already becoming drowsy, and, although I wasn’t trying to attract Doug, I didn’t want to come across as dopey. Mr. Hamilton had dozed off in his chair, and I envied his nap.
“He takes frequent catnaps.” Doug removed the glass from his father’s hand. “The doctor said he’d need them less as he recovers. Why don’t you bring your wine into the kitchen and keep me company while I cook?”
I watched him place salmon in the oven, sauté broccoli, and toss a salad. When I recalled his former career, I was surprised at how comfortable he seemed in the kitchen. I half expected he would throw well-marbled steaks onto the grill instead of the healthy salmon he prepared.
Placing dinner on the table, he went to call his father. I was impressed with how solicitous he was of him. Mr. Hamilton was still showing the effects of his stroke, and I couldn’t bring myself to ask him anything pointed about his investments or his relationship with Victoria. He still looked a little feeble, and I didn’t want to be guilty of pushing him over the edge.
If I were going to find the murderer, I was going to have to become hardened. I’d often cringed hearing reporters ask pointed questions, and now that I was in the position of having to do the same, I found myself reluctant to be a tough interrogator. As a result, we talked about everything except Victoria’s murder. It was as though we were all ignoring the elephant in the room. I also thought of Detective Spangler’s warning not to get involved. That wasn’t an option. I was committed to helping Tyrone.
After dinner, Mr. Hamilton excused himself, explaining he needed his beauty sleep. Seeing his condition, I couldn’t imagine Mr. Hamilton climbing the stairs at the Denton house or lifting Victoria into the laundry chute. My list of suspects continued to dwindle.
Doug and I went into the family room with our coffee. “It’s not what you’d get at Vocaro’s, but it’s better than some I drank in the Navy.”
I offered to help with the dishes, but Doug said he would take care of them later. After the day I’d had, I didn’t insist.
“What got you into home staging?” Doug added wood to the fire and took a chair across from me.
I burrowed into the comfortable upholstered chair, noticing the beige brushed denim slipcovers, which went well with the indigo blue walls. “Staging always appealed to me, and, according to the friends I’ve helped, I’m pretty good at it. After my husband’s death and then my mother’s death, I decided on a new career, got some training, and became a certified home stager. At some point, I would like to expand into home renovations or restorations, but staging is a good start. The Denton house is my first paid staging work.”
“If what I saw there today was an indication of the work you can do, I don’t think it will be your last.”
“Thank you. I can only hope.” I put my cup on the coffee table. “I’ve given myself a year to make a go of it. If I’m real frugal, I can manage financially until I make a profit. Otherwise, it’s back to an IT job, which paid well but bored me to death.” I shifted in my chair. “Why did you leave the Navy?”
“Vision problems. Nothing serious, but enough to prevent me from flying, especially off aircraft carriers. So, when Dad had his stroke, I decided to retire and come home to help him get back on his feet. I’m not a licensed agent, so all I do is help out at the agency, do some leg work, and let them do all the contract work. If the truth be known, the agents in the office could run the business fine without me.”
“You knew enough to advise Victoria to have her home staged.”
“Truth be known, one of the agents suggested that. I’m still learning.”
“Do you think real estate is something you will continue with? I’d think with your experience you’d get a job in the aerospace field or another job like that. You won’t find those types of jobs here, except maybe crop-dusting.”
Doug laughed. “That’s always an option. Right now I need to be here. Besides, after living all over the world and being at sea for so many years, it feels good being back here and able to spend time with Dad.”
Doug was starting to appear human, and I didn’t want to find myself warming to him. I gritted my teeth, and, before I could stop myself, I said, “I understand your father invested heavily in the Winston Lake development put together by Norman Ridley. Is that so?” I was appalled at my gall, but, for Tyrone’s sake, I was willing to sound nosy.
Doug looked thrown by my question. “I don’t know how Norman convinced Dad to invest in that venture. If he had been more like himself, he would have investigated the access rights to the property and seen the lack of road was a problem.”
“If I’m not being too personal, how is he dealing with that?” I couldn’t very well come right out and ask him if his father had been upset enough to want Victoria murdered in reven
ge.
“Now that he’s recovering, he’s a bit embarrassed at having made such a large investment without doing more research. But, he’s also philosophical about it. He views it as karmic balancing for the good investments he made.”
“But didn’t the investment nearly bankrupt him?”
Doug looked surprised. “Where did you hear that?”
“Most people believe his financial situation is the reason you came home, to rescue him financially.”
“I returned home to look after him and to help out at the agency, but only until he gets better. Actually, that’s only an excuse. His stroke, although a slight one, shook me up. I’ve spent so many years away and realized if I didn’t spend time with him now, I might never have the chance. With my mother gone, it’s especially important to me now.”
I was impressed with how natural he was and how comfortable I’d become being with him, especially in his home. It was unusual, given the way I reacted to most men. I leaned over and placed my empty cup on the table in front of me.
“Can I get you more coffee?” Doug asked.
“No thank you. It’s time I left for home.”
On our drive, Doug glanced over at me. “You’re awfully quiet.”
“Sorry. I was thinking of Tyrone. I’m worried about him.”
“I can understand that. When sailors under my command got into serious trouble, I found it frustrating. You wish you could help them or set them on the right path, but sometimes you can’t do anything.”
I rested my head against the headrest, forcing thoughts of Tyrone, Victoria, and murder from my mind. Before I realized it, we were parked in front of my house and Doug was gently shaking my arm.
“Sorry, I must have dozed off. It’s been a long day.”
“Again, I apologize for the way things started out between us. I’m much better at flying than I am at helping my dad sell real estate. With any luck, I won’t step on too many toes and lose all of Dad’s clients.”
“I’m starting out as well. We’ll have to learn as we go. Thank you again for dinner and the ride home.”
“It was my pleasure. I enjoyed the evening very much.”
For a second, he looked like he might lean over and kiss me. I quickly reached for my bag, ready to get out. I couldn’t be kissing the suspects.
“Do you need a ride tomorrow?”
“I should be okay. Nita’s husband took care of my tires today. Thanks anyway.”
“Good night, then.” He reached into the backseat and grabbed a small paper bag he handed me. “A little leftover salmon for your cat.”
Surprise made me momentarily speechless. “Why…thank you. Inky will appreciate that.” I was discovering aspects of Doug I couldn’t believe were there.
Doug waited until I let myself into the house before he drove away. I was relieved he hadn’t walked me to the door or said anything about seeing me again.
For once, his looks hadn’t affected me. My instincts told me I might have to take him off my list of suspects. But not quite yet.
Chapter 31
Depersonalize your home by removing family photos and diplomas. You want buyers focusing on your rooms, not on your family mementos. Buyers need to imagine themselves in the setting.
At Vocaro’s the next morning, I sat slumped in my chair, feeling very much like someone who had worked an all-night shift. I’d found it hard to sleep and spent much of the night staring at the ceiling. Dark smudges appeared under my eyes, and my hair looked as though I had come through a hurricane. Stifling a yawn, I brought Nita up to date on all that had been happening. I didn’t mention my dinner with the Hamiltons. Nita would hear about our casual get-together and move directly into wedding-planning mode.
“This is becoming dangerous.” Nita patted both her cheeks nervously. “I admit investigating a murder sounded exciting and adventurous at first, but now, with it putting you in danger, I don’t think it’s such a good idea. Maybe you should tell Detective Spangler what you’ve learned so far and leave the rest to him.”
“That’s the problem. I really don’t know much, and he doesn’t take me seriously. Besides, he’s still convinced Tyrone did it. Unless I have concrete evidence pointing to someone else, he’s not going to pay attention to what I say.
“Do you have anything pointing to someone in particular?” Nita pushed aside her untouched muffin.
My friend was more concerned about me than I’d have thought. Usually nothing dulled Nita’s appetite. “No, but I must be getting close. Why else would somebody be threatening me?”
“Look at what happened to Will Parker. He may have known something, and now he’s in the hospital. I think you should give up on this. Mrs. Webster wouldn’t want you to continue if she knew everything that was happening. Aren’t you frightened something could happen to you, too?” The worried look on Nita’s face caused deep lines to form between her eyes, and she nibbled at her thumbnail. She did that only when she was nervous.
“Of course I’m frightened. Thinking about it, though, I realized if I give up because of fear and Tyrone is convicted, I’d be haunted for the rest of my life by what I might have been able to do. Besides, now I’m angry. Someone in this town is letting Tyrone take the fall for him and is now threatening me. I don’t want to live like this. I’m not giving up. If I did, I could never look Mrs. Webster in the face again.”
“So, what’s next?”
“I don’t know. What I’d like to do is hide out on a beach in Florida until this blows over.” I shook my head several times, trying to shake the image of sandy beaches from my thoughts. “Instead, I’m going to go see Will’s daughter this morning. She may know why he called me. I don’t know which house she lives in, but I’m going to go up and down Battlement Drive until I find the right house. There aren’t many houses along there. After I talk to her, I’ll go back to work at the Denton house.”
“Considering all that’s happened, will you feel safe there on your own? We don’t have many patients scheduled this week. I could come up there and check on you once in a while.”
“Don’t tempt me. I have plenty to do to keep me busy, and people will be coming and going with last-minute deliveries and supplies. I won’t always be alone.”
“If you get nervous, give me a call and I’ll come over, not that I could provide much protection. Be careful and don’t talk to anyone.” Nita pointed to the Louiston Mirror. “Your horoscope today says Capricorns should duck out or call in sick.”
Later, I stopped at several houses along Battlement Drive inquiring where Will Parker lived. Most places no one answered, but I eventually found one lady at home who directed me to the end of the road. Just before the road opened up to fields, one house remained sitting under a canopy of flowering dogwood trees, their spring growth almost obscuring the house from view. I surmised I’d found the right place when I heard the squeal of children playing in the backyard. Will had said he had a number of grandchildren.
I knocked on the heavy oak door, which needed refinishing, and waited. The door flew open with a bang, and in the opening stood a giggling child who couldn’t have been more than two. Behind her stood Will’s dog, Pinto, panting and wagging his tail. From his friendly manner, he either recognized me or he wasn’t much of a watchdog. I was relieved the police had been able to return him to Will’s family.
“Abby, what have I told you about opening the door.” A woman with a halo of burnished red hair rushed over and swooped up the tiny girl and shooed Pinto away. “Sorry about that.”
“I’m the one who should be sorry. I didn’t mean to come without calling, but I didn’t have a number for you, and I had to guess what house was yours.” I extended my hand. “I’m Laura Bishop. I’ve been working up at the Denton house, getting it ready for sale.”
“I’m Claire Halston, but you already know who I am since you came here looking for me
.” She chuckled. She had the same glint in her eye Will had. She shook my hand, causing me to wince. She also had the same forceful handshake.
“I wanted to talk to you about your dad and find out how he’s doing.”
Her face fell. “Please come in.” She led me down a long hall with Pinto following close at our heels.
As I followed her, I studied the picture gallery along the hall. Framed photographs of children of varying ages covered one wall. Another wall prominently featured photos of a much younger Will Parker astride bucking horses and fierce-looking bulls, waving his hat high over his head. One frame contained a magazine with Will’s photo on the cover. He must have been good if he appeared in magazines.
“That’s my father. Those pictures are from when he was on the rodeo circuit. He was pretty well known out west.”
She led the way into a large living room covered wall to wall with toys of all shapes and sizes. “Abby, sit here and play.” She put the child on the floor and motioned to the pile of toys. “She wants to be outside with my other children, but she’s too small to play in the yard without me watching over her.”
“I met your father briefly on the road not long ago. I was so sorry to hear about his accident.”
“Thank you. It was tragic someone left him lying there.” Claire Halston looked as though she was going to cry. “I don’t think the kids will ever get over it. The younger ones don’t understand much about how it happened. I don’t understand what happened myself.”
“If you don’t mind my asking, how’s he doing?”
“He’s still in a coma and in ICU but stable. I only get to see him for a few hours each day. Please sit down.” Claire pointed to a sofa covered with toys and a longhaired cat she shooed away. I gingerly took a seat, trying not to make much contact with the cat hair. It would be clinging to my black pants when I got up. I didn’t want Inky sensing another cat on me and showing his displeasure. Pinto ambled over and sat next to my feet.
Claire sat on a large ottoman, taking a small toy out of Abby’s mouth and putting it in her pocket. “I’m pleased you know my father. How’d you meet?”
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