“I didn’t say that.”
“You’re playing with fire here, Holly. Brunetti and his brother-in-law, they’re nasty characters. If they learn that you even hinted that Brunetti might have killed Mrs. Hagel, they will have building inspectors descend on your house and find code violations, whether or not they exist. They’ll have police ticket you if you go a half-mile over the speed limit. I’ve heard horror stories from people who were harassed because they had the temerity to cross them.”
“I’m not planning to cross them. I just want to suggest to Leonelle Gomez’s lawyer, that there are other people who had motives to murder Mrs. Hagel, to introduce an element of doubt. After all, you jumped to the conclusion that Brunetti had a reason to kill Mrs. Hagel without my saying a word. Wouldn’t a juror?”
“I hate to discourage you, but if Mrs. Gomez’s lawyer is from Pineland Park, it is very unlikely that he’ll point a finger at Brunetti without proof just to introduce an element of doubt. Everyone knows what Brunetti is capable of and no one wants to go up against him.”
“I understand, but I need to know something. Did Brunetti actually threaten Mrs. Hagel at a hearing?”
Ira paused. “I, uh, I don’t remember.”
Holly recognized an evasive answer when she heard one. “Okay. Thanks anyway.”
“Holly, as a lawyer and as a friend, I’m advising you to let this go. Whether Brunetti was or was not involved, you could end up entangled in a mess. Please, let the police investigate this murder.”
“Oh, Ira,” she sighed. “If only you knew how hard I have been trying to do exactly that. But last night someone from the neighborhood just happened to tell me about Brunetti’s application for the variance. I just can’t seem to shake loose from this thing.”
“Is your sister still in town?”
Holly heard Lucky barking and looked out the front window. “Damn!” she said. Detective Manelli was getting out of his car parked in front of the house.”
“Excuse me?”
“Sorry, Ira. That wasn’t meant for you. Yes, my sister is still here with me.”
“Why don’t you two go away for a few days? Distance yourself from neighborhood gossip.”
“That’s not a bad idea. Listen, I have to go. Someone’s at the door. Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem. Send me a postcard from wherever you go.”
“I’ll do that,” Holly laughed. “So long.”
She replaced the phone in the charger and took a deep breath. What was she going to tell this detective? She took a look at herself in the mirror. Ugh! No time for make-up now. Maybe just lipstick. Oh, forget it.
She descended the steps quickly, going to the front door. But Manelli wasn’t there. Odd. Why isn’t Lucky barking? Holly went to the kitchen and through the window she could see Manelli seated on one of the patio table chairs, petting Lucky, talking to Ivy. God help me! Here goes.
Holly went out the back door onto the patio and with all the grace she could muster, smiled, and said, “Detective Manelli. Good morning. What a surprise! How nice of you to drop by. Can I offer you some coffee?”
A little out of breath, Holly realized she was gushing. Manelli stared at her, squinting, his mouth showing just the trace of a bemused smile.
“Holly,” Ivy jumped in. “I was just telling the Detective that I forgot to tell you he wanted you to call him. He said he left a message on the machine, but remember? I hit the wrong button on the machine when we came in last night. I must have erased it.” Ivy looked to Manelli. “I’m so bad with machines.”
Holly knew that if she had sounded like Ivy just did, Manelli had to know they were lying. She just smiled and looked directly at him. He didn’t say a word, and simply returned her gaze. She knew he was waiting for them to continue babbling.
Ivy looked from Holly to Manelli and started to fill the uncomfortable silence, “Holly, I explained …”
“Why don’t you go get the detective a cup of coffee?” Holly said.
“Sure,” Ivy replied, jumping up. “Where are my manners?”
When Ivy went inside, Holly tilted her head to the side, grinned and asked, “So I don’t suppose you’re here to update us on the Hagel case, are you?”
“No, Ms. Donnelly, I’m not.” Manelli leaned back in his chair, tilted his head to the side and asked, “Do you recall my cautioning you about letting the police do their jobs?”
“Yes, I do. And that’s exactly what my sister and I want to do. Really.”
“But?”
“No buts. In fact, I haven’t told my sister yet. I was just on the phone making plans to go up to my friend’s place in the Catskills for a few days.”
Manelli just looked at her, as if waiting for the punchline.
“What, Detective? Don’t you believe me?”
“What made you decide that? Yesterday you were investigating Novardo Development.”
Now it was Holly’s turn to stare. After a moment she said, “I don’t know what you mean. I wasn’t investigating. I just happened to hear about Novardo’s desire to buy the Hagel property and Mrs. Hagel’s refusal to sell. Ivy told you that.”
“Who told you about the Novardo deal?”
“Um, I don’t really remember,” Holly dodged. Under no circumstances could she give Manelli Ira’s name.
The kitchen door opened and Ivy came out with a small tray holding a mug of coffee, a sugar bowl and creamer, and a slice of bread covered with Nutella.
“Here, Detective. I don’t know if you had breakfast, but this is a slice of Holly’s home-made honey oat bread. It’s just delicious with Nutella.”
“Thank you,” he said. To Holly’s surprise he picked up the bread and took a bite. “Delicious,” he nodded, unsmiling.
After a swallow of coffee, he looked back at Holly. “The Hagels’ refusal to sell their property wasn’t public knowledge. Who gave you that information?”
Holly squinched her nose, as if struggling to think. She remembered Ira’s evasion technique. “Gee, I can’t remember who told me. Ivy, I just assured Detective Manelli that we have no desire to interfere with police business, and while you were dozing, I was upstairs calling Kate. She said we should come up and stay with her for a few days. This is the weekend of the Trout Parade up there.”
“Really? That’s great.”
Both Holly and Ivy looked over at Manelli, who was finishing the slice of bread.
“Would you like another slice, Detective?” Ivy asked.
“Yes, please.”
Ivy took the plate. “Doesn’t your wife make you breakfast, Detective?”
Manelli grinned. “I’m not married,” he replied.
“Really? A handsome man like you must have lots of girlfriends to cook for you.” When Manelli didn’t take the additional bait, Ivy picked up the bread plate and as she turned to go inside said, “Holly makes great bread, don’t you think?”
Manelli simply nodded, taking another gulp of coffee. As Ivy disappeared into the kitchen, he turned his full gaze on Holly.
“So you can’t remember who gave you confidential information related to a murder case you’ve got an interest in?” he asked.
Holly, who had watched the exchange between Ivy and Manelli in total disbelief, sat frowning. She just wanted this visit to end, and he wasn’t budging. She needed to get this over with before Ivy started taking lunch orders.
“Look. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for over twenty years. I know a lot of people. People gossip. I just heard it somewhere. I’ll tell you something else I heard yesterday at the Boathouse Café and I’ll tell you who told me. Denise Archer, whom I know through the Park Association, said she thinks Louie Brunetti killed Mrs. Hagel.”
Manelli said nothing, so she continued.
“She said Mrs. Hagel was the only person who objected to his request for a variance to put in a swimming pool and that he made threats against her.”
Holly felt as if Manelli’s eyes were bo
ring a hole through her.
“I wasn’t investigating. Honest. Ivy and I went to the Boathouse Café for ice cream and Denise Archer came over and just started talking. That’s why I want to get out of town, so nobody can tell me something else I don’t want to know.”
Ivy came back out and handed the replenished bread plate to Manelli, who immediately lifted the slice of bread and bit into it. “You finished your coffee. Would you like more?”
“Yes, please,” he said, handing her the mug. She smiled, and turned once again to the kitchen door.
Holly glared, now beyond annoyed--with Manelli for not leaving and with her sister for happily waiting on him. She was determined to say nothing more, no matter how uncomfortable he made her feel.
“Really good bread,” he said after what seemed like an eternity.
This time Holly just stared at him, arms crossed, saying nothing. Manelli didn’t seem at all uncomfortable.
Finally, Ivy returned with the coffee.
“Thanks,” Manelli said as he took it from her, smiling broadly, revealing beautiful white even teeth, perfect for a toothpaste commercial.
“You should smile more often, Detective,” Ivy flirted. “Don’t you think he’s even more handsome when he smiles, Holly?”
Both Manelli and Ivy turned to Holly, the only one not smiling. Manelli’s phone rang, and he got up abruptly as he viewed the Caller ID. “I have to leave now,” he said, gulping down the coffee. “ I’m glad you’ve decided to let the police do the investigation work and hope you have a good stay up in the Catskills.”
He flashed his hundred-watt smile again at Ivy, saying, “Thanks for breakfast.” Turning to Holly he said, “Could you walk me to the gate?”
Holly got up and followed Manelli. Lucky who was sitting in the shade in the front yard, got up, tail wagging. As Manelli bent to pet her, he said, “Do you understand that if Novardo Development or Louis Brunetti are involved in Mrs. Hagel’s murder--and that’s a big ‘if’--you’ve put yourself and your sister in danger just talking about it?” He turned and looked directly at her, not a trace of a smile on his face.
“Yes,” she answered after a moment, scratching the back of her head.
“You also understand that lying to the police is a crime?”
Again, the discomfiting silence, as his eyes burned her.
“Don’t lie to me again, Ms. Donnelly.” He turned, letting himself out the gate. Over his shoulder, he said, “Enjoy the Trout Parade.”
Holly latched the gate behind him and walked to the back patio feeling unnerved. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been reprimanded by anyone. The fact that he was right made it worse. But she had to lie because she’d promised Ira she wouldn’t reveal where she learned about the Novardo deal.
Had she endangered Ivy and herself? Ira was right. Getting out of town is exactly what they needed to do.
***************
“What did he say?” Ivy asked, smiling as Holly reached the patio.
“Listen, Scarlet. I do believe you’ve lived in the South way too long. What was all that crap about his wife and his smile?”
“Hmm. What a smile! He’s really gorgeous, don’t you think?”
“What is wrong with you? For heaven’s sake, he’s a cop, not a gentleman caller.”
“Cop or not, he’s not married. Can’t you flirt just a little?”
“You did enough of that for the two of us.”
“I don’t know. I think he’s really into you.”
“Stop! If he’s into anyone, it’s you, not me.”
“So why did he ask you to walk him to the gate?”
“He wanted to make sure that I knew lying to the police is a crime.”
“Did you ask him what the punishment for lying to him was?” Ivy giggled.
“Oh, shut up,” Holly said, going into the house, slamming the door behind her.
23 THE WAKE
Holly went straight to the phone in the living room and called Kate.
“Kate. Holly. I have a favor to ask.”
“Name it.”
“Can Ivy and I come up to your place for a couple of days?”
“Of course. I was just thinking that I needed to find more excuses to walk downtown, because talking to the dog just isn’t cutting it anymore. Speaking of dogs, you’re bringing Lucky, right?”
“Yes.”
“So when can I expect you?
“We’ll pack today, take care of some odds and ends, and I thought we’d leave first thing tomorrow. We should arrive around noon. We can take you out to lunch.”
“No, no. I’ll make us lunch.”
“Okay. We’ll see you tomorrow around noon.”
“Fabulous. Drive safe.”
Holly hung up, turned and saw Ivy standing in the doorway.
“So you did lie to Manelli,” Ivy chided. “Maybe I need to call him.”
“Don’t even joke about it,” Holly cut her short. “Under no circumstances are you to call him ever again. I mean it.”
Ivy laughed and turned around, heading back to the kitchen. Holly followed, shaking her head. As Ivy loaded the dishwasher and cleaned out the coffee pot, Holly tore a page off of the shopping list notepad that hung by a magnet on the refrigerator.
“Okay. I’ll make a list of what we need to do before we leave,” Holly said, sitting down at the table. “First, I have to call next door and ask them to pick up the paper. No point stopping it for just a day or two.”
“Hey, speaking of the newspaper, could you check the lottery numbers? I bought a ticket the other day when you went to lunch with Teresa,” Ivy said. “Let me just run upstairs and get it. It’s in my purse.”
Holly reached for the paper and started flipping through the pages. She realized she hadn’t looked at anything but the “Better Living” section for the crossword puzzle.
“Wow,” she said when she reached the obituary page and saw Mrs. Hagel’s picture.
“What’s up?” Ivy asked, as she came back into the kitchen, lottery ticket in hand.
“Mrs. Hagel’s obituary is here. They’re having the wake tonight at Maher’s Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00. I’ve got to go.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“You’re sure? You don’t have to.”
“No, no. I don’t want you to go alone.”
“Okay.”
Ivy took the paper and rifled through for the page with the lottery results. “Darn! Not even one number,” she complained.
“What would you do if you won? Really?”
“Really?” Ivy hesitated, furrowing her brow in deep thought. “I know! I’d hire Leonelle Gomez a real lawyer and the best private investigator in New Jersey.”
Holly grinned. “You always have your priorities straight, don’t you?”
***************
The parking lot of Maher Funeral Home was crowded. Holly managed to find one of the last spaces in the back corner. The sisters got out and walked around to the front of the building. A line of people trailed down the steps in front of the entrance.
“A lot of people,” Ivy observed.
“Mrs. Hagel was in business in this town for I don’t know how many years. She and her husband started their printing and stationary company in the 50s I think.”
“Holly?” a voice queried from behind them.
Holly turned. “Hello, Doris. I’m so sorry about Mrs. Hagel.” The woman’s eyes filled with tears as she accepted Holly’s embrace. “This is my sister, Ivy. Ivy, this is Doris Franklin. She’s a member of the garden club and was a friend of Edna’s, too.”
Doris fumbled with the snap on her black patent leather handbag, searching inside. She pulled out a crisp linen handkerchief with crocheted edging, and dried her eyes before she extended her trembling hand to Ivy. “I just can’t believe it. I can’t believe she’s gone.”
“I know,” Holly agreed, putting a supporting arm around Doris. “Had you seen her recently?”
“Ju
st last week, I asked my son to drive me over. He dropped me off and we had a lovely visit. Who knew it would be our last?” She dabbed at her eyes and blew her nose.
Holly nodded, frowning. “It’s good that you have that last memory.”
“Yes. You know, they arrested Edna’s nurse.”
“I know.”
Doris shook her head. She looked as if she were about to say something, but stopped.
Holly and Ivy exchanged glances. The line started to move. “Here, why don’t you move up in front of us, Doris? Are you okay standing? Do you want me to ask if you could move to the front of the line? I’m sure no one will mind.”
“Standing too long is a little hard on me.”
“I’ll go find the funeral director and he can escort you in,” Ivy volunteered, excusing herself as she cut through the group of people and disappeared inside the building.
“I have to tell you something.” Doris squeezed Holly’s arm. “I don’t think the nurse murdered Edna.”
Holly’s eyes widened. “Oh?”
“I’ve been to visit Edna many times. That woman was devoted to her. Edna herself told me she didn’t know what she’d do without her.”
“That’s saying a lot.”
“I’d believe that worthless grandson of hers killed her before I’d believe Leonelle did. God forgive me for saying that.”
Ivy returned with the funeral director.
“Thank you girls so much.” Doris smiled as the director took her by the arm.
“We’ll see you inside,” Holly said.
Ivy glanced at Holly and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Why?”
“I don’t know. Maybe because of that drained look on your face. Did that woman tell you something while I was gone? I know she looked as if she was about to say something, but then stopped herself.”
“She said she didn’t think Leonelle killed Mrs. Hagel.”
“No way.”
“And she said she’d suspect ‘that worthless grandson of hers’--her exact words--before she’d suspect Leonelle Gomez.”
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