Petey and Buddha tried to sniff around it but Devon shooed them back into the house so they wouldn’t cut up their paws.
‘Who would do this?’ I felt sick to my stomach. And violated.
‘Don’t know.’ Devon motioned to my towel. ‘May I?’ I handed it to him and he used it to carefully pull open the door with a whispered expletive and wipe the glass from the front seat. Then he arranged the towel on the seat.
‘Should we call island security?’
‘No, there’s nothing they can do. I’ll phone Salma and let her know about this. First, check the car to see if they took anything.’
I sighed. ‘On the bright side they didn’t slash the roof. That would have been expensive.’ It would’ve forced me to get the leak fixed though. I climbed in and opened the glove box, the only place I had anything worth stealing. Looking up at Devon’s expectant face, I told him, ‘The gun’s gone.’
He ran a hand through his damp hair in frustration. ‘They got what they came after then. We’ll have to call the Clearwater police now and have them take a report on the missing gun. If it ends up being used in a crime, I don’t want that coming back on you.’ He held out his hand. ‘Come on. Let’s get you back inside.’
TWENTY-FOUR
The next few days flew by fairly quickly. I felt stronger each day, and the headaches were less frequent, so I was getting anxious about our progress on the case. Devon and I had argued this morning about me moving back to the Pampered Pup. I thought it was time, but his stubbornness won out in the end, and I promised him one more week. Truth be told, I couldn’t have been happier he wanted me with him … even if it was for just one more week. And it would make it easier for us to work together to clear Ira. That’s what I told myself anyway.
At the end of Thursday’s class, as I was leading everyone slowly out of savasana, Devon slipped into the room. I offered him a curious smile as he lifted a hand in greeting and then leaned against the wall to wait. Buddha spotted him and, practically wagging his butt off, left my side to go greet him. I couldn’t blame him, if I had a tail it would be wagging right now, too.
‘Roll to one side and sit up at your own pace.’ As the energy in the room shifted and grew livelier, I tried to concentrate but it was impossible. Why was he here? Did something happen? I sat in lotus, bringing my palms to touch. The class followed suit. A few of the dogs stood and shook off in anticipation of the special treats their owners gave them at the end of class. I snuck a glance at Devon. He didn’t look anxious. ‘Namaste.’
‘Namaste,’ the ladies repeated in unison.
I rolled up my mat as Devon weaved his way through my clients and their dogs, greeting a few of them by name. The knowing grins being thrown my way did not go unnoticed. My skin warmed as he approached.
‘What’s up?’ I kept my head down so he didn’t notice my blush. Being with him alone at his bungalow was somehow different than this. There it was private, no one to judge why we were together or make me question myself. Out here in the real world, his presence just made me feel silly, like a little girl believing that fairy tales could come true.
Seemingly oblivious to my inner discomfort, he said, ‘Salma called. They’ve got the jewelry appraisals. Have time to go look at them?’
‘Yes!’ Finally, good news. I stuffed my mat in the bag and threw it over my shoulder. ‘Just let me give Buddha a short walk in the garden and tell one of the girls I’m leaving him in a suite for a bit.’
I was suddenly nervous as we drove off the ferry and toward the police station. The fact that Angel had appeared for a split second right on top of the folder had contributed to my certainty that this list did indeed have something to do with the murders. But now I thought, what if she had just appeared because I was about to be knocked silly?
I sighed out loud. ‘What if this doesn’t lead us anywhere?’
Devon reached over and took my hand. ‘Let’s just wait and see, Elle. We’ll be there shortly.’
Detective Vargas led us back into the same room as before, though we had to walk fast to keep up with her. She seemed agitated, glancing from me to Devon as she slid the folder across the table toward us. Devon picked it up and opened it calmly, seemingly unaware of Detective Vargas’s mood.
My leg was shaking under the table as we scanned the items, our heads just inches apart. The first sheet I remembered: the four-karat diamond earrings, a six-karat diamond cocktail ring, a black diamond necklace worth more than my car. Devon glanced at me and I nodded. He flipped to the second page. We scanned it silently. More earrings, a few diamond and gemstone bracelets, an antique pearl watch. Then the third page.
‘The woman sure had a lot of bleedin’ jewelry,’ he growled under his breath as we moved to page four.
Holding his finger under an item in the middle of the page, he cocked his head toward me. ‘Does that say “canine gem-encrusted tiara” for twelve hundred dollars? For a dog?’
I nodded. ‘It was in the box we brought to Billie Olsen, remember? I didn’t realize it was worth so much. Bonnie didn’t put price tags on anything in her shop.’
‘Now we know why.’ Devon rubbed a finger over his bottom lip. ‘Billie Olsen did ask to take Celeste’s dog. Though, I can’t imagine she would kill for a twelve hundred dollar dog accessory. She didn’t look bad off financially.’
Glancing over, I noted Detective Vargas watching our exchange silently but closely. ‘Agreed. Keep going.’
By the end of page eight, we were both frustrated. And I was more than a little bewildered by the amount of money in jewelry Celeste had owned. It was enough to buy a house … or two.
‘So, nothing?’ Detective Vargas finally said, leaning back in her chair. Her demeanor had gone from irritated to almost a quiet acceptance as she looked from me to Devon. I hoped she wasn’t giving up. Ira couldn’t afford for any of us to give up.
Devon stared at the table, lost in thought, his hands clenched in front of him.
Detective Vargas turned her attention to me. ‘You said you gave Billie Olsen the dog tiara listed on there?’
‘Yes.’ I shrugged. ‘But I don’t think she killed Celeste to get it. Why would she? She really doesn’t need the money. What else would she want it for?’
‘Why would anyone want a dog tiara? Sentimental value maybe?’ She sighed. ‘But it’s worth interviewing her. I think your instincts are right. Robert Green died because of something in that report.’ She folded her hands into a steeple and stared at Devon. ‘Any other thoughts?’
Devon lifted his head to meet her gaze. When I looked back at the detective, I saw a flash of admiration in her eyes before she quickly hid it behind a scowl. Or was it something else? Was that why Devon always called her? Did they have more than a professional relationship? I stopped that train of thought right in its tracks. Nope. Not getting tangled up in that emotion. I had already learned jealousy was the most dangerous of all emotions for me. It ate at me like a disease, and I wasn’t ever going back there.
Devon turned to me. ‘Elle, what was that you were telling me about a dog fashion show?’
I felt the insecurities melt away under his gaze. And I still loved the way he said my name with a little lilt. ‘It’s this Saturday at the resort. It’s a very big deal. The ladies in my class have all lost their minds preparing for it. They’ve even hired designers to make dresses and tuxes for their dogs.’ I felt myself smiling as I recalled how they all lit up when they talked about it. I held up my hands. ‘But it’s for a good cause, so I’m not judging.’
Detective Vargas suddenly perked up. ‘And along with these dresses and tuxes, will the dogs be wearing tiaras?’
‘Yes, they will.’ I bit the inside of my cheek as I thought about her question. ‘In fact, Princess was supposed to be in the fashion show. That’s why Celeste bought the tiara.’ Yeah, something felt like it was falling into place, but what?
Detective Vargas looked like she had that same feeling. ‘All right. Detective Farnsworth and I
will interview Billie Olsen and see if we can find any motive around the tiara. I’ll also send someone to inventory Zebina’s jewelry to see if anything matches up with any items on the list. If this list is the key, then we have to find a way to tie it to the killer.’ She stood and addressed Devon. ‘I’ll call you if and when we find something. Meanwhile—’ she raised a brow – ‘I assume you two are going to this dog fashion show?’
I smirked at Devon. ‘I do have two tickets. Front row.’
Devon suppressed a groan and muttered, ‘Grand.’
The detective crossed her arms. ‘And I assume, Devon Burke, that you’ve learned your lesson about keeping Miss Pressley out of danger?’
‘Yes, ma’am. Don’t plan on lettin’ her out of my sight.’ He winked at me as he helped me up.
When I stood, I caught the expression Detective Vargas was giving us. She didn’t look happy.
She let Devon walk out of the room, but stopped me on the way out. ‘You seem like a nice girl, Elle, so let me give you a piece of advice, woman to woman. Devon Burke doesn’t do commitment.’ She gave me a weary look and then left me standing there.
So, there was something more to their relationship. I felt like I had been punched in the gut.
TWENTY-FIVE
A crowd already buzzed around the resort entrance like a disturbed beehive. I took Devon’s hand as he helped me climb out of the Jeep, not an easy task in the heels I had borrowed from Hope. Or the dress. She and Ira had planned on attending the fashion show, but now they didn’t feel like being a public spectacle, so she insisted I wear the black sequinned scrap of material she had bought to wear. I felt half naked and, judging from the amused glint in Devon’s eye as he raked my body with his gaze, I looked it.
Devon slipped an arm around my waist and whispered in my ear. ‘You’re going to be the death of me in that dress, Elle.’
My body tingled from his words. I smiled, taking in the scent of him and the comfort of his arm holding me tight. I wanted nothing more than to belong to this man … body, mind and soul. Well, I also wanted Ira and Hope to have their lives back. There seemed to be a high price to pay for both.
We followed the surging crowd to the ballroom entrance, where I presented our tickets. We then strolled into the show area where I immediately felt awash with excited energy in the charged atmosphere. A steady hum of voices rose above the music. Glancing around, I decided I’d have to thank Hope for being on top of Moon Key fashion. Almost everyone was dressed in black. For the first time in my life, I felt like I fit in. But, when I really thought about it, it didn’t feel as rewarding as I had imagined.
‘Row one, seats fourteen and fifteen,’ I said.
Devon led the way to our seats, still clutching my hand possessively. I didn’t mind his grip or the view. The man looked just as good in a tux from behind. He found our seats. Sure enough, they were front and center of the runway.
‘Good evening.’ Devon greeted the couple next to us and we introduced ourselves. Devon tucked the camera he had brought along carefully under his seat.
‘Nice to meet you both. Great theme this year, don’t you agree?’ The woman who had introduced herself as Dottie asked.
‘Yes,’ I said, leaning up a bit to see around Devon and trying to match her enthusiasm. ‘Royalty. Should be a fun show.’
Devon took advantage of my close proximity and placed a kiss on my earlobe. An electric current shot straight to my core. ‘I’m having a hard time being a gentleman tonight, Elle,’ he whispered, laying a warm hand on my bare knee.
And I was having a hard time breathing now, thank you very much.
‘Devon Burke!’
I recognized the sticky sweet voice before I even pulled my attention away from Devon. Sure enough, Georgia Waters had sauntered up. Her black satin dress barely held in her tanned cleavage, which almost had its own wardrobe malfunction moment as she enthusiastically bent over to embrace Devon. Lovely.
‘Good to see you again, sugar,’ she purred, completely ignoring me. I shook my head as Dottie’s husband, Darren, made no effort to conceal his fascination with the leggy blonde.
‘Yes, lovely to see you as well.’ Devon smiled at her, gripping my knee tighter. When she finally let go, he shot me an apologetic look. I put my hand over his and intertwined our fingers to let him know I understood.
‘Can you believe who they got to MC tonight?’ Georgia asked. ‘Vivian Atherton! Crazy, right?’
I smothered a smile as Devon struggled with a response. I knew he had no idea who the popular soap opera star was. ‘Beyond crazy,’ he finally managed. I had a feeling he wasn’t talking about Vivian Atherton.
Georgia finally seemed to notice me as she slid into the chair next to me. Her perfume was the flowery kind and made my eyes water.
‘Oh, Elle. Hello.’
I glanced at her and nodded slightly. ‘Georgia.’
She forced a smile and then redirected her southern charm to the man next to her. Poor guy, he wouldn’t even know what hit him.
Soon, the seats around the runway filled up and the lights dimmed, the music switching to a soft background piano solo.
‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ a voice boomed over the speaker system. ‘Welcome to the Fourteenth Annual Moon Key Pet Fashion Show!’ A round of applause vibrated the room as Vivian Atherton appeared from the back curtain and sauntered down the runway, microphone in hand. Dressed in an elaborate gold gown and tiara, she waved at the crowd.
‘How do I look?’ She did a turn as whistles erupted from the crowd. Georgia produced a loud, shrill whistle with her fingers to her mouth. My eardrum rattled. I hoped she wouldn’t be doing that all night. There weren’t enough deep breathing exercises in the world to keep me from breaking her fingers if she did.
‘I couldn’t let the pooches out-dress me, adorable as they are, right? I do have a reputation to uphold.’ Vivian expertly waited out the laughter from the crowd. ‘In all seriousness, this event is for a great cause, St Anthony’s no-kill shelter, and I am honored to be your MC tonight. But, you didn’t come here to hear me babble on this stage, so let’s get this party started!’
She sashayed to the back corner of the stage while the music switched once more to an up-tempo beat. A spotlight then appeared and swept dramatically over the stage. ‘Without further ado, I’m pleased to introduce our first couple of the evening, Beth Anne Wilkins and Shakespeare.’
A round of clapping ensued as Beth Anne emerged from the curtain in a pink chiffon gown and lavender wig with French twist curls. She was all smiles as Shakespeare trotted beside her in a black-and-white tux ensemble, his tiny tongue hanging out and a king’s crown perched on his little black-and-white shih-tzu head.
‘Shakespeare is wearing Dogs by Design, courtesy of Brandy Miller,’ Vivian announced. More clapping ensued. Devon retrieved his camera and started snapping pictures.
Beth Anne waved as she spotted me in the front row and, smiling, I gave her a thumb’s up. Camera flashes were going off all around the stage, including beside me. Shakespeare really did look cute and Beth Anne never looked happier. It was nice to see in the wake of all the upheaval this little island had experienced lately. I needed to take their lead and let myself enjoy the evening. And I would do that, I decided. Right after the killer was behind bars, and Ira was back at work.
More whistles and clapping ensued as Violet emerged from the curtain next, dressed in a corseted gown fit for medieval royalty. Ghost seemed a bit less sure of himself as he stopped mid-runway and tried to hide behind Violet’s hooped skirt. A wave of laughter rolled through the crowd as Violet tried to sort through the material to find him. His sash had fallen down around his feet and he began frantically turning circles trying to get it off.
‘Poor Violet. Ghost is such an introvert,’ I whispered to Devon, feeling her embarrassment. To her credit though, she recovered nicely and never lost her smile.
After another thirty-minute parade of costumed Moon Key socialites and their d
ogs, Zebina emerged from the curtain. Devon and I shared a surprised glance. I hadn’t seen her since that day in my hospital room. She hadn’t shown up to a doga class all week and now here she was, looking like a Disney princess in yellow chiffon, a tiara glittering from her up-do. As she moved down the runway, she soaked in all the attention and applause with a sparkle in her eye and a sway in her walk. No sign of grief. Interesting.
Max trotted beside her, panting hard in a royal blue-and-gold velvet suit. A gilded sapphire crown had been affixed atop his head, and it glittered in the spotlight.
‘Max is wearing Ruff Draft Creations by Gia and crown by Jamie Boccelli. Aren’t they just a stunning couple?’ Vivian said, eliciting another round of applause as Zebina did a slow turn at the end of the runway, savoring the attention it seemed. Everyone handles grief differently, I suppose.
I studied the tiny tiara as they strolled back by us. ‘Wonder if that’s another twelve hundred dollar creation by Mr Boccelli?’
Georgia made a derisive sound beside me. ‘Twelve hundred dollars for a Boccelli? You’re so … cute, Elle.’
I chose to ignore her. I knew passive aggressive mixed with condescension when I heard it. I made myself feel better by concentrating on the hand Devon periodically rested on my knee. Once in a while, his thumb would even rub my bare skin lightly, sending a current up my leg. I leaned closer to him and away from the negative energy on the other side of me.
I recognized a dozen or so of my other clients as the evening progressed. Including a woman I’d grown very fond of, Roxanne, who hadn’t been in class for a few weeks. I’d have to find her after the show and make sure everything was all right. Her Irish wolfhound, Ebby, strolled protectively beside her.
Devon leaned into me, his mouth near my ear. ‘Now there’s a fine lookin’ animal.’
I smiled. ‘Not biased, are you, Irish?’ Though, I had to agree, and apparently so did the crowd as a round of applause – that had grown monotonous – now erupted with enthusiasm. The hundred-pound, charcoal dog eyed the crowd confidently under her princess tiara as if assessing her subjects. She gave a deep Woof! at the end of the runway and the crowd went wild. Everyone began to stand, laughing and applauding while the press jockeyed for position and flashes exploded.
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