by Dani Pettrey
He looked over at Anna, sweetly standing by his side. “Ready?” he asked, gesturing to the front door of his sisters’ home.
“Ready.”
She was brave to come all the way to Alaska to meet his family—all of them at once and all at his brother’s wedding. The first of the McKenna siblings to tie the knot, though Piper’s wedding was only a couple months away. He’d be back in August for it. He’d given Piper his word, and that was something he actually kept now.
Piper caught sight of him in the doorway and broke into a full-out run. She yanked open the door with a ginormous smile—“Reef, you’re finally here!”—and engulfed him in a hug. For such a petite thing, her hugs were somehow all encompassing, and he loved them. “You’re home.”
“I told you I’d be here.” He smiled. “How you doing, kid?”
“Kid?” She pulled back. “Please, you’re only a year older than me.” Her friendly gaze shifted to Anna. “Hi, I’m Piper.”
“Anna.” She extended her slender hand.
“My girlfriend,” Reef said proudly, wrapping his arm snugly around Anna’s slender shoulders.
Piper’s smile didn’t waver, but she had to be curious. Piper was always curious. “It’s so nice to meet you. Please, come in.” She ushered them inside.
Reef stepped into his childhood home, a wealth of memories flooding back—good memories of laughter and spending time together as a family, bad memories of his father’s sudden heart attack and his mom’s passing a couple years later. It was all wrapped up in this house. The memories made him long to stay and yet, at times, made it difficult. It was easier to forget painful memories when you were far removed from where they occurred or the loved ones they involved. Up close and personal made them flare to life.
Yet home was so much more than the memories. It was the people—his siblings. He loved them fiercely, and it was time he started acting like it. “Where’s Kayden off to?”
The scent of apples and cinnamon wafted from the kitchen, shifting his thoughts. “Do I smell . . .” He inched toward it. “Did you . . . ?”
Piper smiled. “Apple pie’s in the oven.” She glanced at her watch. “Should be ready in about five minutes.”
His favorite. “Thanks, kid.” He hugged her.
“You can thank me by stopping calling me kid. I’m about to be a married woman, you know.”
“I know, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.”
“If it makes you feel any better, so is Landon, I think.” She laughed.
“I can only imagine.” Piper and Landon were perfect, but entertaining as all get-out. “So where’d you say Kayden was off to?”
“I didn’t. You got sidetracked.” Piper led the way into the kitchen, the scents of nutmeg and cloves joining the amazing aroma. “She and Jake are headed over to Imnek. She discovered a murdered climber out at Stoneface yesterday.”
Anna gasped. “How awful.”
“Another murder?” Reef asked as the horrors of last winter came crashing back.
“I’m afraid so. Landon deputized Jake, and he and Kayden are heading out to question the deceased’s wife and visit the climbing gym where he climbed.”
Reef held a chair out for Anna. “Wait . . . Landon deputized Jake?” He scooted Anna in and took the seat beside her at the kitchen table. Piper already had plates waiting.
“This is why you need to stay in better touch,” she said, setting down a fresh pitcher of ice tea. “You have no idea what all you’ve missed.”
Neither did she. He was a new man, or at least was working his way there.
Piper went on to explain that with Slidell’s sudden resignation and departure from Yancey, the town council had voted Landon in as temporary acting sheriff until the fall elections could be held.
“But why Jake?” Reef asked. “Kind of a random choice, isn’t it? What made him decide to be a cop?”
“Actually,” Piper said, pulling the pie from the oven and setting it on a trivet on the table between them, “he was . . . is . . .” She explained the revelation of Jake’s past—that he’d been an up-and-coming homicide detective with the Boston PD who’d lost his wife and unborn child to a hit-and-run driver after receiving threats to back off a high-profile case. Threats Jake had refused to give in to.
“Dude.” Reef raked a hand through his hair. “I had no idea.”
“The poor man.” Anna’s eyes filled with compassion. “He must feel so lost.”
“I pray he doesn’t,” Piper said, her eyes equally full of compassion, “but I’m afraid you’re right.”
Reef poured Anna and Piper a glass of ice tea before filling his. “How did Kayden respond?”
“To the murdered climber or Jake’s past?”
“Both.”
“She’s been great with Jake’s past. I think the truth helped her to finally see what a great guy he is, erased all the doubts she had about him.”
Piper waited a few minutes before slicing the pie and serving them all a slice. “Would you like whipped cream or ice cream?” she asked Anna.
“It’s homemade whipped cream,” Reef said, loving that Piper always made the homemade stuff.
“You just assume it’s homemade?” Piper said with a smirk.
“I know you.”
She moved for the fridge. “I suppose you do.” She pulled the bowl out and brought it to the table.
“Fresh whipped cream sounds amazing,” Anna said as Piper scooped some on her pie. The cool cream melted as it made contact with the warm apples, making that gooey puddle Reef loved. “And how did Kayden deal with the murdered climber?” he asked.
“It was rough, but you know Kayden.”
“She’s fine.”
“You got it.”
“But how is she really?”
“She was strong as usual, but I know it bothered her. A climber killing a climber is horrible.”
“You already know who did it?”
“No, but Kayden said it had to be someone with climbing expertise.”
“The climbing community isn’t going to like her going after one of their own.”
“I know, but she’s got Jake with her.”
“She’s tough. She could handle it on her own.”
“She could, but I think she likes having Jake along.”
“Oh no, do I hear Miss Matchmaker at play?” He took a bite of pie. Scrumptious. “Piper, you’ve really outdone yourself. This pie is kicking.”
“Mm-hmm.” Anna smiled between bites. “It’s delicious.”
“Glad you’re enjoying it.”
“So are you playing matchmaker?”
“Nope. I believe those two are already on their way.”
“Seriously? Kayden and Jake?”
“I think so. I see the way they look at each other.”
“Kayden’s making googly eyes for Jake?” Not Kayden. She didn’t make googly eyes for anyone. Not since Brody Patterson back in high school. At least not that he’d seen or Piper had reported to him.
“It’s rare. I’ve only caught her once or twice, but believe me, she’s looking at him a lot differently these days. You tell her I said that and I’ll punch you.”
“I think you mean she’ll punch you.” He smirked. Kayden prized her privacy above all. If she had any idea they were sitting around the table discussing her love life . . . All he could say was he was glad she was halfway to Imnek by then, though he worried what kind of reception she’d get.
7
Kayden let Jake take the lead to the widow’s door. They’d called ahead to let Mrs. Humphries know they’d be coming, but Jake insisted they arrive half an hour early. He said a lot could happen in a half hour.
Kayden was curious to know if that’d prove to be true. The Humphries place was a white two-story home with black shutters and a two-story porch, looking more Gone with the Wind than Alaskan Peninsula.
Jake rapped on the door and a young woman answered—early-to-mid twenties, petite and slender
, with long dark hair pulled back in a braid.
“Deputy Wes—” Jake cleared his throat. “Deputy Cavanagh to see Mrs. Humphries. She’s expecting us.”
The woman dipped her head. “Come in. I’ll let Mrs. know you are here.”
They stepped inside the large foyer—black-and-white marble decorated the floor while white marble stairs commanded the center of the space, winding up to a secondary foyer.
“Was that the d—” A faux-blonde in her upper forties hitched at the sight of them.
Stuart Anderson followed immediately behind Mrs. Humphries, also stopping short at their presence.
“Mr. Anderson.” Jake smiled. “Nice to see you again.”
“I’m here for Vivienne, of course. To be a comfort during this tragic time.”
Jake linked his hands behind his back and nodded. “Of course.” He glanced between Stuart and Humphries’ widow. Even Kayden didn’t miss the casual affection of Stuart’s hand resting protectively against the small of Vivienne Humphries’ back. Interesting.
Vivienne smoothed her silk blouse. “Why don’t we sit in the parlor.” She gestured to the front room on their left, her two-inch heels clacking along the tiles as she led them in. The room was appointed with burgundy and gold furnishings. Kayden would have found the decor overbearing if it weren’t for the openness of the space. The south-facing wall was floor-to-ceiling windows, and strategically placed mirrors on the opposite wall magnified the effect, resulting in the appearance of a much larger space than what actually existed.
Stuart moved to sit beside Vivienne on the large burgundy sofa.
Jake leaned forward. “We need to speak with Mrs. Humphries alone.”
Vivienne glanced nervously at Stuart.
He squeezed her hand. “I’ll be in the next room if you need me.”
She nodded.
“It’s kind of Mr. Anderson to be here for you,” Kayden said as Stuart excused himself from the room.
“The three of us go way back.”
“Mr. Anderson mentioned that. College, I believe?” Jake said.
“Stuart and Conrad were roommates.”
“And you?”
“And me, what?” Her nose crinkled.
“Were you friends with both?”
“I met Stuart when Conrad and I started dating.”
“Did you and Stuart ever date?”
She laughed. “No. Conrad and I have been together since freshman year of college. Only other boy I dated was Rob Williams in high school.”
“I’m very sorry for your loss, Mrs. Humphries,” Jake said, taking a seat opposite her. “It must have come as quite a shock.”
Vivienne swallowed with a nod, sadness draping over her. “I still can’t believe it.”
Jake handed her a tissue, though no tears had been shed yet. “I was told you and Mr. Humphries have children?”
“Yes.” She dabbed at her dry eyes. “Two boys. Derek is fifteen, and Phillip is twelve.”
“I’m very sorry.” Kayden knew the overwhelming sorrow of losing a parent at such a tender age. She’d been sixteen when her dad had died suddenly of a heart attack, her mom from illness only two years later. Neither were murder, but the loss of a parent was the same—leaving the children feeling lost, alone, and bewildered.
“Would either of you care for a drink? Tea, water?” Vivienne asked, glancing at the young woman waiting in the doorway.
“I’m fine, thanks,” Kayden said.
“Nothing for me.” Jake shook his head.
“I’ll have a water with lemon, Amelia,” Vivienne said.
The young woman nodded as she backed from the room, disappearing down the hall with nearly silent footsteps.
“Thank you for speaking with us during this difficult time,” Jake said in a soothing tone as he leaned closer.
Vivienne responded, leaning forward too. “Of course.”
Jake glanced about the room. “You have a beautiful home.”
Vivienne smiled. “Thank you.”
“You have quite an eye for decorating.”
Color imbued her cheeks. “I try.”
“Well, you’ve done a lovely job.”
Lovely job? Had Jake—mountain man, tracker—just said lovely job? Landon had mentioned Jake’s parents were members of Boston high society, but somehow the knowledge was incongruent with the rugged outdoorsman she knew.
Amelia returned with Mrs. Humphries’ water.
“Thank you, Amelia.” She took a sip, and then waved her hand. “That will be all.”
Amelia disappeared as quickly and quietly as she’d come.
“Are you certain I can’t offer you anything?” Vivienne smiled at Jake.
“No, ma’am. I’m fine, thank you.”
“Ma’am?” She chuckled. “People call my mother ma’am.”
Kayden narrowed her eyes. Was the woman actually flirting with Jake?
Jake smiled slowly. “I only meant it as a sign of respect.”
Mrs. Humphries shifted, the sleeve of her sheer peach silk blouse draping over the burgundy sofa arm. “Vivienne will be just fine.”
Jake dipped his head. “Vivienne it is, then. Could we begin with you sharing the events that led up to Conrad’s climb?”
Something shifted in Vivienne’s demeanor, as if she suddenly recalled the circumstances surrounding their meeting. “I suppose.” She sat back, folding her hands in her lap, the water resting on a coaster beside her.
“Wonderful.” Jake pulled a small notebook and pen from his shirt pocket and flipped to an empty page. “When did you first learn of Conrad’s plans for the climb?”
“He informed me of his intentions on Thursday morning.”
“His intentions?” Jake asked.
“Said he and Stuart were heading to Tariuk on Saturday. They were going to spend the day climbing some . . . face.”
“Stoneface,” Kayden said.
Vivienne waved her perfectly manicured hand. “Whatever, dear.”
“Did it come as a surprise?” Jake asked.
“That he was going climbing or that he dumped something on me last minute?”
“Either.”
“No, on both accounts.” She lifted her water glass. “Conrad had a nasty habit of informing me of his plans with very little notice. Never mind that he’d promised our son he’d be at his soccer game. Never mind that I had a luncheon that had been planned for two months. No, he decided to go climbing, and I had to take a disappointed Phillip to his game. No consideration for anyone other than . . .” She shook her head, as if remembering who she was talking to “Forgive me. Where are my manners? It’s wrong to speak ill of the dead.”
“It’s fine to speak the truth,” Jake reassured her. “Do you think it was a last-minute decision to climb or that Conrad simply waited until the last minute to tell you?”
“Stuart said they’d had it planned for some time.”
“When did he tell you that?”
“When he came here last night.” With a slight catch in her throat, she added, “After the accident.”
Jake cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to inform you that Conrad’s death wasn’t an accident.”
Vivienne blanched. “I beg your pardon?”
“Forensics confirmed our hunch this morning. Conrad’s equipment was compromised.”
“Equipment. What equipment? Conrad went on and on about being one with the rock. The power of bare human hands.”
“Not completely bare,” Kayden said.
Vivienne’s gaze shifted to her. “Excuse me?”
“All climbers, whether free climbers or boulderers, such as your husband, use chalk.”
“Chalk?”
“Yes, ma’am. It helps you grip.”
“I was a gymnast. I understand the concept.” Interestingly, she didn’t mind Kayden addressing her as ma’am.
“Then you understand its importance. Its necessity.”
Her gaze swung back to Jake. “What does any of this ha
ve to do with Conrad?”
“His chalk was compromised.”
“Compromised? How?”
“I’m afraid we cannot divulge the details, but rather than being a help, your husband’s chalk became his murder weapon.”
“Murder?” She swallowed. “Are you saying . . . ?”
“Your husband was murdered, Vivienne.”
She blinked, then stared at the water glass in her hand. “On second thought, I believe I’m going to require something a bit stronger. If you will excuse me.” She stood and swiftly exited the room, her heels clicking along the marble floor.
Kayden scooted to sit beside Jake. “That didn’t seem like a typical widow reaction.”
“There’s no typical when it comes to death. Though Stuart’s presence is intriguing.”
She glanced toward the hall. “Doesn’t sound like Conrad and Vivienne had an ideal marriage.” Rather far from it, if Vivienne’s behavior was any indication.
“No.” Jake shook his head. “It certainly doesn’t.”
“You think their shaky marriage could be motive for murder?” She couldn’t help wondering what his and Becca’s marriage had been like, brief as it was.
“I’ve seen murders committed for far less.”
“Do you think she’s telling Stuart what we said?”
“Most definitely.”
“And that’s okay? I mean, letting the two chat?”
“Vivienne’s demeanor after speaking with Stuart will tell me a lot.”
“Such as?”
“What do you mean Conrad’s death was murder?” Stuart asked, surging into the room, followed by a very agitated Vivienne.
Jake stood to meet Stuart eye to eye. “Exactly that. Conrad was murdered.”
“Are you forgetting I was there? No one was holding a gun to his head.”
Jake crossed his arms. “I never suggested there was.”
“Then what exactly are you suggesting? You aren’t implying I had anything to do with Conrad’s death?”
“I’m simply stating the fact that Conrad Humphries’ death was murder.”
“He fell. How on earth is that murder?”
“His chalk was compromised.”