Sweet Taste of Revenge

by Mary Ellis

  ‘Exactly that.’ Kate took her eyes off the road long enough to scowl at her best friend. ‘Liam insists he hasn’t been talking to anyone. He’s the only member of the gang who went to jail, and he hasn’t had any phone calls or visits from the ones still free as birds.’

  ‘What makes you so sure?’ Beth dug two bottles of water from her soft cooler and handed Kate one.

  ‘Because he’s my brother and I would know if he’s lying.’

  ‘You haven’t seen him in sixteen years.’

  ‘He has no reason to lie. Besides, the prison keeps records of every visitor, and inmate telephone calls are logged in and monitored.’ She took a long sip of water.

  That shut Beth up for a full two minutes. Then she began with less passion. ‘What could that guy have meant? You know, right before he blew up Eric’s car?’

  ‘No need to get sarcastic, missy.’ Kate clenched down on her back teeth. ‘I remember the creep’s words and actions all too well.’

  ‘Sorry, it’s just that you’re so sweet and innocent. Prison can turn people into master manipulators. I can see how an older brother could maneuver you.’

  She blew out a whoosh of exasperation. ‘I might be a sucker for kitten videos and stray dogs, but my brother was telling the truth. I saw his face when I described the threats turning violent. You didn’t.’

  ‘You’re right. I apologize. But try to remember everything your brother said. Someone must be keeping an eye on Liam and got spooked by something.’

  For several minutes, Kate kept her focus on Route 10 while her mind scanned every word Liam said. ‘He told me he’d started using the prison’s law library. This is something new.’

  ‘After sixteen years of incarceration, now your brother is researching the law?’

  Kate smacked her forehead. ‘And he also fired his lawyer and requested a new public defender.’

  ‘Okay, now we’re getting somewhere.’ Beth clapped her hands.

  Kate tried to put it all together and got zip. ‘I doubt it. Whoever got worried about Liam firing his lawyer must work here, and I’m certain none of his partners-in-crime became prison guards after their lucky break.’

  ‘As far as we know,’ said Beth, always playing the devil’s advocate. ‘I would love to know their names.’

  ‘So would the district attorney. There’s no statute of limitations since someone died during the commission of a robbery.’

  ‘My money says one of the former gang members has an inside informant.’ Beth crunched her water bottle with one hand.

  ‘And maybe you watch too many crime shows on TV.’ Kate slowed down for the I-110 exit. ‘You just make sure that goes into the recycle bin.’

  ‘Will do, partner.’

  ‘Beth, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but we can’t partner on this. I’m on a leave of absence from work, but you need to get back to your case in Savannah. Plus, I’m sure Michael can’t live another day without you.’

  Beth dismissed the logic with a wave of her hand. ‘I’m treating this like my bachelorette getaway before I fall under my new husband’s thumb.’

  Kate burst out laughing. ‘First of all, Michael will never hold you down under his thumb. And secondly, women on bachelorette getaways don’t visit prisons.’

  ‘If some of their pals are inmates, they might. Take this exit,’ Beth ordered. ‘I saw a sign for Chick-Fil-A and I’m starving. And tonight we’re pulling out the stops – extra time in the pool, a deluxe pizza whenever we get hungry, and then a chick-flick on TV.’

  Kate shook her head. Arguing with her former mentor would be pointless.

  Later that afternoon, Beth floated in the pool for several hours, then called for pizza delivery. Kate stayed in their room and researched the newspaper online archives, trying to find an update on Liam’s infamous crime from years ago. But she found nothing. The case was closed, period.

  Nobody cared that Liam Weller hadn’t pulled off an armoured car robbery alone.

  When Kate finally wandered down to Beth’s patio table, her friend was talking mushy-stuff to her fiancé. So she wolfed down two slices of cold, greasy pepperoni pizza. Just as she was ready to head upstairs for an antacid, her phone rang. According to caller-ID, it was their boss at the agency.

  ‘Hello, Nate. What’s up? Beth is sitting next to me, in case this involves both of us.’

  ‘It involves mainly you, Kate, but Beth will be happy to hear I found you a case in Pensacola.’

  Kate was dumbfounded for several moments. ‘But I thought I was on a family leave of absence.’

  ‘Family leaves are unpaid. Beth had indicated the situation with your brother might take a while. She also mentioned you don’t have a lot of savings.’

  Kate shot a dagger-look across the table. Beth swiveled around in her chair but kept talking to Michael.

  ‘That’s true, Mr Price. But I’m not sure I can devote the time your case might need.’ The formal moniker was a sure sign her feathers had been ruffled.

  ‘Beth and Michael have complete faith in you, Miss … Weller.’ Nate struggled to remember her real last name, considering all the pseudonyms she used. ‘And after your Charleston performance, I do too. This new case shouldn’t command your attention twenty-four/seven. Or would you prefer that I fire you?’

  ‘No, sir, I don’t. I appreciate you beating the bushes for local work.’

  ‘It wasn’t too hard, since I have a friend for life in Mobile. This case involves a wealthy woman who was found dead on her yacht. Apparently she was alone at the time, but her daughter got it in her head she’ll be suspected of murder.’

  ‘Was it murder?’ Kate asked.

  ‘Who knows? So far it looks like suicide, and I told the daughter that. But she insists she needs a detective to look into Mom’s death. She doesn’t trust the police and has hired our firm based on Mrs Baer’s recommendation. That’s my friend from Mobile.’

  Kate rubbed her temples with her fingertips. ‘What do you want me to do, boss?’

  ‘Beth agreed to stay another day or two, so I want you both to visit the daughter tomorrow. Her name is Lainey Westin, and her mother’s name was Agnes. Beth has great instincts with these things. She’ll be able to tell if Miss Westin needs our help or is simply paranoid.’

  ‘I see,’ Kate said coolly.

  Nate picked up on her tone. ‘After that you can send Beth back to Savannah. This is your case, Kate, if there is a case at all.’

  ‘Sorry, boss, it’s been a long day.’

  ‘Days sort of get that way around Beth. Bless her heart. Poor Michael, eh? Talk to Lainey tomorrow and then discuss it with Beth. One of you should call me tomorrow night so I’ll know if I should extend your family leave of absence or put you on Miss Westin’s expense retainer.’

  Kate’s eyes filled with moisture. ‘Will do, Nate, and thanks. You’ve gone out of your way for me and I won’t forget this.’

  ‘Don’t go all emotional with me. I’m already dealing with a pregnant wife, remember?’

  ‘I do. Tell Isabelle I said hey, and we’ll talk tomorrow.’ Kate hung up with Nate Price just as Beth clicked off with Michael. ‘I don’t know whether I should beat the tar out of you or hug you.’

  ‘You better pick the latter, because we both know you couldn’t beat the tar out of a four-year-old. And who ate the rest of my pizza?’

  ‘I did. You need to fit into your wedding dress. I ordered the maid-of-honor dress one size too big.’

  ‘You sly fox!’

  ‘Tomorrow we interview Miss Lainey Westin so we’d better get a good night’s sleep. Nate will email us with the particulars.’ Kate picked up the empty pizza box. ‘Thanks, Beth. I know you’re the reason Nate looked for PI work in Pensacola. Once again, I’m in your debt.’

  Beth’s pretty face bloomed with a smile. ‘That’s what I like – gratitude. Maybe you might not wake me up tonight when I snore.’

  Kate awoke to sunlight streaming through the open blinds and the
sound of a blender going haywire. She padded into the kitchen/living room where she found Beth jamming ice cubes into the appliance. ‘What are you doing?’

  ‘Crushing ice. I’m making orange juice slushies for the road. Did you sleep well?’

  ‘Yes, until that machine woke me up.’ Kate frowned at the blender, then headed for the coffeemaker.

  ‘It was time to get up anyway. I woke up early so I printed the information Nate sent us. Then I called Michael so he can start background checks on Lainey and Agnes Westin. And I called Ms Westin and asked what time would be convenient for us to make a social call.’ Beth rolled her eyes. ‘Lainey can squeeze us in between beach yoga and brunch with her future in-laws. Our window of opportunity is from 10.00 to 10.45. La-Dee-Dah,’ she drawled.

  Kate glanced at her watch. ‘Give me ten minutes to get ready, then we need to hustle. Who knows how long it’ll take to find Miss Westin’s address on Santa Rosa Island?’

  ‘She lives in Gulf Breeze. I did a Google search and plotted our course.’ Beth filled two water bottles with juice and ice.

  ‘On second thought, maybe I’ll just hang out in the pool today. It doesn’t sound like you need me.’

  ‘Nope, this is your case. But after your emotional day yesterday, I thought I’d let you sleep in.’

  As Kate headed to the bathroom with her coffee, memories of her brother in yellow prison garb flooded back, along with the fact she was no closer to knowing who was threatening her than before. But today she needed to earn a living, since employers like Nate Price were hard to find and co-workers like Beth and Michael were even harder.

  Considering it was still early on a Sunday, the traffic was light. Thanks to Beth’s diligence, they easily found the client’s residence. Lainey Westin lived on the top floor of a high-rise condo which faced the crystal blue Santa Rosa Sound. With the exceptionally nice weather, the Sound was filled with sailboats. When they entered the building, a doorman verified their identities and allowed access to the elevator. Then a uniformed maid opened the door to the Westin suite and showed them into a starkly under-furnished living room. Or maybe it only looked under-furnished because the room was so huge. The furniture was either ultra-modern or retro Art Deco, while framed landscapes of mountains adorned the walls.

  As though on cue, a tall ash-blonde, dressed to the nines, turned from her sentinel position at the windows. ‘Miss Kirby? What a pleasure to meet you. I’m Lainey Westin.’ The woman extended her hand to Kate.

  ‘No, ma’am, I’m Kate Weller. That’s Beth Kirby.’ Kate indicated her partner. ‘Beth made the initial contact, but I’ll be the one handling your case.’

  ‘Miss Kirby.’ Westin shook with Beth as well. ‘You both came well recommended by Mr Price. He came well recommended by an old friend of the Westin family.’

  ‘I hope we’re not keeping you from beach yoga,’ Beth murmured.

  Westin frowned. ‘I decided to forgo my class today. Shall we get started?’ She gestured to a white silk sofa and then lowered herself to a matching brocade chaise lounge. Apparently the woman had no pets.

  ‘Absolutely.’ Kate sat down and pulled out her notepad. ‘First of all, Beth and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy at the loss of your mother.’

  Westin glanced up from an inspection of her cuticles. ‘Thank you, Miss Weller. I haven’t heard that as much as one would think. The medical examiner hasn’t released Mom’s body yet, so I’m unable to plan an appropriate funeral. My mother was well known in the community and well loved by everyone who didn’t know her.’

  ‘That sounds contradictory,’ said Beth. ‘Could you clarify that for us?’

  ‘It’s simple. My mother loved the arts, animals, and mankind – in that order. She was legendary at raising great sums of money for museum acquisitions, a new exhibit at the zoo, or for an orphanage in Zaire. But individual people irritated her no end. The closer you got to Agnes, the better your chances for tongue-lashings at regular intervals.’

  ‘I take it you were the primary recipient of her wrath?’ asked Kate.

  ‘Precisely. You’re very astute, Miss Weller.’

  ‘Kate, please,’ she said, glancing up from taking notes. ‘If we can go over the particulars, since Mr Price didn’t provide much background. Are you an only child? Did your mother live here with you? By the way, your condo is stunning.’

  ‘Yes, no, and thank you.’ Westin grinned at her cleverness. ‘I wish I did have siblings. That way Agnes’s wrath could have been spread out among us. My mother had a condo along the beach, four miles to the east. If she had lived here, her untimely death would have happened that much sooner.’ The corners of Lainey’s mouth turned up.

  ‘That sounds like a confession,’ said Beth. ‘Did you kill your mother? We need to know this right now.’

  Westin’s nose wrinkled, as though she smelled something particularly foul. ‘No, Miss Kirby, I didn’t. I hired your agency to find out who did. I’m guilty only of making an inappropriate joke.’

  Kate shot a pointed look at Beth. ‘With that out of the way, may I assume you were your mother’s principal heir?’

  ‘Correct: principal and sole, except for a few minor bequests to charity. But there were none over one hundred k.’ Westin leaned back while the maid delivered a tray with a carafe and several mugs to the low table.

  Kate heard Beth clear her throat but chose to ignore her. ‘Is there anything in particular that makes you think you’ll be suspected of her murder, other than you were her heir and your relationship was less than perfect? That is, if the police declare this a homicide. I believe all mothers and daughters argue from time to time, Miss Westin.’

  ‘These weren’t disagreements over the correct way to fold linens. These were shouting matches that could be heard in Alabama. Would you like coffee?’ Lainey directed her question at Kate.

  ‘Yes, please. Just cream for me, but Beth likes cream and sugar.’

  ‘Oh, they’ll declare it a homicide all right. Agnes wasn’t lunching alone on the Arrivederci Sorrento, but I don’t know who she was with.’ Westin handed Kate her cup but set Beth’s on the edge of the table. ‘And please, call me “Lainey.”’

  Kate took a sip. ‘I gather the Arrivederci Sorrento is the name of your mother’s boat?’

  ‘What you called a boat is a 110-foot sailing yacht, the largest in our club’s marina.’

  ‘If the vessel is that large, wouldn’t it have a captain and crew? Certainly your mother couldn’t sail it alone.’

  Westin laughed. ‘Of course not, she might break a nail. Yes, we have a captain and full crew. But other than their small monthly retainer, they are only paid when someone takes the Arrivederci out. Other times, they are free to offer their services on other yachts when my mother will be entertaining dockside.’ She imbued the word with innuendo.

  Beth couldn’t sit quietly on the sidelines any longer. ‘Sounds to me like everything you’re not telling us could fill up the Queen Mary. Why don’t we just let the police do the job they’re paid for? Right now we don’t even know if there’s been a murder, let alone that you’re a suspect.’ She picked up her coffee and finished the cup in several gulps.

  With great dignity, Lainey rose to her feet and glared down her nose at Beth, her four-inch heels offering an imperious position. ‘This isn’t your decision, Miss Kirby. Mr Price already hired me, and Miss Weller will be handling my case. Perhaps you could walk the beach while Kate and I finish up?’

  Kate jumped up too, her sneakers adding nothing to her five foot four. ‘Instead of taking a walk, would you please check to see if the police have released the Arrivederci Sorrento? I would love to view the crime scene.’

  Beth set her cup in the saucer with a clatter. ‘Be happy to.’ She marched toward the door, pulling out her phone along the way.

  ‘Please excuse her, Lainey. Beth is about to get married and I think she’s more nervous than she lets on.’

  Westin nodded. ‘Say no more. But in the future,
any assistance from Miss Kirby must be behind the scenes.’

  ‘Agreed.’ Kate sat down. ‘Now that it’s just the two of us, and I assure you of my complete discretion, tell me who would point the police in your direction, if indeed your mom was murdered.’

  ‘Just about everyone … let’s see.’ Lainey held up her index finger. ‘Mom’s housekeeper warned me about eternal damnation because of the way I talked to her. The ship’s captain was witness to a few of our legendary fights.’ She held up a third finger. ‘Then we have Martha Collier, my mom’s best friend. Agnes was always telling the woman she planned to disinherit me and give everything to the Audubon Society. Of course it was just talk. My mother didn’t even like birds and she hated seagulls.’ Lainey glanced at her watch, while Kate jotted down Martha Collier’s name.

  ‘I know you have another appointment, but may I have the names of the marina, the ship’s captain, and your mother’s housekeeper?’

  ‘That would be the Santa Rosa Yacht Club, Captain Roger Holcomb, and Luisa Gonzalez.’ While she spoke, Lainey led Kate down the hallway to the front door. ‘Please call me with updates. Here’s my card with my business number and cell phone.’

  ‘I certainly will. Oh, one more thing. I’m assuming your mom was single. Was she divorced or was your father never in the picture?’

  Lainey’s blue eyes grew round with indignation. ‘Yes, they were married! Once upon a time, my dad and I were very close, but they divorced at least fifteen years ago.’

  ‘I beg your pardon.’ Kate ducked her head to hide her embarrassment. ‘May I have his name?’

  ‘Robert Westin.’

  ‘Westin – your mom continued to use her married name?’

  ‘Yes, she’s rather old-fashioned. Plus she never liked her maiden name. Now, if you’ll excuse me …’

  Dutifully, Kate walked out the door. ‘Again, my sympathies on your loss.’

  On the elevator ride down to the lobby, Kate arrived at three conclusions: Agnes Westin didn’t sound the least bit old-fashioned.

  Lainey Westin was as likeable as a millipede.