“That’s a beautiful pin you’re wearing,” Janice told Cooper as she rang up the sale.
Instinctively, Cooper’s fingertips brushed the thin silver wings of the pin she always wore on her shirt, just above her heart. “Thank you. My grandmother gave this to me.”
“I noticed it last time you were here. It’s a lovely talisman.” Janice smiled. “She’s going to cherish your gift, too. I hope my grandchildren do something like this for me when I’m older.” She laughed self-effacingly. “Oh, my, I guess I’m already older!”
“Ma’am, you’ve got the computer skills of people half your age. And an amazing eye for color,” Cooper assured her. “I believe you’re young where it matters.” She tapped on her temple and the woman beamed at her.
“Thank you, dear. Come back sometime and tell me how the gift went over.”
“I’ll do that,” Cooper promised and thanked Janice once more on the way out.
Gift in hand, Cooper relaxed for the first time that day. At the next red light, she slid her cell phone’s earpiece onto her right ear and called Nathan. She wanted to tell him what happened the night before so he had time to compose himself before showing up at her parents’ house for dinner. But that was only half the reason she decided not to tell him face-to-face. She didn’t trust herself not to blush when she mentioned the role Edward Crosby had played.
Nathan, who worked as a Web designer from his home office, answered on the first ring. After exchanging greetings, Cooper hurriedly told her boyfriend what had happened and then apologized for not phoning earlier.
“I’m sure you’re still in a state of shock. And exhausted, too,” Nathan spoke gently once he’d had a moment to digest the startling news. “How’s Ashley holding up?”
“As well as can be expected. The investigation’s focusing on Love Motors’s West End dealership, so by now she’s probably glad her house is her own once more, though she may never step foot in the garage again.” Cooper realized she was deliberately avoiding any mention of the dead man, but she wanted to push aside all thoughts of him until after Grammy’s celebration.
“How many dealerships does the Love family manage?”
“Three. His father runs the original Love Motors downtown, and his younger brother has just been handed the keys to the new Cadillac/Hummer dealership on the Southside. Lincoln’s is the only dealership that sells all makes of GM cars. It’s a state-of-the-art facility. They even have a rotating dais inside to display special cars. Last time I drove by I saw a huge yellow Hummer spinning around.”
Nathan huffed. “Who’d want a Hummer these days? You could take a week’s vacation for the same price as a tank of gas.”
“But you couldn’t drive over a row of compact cars now, could you?” Cooper joked. “ ’Cause that could really come in handy during rush hour.”
“I’m glad your sense of humor’s still intact!” Nathan laughed. “Listen, why don’t I show up a little early tonight? You can talk about anything you want and I’ll listen while giving you the best shoulder rub in the world. My fingers are well-developed after years of flying over a computer keyboard. You can’t let all this mad skill go to waste.”
“No, I certainly can’t. You made me an offer I can’t resist.” Cooper smiled into the phone.
Nathan was true to his word. Moments after Cooper welcomed him inside the small apartment above her parents’ detached garage, he gave her a tender kiss and a lingering embrace. He then positioned himself on the sofa and gestured for her to sit on the floor in front of his feet.
As his long, nimble fingers worked her tight muscles, Cooper closed her eyes and began to talk. She rehashed every detail from the night before, beginning with the encounter with the truculent Bank of Richmond secretary, followed by her pickup going lame. She recounted how Edward Crosby had pulled over to help as succinctly as she could.
“What was he doing out in the country at that time of night?” Nathan asked curiously. “Didn’t you say you’d just crossed the Goochland County line?”
Cooper leaned back into Nathan’s strong hands as they kneaded the taut muscles beneath her shoulder blades. “I don’t know. I never thought to ask. In all honesty, we didn’t talk much. Once Ashley called, we tore over to her house and then, well, nobody felt like speaking.”
Nathan dug his first two fingers into the tissue on either side of Cooper’s spine and walked them from the top of her pelvis to the base of her neck and back down again. She moaned with pleasure.
“You’re a magician, Nathan. I hadn’t realized how tense I was and it’s such a relief to let out all the things that have been bouncing around in my head.” She closed her eyes and felt her body sinking into the floor, as though she were transforming from a solid state into a liquid one. “I can’t stop thinking about the victim, Miguel. Why would someone do that to him?” She swallowed hard and immediately grew tense again. “They tied him up and put him in a trunk like he was a piece of luggage.”
Just as Nathan put his arms around Cooper and embraced her from behind, there was a rapid tap on Cooper’s door. Ashley burst into the apartment, calling, “I hope you two are decent, because I’m coming in!”
Nathan kept his hands on either side of Cooper’s flushed neck, but after giving her shoulders a final, reassuring squeeze, he rose from the sofa in order to give Ashley a hug. “How are you doing?”
Ashley managed a thin smile. “I do declare—you are the sweetest man, Nathan Dexter.” She patted him on the arm and then sank onto the sofa. After kissing Cooper on the crown of her head, she said, “I thought we’d better get things out of our systems before we go down for supper.” Reaching into a zebra-striped purse, she removed a Love Motors newsletter and pointed to a boxed article on the inside page. “This is Miguel. He was the Employee of the Month last month.”
Cooper stared at the photograph of the young man. Miguel Ramos looked to be in his early twenties. He had a round, friendly face and a shy smile, as though he was reluctant to look directly at the camera. Even so, Cooper believed she saw a glimmer of pride in Miguel’s dark eyes and the tilt of his chin.
Miguel Ramos is a relatively new member of the Love Motors team, the blurb began. A former employee of Double A Auto in Norfolk, Miguel has been overseeing the West End lot since he started work this fall and our inventory has sparkled ever since! The first to arrive and the last to leave, Miguel says that he takes great satisfaction in a job well done. When he’s not on the lot, Miguel enjoys going to nightclubs, singing karaoke, and playing video games.
“He has a nice face, doesn’t he?” Ashley said quietly. “His death doesn’t make a lick of sense to me. Why would anyone kill him? He was a lot attendant who liked to sing and dance. He wasn’t rich—no lot attendants are—he worked hard, and his hobbies were harmless enough.”
“What happened at the dealership today?” Cooper asked as she continued to study the photograph. She was having a difficult time associating the image of a smiling, healthy man with the shrunken, lifeless form curled up in the back of Ashley’s rental car. “Have the police come up with a motive?”
“That pair of investigators, Wiser and McNamara, questioned all the employees, made a copy of Miguel’s personnel file, and went off to search his apartment.” Ashley reclaimed the newsletter and folded it in half. “I don’t think they got any leads, though. Lincoln talked to the same people afterward and all they had to say was that Miguel was a quiet, friendly guy. He took great care of the cars and everybody liked him. I hope his apartment gives the cops something to go on.”
Cooper stood and walked over to the window. She could look down from this room and see her mother moving around in her kitchen. At the moment, she was setting the table using birthday-themed paper plates and napkins. “Did you find out about his family?”
“No wife or kids. I don’t know about his parents,” Ashley answered and began to fidget with her diamond tennis bracelet. “I kind of read through Miguel’s file. Lincoln made a copy and brought it
home. I think he was looking for an answer in the records, but Miguel didn’t even list an emergency contact.” She frowned. “There’s one thing that seems kind of strange, but I don’t want to mention it because I’ll sound like a snob.”
“You are a snob.” Cooper pointed out.
After swatting her sister with her purse, Ashley turned to Nathan. “See how mean your girlfriend is to me?” When he shrugged helplessly, she sulked. “It’s clear where your loyalties lie. Anyway, Miguel lived in one of those new apartment complexes right behind the dealership. They’re supposed to appeal to up-and-coming yuppie couples who want to live within walking distance of shops and restaurants.”
“The credit card generation,” Cooper muttered. She knew all too well how easily one could be seduced by high-tech electronics and hip furniture. It had taken her two years to claw her way out of debt. “I know which apartments you mean. They’ve got access to the mall, the gym, two spas, five nail salons, and about fifty restaurants.” She pictured the complex and realized what Ashley was implying. “You think the apartment would be too expensive for Miguel’s salary?”
Ashley nodded. “It was bugging me, so I called over there. Go ahead and tell me that I’m a snob, but I couldn’t picture a single guy working as a lot attendant living in that place. A one-bedroom costs over one thousand dollars a month and Miguel made less than ten dollars an hour. I’m no math whiz, but that seems like a lot of money to spend on rent. There’d be nothing left to live on!”
“Unless he had a roommate,” Nathan suggested.
“Ah, I hadn’t thought of that.” Ashley ran her fingertips across her full lips and mulled over Nathan’s theory. “I still think of a roommate as a college girl who blasts the Cranberries on her stereo and borrows your clothes without asking,” she stated. “I guess the police will know everything about his private life within a few days. And everything about mine, too.” She sighed. “I told them ten times about dropping off my Lexus at the service entrance sometime after six. Then someone drove the Caddy around front for me, and I sped on home. I only opened the trunk later because I was planning to return some clothes at the mall today. I could tell that younger guy, Investigator Wiser, didn’t believe me when I told him I like to have my car loaded up the night before I go on errands.”
“You always used to do that with your school stuff,” Cooper recalled. “You’d put your book bag by the front door and lay out your outfit on that flowered chair in your room before going to bed.” She gazed fondly at her sister. “I’m sure the police are just covering all the bases.”
“But I feel guilty, even though I did nothing wrong,” Ashley replied and rubbed her eyes wearily.
“At this point, it doesn’t sound like they have a strong lead to follow. Do you know how Miguel died?” Nathan asked. “Have the police shared any information?”
Ashley shook her head. “It’s a one-way street with those two. Lincoln couldn’t be here tonight because he’s got to provide them with records on the Caddy, Miguel’s time sheet, and a mess of other documents.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not stepping foot inside my house unless I know Lincoln’ll be there. I’m scared to be alone now.” Her voice wavered. “You’re going to think I’m totally crazy when I say this, but I feel like there’s a presence in the garage.”
“That doesn’t sound crazy to me at all.” Cooper put her arm around her sister. “It’s going to take time for you to recover from this, Ashley. If the police can find out what happened to Miguel, maybe you’ll be able to let go of the fear.”
“Maybe.” Ashley didn’t sound convinced. “But right now, my house feels haunted. I feel haunted. His face . . . I keep seeing it, Coop.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I wish I could do something to help. I feel . . . responsible. There he was, in the trunk, with me driving around without a care in the world except for what I planned to wear to the Heart Gala. The whole time I was listening to music and sipping my mocha latté, he was back there . . .”
Cooper was just about to offer words of comfort when the sound of small rocks peppering her window caused her to turn away from her sister and peer outside.
“It’s Grammy,” Cooper informed Ashley and Nathan. “She’s pointing at her mouth. Guess it’s time to eat.”
Nathan joined her at the window. “She’s got some aim.”
“You ought to see her shoot Daddy’s rifle,” Ashley replied, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “You do not want to get on Grammy’s bad side.”
Nathan gulped. “Man, I hope she likes her present.”
Grammy was so pleased to be served her favorite supper, Shake ’n Bake pork chops, macaroni and cheese, butter beans mixed with sweet corn, and white dinner rolls, that she was in high spirits from the moment her birthday meal began.
“Marryin’ this gal was the smartest thing you ever did,” she told Earl and toasted Maggie with a loaded fork. “If I go to my grave tonight, I’ll be lickin’ my chops when I stand before the Almighty.”
“Now don’t you go talkin’ about joinin’ the angels,” Maggie remonstrated. “I’ve made a chocolate mousse cake big enough to feed the Gum Creek Volunteer Fire Department, so if you wanna eat leftovers, you’d best plan on wakin’ up tomorrow.”
Once decaf had been poured into the china cups given to Maggie on her wedding day, Earl carried out the birthday cake to appreciative claps from those seated at the table. Despite Grammy’s threats that they’d be disinherited if they dared to sing, they serenaded her in exaggeratingly loud voices lacking any semblance of harmony.
“Doesn’t look like you’ve got near enough candles on there,” Earl commented to Maggie as Grammy inhaled a deep breath.
“Watch out, boy, or my birthday wish’ll be that the rest of your hair falls out!” Grammy retorted and blew out the small flames perched on the tips of half a dozen pink-and-white striped candles.
As Nathan and the members of the Lee family dug into large slabs of the moist, rich chocolate cake, the doorbell rang.
“That must be Lincoln!” Ashley exclaimed, dabbed her lips with her napkin, and raced out of the kitchen.
Maggie watched her youngest child rush from the room. Shaking her head, she mumbled, “I don’t know when that boy will learn to just come on in. We’re his family, after all. He doesn’t need to stand on ceremony.”
Grammy shot Maggie a look of pity. “His folks are different stock. Just ’cause he married one of us don’t mean he’s gonna take up our ways. I reckon it’s a good thing you broke out the fine china coffee cups tonight. I reckon the Loves don’t drink from Dixie cups too regular.”
Putting a finger to her lips, Maggie rose from the table and gave Lincoln a warm embrace hello as soon as he entered the cozy room.
“Always huggin’—the women of this family,” Grammy grumbled, but Cooper knew she was secretly fond of being squeezed, kissed, and even patted by all members of the family. More than once, Cooper had walked into Grammy’s room to find Little Boy, her enormous tailless tabby, licking her wrinkled face as she giggled with pleasure.
“Have you eaten?” Maggie asked Lincoln and, without giving him a chance to reply, placed the last pork chop onto a clean plate and loaded the empty spaces with scoops of macaroni and butter beans.
Lincoln accepted the laden dish gratefully. “Thanks, Mrs. Lee. I don’t think I’ve had a bite since breakfast.” He cast a sideways glance at Ashley. “It’s been a real hectic day at work.”
“Poor dear.” Maggie shot both him and Ashley a warning look. “Sit down and fill your belly. Cooper? Get your brother-in-law a beer, would you, honey?”
Grammy cleared her throat. “I might’ve polished off the last one this afternoon.”
“Mama.” Earl’s tone had a reprimanding edge. “Did you at least wait ’til five?”
“It’s my party and I’ll drink when I want to,” Grammy answered evasively.
Cooper laughed as she dug through the refrigerator and then stood up, holding the last bottle of Budweise
r aloft in triumph. Earl and Grammy drank their beer right from the bottle, but Cooper suspected Ashley would prefer her husband’s beer to be decanted and served in a pint glass. Watching the foam crown the amber liquid as she poured, Cooper paused to scrutinize Lincoln, wondering if the effects of the last twenty-four hours were making their mark on his appearance.
Without a doubt, Lincoln Love was an incredibly handsome man. Cooper passed her eyes over the familiar all-American features—the sandy brown hair, bright blue eyes, and boyishly rosy skin—and thought he didn’t look much the worse for wear. However, his conversation was more stilted than usual and his smile, when it appeared between bites of food, seemed forced.
Cooper often felt as though she didn’t truly know the man her sister had married, but he had always treated Ashley like a queen. Now, Cooper placed a tentative hand on Lincoln’s shoulder as she presented him with the cold glass of beer. He turned to her with a look of tenderness she’d never seen before. It was as if he were silently thanking her for coming to Ashley’s aid when he’d been unavailable.
He’d barely taken a sip when Grammy slapped her napkin on the table and said, “Let’s get this present nonsense over with. Imagine! A woman of my age gettin’ gifts. It’s damn silly. Y’all should be savin’ your money, times bein’ tight as they are.”
“You’re not gonna spoil our fun with that ’ole guilt song and dance. Anyhow, I know you’ll want these.” Maggie handed Grammy a birthday card. She sat back expectantly, but when Grammy opened the card and the strains of “Margaritaville” burst into the air, Maggie dug an elbow into Earl’s side. “I told you to get her the ‘Twist and Shout’ card!”
Earl shrugged. “They all looked the same to me.”
“Tickets to the Maymont Flower Show!” Grammy was thrilled. “Are you sellin’ your cookies there?”
“Yes, ma’am. I was finally accepted into the elite group of vendors,” Maggie answered proudly. “And I was hopin’ one of your granddaughters might take you around durin’ setup. Then you can see everything without bein’ jostled by the crowds.”
The Way of the Guilty Page 6