“Always glad to help you, Chloe. Hey, I’m free tomorrow. Would you like me to help in the search? If Willow doesn’t turn up by then, that is.”
“Thanks, but let’s wait and see. To use Izzie’s optimism, I’m picturing Willow at the shop in the morning, eagerly ready to work.”
“In any case, I think I’ll do some more digging and see what else I can find out about her.”
“Don’t stay up too late. You know how grouchy you are in the morning when you don’t get a good night’s sleep.” I caught myself before adding more and quickly ended the call. I didn’t need distractions by stirring up old memories. I had to focus on Willow. A glance at the clock showed me it was late, but I could research a little while longer before retiring for the night. I pulled the laptop closer and booted it up before the house phone rang. I answered quickly, hoping not to wake Mom and Dad, who were probably sound asleep.
“Hello?”
“Izzie? Chloe? Kate? Whoever this is, I’ve been trying to get a hold of one of you.”
“This is Chloe. I—”
“Thank goodness you answered. I called Izzie’s cell phone but can’t seem to get through. Keeps going to voice mail. At least your folks are sensible and keep a landline. Anyway, I would’ve left Izzie a message, but this is urgent. Or at least I think it is.”
I laid the receiver in my lap and sighed, then pressed it to my ear again. “Who is this?”
“Oh, guess I should’ve led with that. This is Penny.”
“Hi, Penny. Is everything all right?” I shut the lid on the laptop. “You said something is urgent.” My breath held. After all that had happened along Artisan Alley in the past two weeks—the murder, the break-in, the fire, Sammy’s disappearance, and now Willow’s, I expected the worst.
“After leaving the bonfire, I checked on my shop and then made my way over to Whisper Lane, where I’d parked. Passing by, I noticed there were lights on in your sister’s place. With all the scary things happening around here, I got suspicious. I mean, you and Izzie don’t stay that late, from what I’ve noticed. Anyway, I knocked on the door, figuring somebody might be hurt and need help. Not totally far-fetched, considering. But nobody answered. Now, I’m pretty brave but sure not foolish. I took the matter that far, and that’s when I started calling your sister. See what I mean?”
“Yes, thanks, Penny. You did the right thing. We’ll take it from here.”
“Don’t be a fool and go there alone. You should call that detective for help.”
“I will, if necessary. Good night and thanks again.” I set the receiver back in the cradle and scrambled out of bed. Penny was right. If I was smart, I’d call Hunter. However, the thought pressing me was that the person in the shop had to be Willow. At least, I was ninety percent sure. Maybe more like eighty. I pulled on my shoes and grabbed my bag and keys. If Izzie hadn’t gone to bed yet, she would come along. Safety in numbers gave me confidence.
I tiptoed down the stairs and into the living room, where I’d left Izzie. Finding no sign of her, I searched the rest of the first-floor rooms, even peeked out the front window, but her jeep was parked in the drive. I retraced my steps and tiptoed to the second floor and Izzie’s bedroom. If she wasn’t in there, I’d give up the search. “Izzie?” I whispered and gave the door a soft tap.
Dad was a light sleeper. If I made too much noise, he’d wake up and grab his baseball bat, ready to charge down the hall.
I inched the door open and heard the rumble of snoring. The lump under the covers and the tousled brown curls spread out on the pillow told me I wasn’t getting my backup. I stepped lightly down the stairs and pulled out my phone. Staring at the screen, I debated whether Penny was right. I scanned my most recent calls but couldn’t find the one I needed. “Darn.” I clutched my bag and at once I gasped. “His card!” On the horrible, tragic day we met, Hunter had given me his card. I rummaged through my bag and found it. While dialing the number, I walked outside and to my car. After three or four rings, the call went to voice mail. “Good grief.” I waited for the beep. “This is Chloe. You said to call if I needed you. I think someone, or rather Penny Swanson thinks someone might’ve broken into our shop. She claims there are lights on.” I took a big gulp of air and steadied my hand. “Willow is upset and ran away because Grayson yelled at her, and Izzie and I have looked everywhere but can’t find her. Maybe we should’ve reported it, but we’re not sure if she is in trouble, and you won’t start searching until—” I gripped the phone and took several deep breaths. “Sorry. I’m rambling. I ramble when I’m nervous. Okay. I’m going to the shop and wanted to let you know. Bye.”
I stabbed the end call button and tossed the phone back in my bag. Sliding into the driver’s seat, I fired up the engine and sped toward Artisan Alley. Fool or not, I had to do this in case Willow was the intruder and needed help.
I slowed to a crawl down Whisper Lane, then pulled into the usual spot when my phone rang. I snatched it out of my bag and answered. “Thank goodness you called.”
“I didn’t expect that sort of response. I figured you’d be angry with me.”
I gripped the phone. “Sammy? Oh my gosh. It’s you.”
“Yep. Runaway me.” Her voice sang out. “I’m coming home for good and wanted you to know. Things were left hanging a bit.” Her nervous laugh echoed over the line.
“A bit?” I shook my head. Getting out of my car, I noticed no other vehicle in the parking area. My confidence wavered a little, but if Willow was in the shop, she could have come on foot.
“Okay, a lot, but I had good reason. After we talked that morning, I got a call from my contact at Infinity. Seems he has a conscience after all. He wanted to warn me that some people from the company were coming to meet me in an hour to convince me one way or another that I shouldn’t break my contract with them. I needed to get out of town right away.”
“You should let the authorities know about this. I have Detective Barrett’s number.” The strong breeze drifting off the lake made me shiver. I rubbed my arms, then marched around the corner and up the walkway. Sure enough, lights brightened the rear of the shop, while the front remained dark.
“I already did, this evening. Chloe, I wanted to call sooner, but I was afraid. My shop is destroyed, so I’m not sure what I’ll do next, but I had to let you know I’m sorry. I should’ve listened to you.”
My brows peaked. “Were you the one sneaking through your shop the other night?”
“Yeah, I had to see for myself. Everything’s destroyed.” She sighed. “I didn’t stay long. Until the men from Infinity were put behind bars, I couldn’t stay in Whisper Cove and feel safe.”
A shadow passed by the back window. “Look, Sammy, I’m sort of in the middle of something. We’ll talk more when you get home. Okay?”
“Oh! Yeah, of course, but I wanted to make sure Detective Barrett contacted you. I told him who I suspect killed Fiona. He said he would call you as soon as he could. I know it sounds crazy, but to think she …” The crackling sound of static came over the phone.
“Sammy?” I scowled and pressed to end the call. “Everything happens all at once,” I muttered as I dug in my bag to retrieve the shop key. On a hunch, I jiggled the handle first and the door swung open. A shuddering breath moved through me as I stepped inside. I checked the phone once more before tucking it inside my bag. Still no answer from Hunter. “Guess I’m going in solo.” Tilting my head, I listened for noise coming from the lighted storage room. Steps softly shuffled and a shadow darkened the doorway for a second as if someone was moving around.
If Willow was back there, at least she was alive. I swallowed to clear my throat. Before losing courage, I clenched both fists, then put my feet in motion and marched across the floor to the storage room. I stopped at the doorway. Willow was pulling clothing out of the locker and tossing the items on the floor. “Willow?”
She startled at the sound of my voice and whipped around to face me. Her eyes grew wide. “Chloe. What are you
doing here?”
“I should be asking you the same thing.” I inched closer, then paused when she backed away.
“I forgot my shirt the other day and came to find it.” She shifted her weight from one leg to the other.
“No, you didn’t. Remember? I told you to use turpentine to remove the stain, then you put the shirt in your bag.”
“You think you know everything.” She turned to pace the floor, pausing for a second to stab her finger at me. “But you don’t. There’s plenty about me you don’t know.”
As she passed near me, I caught a closer look at the mark on her shoulder. I’d noticed it before, the day she borrowed my shirt. The image had slipped my mind, but now I paid attention. A blue butterfly. I’d seen something similar. I snapped my fingers. “The newspaper article! Slender arm, blue marking on the shoulder. You were the one in that group photo taken at the Carnegie art gala. You were standing next to Grayson, but someone blocked the view of your face. I’m right, aren’t I?” For a moment, I forgot about what had made me frightened in coming here.
Instead, my brain worked and shifted through the tiny details, hints I should’ve known something was wrong. Willow’s aliases, her arrival in Whisper Cove after responding to a job ad Izzie had placed in the Gazette, her claim she had no family, the argument with Grayson, those times she hadn’t shown for work or left early because her stomach was upset or she had to visit the doctor. And what about the date who dumped her?
I asked you to do one thing.
My eyes brightened as I gasped. “Are you pregnant? Is that why you came to Whisper Cove? You were following Grayson to tell him he’s going to be a dad? Kind of old for you, but I’m not judging.”
Her jaw dropped. “What? God, no! I’m not … He’s not … I think I’m going to be sick again.” She plopped down in a chair and covered her face with both hands.
I hesitated but then stepped closer. “I overheard your argument with Grayson. You said you loved him when he called you silly and pathetic. What is the one thing he asked you to do that you couldn’t?”
Glaring at me, she clamped her mouth shut and crossed both arms.
“Why didn’t you say anything to Izzie about the shoplifting charges? She would’ve understood and given you the job anyway. She’s forgiving like that. Just a bit on edge most of the time.”
Willow widened her eyes. “How did you find out? I wasn’t—”
“You weren’t Willow North when you shoplifted.” I spoke softly.
“I had to keep changing my name because I didn’t want anyone following me.”
“Willow North, Willow Noel, Willow Singer. Are there any others?”
She sniffed and wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand. “He asked me to come to Whisper Cove and help him with a deal he was putting together. I didn’t know the details but came anyway. He’s my brother. I’d do anything for him.” Her gaze darkened and pierced through me. “Anything, you understand. When Fiona spouted off that she knew what my brother was up to and how I should be ashamed for doing some of his dirty work, I—” She sobbed, then lifted her chin. “I couldn’t let her ruin him. I owe him so much.”
My phone buzzed. “It’s about time, Hunter.” I pulled the device out of my bag and stared at the text from Ross.
Willow has another alias. Willow Stone, and my guess is that’s her real name. Call me.
“Just a little too late, Ross.” I glanced back at Willow while shoving my phone in my pocket. Her gaze darted side to side while her hands and jaw clenched. The back of my neck tingled. Taking a step nearer the supply counter, I did a quick scan of brushes, knives, and cleaners. If she attacked me, I’d spray her face with cleaner and run as fast as I could. I was too squeamish to stab her with a knife or even the pointy end of a brush. “You killed Fiona. That’s why you wanted to leave early that evening. You had a date all right. One to commit murder!”
“No! I didn’t. I mean, I wanted to and planned to.” She raked fingers through her hair. “Oh, God, it sounds crazy saying the words out loud. I tried to catch up to her after she left the event, but I couldn’t find her. She said she would go to the authorities and let them know she had proof Grayson planned to tear down every shop along Artisan Alley, no matter what it took, so his company could build the condos and resort.” She shook her head. “Somehow Fiona discovered he’d pressured Megan and threatened to destroy everything she had unless she sold him her business. I couldn’t let that despicable woman hurt Grayson.”
“Willow.” I smiled sadly, suddenly not afraid any longer. “There’s no point in lying. The truth has to come out. Whether you confess or not, Hunter will figure out you killed her.”
Her shoulders shook. “I’m telling you the truth. Don’t you see? Someone else got to her first. I don’t know who, but—” Her eyes widened as she gasped. “Chloe! Watch out!”
Chapter Nineteen
I stirred awake and winced at the effort. Sharp clinking and clanking sounds pierced my ears, followed by a loud tirade of expletives. I touched the top of my head with my fingertips and moaned. Any effort to recall what had happened and why I was sitting here, wherever here was, came up empty. I pushed to stand but cried out in pain. My ankle was swollen and bruised.
“Eh, eh. Stay where you are. I expected you’d be out for hours. Not that it matters. Just because you have a bum leg, I won’t think twice to bop you over the head again.”
I blinked to clear the blurry image in front of me. The words bop and head triggered my memory. When I fell, I must’ve twisted my ankle. Willow’s warning hadn’t come quickly enough. “Willow!” I tensed at the thought of her, then searched the room. Sharp pain stabbed at me like daggers, and the bump on my head throbbed.
“She’s fine. Threw a few punches at me, so I tied her up. Let that be a warning. I’ll do the same to you if you don’t sit still.”
I rubbed my eyes. Willow was huddled in the back corner of the storage room. Her mouth was taped and both arms and legs were tied. I leaned against the box behind me, relieved she was alive. Still, the wild look of panic in her eyes hinted we were in deep trouble. Scooting my rear end to face the other way, I squinted to see who was talking. The voice sounded familiar, but my ears were ringing and her words echoed in my head. Pain threatened to make me pass out again, but I strained to make out the image of a woman. “Theo! What—why are you here? I don’t understand.”
She sat, straddling the chair and pointed above her toward one corner of the ceiling. “Cameras. I have one installed here, another in the front room, and one outside the shop. I told your sister they’re for safety, in case someone breaks in. It’s a convenient excuse. I use them to see who comes and goes. The building belongs to me, so …” She shrugged. “I watched Willow come inside the shop, and then you followed.” Her eyes narrowed. “Didn’t I tell you to stop snooping? But I knew you wouldn’t. You’re the same little girl who was always too curious for her own good. Ever since you stopped by the other day and asked more questions about Fiona, I’ve kept an eye on you.” She stood and looked up at the camera. “Such a nuisance. Now, I’ll have to delete this mess and won’t have the chance to watch and enjoy it.”
The wild eyes sparked with anger and showed something in her I’d never witnessed before. The painting knife made sense now. She could’ve easily entered the shop and stolen it. Most likely, she hoped to focus the investigation on someone who worked here or attended the event. I started as the distant ring and buzz of my phone sounded. My gaze darted around the room. I hadn’t remembered placing the phone anywhere except in my pocket. Ross or maybe Hunter and especially Izzie would be frantic if I didn’t answer. I stopped and stared at Theo’s smug expression.
“Don’t worry. I have it tucked safely away.” She patted her shirt pocket. “You won’t be needing it any longer.”
I gulped. I’d read how victims should keep their captors occupied with questions, maybe stroke their egos and get them to talk about themselves. Anxious, I scratched the palm
s of my hands. I had to do something to delay whatever Theo had planned, until someone came to the rescue. If someone came. I squeezed my eyes shut for a brief moment and forced my mind to work. Keep her talking. That was the only card I had to play. If Izzie’s optimism had a chance of working, now was the time. Otherwise, the ending to this story would find Willow and me dead.
“Please. I think, under the circumstances, I deserve to know why you’re doing this.”
“Isn’t it obvious? Use that pretty head of yours and think.” She reached out as if to touch my forehead, and I flinched. A throaty chuckle escaped. “I killed Fiona. There, I said it. Whew! That’s a relief to admit it out loud.” She pointed. “I know what you’re thinking. Why? Why would someone like me kill her? There has to be a reason, right? I mean, look around you.” She waved her arms. “So many people in this town had better motives and opportunity. Sammy, Megan, Gwen, even your little thief over there.” She lifted her chin. “But me? Not a thing. Detective Barrett and his team of idiots, even you and Izzie, worked so hard to figure out who committed the crime, and never once did you think of me. Until the other day, that is, when you stopped by the Gazette. You were getting too close to the truth. That’s when I decided something had to be done. Put this story to bed, as we say in the newspaper business.”
I licked my bottom lip while Willow mumbled and groaned in a muffled tone. Theo was insane. I couldn’t argue with her. Mainly because I didn’t have a clue what she was talking about. Something told me no amount of reasoning would change her mind.
“What possible reason could you have to kill your employee? Didn’t you say she helped sell newspapers? Sure, she was difficult to work with, and plenty of folks called to complain about her column, but that didn’t matter. That’s what you told us.” I glanced at my watch. It was past ten thirty, more than a half hour since I’d called Hunter and almost as long since Ross had texted. By now, one or both of them had to be worried and panicked. I gave myself a mental thrashing on the safety rule I’d overlooked. Since I hadn’t left a note, Izzie and our parents had no clue where I was. Neither did Ross. Only Penny, but she had warned me not to go alone. Even worse, Hunter might not check his voice mail until it was too late. I dug fingernails into my palms as anxiety threatened to pull me apart.
A Brush with Murder Page 24