“You’re right. He wouldn’t have risked her finding out.” I paused. “But didn’t he do just that? He kissed Amanda in front of everyone, including Susan. Wouldn’t he be afraid that Susan would tell Amanda?”
Rob sipped his coffee and stared into the fire. “Maybe that’s why she’s dead. If Drew killed her, he knew Susan wouldn’t have enough time to tell Amanda about them. That way he gets the money from Susan early and from Amanda in her will.”
I shuddered. “That’s plausible. But it looked so real when Drew kissed Amanda on stage. It looked like he really liked her.”
“The same way he liked you when he tried to get you into bed after he was released from jail?”
I took a drink of my coffee. “Don’t remind me. I still have nightmares about that.” I traced the faint herringbone design on the sofa. “I can’t explain it. I just felt that Drew cared for her. I can’t believe that he killed her.”
“Okay, we’ll go with your gut feeling. What if Amanda already knew about Susan? What if there was a master plan that they were both working?”
I pulled away from him. “You think that Amanda was okay with Drew seeing Susan? How would that work?”
He set his mug down and rested his arms on his knees. “She had to have known about his pyramid scheme. How else would he explain the money he was siphoning off to her account? She also knew that he was still living with you before he went to jail. That means she was already accepting of things that most people wouldn’t have been.”
I sighed as I leaned against him. “He may not have told her about where the money was coming from. What if he told her he was taking the money from our joint accounts and that he was preparing to divorce me?”
Rob put his arm around me again and squeezed. “Does that scenario make you feel better?”
I laughed. “No. It just seems more reasonable to me. Amanda might have been okay with pulling one over on the wife. He probably told her I didn’t understand him, yadda, yadda, yadda.”
“I get your point; however, she had to have found out what he was really doing when he was caught and stood trial.”
Frustrated, I strode to the fireplace. I straightened one of the Santas. “What difference does it make at this point in time? She’s dead, and we know what Drew was doing. Her motives don’t matter anymore. It’s the people around her that we need to focus on.”
Rob patted the seat next to him, and I sank back down. He put his arm around me. “You’re right. But you have to admit that this actually makes Drew look worse in Jay’s eyes.”
“Just because someone’s a swindler and a cheat does not make them a murderer.”
He tipped my face up toward his. “I admire the fact that you are still defending Drew in spite of everything he’s done.”
“I can’t help it. He’s the father of my daughter, and I can’t bear the thought that he might be a murderer.” I shuddered. “So I’m going to proceed as if he isn’t. I think we should have dinner with Andy and Ed to find out more about their feud with Amanda.”
“Do you want me to ask them?”
“No, I will. Look at your calendar later and send me a few dates that will work for you.” I stood. “I hate to kick you out, but it’s late and I have an early morning tomorrow.”
He picked up his coffee cup and followed me into the kitchen. I took it from him, putting both cups in the dishwasher. Rob pulled me to him and kissed me. “Get some sleep and try not to think about everything.”
I hugged him. “That’s going to be difficult, but I’ll try.” I handed him his coat and gloves. Kissing him good night, I gently pushed him toward the door.
Making sure the cats had food and water, I turned out the light and ran up the stairs. Stopping by Jenny’s door, I rapped lightly and stuck my head in. She was sound asleep with the light on. Her books were scattered across the bed. I tiptoed in and moved some of the heavier ones away from her and shut the light off.
As I got ready for bed, I paced. Drew was seeing two women. How could I have missed that? I really need to talk to Father Tom about that annulment. I slipped under the covers. The cats joined me and settled into their usual places. Hearing them snore, I pretended that I was near the ocean. I focused on the waves crashing in and then moving out. Finally relaxing, I drifted off to sleep.
At six thirty, my phone alarm sounded. Unfortunately, when my arm shot out of the bed to turn it off, I hit the phone and sent it flying across the room. The cats glared at me as I scurried across the floor to turn it off. They huffed, stretched, and curled back up, determined to catch up on their beauty sleep. I considered returning to bed for a few minutes but decided that moving them again might put me in peril.
After showering and getting dressed, I headed for Jenny’s room. “Time to wake up.”
She scowled at me from the bed, papers around her. “I’ve been up since five, studying for this stupid test. I fell asleep too early last night!”
I kissed her forehead. “Sleep is good for you.”
“Not when there’s a tough test. Thank goodness I set my alarm or I’d really be hosed.”
“I’ll leave you to it. Scrambled eggs sound good? You need some brain food.”
“I need more than that.” She looked at her book.
“Answer, please.”
“Yes, but give me twenty.”
“You got it.”
Rolling her eyes, she put her head down again. I headed for the kitchen and started the coffee maker. Putting some bacon in the oven, I grabbed a mug and poured myself a cup of coffee.
I sat at the counter and looked at my phone. There was a text from Patty: “What’s going on? Haven’t heard from you. Call or text.”
Why didn’t I see that last night? I sighed when I noticed the new moon symbol. When did I set the do not disturb? I turned it off and texted her back, “All okay. Drinks tonight?”
“Wine at nine? Your place?”
“Okay. See you then.”
I scrambled some eggs and heated milk for hot chocolate. When Jenny pounded down the stairs, I placed the hot chocolate and orange juice on the counter. She sat with a huff and gulped down the juice. I quickly served up the eggs, bacon, and toast and grabbed the blackberry jam from the fridge.
She stared at the array in front of her. “No marshmallows?”
I grinned. “Your wish is my command.” I plunked them in the hot chocolate.
Almost before I could blink, she finished her meal, grabbed her coat and backpack, and ran out the door. “Thanks, Mom!”
I texted her, “Good luck today!” and added a fingers-crossed emoji.
Cleaning up the kitchen, I stopped, mouth agape, and dropped the dishtowel. Drew unlocked his back door. How did he get out?
Pulling on my coat and scarf, I donned my gloves and sped out the door. Within seconds, I pounded on Drew’s back door. He pulled it open and leaned against the jamb. “Merry, good to see you.”
My mouth open, he pulled me in and sat me at the table. “But…how did you get out?”
“On bail.” He poured himself a cup of coffee and took a long sip. “And if you don’t mind, I’m tired and in desperate need of my own shower, shampoo, and soap. You can’t believe what they make you wash with in prison.”
“But it’s a murder charge. And you’re a convicted felon.”
He gave me a lazy smile as he leaned on the counter. “What can I say? I have a great attorney. And now you have to leave.” He eyed me. “Unless you’d like to join me in the shower.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “We used to have some good times in the shower.”
I leapt from the chair as if it were on fire. “Your girlfriend just died!”
“Yes, and I am in mourning.” He moved closer, running his finger up my sleeve. “Now, how about that shower?”
I ducked past him toward the door. “You swindled half the town and cheated on me with two different women. I hate you!” Stalking out of the house, I slammed the door behind me and ran headlong into Rob. Wiping my arms as if to get Drew�
��s slime off, I jumped back. “Oh, it’s you.”
“That’s all I get?” I gave him a dirty look, brushing past him into my house. He followed. “I take it you discovered Drew’s out on bail?”
I paced the hallway, waving my arms. “What’s the good of having a police detective for a friend if he doesn’t give you any warning? A quick call or text is all I ask.” Pausing in mid-rant, I stopped pacing. “Would it be too much trouble to give me an, ‘Oh, by the way, your potential murderer ex is about to be sprung?’”
The back door popped open, and Jay bundled through it, stopping in his tracks. “Oops. Guess she already knows.”
Rob gave him a sympathetic look and nodded. “Yep. She was just coming back from his place when I ran into her.”
I returned to the kitchen. “I can hear you.” I glared at Jay. “No warning, no nothing. I was just cleaning up from breakfast when I looked out the window, and what did I spy? My lying, cheating, rotten ex unlocking the house next door!” I shook my finger at Jay. “A little warning would be good.”
He put up his hands. “Why do you think I’m here? I just found out too.”
Rob pulled me to him. “Calm down. We both just found out, and our first thought was to come here to tell you.”
I twisted away and stomped my foot. “How on earth did he get out? Who did he pay?”
“He has a good attorney.” Jay ate one of the leftover pieces of bacon.
Deflated, I sat with a sigh. “Yes, that’s what he told me.”
Rob sat next to me at the counter and grabbed the other piece of bacon Jay was eyeing. “What else did Drew say to you?”
“He invited me into his shower.”
Rob put the piece of bacon down and stood, towering over me, fists clenched. “He didn’t.”
I pulled him back down. “I think he was just trying to get me riled up.”
“From the way you looked when you left his place, I’d say it worked.” Rob picked up the bacon again and took a bite. “Good bacon.”
Jay nodded. “It is. Do you have any more?”
I rolled my eyes. “No, gentlemen. I did not expect company this morning. And, in fact, I have an early meeting that I am now likely to be late for. If you don’t mind, please let yourselves out.”
I texted my client to alert her that I would be a minute or two late. I hurried along, dodging the snow piles in my way.
Later that morning, I moseyed over to Tempting Treasures to see if Andy was free. I admired the new walnut armoire in the entryway.
Andy came around the corner. “Merry, what brings you by?”
“I love this piece. But it’s so big. I have nowhere to put it.”
He stroked the finish. “It is lovely, isn’t it? In a way, I’m hoping no one buys it, but that’s the way I feel about most of my stock.” He grinned. “Do you have time for some tea? Ed made scones.”
I checked my watch. “I do have a few minutes, and I love Ed’s scones.”
I sat at his tea table, shrugging out of my coat. “Rob and I wanted to check and see if you and Ed would be available for dinner sometime this week.”
He warmed the teapot with hot water, swirled it, and poured it out. Then he put in a scoop of tea and tipped in the rest of the hot water. “Give me a sec, and I’ll check our calendar.” He brought the teapot over, putting it on the heavy lace doily. “This needs to steep for a few minutes.” He studied his phone. “We could do Thursday night, as long as you’re okay with going at seven. We’re meeting with the architect for drinks right before that.”
“That would work. Let me text Rob so he doesn’t make plans. Fiorella’s or the Screaming Pigeon?”
“The Screaming Pigeon has great food, but I just can’t get past the name. Let’s do Fiorella’s.”
“I’ll make reservations. It’s our treat since you were so kind to host last weekend and give us your leftovers.”
Andy poured the tea. “That’s certainly not necessary, but if you really want to, we will graciously accept.” He jumped up. “Oh, I nearly forgot the scones.”
I laughed. “Like I would have let you.”
A few pounds heavier, I trudged back to the office. I made the reservations for Thursday and sent a calendar entry to everyone.
Andy texted back: “Ooh, so efficient!”
Just before five, there was a knock on the door. Cheryl stuck her head in. “Susan is wondering if you have a few minutes?”
“Absolutely. Show her in.”
Susan came in. I shook her hand and gestured toward a chair. “Have a seat, Susan. I enjoyed our breakfast this weekend.”
She fidgeted as she sat. “I appreciated it.” She glanced around. “I need to tell you something.”
“The floor is yours.”
“What?”
I smiled. “What did you want to tell me?”
“Oh. Well, the police came to see me.”
“What about?” She started crying, and I pushed my box of tissues across the desk to her. “Take your time.”
Wiping her face, she straightened her shoulders. “I was holding some money for your husband.”
I attempted to look shocked. “Why would Drew give you money to hold?”
She looked at her shoes. “I met him at the Christmas party you threw for the staff at your house five years ago. We started talking and had a lot in common.” She glanced up, her eyes welling with tears. “I really thought he was a good guy. I’m sorry to tell you this, but we ended up having an affair, and he told me he was leaving you. I feel awful about it, but I really thought we were destined for each other.”
I took a deep breath, handing her a bottle of water from the small refrigerator under my desk. “Drink this.” I gripped the desk to keep from vaulting over it and hitting her. “Did you correspond when he was in prison?”
She hung her head. “Yes, like clockwork. When we spoke on the phone, he always ended the call by telling me how much he loved me and how special I was. But I realized he had been stringing me along the night of the fashion show.”
I stood and paced behind my desk. “Where did he tell you he got the money he gave you to hold?”
She dabbed the mascara from under her eyes with the tissue. She took a sip of water and cleared her throat. “He said he was leaving you but that you had all the money. He said you wouldn’t miss it and we needed it to start our life together.”
“Where were you after the fashion show?”
“I went home to shower. I was sticky from all the drinks that were thrown.”
“Did you go out again?”
She stood. “Why are you asking me all these questions? The police asked them all before.”
I stopped pacing and glared at her. “You slept with my husband when you were working for me. And you helped him when he said he wanted to take money from me and my child. I think you owe me the answers to any questions I have.”
Quivering, she sat back down. “No. I didn’t go back out that night. And before you ask, I don’t own any guns.”
“I guess you know what comes next.”
Standing again and drying her face with a tissue, she nodded as if she were facing an execution squad. “I’m fired.”
“Yes, you are. Please call Cheryl to arrange a time to come back and pick up your things when the office is closed.” I held out my hand. “I’d like your key now.”
She rooted through her purse, finally pulling out her key and laying it on my desk. I pressed the intercom for Cheryl and asked her to grab Susan’s coat and gloves. She brought them in and left. Susan pulled them on, weeping silently. I escorted her from the office.
Gritting my teeth, I returned and asked Cheryl to come in. “I just fired Susan. Please see that her security clearance and password are revoked immediately. She will be calling you to arrange a time when the staff is not here to collect her personal items.”
Cheryl nodded, ever the professional. “I’ll see to it, boss. Are you okay?”
“Yes. Thanks for helping
with this.”
She opened the door and smiled. “I think there’s someone you’re going to want to see out here.”
Rob came in and closed the door. I collapsed in his arms, hugging him. After a moment, I stepped away.
He stared at me. “Not that I object to a hit-and-run hug, but what happened?”
“It’s not every day that your husband’s mistress cries in your office because he misled her.”
Chapter 16
I just finished briefing Rob when my phone dinged. Glancing down, I read the text from Jenny: “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me Dad was out. We’re having dinner together tonight. Back by nine.”
“You’re not going OUT to dinner, are you?”
“No. Stop shouting. He called for food to be delivered. He wants to keep a low profile.”
I groaned and put my phone on my desk. Rob asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Jenny’s having dinner delivered at her dad’s.”
Rob grinned. “Maybe we should have dinner delivered too.”
“I just can’t face having dinner at my house, knowing he’s next door. It’s like having Darth Vader close by doing that heavy breathing thing.”
Rob laughed and then grew serious. “Is it safe for Jenny to be with him?”
I put my head in my hands. “I’m not sure of anything anymore.” I lifted my head. “He wouldn’t hurt Jenny. He loves her.”
He gave me a speculative look. “So you’d be okay if we didn’t have dinner at your place tonight?”
“That’s what I’m trying to say. I’d be more than okay to have dinner somewhere else.”
“Perfect.” He stood, grabbed my coat, and pulled me up. “Let’s go to my place. You haven’t been there for a while, and I’d like your opinion on a piece of artwork I just acquired.”
I smiled and batted my eyelashes. “You want to show me your etchings?”
He pulled me close and grinned. “Something like that.”
We drove to his house and hurried in the door. He glanced at me. “Do you want the fire on?” I nodded, so he flicked it on. He helped me with my coat. “What kind of food are you in the mood for? I hate to admit it, but I have a folder of menus for places that deliver.”
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