Murder So Festive
Page 15
He laughed. “I guess we’re going to find out. Either way, I’ve heard that the food is really good.”
We entered, and the modern theme won out. All I saw were crisp lines and a preponderance of black and white.
I shook my head. “I don’t know if I can wrap my mind around this.” The host showed us to a comfortable booth near a roaring fire. I gestured toward the large fireplace. “Now, this is something I can truly appreciate.”
Rob said, “Why don’t you sit closest to the fire? You’re always cold, and I run a bit hot.”
I grinned. “You surely do.” I studied the menu. “I think I’m going to have the quail with grapes to start and then the halibut for my main course.”
“I think I’ll try the grouse appetizer and then have the wild boar.”
“You are far more adventurous than me, but I will have a taste just to say I’ve had it.”
“How was your day?”
I launched into the Susan/Drew tale, and before long, Rob’s mouth was hanging open. “What’s wrong with that woman? Doesn’t she realize she was played? And what’s wrong with him? Why would he be gallivanting around town, knowing what happened at the fashion show?”
I nodded. “Patty thinks he was tired of being housebound. When we were married, he always wanted to be out and about with people. He’s a true extrovert. It must be really difficult for him to be home without a lot of human interaction.”
“He’s not going to get sympathy from me.”
I laughed. “Nor me.”
Our appetizers arrived. Rob and I gave each other a taste. I took a piece of his grouse. “Wow. It’s nice and tender.” I wrinkled my nose. “There’s a bit of a gamey under flavor, though.” Rob nodded, and I asked, “What went on in your world today?”
“I had an interesting lunch.”
“How so?”
“I went to the Golden Skillet, and since I was alone, I sat at the counter. Philip Piper ended up sitting next to me, so I introduced myself and told him that I was in the market for a dentist. One thing led to another, and he told me how stunned he was by Amanda’s betrayal. He said it was worse than when he was seventeen and his first love dumped him for his best friend.”
“Wow. Not the kind of friend I’d want.”
Rob shook his head. “Me either. Then he told me that it had turned out ‘okay.’ He had gotten even with his friend. He didn’t say how, but he was gesturing with his knife as he said it.”
I pushed my appetizer plate away. “That’s a pretty strong story to tell when talking to a new acquaintance.”
“I thought so. But maybe he doesn’t have that many friends.”
I fixated on the fire for a moment, watching the flames tickle the wood. “Now that you mention it, I don’t think he has a lot of close friends. I only remember seeing him with Amanda and then Lauren before her. Hmm. That’s kind of sad.”
“Maybe he’s one of those guys who only have a few close friends, but the relationships are very deep.”
“From the story you told me, it sounds like he lost one of those.” Frowning, I put my hand on Rob’s. He brought it to his lips and kissed it just as our entrees were served.
My halibut glistened on the plate, nestled in fingerling potatoes and crowned with a small number of delicately fried onions. “This looks yummy!”
Rob’s boar was cut in medallions arrayed in a fan shape. Drizzled with red sauce and accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, they looked wonderful. He cut a slice of the boar, making sure to include some of the sauce, and slid it onto my bread plate.
I took a bite. “I thought it would taste like pork, but it’s kind of between pork and beef. Interesting.”
Taking a bite and chewing slowly, he closed his eyes. “I don’t care what you call it, it’s tasty.” He took my hand. “I didn’t finish my story about Philip. During lunch, we also talked about hobbies. I told him that I like to go skeet shooting and asked if there were any good places around here to go.”
“I didn’t know you liked to shoot.”
“It isn’t one of my hobbies; that’s for sure.”
“Well then, why did you say it was?”
Rob sighed and ate another piece of the boar. “To see if he likes guns.”
I laughed. “Sorry to be a bit slow on the uptake. I was enjoying this halibut so much that I stopped tracking with the story. I get your gambit now. Please continue.”
“Philip lit up like a firecracker on the Fourth of July. His dad used to take him hunting, and he has quite a collection of guns. He asked me to go shooting with him on Saturday. I told him I’d love to.”
I rubbed his shoulder. “I’m sure you know what you’re doing, but that man caused me pain in a dental appointment and now you’re going near him with a loaded gun?”
He caressed my hand. “We’ll be at a range. Everything should be fine.”
Chapter 17
Savoring my second cup of coffee, I pared down e-mail at the kitchen counter. Jenny pounded down the stairs. “Mom, there were a few decorations we didn’t use this year. Would it be okay if I took them to Dad’s? It looked kinda bleak when I was there earlier this week.”
I tried to remember my Christian values. “Show me which ones you’re talking about, and if I’m not saving them for some reason, sure.”
She ran back up the stairs to grab the box and clomped back down. Balancing the box on the counter, she started unloading it.
“Whoa, let’s bring this over to the table so that we don’t drop anything.”
Within a few moments, I had separated the items into things I’d be sorry to see leave and those I could face going out the door. I chuckled as I realized one of the items I was willing to part with was a particularly garish Santa Drew gave me when we were first dating. I tossed it in the box.
“Thanks, Mom.” She bounded out the door, box firmly in hand.
I sighed as I looked at what was left on the table. Rummaging through the hall closet, I found a smaller empty box. I had just started loading the leftover decorations when Jenny came back carrying the original box.
I raised my eyebrows. “What happened? Wasn’t he home?”
“Yes, he was home. But he wasn’t alone. Ms. Clime was sitting at the kitchen table. And she was wearing his robe! And I don’t think she had anything on underneath it. Yuck.” She frowned. “Doesn’t she work for you?”
“Not anymore. Long story. Why didn’t you just leave the box there for later?”
“I would have, but she had already decorated the place. And not well.” She shuddered. “I can’t believe Dad hooked up with someone who worked for you. Awkward.” She left the box on the table and ran back up the stairs.
Groaning, I emptied the box from the closet and refilled the one Jenny returned. I dropped Drew’s Santa in the trash and put the used coffee grounds on top of it. Smiling, I put the full box at the bottom of the stairs in the vain hope that Jenny might put it back where it belonged. Resuming my seat at the counter and taking a sip of my coffee, I spat it out. Stone cold.
I went to the living room, clicked on the fire, and picked up my book. Two pages in, my phone dinged. It was Rob: “See you at three.”
“Be careful!” Philip wouldn’t try anything at a gun range. I tried to concentrate on my book.
A few minutes later, Jenny bounded down the stairs. “Going to Cindy’s.” Almost tripping at the bottom, she glared at me. “Why did you leave that box there? I nearly killed myself.”
“It’s the box you brought down. Would you please take it back up?”
“I don’t see why I have to do everything.” Pouting, she carried the box back upstairs, stomping as she went.
“All the way upstairs in the attic, please.”
The attic door opened, and the stomping continued. The door slammed, and Jenny ran back down the stairs. “Can I go now?”
I chuckled. “Yes, you may.”
She pulled on her coat and stalked out the door, slamming that one too.
Patty texted me, “Susan at Drew’s table in robe?” She added a few pitchfork emojis for emphasis along with flames.
Tossing my book aside, I turned off the fire and threw a load of wash into the machine. Courvoisier leapt up on the sink counter next to me and batted at the door holding their treats. Someone may as well be happy. I tossed her two, and Drambuie came running, attempting to screech to a halt. Her momentum too fast, she slid past the open door on the slick hardwood floor. Slinking back, she stood in the doorway and mewed. I threw her two, and then put the packet away. Four eyes implored me. I said, “No more.” They waited for a moment. Sensing my resolve they padded away for another nap.
Pacing the floor at five, I finally received a text from Rob: “On my way. No holes in my body.” He added a laughing emoji.
“Very funny. Where have you been?”
“Be there soon. Putting phone down to start car.”
I pulled out a Cabernet from the wine fridge and poured myself a glass. While I savored the deep undertone of tart cherries, Rob came in the back door.
I frowned. “Where have you been? You said you’d be here by three.”
“I know, and I apologize, but when Philip and I finished up at the range, he invited me to see his weapon collection. There wasn’t really a chance to text you until I was alone again in the car.”
“He knows we’re dating. You could have just told him you needed to let me know you’d be late.”
Rob came around the counter to give me a hug. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I just didn’t want to interrupt the flow of the conversation.” He kissed me. “You taste good. What kind of wine are we having?” Picking up the bottle to inspect the label, he nodded his approval. “Nice vintage.”
I retrieved a glass from the cupboard and poured the wine. “Let’s move to the living room, and you can tell me what you found out.” Turning on the fire and some muted Christmas music, I sat next to Rob. “Okay, spill.”
He tasted the wine. “This is good.”
I made a swirling clock motion. “Stop stalling. What did you find out?”
“Patience, Merry, patience.” Rob laughed. “Okay, okay. Philip’s a crack shot. If he missed the center of the target once, I’d be surprised.”
I leaned back on the sofa and pulled one of the pillows to my stomach, my feet resting on the coffee table. “Interesting, but I’m not sure how much skill is required to shoot someone standing four feet in front of you.”
“You’d be surprised. Plus, shooting someone is more about resolve.”
I squirmed. “Thanks for the visual. Go on.”
“His gun collection is amazing.” Rob’s eyes widened. “He has a separate hidden locked room with a steel door. Think real spy stuff. You enter through a bookcase in his study. And everything is neatly displayed on specially made shelves. You know how dentists’ trays are so organized?”
I nodded.
“That’s how structured it looked.”
“Did you see a silencer?”
“There were several.” Rob gazed into the fire. “I’m not sure that there was much he didn’t have.” He took another sip of his wine. “Let me put it this way: if the zombie apocalypse happens or if a small government needs to be overthrown, Phil’s our man.”
I ambled to the fire and warmed my hands. “So what you are saying is that he not only had motive, he has the weaponry that would have enabled him to kill Amanda.”
Rob kicked his shoes off and crossed his feet on the coffee table. “I can’t swear that he has the gun that killed Amanda.”
“Wouldn’t you think he’d get rid of it?”
Swirling the wine, his eyes fastened on mine. “I’m not so sure.”
“That he did it?”
“No, I could imagine that.” His eyes narrowed. “Philip was so enamored of his collection, I’m not sure I could see him being willing to part with any of it. Plus, it would leave an empty space in the room that would offend his sense of symmetry.” I shivered and sat next to him. He put his arm around me and squeezed. “Are you cold?”
I shook my head. “You really could imagine our dentist murdering someone?”
“Yep. He seems like a pretty determined guy. He told me where he attended high school. I’m going to see if I can find out anything more about his friend from school. Maybe we should look him up.” Rob pulled me tighter. “And by the way, Philip wanted me to remind you to schedule your follow-up appointment.”
I rolled my eyes. “Like that’s going to happen anytime soon.”
“I think I should call Jay and see if he has some time to swing by later tonight.” Rob got up to make the call. After a few minutes, he sank back down on the sofa. “Jay’s going to come around eight.”
“Good. That will give us enough time to eat. Speaking of eating, I should probably get the steaks out of the fridge to get the chill off.” I stood.
“Do you need any help?”
“Not just now, but I will later.” I kissed the top of his head and left for the kitchen.
Five minutes later, Jenny came through the back door. She eyed the steaks. “I’m glad I didn’t take the Twilliger’s up on their offer of dinner. They were having chicken.”
“Patty’s a good cook. I’m sure whatever she was making would have been terrific.” I hugged her. “But I’m glad you decided to come home and eat with us.”
“Are you going to grill outside?”
I laughed. “The grill’s under about a foot of snow, and it’s cold out. I’ll be cooking inside.”
She smiled. “Whatever. Steak is steak. It’s going to be good. Do you need help?”
“Just set the table before it’s time to eat.”
“I’ll knock that out now.” She started to get the plates and cutlery out. “Dad texted me today.”
“What did he want?”
“He wants me to go to Mass with him tomorrow.”
“At our church?”
She laughed. “Of course at our church. It was his church too.”
“Is Susan going to be there?”
Jenny frowned. “I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t want to go if she’s going to be there.” She texted him. “No, Susan’s not going to be there. It will just be me and Dad.” She looked up with a relieved smile. “What do you think?”
I tucked an errant plait of hair behind her ear. “I guess it will be okay. I don’t think people would do anything, not at a church. And unlike at the fashion show, Father Tom won’t be serving drinks.” I paused. “Although there is wine at communion. Hmm.”
Jenny giggled. “I’ve never seen anyone guzzle from the chalice.” She finished setting the table. “I’ll be upstairs if you need me. Text when dinner’s ready.” She walked out. “Hi, Mr. Jenson. I’m looking forward to dinner.”
A few minutes later, Rob joined me in the kitchen. “Something smells great in here.” Pouring himself some more wine and topping off my glass, he sat at the counter. “So Jenny’s going to church with Drew tomorrow.”
I gave him a part grin, part grimace. “Yep.”
“Is that a good idea?”
“Nothing to do with Drew is a good idea. But of all the places he could be taking her, this one seems the safest. People are unlikely to get out of control at a church.”
He nodded. “Want to go to the same Mass?”
I smiled. “Of course.”
Rob raised his glass. “To great minds thinking alike.” Taking a sip, he gave me a light kiss.
After dinner, Rob and I were enjoying coffee in the living room when the back door opened after a sharp rap. “Anyone home?”
I replied, “In the living room. Grab a cup of coffee and join us.”
Jay came in and sat on the chair opposite, setting his coffee mug on the table. “It looks so festive in here.” Getting up again, he strolle
d around the room, examining the Santas. “My favorite is the one on the train.”
I laughed. “Thanks. I love decorating for Christmas.”
He turned in a slow circle. “What is that smell?” He ambled to the dining room and picked up one of the oranges studded with cloves. “My mom used to do this.” He held it close to his nose and sniffed. “It’s such a spicy scent.” He smiled. “It smells like home.”
Setting the orange back down, he put on his cop face. “Now, what’s so important that I needed to come out on a cold Saturday night?” He sat back down on the sofa and blew on his coffee before sipping it.
Rob told him about Philip’s weapon collection.
“Last I looked, it wasn’t illegal to have a weapon collection in this state.”
I placed my mug on the table. “True, but Philip could have wanted revenge for his public humiliation. He’s a crack shot and likely had or has the weapon that was used to kill Amanda.”
“Sounds like a lot of supposition to me. You do know I have a prime candidate right next door.”
I frowned. “How can you be so focused on one person when someone else might have committed the crime?”
Jay leaned forward. “Merry, unlike in TV dramas, the most likely person is usually the culprit. I can’t waste time looking for alternative suspects when the person who did it has been charged and is now awaiting trial.” Jay stood. “Unless you have something more concrete, I’ll be on my way home.”
Once Jay left, I sat on one of the kitchen counter stools and hung my head. “I can’t believe he didn’t listen to us.”
Rob sat next to me, rubbing my back. “He did listen. He also said to come back to him once we have some proof.”
“Did he just give us carte blanche to investigate?”
He smiled. “That’s what I heard. But we need to be very careful. You know what happened the last time you investigated.”
I nodded. “Don’t worry. I never want to be faced with death like that again.”
I shivered, and he stood, pulling me up into his arms. Cradling me to his chest, he spoke down into my hair, “You’re important to me, and I couldn’t face losing you.”
I hugged him. “You need to be careful too. I’ve gotten kind of attached to you.”