“Evidently, she’s a psychic,” Cora said with more than a note of sarcasm. “She’s helped the authorities out on a previous murder case on a neighboring island.”
Ruby’s face brightened. “Now, that’s the most interesting thing I’ve heard in a long time. Does Cashel know about her?”
“I haven’t seen him. Have you?” Cora said.
“The last I saw him was this morning and he was muttering something about being on an island and having to work,” Ruby said.
“I’ll text him and see where he is,” Cora said.
“If Rue is such a good psychic, she should know Adrian is innocent,” Jane said.
“And if the local police rely on her—” Ruby said.
“Now, hold on a moment,” Cora said, as she texted Cashel and hit SEND. “I don’t hold with that nonsense. So much of the time, it’s smoke and mirrors. Very few real psychics exist in this world.”
“Well, now,” Ruby said. “True enough. But it’s possible she’s for real.”
“Even if she’s not,” Jane said, “we should go and see her.”
“She’ll want money,” Cora said.
“Of course she will. And we’ll give it to her. It’s about exchange for energy and talent,” Ruby said.
“I don’t know about this,” Cora said. “It makes me nervous.”
“She has a track record,” Jane said.
“Yes, but Brodsky is checking in to all that,” Cora said.
“Well, I’m going to see her, maybe after I drop off London. I’ve gotten special permission for her to leave the island and Zora’s sister is coming to get her,” Jane said.
“Good idea,” Cora said.
“If you’d like to come, you’re welcome to. Someone has got to do something. Poor Adrian,” Jane said.
Pangs of guilt shot through Cora. Of course, poor Adrian. But if she was honest with herself, she was a little miffed at him. She still had no idea how well he knew Josh, and why he’d neglected to mention it.
“I’m not sure visiting a psychic will help him,” Cora said.
“It can’t hurt,” Ruby said, with a finality in her voice that Cora knew only too well.
Cora’s phone beeped, alerting her to a text.
“Cashel?” Jane asked.
“No, Mathilde, asking me to fetch you two and come to her office,” Cora said.
“What do you think that’s about?” Jane asked. “I’ve got to go soon.”
“I have no idea, but let’s go and find out,” Cora said.
Chapter 21
They hurried to Mathilde’s office. It was more than a bit of a mess, which made Jane nervous. Piles of books and magazines were scattered about the room, along with craft materials. Shells. Yarn. A variety of paintbrushes and knitting needles.
“Shove some of that off the chair and take a seat,” Mathilde said as she looked up from the computer. “I saw your lovely blog post.”
Cora had been updating her blog all along, despite everything going on. Jane was impressed with the way she managed it.
“How’s it going with you all?” Mathilde turned away from the computer and toward them.
“Fine,” Jane said. The other two muttered in agreement.
“Well now, that’s not what I heard,” she said.
“What do you mean? My classes are rocking,” Ruby said.
“Oh no,” Mathilde said, waving her bangled arm. She wore beautiful abalone bracelets. “Your classes are all going well. I have scouts out, you know, plus I have retreaters filling out forms all along. No. That’s not what I’m talking about.” She eyed Cora.
Jane wondered what the heck was going on.
“I’m talking about your boyfriend,” she said to Cora.
Cora’s face reddened. “I’m sorry?”
“I heard he had some trouble last night,” she said.
“He was attacked,” Cora said.
Mathilde sat quietly and regarded her. “That’s what I hear. I also heard you came to his rescue.”
“Of course,” Cora said, almost stammering.
Jane’s hand brushed against Cora’s—a gesture meant to calm. She hoped. The last thing they needed was a panicked Cora.
“Cora is trained in martial arts. Her last job saw to it. What’s the point of all this, Mathilde?” Jane said.
“We don’t like our retreat teachers bringing any undue attention. It’s bad for our reputation,” she said. “You understand.”
Ruby harrumphed.
“It wasn’t as if I sought it out,” Cora said. “A local attacked us.”
“I’m aware, but I’m going to have to ask you to stay at the resort and not go to any of the local establishments,” she said. “The locals have decided Adrian is a killer and they want revenge.”
“That’s absurd!” Ruby said, as if she’d been holding it in too long.
But Jane understood what she said had some truth. That’s why Adrian had been attacked, of course.
Mathilde ignored Ruby. “I can’t force you to stay on site,” she said. “But it’s in your best interest, as well as the retreat’s, that you do.”
“Adrian didn’t kill anybody,” Cora said, after a moment. “And he’s not going to behave as if he did. I know him better than that.”
“Where is he now?” Mathilde asked pointedly.
“The last I heard from him he was taking a nap after walking on the beach,” Cora said.
“He didn’t tell you, then,” Mathilde said.
“Tell her what?” Jane said. “What’s going on?”
“A group of locals on the beach . . .”
“What happened?” Cora stood.
Jane reached for her.
“Nothing much,” Mathilde said. “Calm down, please. A group of them sort of chased him away. They didn’t hurt him. But they were throwing things at him.”
“What? What kind of a place is this?” Ruby said, as Cora took off out the door.
“Cora!” Jane said, on her heels, Ruby behind her.
The three of them headed to Adrian’s room.
“He never tells me anything,” Cora said as she jabbed the elevator button.
“What did you expect? Him to tell you he was attacked on the beach?” Ruby said as they entered the elevator. “He’s a man. He didn’t want you to know.”
Cora’s jaw tightened.
“He probably didn’t want to tell you because he realized you’d do exactly what you’re doing now. He recognizes you’re here on business,” Jane said, concentrating on keeping her voice calm and even. But she was frightened.
“I understand,” Cora said, as the elevator moved. “But every time I turn around I find out something else that, well, he should’ve told me. It’s like he’s keeping secrets. Telling half-truths.”
“I agree that he’s not seemed himself since he’s been here,” Jane said, as they exited the elevator. “But consider what he’s been through. Saw his ex-girl getting married while standing next to his new one, for starters.”
“Then she shows up dead the next day,” Ruby said.
“And he’s being accused of killing her,” Jane said. “He must be an emotional basket case. Give the guy a break.”
Cora traipsed down the hall, heading for his room, with Ruby and Jane close behind. She stopped in front of his room. “Maybe you’re right,” she said. “I like him, and I know he didn’t kill anybody. But I’m also aware that if he and are going to have a relationship, he’s going to have to communicate. I can’t keep second-guessing him.”
Well, then. She was right, of course. But it was reassuring to hear her say it. Jane wanted it to work out between them. She predicted they were perfect for one another, but she could be wrong.
Cora knocked on the door and they heard him coming to the door to open it. He looked groggy.
“Were you sleeping?” Cora said. “Sorry. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah,” he said. “Come in.”
The three women entered his room. His cloth
es were folded neatly on top of his bag. A T-shirt was flung across his chair. He picked it up and placed it over the other clothes.
“It’s a bit of a mess. I’m sorry,” he said.
“What’s that?” Cora said, pointing to a black bag with hypodermic needles sitting beside it.
“That’s my medicine,” he said.
“Medicine?” Cora paled.
“I’m diabetic. Didn’t I tell you?” he said.
“No, Adrian, you didn’t tell me,” Cora said with a stiff jaw. She glanced at Jane.
It was almost as if Jane could read her mind. No wonder the cops suspected Adrian. Not only did he text the victim right before she died, but he also traveled with needles. Someone who knew and despised the victim—and owned the very equipment that had killed her.
Chapter 22
“Sit down,” Jane said to Cora as she led her to one of the chairs in Adrian’s room.
She read Cora so well. Cora concentrated on getting more air into her lungs. Her heart raced. Maybe she was making too big of a deal about this.
“Diabetes is a pretty big deal,” Ruby said, and snorted. “I’d think you’d tell the woman you’re dating.”
“We just started dating,” Adrian said. “And I’m so used to it, I don’t know, it never occurred to me. I mean, I guess I thought you knew. I’ve been having some trouble regulating. We’re trying different things now in order to regulate me. I’m sorry, Cora.”
She found her words. “It’s not just that,” she said. “I keep finding things out. Things you neglect to tell me. What the heck, Adrian?”
“What are you talking about?” he said.
Ruby sort of looked away, but Jane stood beside Cora. She wasn’t going anywhere.
“We just came from Mathilde’s office. She said you had some trouble on the beach today,” Cora said.
“Oh, that,” he said. “Yeah. I didn’t want to worry you. I’d have told you about it at dinner.”
“That’s a big deal, don’t you think?” Cora said. “I mean, you told me you were tired and would see me at dinner. You made no mention of an angry mob.”
“That’s an exaggeration,” he said, and laughed a little. “It was a group of high school students or something. They caused a scene but not much more. If it was that big of a deal, I would have said something on the text. But,” he said, “I wasn’t that concerned about it.”
He was so chill it was disturbing. How could he not be a nervous wreck? He was a murder suspect. Couldn’t even go for a walk on the beach and was hounded by people who thought he killed his ex-girlfriend.
“Sounds like Mathilde has a flair for the dramatic,” Ruby said from her corner.
“I’d say,” Jane said. “Now we’re not allowed off the resort.”
“What? That’s ridiculous,” Adrian said. His voice raised, eyebrows gathered into a V.
Cora crossed her arms. “There’s plenty to the resort. We don’t need to make a big deal of this. It’s safer for us to stay put.”
“Safer? What the heck?” Ruby said. “I can see Adrian staying on the resort. He’s had trouble.”
His hands went to his hips. Ruby tilted her head in exaggeration and gestured with her arms.
“But us?” Ruby said.
“Mathilde doesn’t want any bad publicity surrounding the retreat,” Cora said. “She’s doing what she thinks is best for the retreat. We are guests here. Remember. Let us comport ourselves.”
Ruby rolled her eyes. “I don’t know about you sometimes. But I’ve got to go. My class starts in about thirty minutes. I have some prep to do. Has anybody heard from Cashel?”
Cora checked her phone. “I texted him a while back and haven’t heard from him.”
“He’s around,” Adrian said. “I think he said he was going to the courthouse to research some documents.”
“What kind of documents?” Jane asked.
“I think he said something about property and a new development and so on,” Adrian said.
“Why would he be researching that?” Cora asked.
Adrian shrugged. “It has something to do with the case. You don’t need to worry about it. You’re working here, right?”
That stung just a wee bit.
“I was curious,” Cora said. “But you’re right. I’m working. I have other things to do.”
She stood.
“Cashel left clear instructions for me,” Adrian said.
“Really?” Cora said. “What about?”
“About you,” he said, with a slow smile spreading across his face. “He said you have the best intentions and this incredible need to please.”
Why did that sound sort of sexy coming from his mouth? Well, sexy or not, she was miffed. And she planned to stay that way until she found a reason not to. Men!
“Cashel had no right to tell you that,” she said.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with that boy,” Ruby said. “He’s not quite been himself.”
“Well, I can understand. He thought he was going on vacation and it turns out he’s working,” Adrian said. “I’d be a little upset, too. I told him I’d help with the research, but he insisted I rest.”
Cora warmed. Cashel was doing him right, after all. Cashel was a man full of surprises. What kind of property records was he researching? Maybe she should do some checking to help out? This was ringing a bell. Didn’t she read about a new resort? Or had someone mentioned it to her?
Jane snorted. “Good to know he’s got some sense,” she said.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Ruby said.
“Sorry, Ruby. I know he’s your son, but I wonder about him,” Jane said.
Ruby waved her off. “Yeah, me too.”
“Wait. What? He’s my lawyer,” Adrian said.
“Oh, no worries,” Cora said. “Cashel is a fine lawyer. It’s the rest of him we all wonder about.”
Chapter 23
“Are you coming to my class?” Ruby asked as she headed for the door.
“I planned to go to Mathilde’s mosaic class,” Cora said, her heart still racing, as she wiped her sweaty palms on a tissue. She wished for her own bed now. Her bed at home, quilt covered and with her purring cat Luna curled into a ball on her chest. “But I don’t want to look at her now.”
“C’mon,” Jane said. “Ruby can show us how to make a bowl out of seashells any time. I say we go to Mathilde’s class and show face.”
“What are you going to do?” Cora said, eyeing Adrian.
“I’m whipped. I’m hoping to hear back from Cashel any minute.” He leaned over and kissed Cora on her check. Cora lingered in the scent of him—spicy, musky man.
But he increasingly was becoming a man of mystery. Cora didn’t need mystery or drama in her life. This was why she had set off on a new life, wasn’t it? Her anxiety had gotten so bad she was almost paralyzed with it. But then again, the situation was the problem, not Adrian. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him back on his cheek.
“We’ll resolve this situation,” she said.
He blinked. “Thank you. You know I’d never hurt anybody, right?” he said in a lowered voice.
She nodded. Ruby and Jane walked off. Jane held the door open.
“Let’s go,” Jane said.
Cora followed them.
“I’m not sure I can sit in a class for an hour,” Cora said.
“You realize you have no choice, right?” Jane said. “It’s part of the package.”
“Yes, but I need to do something,” she said.
“What?” Ruby said.
“I need to sit and think about this murder,” Cora said.
“Why?” Ruby said. “Cashel’s got it under control. I’m sure.”
Cora checked her phone again. Still no message. Maybe Ruby was right. He was so busy that he’d not checked his phone.
“You have to wonder what the motive was to kill someone like that. It had to be planned for a while. An injection of jellyfish venom?” Jane said as she pu
shed the elevator button.
“Well, she was rich,” Ruby said. “The rich are more vulnerable in some ways. Because everybody wants what they have.”
Cora’s heart nearly stopped. “That’s it. Money is one of the biggest reasons people commit crimes, right?”
“So, after this class, let’s examine Marcy’s finances,” Jane said after she exited the elevator.
“They should all be public record,” Cora said.
“Well, I’ve been hearing about this new proposed resort,” Ruby said. “I wonder if her family had anything to do with that.”
“It’s a small island,” Jane said. “I’m betting the Grimm family has something to do with everything on the island.”
“Hey, Cora!” Katy and crew came up to them. “I enjoyed your class this morning.”
“Thanks,” Cora said. “Where’s your gang heading to?”
“We’re going to Ruby’s class. We want to make one of those beautiful shell bowls. How about you?”
“We’re going to the mosaic class,” Jane said. “Look, here we are.”
People gathered in the classroom. Ruby said her good-byes and headed into her class.
“I heard about your trouble last night,” Katy said with a lowered voice.
Cora felt air escape from her. Why was she so surprised? It was a small island.
“Word travels fast, doesn’t it?” Jane said, and smiled politely.
“I want you to understand if you need anything from any of us, all you have to do is say the word,” Katy said.
Cora warmed. “Thanks,” she said. She felt her face heat. She was certain it was bright red, the curse of being so fair. It was hard to hide her embarrassment. How many of the crafters here knew about what happened last night?
“Well, we’ll see you later,” Jane said as she dragged Cora into the mosaic room.
“Oy,” Cora muttered. “Does everybody know?”
“Take a deep breath,” Jane said. “Let’s concentrate. Hold your head high. We’re going to make some kick-ass mosaics.”
Cora drew in oxygen. She needed it. She glanced over at the bins of sea glass and seashells. Sparkling. Colorful. She dug her finger into some aquamarine-colored glass and relished the feel of the smooth, cool bits and pieces of glass.
“Now,” she heard Mathilde saying. “You can either make your own thing or use a template. We’ve got flowers, a starfish, and a mermaid.”
Macramé Murder Page 9