Running on Envy

by Felicity Nisbet

  “I don’t.”

  He looked up and spotted Charlie mingling his way from one group to another. “Ah, you’re on a case.”

  I nodded. “Do you think I’d be in a room with all these attorneys and judges if I weren’t?”

  “Good point. Another case of the unfaithful spouse?”

  “Not this time.”

  “Who are you working for?”

  “The Greens.”

  “Which ones?”

  “How many are there?”

  Scott glanced around the room. “Six are here tonight.”

  “Oh, well, the only ones I’ve met are Judy and George.”

  His look was one of confusion. “But you were just talking to Marsha Green.”

  “Marsha? She’s a Green?” I scanned the room to find her in a different corner unoccupied by me. “What relationship?”

  “George’s ex-wife.”

  “Seriously?” That explained a lot.

  “Yep. I must say I’m surprised she’s here. They don’t usually invite her to their parties. Or if they do, she doesn’t come.”

  “Ugly divorce?”

  “I suspect on her side. Judy was George’s secretary. Need I say more?”

  I gazed over at the ex-wife again and then scanned the room until I spotted the current Mrs. George Green. Judy was hanging on the arm of one of the male guests, leaning into the group of three hovering men every now and then to offer them a generous view of her ample and well-exposed breasts. As sullen as Marsha Green appeared tonight, she had grace that seemed to have eluded her replacement.

  “Who are the other Greens?” I asked Scott.

  He pointed toward a group of three men. “The one in the grey suit to match his graying hair is George’s older brother Mike.”

  “Attorney too?”

  “Architect.”

  “Relationship?”

  “So so. Typical family dynamics. Controlling older brother, rebellious younger brother.”

  “Got it. And the other two Greens?”

  “Casey and Cat. Their younger sisters. Twins.”

  It only took a moment for me to spot the two. Although not quite identical, they were both dressed in strapless knee length gowns, one sky blue, the other lavender. Their blond hair was scooped up on one side while the other side was resting softly on their naked shoulders. “Their story?”

  Scott leaned in close to whisper, “Rich bitches.”

  I gave him my well-practiced parental scolding look. “Exaggeration?”

  “’Fraid not. I dated Casey briefly a few years back. Rather she allowed me to escort her to social events for a short while. If anyone knows, I do.”

  “I believe you. Their relationship with the hosts?” Realizing that it had been several hours since I’d eaten all but a few mysterious hors d’oeuvres, I set down my glass of cabernet and chewed on a fancy but recognizable cracker.

  “Crazy about George. Detest Judy.”

  “And the ex-wife?”

  “Not fond of Marsha either but like her better than Judy. Oh, Mike’s wife, Val, is here too. That makes seven Greens. They’re not so fond of her either.”

  I followed Scott’s gaze. Val Green looked tired. And concerned about something. I couldn’t imagine it being financial worries. These were excessively wealthy people. Nothing I could put my finger on, other than her dull green eyes that one moment looked as if they might close and take her off to dreamland, and the next, darted here and there observing the crowd. That and her auburn hair that lacked luster and life.

  She was nervous, anxious, and tired of the struggle. Relationship problems? She half-smiled at her husband from across the room. He winked back. Job? Children?

  “Does Val Green work, Scott?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Do they have any children?”

  “No, oddly, none of the Greens had children, but I know both Marsha and Val really wanted one.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “They’ve been to several of my mother’s charity benefits.” He chuckled. “Looking almost as bored as you always did—unless you were on a case, of course. But the first thing they always do is ask for Danny. If he’s not there, they’re disappointed, and if he is, they go up to the nursery my mother has set up for him and spend half their time playing with him.”

  Definitely reason to believe the two women wanted children of their own. “How long have Val and Mike been married?”

  “Oh, I’d say twelve years maybe. And to answer your next question, I’d say they’re relatively happy.”

  “Relatively?”

  “They don’t act the part of devoted couple, but they seem to get along well enough, at least in public. But I don’t think it’s an act.”

  No job, no children, adequate marriage. Perhaps it was simply boredom.

  “I don’t suppose you can tell me anything about this case.”

  I winked at him. “Probably best not to.”

  “I understand.” He took a last sip of his red wine and set down the glass, wrapping a single arm around my shoulder. “You look tired, Jenny. Is the party getting to you or long day?”

  Both. “Very long day. Malcolm, my fiancé, and I witnessed a kidnapping in the park near his house this morning. We’ve spent the day working on that.”

  “Not the Elliot baby.”

  “How did you know?”

  “It’s all over the news. I can’t even imagine—How are they dealing? How’s Shelby doing?”

  “You know them?”

  “I do.”

  Okay, so maybe there was another reason I’d come to this party. Synchronicity had led me here. “How? How well?”

  “I haven’t seen them much in recent years, but I knew them quite well in our wilder days.”

  “College?”

  “Yep.”

  “They knew each other back then? And you went to school with both of them?” I was confused. Shelby had been married before, and she and Carter had only been married for two years.

  “All three of them. Shelby, Greg, and Carter.”

  Chills ran up and down my spine. “The three of them were friends in college?”

  “Best friends.”

  Okay, this was getting stranger by the minute. Shelby’s current husband and former husband had been best friends in college, and Carter was convinced that his former rival would never do anything to hurt any of them. It was definitely time to interview Greg Rallings.

  Scott laughed and snatched a glass of wine from a passing server’s tray. “Jenny?”

  I shook my head. I was driving to the airport tonight. I would be picking up precious cargo.

  “You’re confused.”

  “Slightly.”

  “Don’t worry, you’re not alone. All I know is the three of them were inseparable in college. Shelby married Greg. They seemed happy. Had Jillian. Then they got divorced. She married Carter who had been in love with her forever.”

  “Sounds simple enough, but weird.”

  “I guess, but if they’re happy.”

  I looked up to see a dark-haired man staring at me from across the room as if trying to place me. I knew the moment he had because he quickly stepped behind a ficus tree so he was out of my line of vision. Charlie and I had been hired by his wife to find out if he was having an affair. He was. With three women. Why was it so prevalent? I wondered. I knew it wasn’t only attorneys who indulged, but it seemed to be rampant in this crowd.

  “Scott? Can I ask you something?”

  “Anything.”

  Infidelity was a subject I could discuss with Scott Morrison. He and I had a bond. We had discovered our cheating spouses at the same time after all. “Do you think either Shelby or Carter would cheat on each other?”

  His eyebrows raised in surprise. He took a long sip of wine as he considered my question. “I’m probably not the best judge of character when it comes to cheating spouses.” He sighed and thought for a moment longer. “But I really don’t th
ink so.”

  “So, any thoughts?” George Green asked Charlie. He nodded at a security guard as we made our way toward the front door. I wondered if the guests knew there were a couple security guards in attendance. They did well to disguise themselves in their dark suits and with drinks in hand. What tipped me off was the lemon floating around in their glasses of soda water.

  “We had to invite some of our friends who attend every party we have so as not to raise suspicion. I must say, it did feel odd having some of these people in our home. But as they say, ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer.’”

  “Such as Marsha?” Charlie asked.

  George’s eyebrows rose. “I’m sure it was more unnerving for Judy to have her here than it was for me. But she was the one who put her on the suspect and invite list. She loathes the woman. As I’m sure Marsha loathes her.”

  Hmm, a lot of loathing going on around here.

  “But really she’s harmless.”

  “You’re sure of that?” Charlie asked.

  “Sure enough. Let’s just say her glare is worse than her bite.” He gazed over at his ex-wife for a moment.

  He did not seem to feel any animosity towards her which led me to believe that the divorce had not been that bitter. But then he was the one being fought over. George Green did not impress me as being a man who would not enjoy that.

  “Anyone you suspect of having done this?” He directed his question at Charlie.

  I consulted my mental list. Hmmm. All Greens. I decided to keep that to myself for now.

  Charlie glanced at me and as if reading my mind, said, “We’ll be in touch. Soon.”

  George eyed him suspiciously. “What is it, Charlie?”

  Charlie’s sigh indicated his resignation that he was going to have to divulge something to his client that he’d prefer not to. “I fear one of your family members could be behind it. I’m sorry.”

  George was surprisingly calm. “Not something that hasn’t occurred to me.”

  “We’ll put tails on anyone we suspect just to be safe.”

  George sighed. “I assume that includes family?”

  “Aye, laddie, I’m afraid it does.” Charlie patted him on the back. “Just to be safe.”

  George frowned as his hand scoured its way through his thick blond hair. “Do what you have to. Before we have another incident.”

  His wife came up behind him, slipping her arm through his. “I’m just grateful George decided to make the trip with me. If I’d been driving that night—” She gulped as if on the verge of tears. “I’m afraid I would have been too hysterical to even attempt to steer the car down that airport parking ramp.”

  “As it was, my having to maneuver it at a high speed down a circular ramp was terrifying and we did end up with injuries, but—”

  “We’re safe, thanks to my hero.” She smiled adoringly up at her husband.

  He kissed her on the cheek as she slipped away to greet some late arrivals.

  Charlie patted George on the back. “We’re on it, laddie. I think we’ll have some answers for you in the next few days. Just don’t leave your vehicles in unsecured locations.”

  “Right. Thank you. I’d better get back inside.”

  We said good-night and watched as the man hurried back down the path toward the house, stopping to talk to one of the security guards.

  “Someone in the family then?” Charlie asked.

  “Definitely,” I said.

  “I agree,” MacGregor said. “The twin sisters, Casey and Cat, are a handful but I don’t know if they’re capable of something like that.” He winced at his next words. “Or have the wherewithal.” He’d stopped himself from saying brains. He didn’t want to be disrespectful. But he would know. They had cornered him for a half hour and grilled him for as long, far more interested in his good looks and independent wealth than his intelligence and the reason for that wealth, his clever invention.

  He had looked up at me often during that encounter, a helpless and apologetic look on his face. I smiled to assure him that I understood the necessity for the attention he was giving them, rather receiving from them.

  “Nor do they have motive,” Charlie added. “At least a financial one.”

  “Big brother Mike on the other hand,” MacGregor said. “He’s a bit more complex. He does not seem to care for his younger brother at all. And their part of the family fortune is tied up together, separate from the sisters’.”

  “They divulged this to you?” Charlie asked.

  “Aye, that they did.”

  “You must be even more charming than I realized.” Charlie gently slapped MacGregor’s cheek. “So, that gives Mike the motive.” Charlie did tend to think in those terms.

  “Did either of you see them all together?” I asked.

  “Just the twins,” MacGregor said.

  I nodded toward the front door as Mike stepped outside in time to intercept his brother before he could make it safely inside. “How about the brothers?”

  “I don’t think they were ever together,” Charlie said.

  “Well, they are now,” I whispered. “Be back in a minute.”

  I stepped behind the row of pine trees that ran parallel to the path that led to the house. By the time I was close enough to hear the Green brothers’ conversation, I felt as if I’d stepped into a dark comedy. Mike Green’s expression revealed fury laced with remorse. Guilt? I had no reason to conclude that. What made the image bizarre was the manic grin on George’s face. While Mike appeared intense and desperate to have this conversation, George was patting him on the back in an attempt to placate him.

  I inched closer so I could make out their words more clearly.

  “You’re making it worse,” Mike said. “With your damned patronizing attitude. We’re talking about a helluva lot of money here. It may mean nothing to you, but it sure as hell means something to me.”

  “I’m not being patronizing . . . or nonchalant. I’m just—”

  “More confident than the situation warrants. Typical George. Never worried, never flustered, the eternal golden boy.”

  “I told you, it’s been handled. You’ve nothing to worry about.”

  “Nothing to worry about? Half of our funds have vanished and I’ve nothing to worry about.” Mike’s voice seethed with hostility. He was not going to be placated easily. “What did you do with the goddamned money?”

  “What did I do with the money?” George laughed sardonically and wisely stepped back from his brother’s wrath lest he be struck with a bolt of hostile energy. He inhaled a deep breath and released it slowly as if to calm himself. This time the smile was blatantly patronizing. “You worry too much, bro. I’ll get to the bottom of this. There’s probably just been some kind of a mix up, but I’m on it. Trust me, one way or another, the money will be returned. I don’t know why you don’t have more faith in me. I’m an attorney, remember?”

  “Maybe that’s why,” Mike grumbled. Then he looked up from the pile of dirt he’d formed with his shoe beside a rose bush. “And maybe because you’re a master bull-shitter. And don’t call me bro.”

  George frowned—or at least it appeared to be a frown, but since he’d turned so I could now only see his profile, I couldn’t be certain. “You’re too uptight, bro—Mike. It’s not as if you haven’t plenty of money without the inheritance.”

  “That’s not the point. And I’m not uptight. I have a right to know where my money is.”

  “Our money. And what, did Val put a bur under your saddle about this? Greedy little b—”

  “Watch it, George! Val is my wife.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  “What the hell’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It means what you think it means. It’s not as if you aren’t having an affair.”

  “I’m not!”

  Silence. I suspected some rising eyebrows but I couldn’t make out any.

  “You’re going to deny your affair with Mandy?”

  �
�How the hell do you know about that?”

  “Camaraderie among secretaries.”

  “Judy knows?”

  “Judy makes it her business to know.” If I wasn’t imagining it, the energy seemed to drain out of George Green’s body at that moment. “Is it still going on?”

  “No, I ended it several months ago. It was stupid and I regret it. And who are you to talk anyway? You left your wife for your goddamned secretary.”

  “Yeah, I did. That doesn’t mean you have to do the same thing. I hope you really did end it.”

  “Shit, if I didn’t know any better”—sarcasm oozed from Mike Green’s mouth—”I’d almost think you cared about me.”

  An exasperated sigh emanated from George’s body. “I do. And just so you know, I’m not always the golden boy.”

  “When have you ever not been?”

  “Things don’t always go my way. You’re the one who’s still married to the woman you love, remember?” With that George turned and walked into his den of friends and enemies.

  Interesting. I remained where I was, wishing I had a tape recorder to Mike Green’s thoughts. He stood there watching his brother, then shook his head as if in disgust. I inched slightly closer in case he muttered something under his breath. I was rewarded for my efforts.

  “It’s a little late for your brotherly love act, little brother. I’m not that stupid.” He tossed the rest of his drink into the bushes and went back inside. Charlie was right. Mike Green definitely had a motive to kill his brother. And if he hadn’t had a motive to kill Judy Green before, he certainly did now.

  I filled Charlie and MacGregor in on what I’d overhead. As far as we all were concerned, Mike Green was at the top of the suspect list.

  “There’s also George’s ex-wife Marsha,” MacGregor said. “Even if George believes she’s innocent.”

  “So do I,” I mumbled, scarcely hearing my own words.

  “I’ll put tails on all of them,” Charlie said. “Anyone outside of the family who raised suspicion?”

  MacGregor and I both shook our heads. Between us we had covered the room.

  “Good, that pretty much confirms my suspicions.” Charlie had that impish grin of his on his face.

  “You already had come to that conclusion?” I punched my father lightly in the arm.