David turned back. “Thanks, buddy. Now make sure you’re buckled up.”
“Okay,” my son said cheerfully, unlike the usual grumble I received whenever I voiced the same caveat.
David caught my eye. “What do you think?”
“I agree with Zach. Wow.”
“I decided it was time to get something with enough power to make it up the mountain.”
He started the car and eased forward onto the road.
“Just don’t be one of those overconfident four-wheel-drive people who spin out at the bottom of the mountain.”
“Duly noted,” he said. “Where do you recommend I spin out?”
I laughed and Zach said, “You’re funny.”
I looked out over the side of the car into the valley below. The view was amazing. A light mist emanated off the leafless trees. Snow covered everything, and wood smoke rose vertically out of a few chimneys here and there.
“You’re quiet,” David said.
“Just enjoying the view.”
“One of the reasons I like this place so much. That and the snow. Do you ski?”
“Not very well, but I do enjoy it.”
“We’ll have to go to Snow Haven one of these days.” He raised his voice. “Would Zach like to learn to ski?”
Zach conveyed his approval of that idea.
I laughed again. “Maybe one time. It’s expensive.”
“Did I forget to mention it would be my treat?” He flicked a glance and a smile at me before looking back at the road.
Another Pandora’s box moment. Scared, I lifted the lid a little higher, and my heart began actually racing. Go figure. “Thank you. I’d like that.”
He slowed down before reaching the treacherous spot at the bottom of the mountain, took the curve, and headed toward the street light on Main Street. “No spinning out, you’ll notice.”
“Very good.”
He chuckled as he turned onto Main.
Three blocks later, he pulled up in front of Pets and Vets and turned off his engine.
“I think you wasted a shameful amount of gas on that short drive, Mr. Liberal,” I teased.
“I’ll be passing around the hat later.”
Inside Pets and Vets, I tossed a casual wave at the owner, Petey Sanchez. Frank Martin was inside talking to him. I went to school with Frank’s daughter, who was a year younger than I. “How is Holly’s new baby?” I asked.
“He’s growing like a weed.” He nodded toward Zach. “Like your boy. Looks just like his father.”
“He does.”
Frank said, “Good to see you, Vicki. I’ll see you around, Petey.” Pulling on his coat, he began heading outside.
Petey turned to me. “What are you looking for today? Back for puppies? Or grown dogs?”
“Grown dogs, please,” I said, wanting to limit the choices before he showed us some of those cute puppies in the back again.
“Well, let me check the list.” He kept a list under his counter of everyone in town who had animals for adoption, and if someone else wanted them, Petey got a small commission on the deal.
Zach and David went directly to—where else?—the pen of frolicking puppies of all sizes. I wandered down the aisle of fish tanks, and checked out the large parrot in a cool, wrought iron cage close to the front door. Through the cage bars, I saw my brother, Paul, in uniform and DeWayne in street clothes, hauling some young, punky-looking kid, in his late teens or early twenties, from the café into the squad car.
Wow. That was some action for sleepy, little Silver City.
Once the kid was secured in the back seat, Paul got into the car and waved at DeWayne.
Wasn’t that life for you? Liz went off to search for DeWayne, and here I’d found him. He was more dressed up than I’d seen him in years. Dockers, a shirt and tie, and a jacket. Where was he headed, anyway? Not to work. He must have just coincidentally been at the café when Paul needed a hand.
I wondered what the kid did. Was he somehow involved in Gene’s murder? Could he be the kid the nosy, old lady saw at Gene’s? Or did he simply cause a problem in the Moose Muffin Café? I was so distracted by DeWayne’s absence that I wasn’t focusing on the murder as much as I should have. It was time to refocus.
DeWayne stood and watched him leave. Then I saw him turn his head and smile. I followed his gaze to see Crystal coming out of the café. She was also dressed up. In an actual dress, low on the top and high on the bottom. DeWayne reached out his hand and she took it, beaming up at him in adoration.
Uh-oh. That wasn’t good. DeWayne was on the rebound. My sister broke his heart and this woman was waiting in the wings with the emotional Band-Aid and ointment.
Crystal was still beaming up into his face, and he smiled down at her. He was never open to Crystal’s advances before, at least not when I was around. But he seemed to be now. He was well aware of her intentions, yet seemed to be encouraging her.
They passed the door of Pets and Vets and headed down the street as Lonny Singer passed them on the other side. Lonny caught sight of me, crossed the street, and pushed open the door. “Hi, Vicki. Is today Zach’s lucky day? Is he getting his dog?”
Petey answered him. “Got two dogs on my list is all. Both older dogs. Probably too old for what you’re looking for. You want one that will still romp and play with your boy.”
Lonny nodded his head. “He’s right, Vicki.”
“We’ll keep looking,” I said. “The perfect dog is out there. I just know it.”
David called out, “Are you sure it’s not inside?”
Lonny frowned at the sound of David’s voice. “What’s he doing here?”
“He’s helping Zach pick out a dog.”
Zach came running over. “Hi, Lonny. Guess what? I’m getting a dog! And I’m going on the father-son winter campout with David! Isn’t that great?”
“It is.” Lonny bristled. “I know what would be even greater: wouldn’t it be cool if the three of us went? I love campouts, too.”
“Yeah, wow. That would be really great, wouldn’t it, Mom? Wouldn’t it, David?”
It was David’s turn to frown. “Sure, that would be great. Except, I only have a two-man tent.”
“Oh, that’s fine,” Lonny said. “I have a big tent. Sleeps six. I’ll bring mine and we can all three sleep in it together.”
It was apparently a guy thing caused by testosterone overload. “Sounds like you guys will have a blast.”
I was the first one out the door, trying not to laugh. As I stepped out, we were on the far side of Gene’s office, with the Moose Muffin Café on the other side.
Leaving Gene’s office, I saw Gene’s brother, Jeff, and his former partner, Lamont. They had their backs to us.
Jeff said, “I’ll see you again next week. I’ll bring the papers.”
Lamont nodded as he stepped back inside Gene’s office.
“Wait a minute,” I whispered as David and Lonny joined me. Didn’t Jeff say he didn’t have any business dealings with his cousin? So what was going on between them?
Why were they meeting today? And why would they need to meet again next week? With papers?
I turned to the testosterone patrol. “Watch Zach for a moment, will you? I have some questions I need to ask.”
David shrugged. “What if I take the kids to get a milkshake at the café?”
Lonny bristled. “I am not a kid.”
“Can you two behave that long?” I asked.
Lonny shot a killing glare at David. “I can if you can, Grandpa.”
~ ~ ~
“Jeff, wait up,” I called out as I increased my pace to catch up to him.
Gene’s brother turned. When he recognized me, his posture stiffened, but he put out a hand to shake mine. “What can I do for you?”
His grasp was firm and hard. Harder than necessary. I resisted shaking it out after he released it. “I couldn’t help seeing you speaking with Lamont Williams.” I put a question into my voice. I didn’t
want to come right out and accuse him of lying.
He crossed his arms. “Of course I know him. We’re cousins.”
I decided to take another tack. “I do understand that, but I thought you said you didn’t have any business dealings with him.”
“I don’t.”
I tried again. “Do you have any idea what happened to your brother?”
“Your sister.” He planted his feet wide and crossed his arms. “That’s what happened.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean I think she stood to gain the most by having him dead. She’d have gotten very little in a divorce, what with Gene’s iron-clad pre-nup agreement in place. With him dead, however, it’s all hers, isn’t it?”
“My sister did not murder your brother. Besides, I’m learning there’s much more to it than that. I discovered there were a lot of people who wanted your brother dead.”
“That, I can believe. I’m starting to hear that he stole from everyone.” He paused and looked down the street, nostrils flaring, as he ground out his next words. “Including his own mother.”
He didn’t seem to realize that he’d just provided the motivation for why he would have wanted to do Gene in.
“I’ve been looking into my mother’s trust. It appears my brother dipped into the fund more than once.” He glared at me as if it were my fault. “And all because of your sister.”
“What?” I asked. He caught me by surprise. Jeff was looking guiltier by the minute. Why would he even bring this up? He was obviously angrier than I originally estimated. That also didn’t look good for him.
“He siphoned the money off into his own personal accounts.” His voice grew louder. “He did it to pay for your expensive sister’s lifestyle. You might wonder if your sister is as innocent as she’d like you to believe. I guess Gene didn’t realize she’d go so far as to kill her own husband. Your sister is a very wealthy woman now.”
I bristled. “My sister is innocent. I’m beginning to wonder about you, though. You seem pretty angry at your brother.”
Here I was defending Liz again. But just for a second, I wondered if Jeff could be right. Could Liz have done Gene in during a moment of passion? Ordinary people were capable of doing unspeakable acts in the heat of passion, which they would think back on for the next twenty years in prison, and wonder how it ever happened, how they could have been capable of executing such an unthinkable crime.
A shiver worked its way up my spine. Surely not. I knew my sister, and she was undeniably incapable of killing another human being. I knew it. But Jeff made me realize that, despite my belief in her innocence, there existed the smallest possibility in my mind, the barest chance of her lashing out in the heat of anger.
I really didn’t like to consider that tiny possibility. It made me more determined than ever to find out who had killed Gene, so I could prove—if only to myself—that Liz was innocent.
Jeff smirked. “Hope you don’t both go to jail again.”
Word certainly got around in a small town, especially this small town.
“Thanks.” Jerk.
He doffed an imaginary hat and walked toward his car.
Another shiver worked its way up my spine as I watched him drive away. If he were having so many money problems, why was he driving a brand new sports car? Living beyond his means?
Jeff was beginning to look increasingly guilty.
Unfortunately, so was my sister.
Chapter Thirteen
AS JEFF EKLUND GUNNED HIS sports car down Main Street—a dangerous move with the dusting of snow everywhere—a silver Lexus pulled into his parking stall in front of the Moose Muffin Café.
Liz.
I wondered if she saw DeWayne with Crystal. I hoped not. If she hadn’t, I certainly would not be the one to tell her. Ever. Nope. Those words would not pass my lips.
I glanced toward the pet shop to see David and Lonny watching me from inside. David raised an eyebrow. I shook my head and put up a hand to let them know I needed a few more minutes. I just hoped they didn’t buy Zach a puppy while I wasn’t there to supervise the three of them. Boys will be boys came to mind.
Frowning, Liz climbed out, locking her car and hiking her purse strap over her shoulder. She took three steps, and saw me.
“Did you find DeWayne?” I asked, dreading her answer.
“No.” She shook her head. “Why is he hiding from me? This is just so weird.”
I wavered for a moment. Should I tell her I saw DeWayne without mentioning Crystal? No. I couldn’t, because then she’d wonder why I didn’t run out and grab him and call her. I switched to a safer subject. “I just saw Jeff Eklund.”
Her expression sharpened. “Really? Where?”
“I came out of the pet store just in time to see him talking with Lamont, and heard him say they’d talk next week. And Jeff said he’d bring papers.”
“That’s interesting. They both said they didn’t have dealings with the other.”
“I know. Which is why I wanted to talk to Jeff. But I wasn’t able to learn the reason for their meeting.” I told her what I did learn. About Gene stealing from his mother’s trust fund, which Lamont already told us when we met with him. About Jeff’s vindictive accusations against Liz.
“I’m innocent,” Liz said. “But people are always saying it’s the spouse.”
“People will know that’s ridiculous.” I hoped.
“I just can’t believe Gene would steal from his mother,” Liz said, tugging at her emerald green scarf. “But what do I know? I only lived with the man.”
“What now?” I asked. “Where are you going to look for DeWayne next?”
“I’m taking a break.” She motioned toward Gene’s real estate office. “Lamont said he had some more papers for me to sign. Come in with me.”
“All right.” I pulled out my phone and texted both David and Lonny, thanking them and letting them know where I’d be, as I followed her inside.
The same perky, young blonde sat behind the desk—the woman who’d replaced Norma. I didn’t remember her name until I saw the little name bar: Kylee Thompson.
She smiled cautiously at Liz. “Hello, Ms. Eklund, Ms. Butler.”
“Hi, Kylee,” Liz said, her tone cool. “Mr. Williams had some papers for me to sign. Is he in?”
The young woman shook her head. “He should be back soon from showing a property, but he left the papers here with me.” She fumbled through a stack and held out a manila folder.
“Thanks.” My sister took it and flipped through the pages quickly. “I’ll study these and bring them back.” Of course, my lawyer sister would never sign anything without reading it carefully.
Kylee looked uncomfortable. “I don’t think they’re supposed to leave the office.”
Liz smiled at the young woman. “I’m an attorney and half-owner of this business. I’ll take very good care of them.”
“Oh. All right.” Kylee backed down, leaning back in her chair. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“Yes,” Liz said. “Do you know of any reason why someone could have murdered my husband?”
I didn’t expect that question. Apparently, Kylee didn’t either, for she sputtered, “What do you mean?”
“I mean my husband was murdered. You work in my husband’s office. So I’m wondering if you saw anything, something strange in any transaction, got any strange phone calls, any kinds of clues at all.”
She didn’t call Kylee clueless, but she issued the challenge nonetheless.
The girl put her hands in her lap. “Well, there was one strange thing I noticed.”
Liz’s gaze sharpened. “Share with us, please.”
The receptionist leaned forward and confided, “Mr. Eklund got a collection call from a casino a couple of months ago.”
Liz tipped her head, looking surprised. “A casino?”
Kylee nodded helpfully. “A big Las Vegas casino.”
Liz frowned. “Why?”
“Well,” Kylee looked at Liz and paused, until Liz motioned her to continue. “I wasn’t here, but apparently, Norma said Mr. Eklund had a gambling problem that no one knew about.”
Liz stared at the girl, her lips narrowed.
The girl nibbled on her cheek before offering, “I’ve heard that lots of gamblers get hooked after they win big once. They try to recreate the win, but never do.”
I read that somewhere, too. I looked at Liz, who shook her head. “Gene never won big at a casino. He went down occasionally, but he was always careful to only take a couple of hundred dollars with him to play with and once he lost that, he’d stop.”
She continued looking into my eyes and I saw doubt. He could have won big and she might not have known. And maybe he didn’t stop after losing the pre-set amount of money.
Trying to hide a gambling problem made it more plausible that Gene might have actually taken money from his mother’s trust account.
But could knowing that help us figure out who killed him?
I heard casinos were run by the mob. Did that mean Gene was killed by a wise guy? And, if he was, how could we ever possibly find out?
If my speculations were accurate, this would make our informal investigation a lot harder. Like nigh unto impossible.
I shook it off. I couldn’t give up hope now. My sister’s freedom might be at stake. No matter how hard it was, we had to keep investigating, asking questions, and thinking things through.
~ ~ ~
Tuesday, November 15
The next afternoon, Liz arrived home from work early because she didn’t have any court appearances, only a headache. After taking a couple of aspirin, she sat on a stool at my kitchen counter and watched me put together a chef salad for dinner. Finally, she sighed. “That looks really good.”
“Thanks.” I smiled. I rarely got compliments when I cooked anything other than breakfast. “There’s soup in the slow cooker, too, because it’s so chilly outside.”
My only guests until Thursday’s scheduled check ins—the two couples vacationing together from Germany—were at the ski slopes today and wouldn’t be back until late, so I had an extraordinary day with no one but family at the Inn.
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