Murder in D Minor Boxed Set

by Virginia Smith

  He glanced toward the detective, who sat behind the wheel of his car with a cell phone held to his ear. Chase’s hands tightened into fists. The hours he’d spent last year being questioned by Jenkins were still fresh in his mind. This morning had been easy compared to the investigation surrounding Kevin’s death. And Chase had never been able to make any headway in prying out information that would help him understand the real reason behind Kevin’s murder. The detective’s accusations had gnawed at Chase since the moment he’d first uttered them. And the worst part was, Jenkins had hard evidence to back up his claims, evidence Chase couldn’t ignore and couldn’t begin to explain.

  Blood tests didn’t lie. At the time of his death, Kevin had been high on heroin.

  The guy Chase had known since grade school, the one who had worked right alongside him at the candle factory, wasn’t the clean, straight-up friend he’d always appeared to be. He’d fooled everyone, including Chase.

  The car door opened. Jenkins’s head appeared over the top, his gaze locked on to Chase as though daring him to turn away. Chase stood his ground and returned the hard stare without flinching.

  “Hollister.” The man left the car door open and came around it.

  “Detective Jenkins.” Chase managed an even if guarded tone. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.”

  “You can count on seeing a lot of me until we solve this crime.” A smile flashed onto Jenkins’s face and disappeared just as quickly. “The team is still combing the area where you found the body. Judging from the tire tracks, the car was pushed down the embankment from approximately the same place as your buddy’s last year. If the killer is the same person, and I have no doubt it is—” Jenkins’s stare became hard “—we won’t find anything to identify him or her inside the car.”

  So much for Irene’s suggestion that this crime would lead to new evidence about Kevin. From the sound of things, they didn’t expect to find the killer this time, either.

  But why come all the way out here to tell him? Just to needle him?

  Chase let out a slow breath before he spoke. “What do you want from me, Detective?”

  “For the moment, information.” His eyes narrowed. “Ever hear of a man named Lancaster?”

  Chase felt pinned beneath Jenkins’s searching stare. “Lancaster?” He searched his memory. “Doesn’t ring a bell.”

  “You sure? George Walter Lancaster.”

  “No. I don’t know anybody named George.”

  “Ever hear Kevin Duncan mention someone by that name?”

  Jenkins’s stare hardened, as though he could pry a confession out of Chase. But there was nothing to confess. Whoever this Lancaster guy was, Chase didn’t know him.

  After a minute, Jenkins’s gaze fell away. “I hoped you might have heard of him. Lancaster is the dead guy you found in the park this morning. He wasn’t from around here, and there’s no indication he was in town a year ago when your buddy was killed. But he does have ties to a heroin ring up in Indianapolis.”

  “Heroin.” Nausea churned in Chase’s gut. How he hated that word.

  Jenkins nodded. “I talked to DEA up there. Seems they’d been watching him for a while. Got a couple of tips that Lancaster’s responsible for some pretty powerful stuff that’s been hitting the streets in that area. Black tar heroin, all the way from Mexico.”

  “Then why didn’t they arrest him?”

  “They never caught him with the goods. They were making progress, but he must have gotten wind that he was being watched. He disappeared a couple of weeks ago. Guess we know where he slithered off to.”

  “Slithered” was right. If there was anything Chase despised more than a drug dealer, he couldn’t think of it. “So he came down here and got tangled up with the same person who killed Kevin last year.”

  Of course he did. Druggies stuck together, didn’t they? Chase ground his foot into the gravel that covered the parking lot.

  “Apparently.” Jenkins cocked his head. “You sure you never heard of him?”

  Chase stiffened. Was the detective insinuating that he hung out in the same circles as heroin users? But in the next instant he wilted. As far as Jenkins was concerned, he did. He used to hang out with Kevin.

  He swallowed. “I’m sure.”

  His answer seemed to satisfy the detective. With a brief nod, Jenkins rounded the cruiser. “I’ll be in touch.”

  “Detective?”

  Chase stopped him with a word before he slid into the seat. The man paused in the act of bending. Chase licked suddenly dry lips.

  “Uh, if you need help with anything, I’m here. Just ask.”

  Jenkins’s eyes narrowed. “What kind of help would you be able to give me, Hollister?”

  Chase lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know. Whatever. If I can help you track down the person who killed Kevin, I will.”

  The man studied him for a long moment. Chase shifted his weight, but held Jenkins’s gaze. Finally the detective pulled his card case out of his pocket, extracted a card, and held it across the roof of the car. Chase took it.

  Jenkins spoke. “If you hear anything that might give us a lead, call me. Otherwise, stay out of our way.”

  With a hard swallow, Chase nodded. Jenkins slid into the car and shut the door. The vehicle’s tires crunched on the gravel as it backed up, turned around, and headed for the road. Chase stood, unmoving, and watched until it was out of sight. He examined the card in his hand. How much help could he be? He didn’t know anything about drugs or drug dealers, and he certainly knew no one who could commit murder. But he’d keep his ears open and feed any helpful scraps of information to the detective. It was the least he could do for Kevin.

  Detective Jenkins clutched the steering wheel as he drove toward headquarters. A long afternoon in the office lay ahead of him. A regular death resulted in a ton of paperwork—the load doubled with a violent murder. And then there were extra reports to be filed with the DEA folks, even though they hadn’t found any illegal drugs on Lancaster’s body. Still, after his conversation with Indianapolis, DEA would want to be informed.

  He turned onto the main road, and passed the sign for Hollister’s candle factory. Interesting development, Hollister offering to help, even though he obviously disliked Jenkins. Not that Jenkins blamed him. Things had gotten pretty rough between them last year, what with Hollister insisting his buddy was clean. Jenkins had finally been forced to lay out the facts, show him the labs. That had taken the wind out of his sails.

  There was something about Hollister, something Jenkins couldn’t quite put his finger on. He’d picked up on it last year, and again just now. The man was smart, no doubt about that. Something told Jenkins that Hollister was connected to this Lancaster slime. Jenkins had been a cop too long to ignore that niggling in his gut. He’d better keep an eye on Hollister.

  SIX

  Caitlin walked up the picturesque street, shopping bags swinging at her side. Hundreds of darling shops and art galleries lined the streets of Little Nashville. The sidewalks were crowded with samples of the wares for sale inside, everything from hand-carved wind chimes to intricate macramé planters overflowing with multicolored blooms. The Internet had described Nashville as an artist colony, and Caitlin could see why. This place was a craft lovers’ paradise.

  She’d checked into the hotel, dropped her stuff in the room, and then left to wander what seemed to be the town’s main street. A hand-painted sign pointed the way to Antique Alley, and that was something she definitely didn’t want to miss. Her checking account was going to take a hit during this trip, and she didn’t even care.

  But she did care about her feet. All these brick and cobbled walkways looked charming, but they were rough on the feet. She had slipped on a pair of sandals, but tomorrow she’d opt for her comfy, worn sneakers. Jazzy would be horrified at the breach of fashion etiquette, but Jazzy wasn’t here, was she? Caitlin put more stock in comfort than show.

  Of course, she’d take extra care with her
appearance tonight. It wouldn’t do to look shabby when Chase picked her up for church.

  She came to a halt on the sidewalk at the traitorous turn her thoughts had taken. Tonight is not a date.

  So why then, had she mentally planned to wear the most flattering outfit she’d brought with her? She set her jaw. She would not violate the dateless year. Tonight was nothing more than a visit to church with a friendly stranger. And to prove it, she’d wear the orange sweater Jazzy said clashed with her blonde hair and made her look like a giant candy corn.

  Besides, what was that policeman doing at the candle factory? Chase hadn’t seemed at all surprised to see him. In fact, Caitlin had the definite impression that he’d expected the visit. Maybe there was a perfectly good explanation, but coming so soon after Mrs. Hollister’s mention of a body, the sight of that police car raised a few red flags in Caitlin’s mind. If she was going to be tempted to bend in her resolve, it wouldn’t be because of someone who was even remotely involved with dead bodies and police officials. Even if her skin did tingle at his touch.

  Her determination firm, she continued down the sidewalk. Up ahead she spied a shop sign that sounded familiar. The Candle Corner. That was the place that sold those horrible-smelling candles Chase’s company made. Since she was right here, she might as well check it out.

  A bell at the top of the door chimed as she pushed her way in. This place was far more crowded than the shop at Good Things In Wax. More than just candles filled these shelves. Shiny brass stands, colorful ceramic shades and trays, decorative metal holders, even lanterns—this shop sold anything remotely associated with candles, it seemed. There was a wide selection of candles from Good Things In Wax, and not just Forbidden Fantasy, she was glad to note.

  Caitlin wandered down the first narrow aisle, holding her bags carefully so they didn’t knock into anything. Behind her, the bell chimed again as another customer came inside.

  The young woman behind the sales counter, who had not spoken to Caitlin, perked up when she caught sight of the new customer. “Oh, hello, Mrs. Graham. Mr. Graham’s in the back receiving a delivery from one of the suppliers. Do you want me to tell him you’re here?”

  “That’s okay, Laura. We’re not in a hurry.”

  Caitlin glanced toward the dark-haired woman. She must be the boss’s wife. And the girl beside her was probably their daughter.

  “Mom, I’ve got to get home.” The girl’s tone was anxious, her brow furrowed with worry. “The concert’s tomorrow night. I’ve got to practice.”

  Caitlin’s ears perked up. She understood all about preperformance jitters and wanting to get in as much practice time as possible.

  She picked up a ceramic candle shade and looked at the sticker. Then she quickly put it back down. This store was a little too pricey for her tastes. She headed toward the rack of candles from Chase’s company.

  “Don’t worry, Nicky. You’ve got all night to practice.” The woman’s voice drew nearer as she made her way down the aisle next to Caitlin. “Look at these tea lights. They must be new.”

  “They are,” said the sales clerk. “They just arrived last week.”

  “Nicky, wouldn’t they look adorable in your room?”

  “I guess.” Judging from Nicky’s sulky voice, she wasn’t in the mood for decorating.

  Caitlin half listened as she scanned the shelves. There. Forbidden Fantasy was easy to pick out. It was by far the darkest candle here. She picked it up. This jar was smaller than the one Chase had given her. On impulse, she twisted off the lid. Surely it wasn’t as bad as she remembered.

  One whiff set her coughing and sputtering. As she clamped the lid back down on the jar, a low laugh sounded beside her.

  “Not fond of that one?”

  Caitlin tried to put on an apologetic expression as she faced the store owner’s wife. “I’m sorry. I know it’s a special fragrance for this store.”

  The woman raised her hands, palms toward Caitlin. “Hey, don’t apologize to me. I think it’s awful myself.”

  Caitlin nodded her agreement. “I’m afraid I agree. Do people really buy it?”

  The woman gave a short laugh. “A lot of them, apparently. My husband says he thinks it’s mostly people who smoke or have a bunch of animals in their houses. Apparently it kills other strong smells.”

  “I believe it.”

  The girl hovered behind her mother, an anxious frown tugging at her mouth. She looked about twelve or so, long-legged and rail thin with straight dark hair tucked behind her ears.

  Caitlin smiled at her. “I couldn’t help overhearing earlier. You’re playing in a concert tomorrow?”

  A quick, dark-eyed glance in Caitlin’s direction, and then the girl gave a shy nod and half turned away.

  Her mother’s face lit with pride. “It’s the school band’s last concert of the year, and the first chair has come down with the flu. Nicole just got a big solo, her first.”

  “That’s wonderful.” Caitlin addressed the girl. “What instrument do you play?”

  “Flute,” came the mumbled reply.

  “Really?” Caitlin didn’t bother to filter the delight out of her tone. “I play the flute, too.”

  That brought the girl’s gaze back to her. “You do?”

  Caitlin nodded. “I’m in town because I’m playing in a wedding this weekend. I’m a flute teacher. I teach flute and piccolo back home in Kentucky.”

  Nicky’s eyes widened to twice their normal size. “Do you think you could give me a lesson?”

  “Nicky! Don’t be rude.” The girl’s mother scolded her with a stern look. “I’m sure she doesn’t have time to give you a lesson.”

  “But it would only take a few minutes.” Nicky turned a pleading glance toward Caitlin. “I’m not very good, and I just know I’m going to blow the whole thing.”

  In the face of Nicky’s worried expression, Caitlin hated to turn her down. Many of her students were that age, so full of middle-school angst that a solo they weren’t prepared for could feel like the end of the world. And now that she thought about it, giving a lesson to an anxious girl might be the perfect excuse to cancel with Chase.

  No, she’d feel like a heel. Mrs. Hollister would be beside herself. Caitlin had said she’d go, and she would. Besides, she really was looking forward to an evening of gospel music.

  Caitlin was saved from answering Nicky’s plea by the appearance of a man through a doorway in the corner. Irritation clipped his words short as he spoke to the clerk. “Laura, do you have any idea where I left my glasses?” His irritated expression deepened when he caught sight of Nicky’s mom. “Janie, what are you doing here? I’m working.”

  Now it was Janie’s turn to look worried. She flashed a quick, almost embarrassed smile in Caitlin’s direction and then placed a hand on her husband’s arm. “We came to tell you some good news, Ed. Nicky has a solo in tomorrow night’s concert. Isn’t that great?”

  Ed’s gaze flickered toward his daughter for an instant before he asked impatiently, “What concert?”

  “The band concert at school.” Janie’s voice lowered. “You remember. It’s the last one of the year.”

  “Oh, yeah. Right.” He put a hand on top of Nicky’s head and gave it a quick rub. “That’s great, sweetheart. Congratulations.” He glanced toward the door he’d just come through, then spoke to his wife. “I might not be able to make it, though. Be sure to take the camcorder, okay?”

  Nicky looked at the floor, the corners of her lips twitching downward. Caitlin’s heart twisted in sympathy. Her arms itched to comfort the girl with a hug. Or her mother, who looked just as stricken as Nicky.

  “You’ll try though, won’t you, Ed?”

  “Yeah, sure. Of course I will.” He seemed to register Caitlin’s presence at that moment. A wide smile transformed his features as he gestured toward the candle in her hands. “Are you finding everything okay?”

  It was all Caitlin could do to reply pleasantly, when she’d much rather march him
into the back room and give him a good talking to about paying an appropriate amount of attention to his sensitive preteen daughter. “I am. Thank you.”

  “Good, good. If you need anything, Laura will be happy to help you.”

  As though on command, the sales clerk appeared at his side holding a pair of reading glasses. “You left them up front.”

  “Thanks.” He took them and gave Nicky’s head a final rub. “I gotta get back to work. I’m having an inventory problem with one of the suppliers.”

  As he disappeared through the doorway into the back, Caitlin made a snap decision. She glanced at her watch. “I’ve got about half an hour. Just enough time for a lesson.”

  The girl lifted her head, hope flooding her face. “Really?”

  Janie’s look was full of gratitude. “Our house is just around the corner. You can follow us over, or I’ll take you back to your car when you’re through, if you prefer.”

  “Since I’m parked all the way down at the other end of town, that’ll be faster.”

  “Then let’s go!” Nicky headed toward the door at a jog, anxious not to waste any more lesson time.

  Caitlin started to follow, and Janie stopped her with a hand on her arm. “Thank you.”

  Any regret Caitlin might have had about her impromptu decision fled at the sight of grateful tears in Janie’s eyes. Without a doubt, this was an opportunity from the Lord’s hand. The small act of kindness she could show this woman and her daughter was worth the minor interruption of her shopping spree. Given the glimpse she’d just had of Ed, they weren’t accustomed to kindness.

  She squeezed the woman’s warm hand. “I’m happy to do it. Really.”

  She might have to forgo a shower before Chase arrived to pick her up, but she wasn’t going to dress up for him, anyway. Right? Right.