“Of course not. Whatever you’ll hear, it doesn’t mean what you thought and felt, or what you’re feeling right now, is any less valid.”
It sounded logical. It wouldn’t be easy to remember it.
“Thank you,” she said. “I really needed to hear that.”
* * * *
Ellie stood in front of the full-length mirror, tugging at her dress. She was aware of Jordan standing in the doorway, regarding her with a smile.
“What? It’s a high society party. We don’t get invited to these things all the time, so we should at least dress in style. From what I read, it’s a pretty promising project.”
She could see the surprise in Jordan’s expression. “I read up on Abigail’s competition a bit, and apparently this new mascara will be affordable, environmentally friendly, and it will make you look glamorous. It looks like some people are already bashing it, because they’re afraid she could take too big a piece of the cake.”
Jordan came up behind her and kissed her neck softly. While Ellie thought she was gorgeous in the white shirt and skinny jeans, she was not appropriately dressed for the occasion.
“What would I do without you? I know as much about these things as poor Mr. Ashcroft did.”
Ellie laughed. “Poor thing. Yes, that’s what you have me for. I give you another tip. You should get dressed now, or we’ll be late.”
“I am dressed.” Jordan sighed. “All right. I don’t think I have anything that…”
“Or should I help you?”
Ellie began to unbutton Jordan’s shirt, her fingers touching soft, warm skin, until Jordan stilled her hands.
“If you do, we’re definitely going to be late. Okay. That dress must still be in the back of the closet.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t put it in the attic,” Ellie said wryly. “Come on, this is going to be fun.”
“It’s not just for fun.”
“I know. That doesn’t mean we can’t snark afterwards about the rich and famous…Is there going to be anybody famous?”
“I have no idea. Okay. Wait for me here.”
Despite Jordan’s grumbling, Ellie thought she looked fabulous in the simple black dress and pumps. She was also aware that this was a rare occasion, because Jordan was already complaining about the two inch heels.
“I don’t know how you do it.”
“Practice makes perfect in everything.”
“Right. That’s not something I care to practice further. Are we ready?”
“What? No. Let me do your hair? I’m aware this is not just a social occasion, but the Ashcrofts don’t have to be reminded, right? If they’re comfortable, maybe that will help us.”
Jordan still looked doubtful. Apparently she had failed to consider everything this event entailed. “You know I only put up with all of this, because I love you?”
For a glorious moment, nothing else mattered, then Ellie had to remind herself that they were still on a tight timetable.
“I love you too. Now relax.”
* * * *
Mrs. Santos had taken care of the catering, but she didn’t look too happy about it. Ellie knew there was no evidence to tie her to either of the murders, but the arrest of her niece had to hit her hard. It was difficult to tell if the siblings were kind or cruel by letting her be a visible part of this event. Some of the guests were clearly talking about subjects other than mascara.
Abigail Ashcroft had set up a space in the grand entrance hall where the carpet had finally been installed on the stairs. Ellie noticed the flash of disgust in Jordan’s expression. This had been a crime scene not so long ago, now there were busy waiters handing out champagne and canapés, and well-dressed people standing around in clusters, waiting for the big event. Huge banners with a model sporting the new improved cosmetics greeted the guests. The woman in question was nowhere to be seen, but Craig Ashcroft spotted them and came over.
“Detective, I’m so glad you could make it.” His gaze went to Ellie, and a pause ensued as he obviously tried to remember where he’d seen her before.
“Officer Harding,” she said. “We met at the station.”
“Oh, that’s true. Welcome. I hope you can forget about work for a while. Abby has something amazing prepared.” He smiled at Jordan, and Ellie almost expected a wink. “If you’ll excuse me. Enjoy…and don’t forget your free samples. Abby will find you later to say hello.”
“What was that?” Ellie asked, amused, when he was out of earshot. “The last time I saw him, he wasn’t all that friendly.”
“When he brought that invitation, he apologized for wanting to sue the department, as originally planned…and he suggested we’re family. I’m not sure I agree with all of those additions to my ‘family’ lately.”
“How about this one?” Ellie said and kissed her cheek quickly.
Jordan smiled as she accepted a glass of champagne from a waiter. “This one is perfect.”
Chapter Eleven
“I know my father would be so proud if he could see this. Thank you all for sharing this special moment with me. This is for you, Dad.” Abby ended her speech in tears, earning thunderous applause from the crowd.
Craig was clapping too, standing behind to the left. The daughter was there, wearing a princess dress and a tiara, her nanny in tow.
The champagne was outrageously good, not something Jordan could afford on a regular basis. Still, she felt slightly nauseated at the show they were witnessing. On the other occasions she’d come into this house, it had been a very different atmosphere, and part of it was lingering. Gerald Ashcroft had been murdered right here. She assumed that the interest of many guests wasn’t so much in Abby’s mascara, but more of a sensationalistic nature. Her feet hurt. Ellie, on the other hand, had no problem balancing on her stiletto heels.
Her cell phone was vibrating in the purse Ellie had made her wear. Jordan found a quieter corner to take a look, suppressing a sigh when she saw whom it was from.
I’m at the hospital. I’m so sorry, but I don’t know if I can make it. If you want to see me… Jordan put the phone back into the purse.
She couldn’t get drunk at this party, but nobody could stop her once they were out of here and off-duty.
She went back to the general party area, noticing that Linwood Ashcroft was not attending his sister’s big event. Jordan thought it would be odd to discover that the two of them had something in common after all, finding it a bit problematic to launch Abigail’s business only days after her father’s funeral, in the place where he had died.
Her tears had seemed to be genuine.
“Detective Carpenter, I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”
Abigail Ashcroft shook her hand. “Craig told me you brought your partner. I’m so glad we all meet again for a happier occasion…now that the murderer is finally caught.”
“Ms. Santos hasn’t been convicted yet,” Jordan reminded her.
“But you wouldn’t arrest her if she was innocent, right? What a cunning little bitch, pardon my language. I think she weaseled her way in and got a lot of money out of my father, because he liked her aunt.” She sighed dramatically. “At least, that stops now.”
“Ellie told me you have a great product on your hands. It looks like the investment Craig made worked out.”
“Oh, yes. He has more of a vision than Dad has—had, I mean.” Abigail’s solemn moment didn’t last long. “But that’s not so much of a surprise, is it, him being gay.”
Jordan tried hard not to cringe. Being gay hardly had anything to do with that. It was odd and sad at the same time when the younger generation in a family was becoming more close-minded. With a pang of guilt, she remembered Kathryn’s message. Was she making the same mistakes?
No, you couldn’t compare years of neglect to a parent trying not to spoil their children out of their highly privileged minds. She would stop by the hospital in the morning, just to make sure she had nothing to feel guilty about.
“Linwood isn’t he
re tonight?”
Abby laughed, but it sounded bitter. “Linnie, he doesn’t have much of a vision about anything. He’s still cranky Dad didn’t just let him take over. It looks like we’ll all have to work a bit more for this money.”
“Maybe that was the vision your dad had. For all of you to work together.”
Abby smiled brightly. “I guess that one came true. Please, don’t forget your swag later.”
“Of course not.”
That got her a curious look from Abby, but she obviously decided Jordan was serious. “Great. I’ll sneak you an extra basket. Maybe you have some colleagues or girlfriends who might be interested.” She giggled. “I hope it’s okay to say that. I didn’t mean…”
“It’s all right. I appreciate your generosity.”
“You’re welcome. If only Dad was here. He could see he was wrong about so many things.”
It occurred to Jordan that even with Aleja Santos accused of murder, Abigail Ashcroft was still jealous of her.
* * * *
“We can go by the hospital later,” Ellie offered.
“I prefer not to. She might misinterpret that.”
“Don’t you want to know?”
Jordan sighed. “I want to go back to a time when she wasn’t my responsibility.”
“That’s not what it’s about. You’ll feel better.”
“I guess.”
She wasn’t completely unselfish in this either, Ellie realized. She sympathized, deeply. Jordan had every right to be suspicious of Kathryn’s motives, and yet, Ellie’s efforts came from a place where she wished her parents were still alive. There were so many things she didn’t have the chance to tell them, to share with them, but with their relationship intact, those regrets were on a different scale. She wanted Jordan to have that chance, clear things up while she still could.
Ellie was already afraid of what they could find out, with Kathryn’s many attempts to reconnect, and the sudden hospital stay. From what she knew about her, it was more than likely that she suffered health problems.
She didn’t know what the right thing was in this situation—all she knew was that they needed, deserved some peace that lasted a little longer than a couple of weeks of vacation.
Before she could think about a way to voice all of those concerns, the room was plunged into sudden darkness. Ellie instinctively reached out for Jordan, and then, there was a scream. More screams and frantic footsteps followed.
“Stay right here by the staircase,” Jordan said. “I’ll try to find a flashlight. I’m sure Mrs. Santos has one.”
Ellie reluctantly let go, holding on to the staircase. The place hadn’t seemed so crowded at first, but now that people were running in all directions in panicked moves, the room felt claustrophobic, the darkness adding a suffocating atmosphere that plunged her right back into the dark apartment where Danny Roth had held her. She had pleaded with him and was still fairly certain she could have succeeded, if it wasn’t for the company he kept. Roth had hired Josh Ward to attack her so he could play the hero, and when that didn’t work out, he took her from her apartment. Roth had his favorite delusions, Ward was simply…cruel. It was a small piece of metal, and Roth returning to the apartment that had saved her, given her an opportunity to avoid much worse.
The light came on, and she realized she was trembling. The front doors were wide open, but people had stopped running. Most of them were standing in a wide circle near one of the majestic windows, where Jordan had earlier checked her cell phone. There was a figure lying on the floor.
Abigail Ashcroft was moaning in pain, the crimson stain near the waist of her pristine white dress spreading, the knife still lying next to her.
The sight jolted her into action, and she ran over to the small group. Jordan was kneeling next to the woman, applying pressure to the wound with a towel. Without words, Ellie took over while Jordan made the necessary calls.
The guests weren’t leaving any longer, but studying the scene with fascination.
“Get back,” Jordan directed. “Mrs. Santos, is there a list of all guests? I need everyone to stay right here.”
The housekeeper nodded, regarding Abby with a frightened expression. “She’s going to make it, right?”
“Of course, don’t worry. The wound isn’t that deep. Please make sure that everyone stays right here.” Nevertheless, her hands were red with blood, the sight making Ellie shudder.
“We have to wait for backup, then we have to shake this place upside down,” Jordan muttered under her breath, only for Ellie to hear. “Whoever did this is probably still in the house.”
Ellie nodded. It was a chilling, yet likely conclusion. This night was going to be a lot longer than anyone had expected.
Chapter Twelve
Henderson and Waters arrived minutes later, with a group of uniformed officers. Libby was one of them.
“Hey there,” Jordan said. “I need someone to go to the hospital with Abigail Ashcroft, see if she remembers anything. She was pretty out of it earlier, but there might be something once she gets over the shock. Maybe someone threatened her prior to this event.”
“I’ll go,” Waters offered.
“All right. Mrs. Santos helped set up a few rooms upstairs. We’ll have to go over this with every one of these ladies and gentlemen.”
“That is unacceptable,” a man in his early forties said indignantly. “We’ll have to pay the babysitter service extra.”
Just a look at his suit told Ellie that he probably could afford infinite hours of babysitter service, and then she nearly did a double-take when she recognized him.
Jordan got up and walked over to him. “I’m sorry for the inconvenience, Mr…?”
Ouch. He didn’t seem all that fazed about Jordan’s lack of recognition, though. He all but shrank back at the sight of the blood on her hands.
“Bond,” he scoffed. “You can’t keep us here. What if that person decides to attack someone else?”
“That’s highly unlikely—”
“That’s not good enough for me! You’ll hear from my lawyer!”
“Whatever suits you, Mr. Bond. If you excuse me now. We have to talk to all the guests. The sooner we get started, the sooner you can all return home.”
He clearly wasn’t placated. Ellie wondered what possessed all these rich people to threaten to sue all the time. Was it their way of setting them and their needs apart from others’, claiming they were more important? They would have to interview all the guests, no matter whose party this was, and how much money they had.
Jordan turned to her, her expression conveying her frustration clearly. “I need to go wash my hands,” she said. “You can join the others.”
“I will, but let me get you some clothes from the car first.”
Ellie didn’t wait for an answer, but made her way through the crowd of grumbling guests outside, and to where they had parked earlier. Since they were still practically living together, but not in the same house, a lot of foresight and planning was involved. Jordan had only reluctantly agreed to the implied dress code, so she’d be happy to be done with it, especially with the blood on her dress.
She found her in one of the downstairs guest bathrooms. “Here,” she said, handing her the bag with a change of clothes.
“Thank you. Not you?” Jordan asked while she reached behind her to pull down the zipper, cursing when it got stuck. Ellie stepped in. “Just the shoes. I’m fine otherwise. No, now’s not the time to gloat.”
“Tell me about it.” Jordan breathed a sigh of relief when she had changed dress and heels for jeans, shirt and a pair of sneakers. “Let’s go find the rest of the crew.”
“Jordan, wait a second. You know that was Congressman Bond?”
“Oh crap. That’s why he looked familiar.”
“Yeah, one of those who’d love to vote yes on repealing marriage equality. Okay. I just meant we have to…”
“Please don’t say, tread carefully, okay?”
E
llie shook her head with a smile.
Derek joined them on the way down to the cellar of the Ashcroft house. Fortunately, they had Mrs. Santos to show them the utility room. Ellie guessed that someone had manipulated the breaker, so that meant…two suspects? She knew that Jordan still suspected the siblings in the Ashcroft murder, but the brothers didn’t see eye to eye either, so why would they turn on Abigail?
In any case, they could say for certain that Aleja Santos didn’t have anything to do with this. As they walked deeper into the room, the now familiar, unsettling feeling crept up on her. Dark spaces. They didn’t seem to freak Jordan out.
“Do you really think someone from the outside did this?” Derek asked.
Jordan shook her head. “This was someone who knew the place, and how long it would take to get away. I’m not sure that we’ll find prints on those breakers. They’re smarter than that.”
“I know who you are thinking of, but if it’s the breakers, someone has to have been down here while the other one attacked Abigail. If not, it took skills to set this up, more than I think either of them has.”
“Money buys you that.”
“Risky. More witnesses.”
“Money buys discretion as well, but I’d still go with the breaker theory. And at this point…I’m not sure who would want to harm her. Craig was the one who helped her get to their father’s money.”
The back and forth between Jordan and Derek was a welcome distraction for Ellie who felt that the air was getting thin.
“We’re okay down here?” she asked.
“You can go,” Henderson assured her. “Let us know if there’s anything from the guests yet.”
“Okay.” Ellie took a deep breath, prompting a concerned look from Jordan. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, just a little…it’s hot down here. I’ll see you upstairs.”
“Yeah.”
Ellie saw Jordan examine the wall around the breakers with gloved hands before she turned to go upstairs. A pained curse made her spin around, and the sight made her stomach churn. She almost fainted, even though Jordan would be the more likely candidate, with blood dripping from her hand. Again. This time, it was hers, from a cut across her palm.
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