Dancing With The Dead

by Nancy McGovern

  Viola was right, Nora thought. She and Harvey would have noticed if the attic door was open. Lucas was obviously innocent.

  Finley, however, didn’t seem to believe it. “There must be another way out. Perhaps he jumped out the window.”

  “There’s a sheer drop,” Viola said. “Stop accusing my son, Finley, or I’ll start asking some tough questions myself about where you were last night.”

  “What?!” Finley’s voice reverberated with indignation. “How can you, you of all people, doubt me?”

  “Nora asked you two simple questions, and you refused to answer them,” Viola said. “Where were you and what did you slip into your pocket when you came back?”

  “That’s it. I don’t need to listen to this stupid nonsense anymore,” Finley said. “You handle your own kids the way you like, Viola. But, mark my words, you’ll regret it. Lucas is surely mixed up in this.”

  The door swung open and Nora nearly fell down as Finley barreled out. He gave her a startled look that immediately turned into a glare.

  “I was just on my way to the room,” Nora said hurriedly, brushing past him.

  “Not so fast!” Finley caught her by the arm. His grip was gentle, but firm. “You were listening, weren’t you?”

  Nora shook her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Oh, yes, you do. I can see the contempt on your face. Well, let me tell you what I told Viola a month ago. I’m the head of business development at Giso Electronics. As a salesman, I need that car to impress clients. It’s a business investment. I’m not freeloading. I’m putting money in the right places to harvest profits.”

  “Car?” Nora pretended to look baffled.

  “The Porsche that Viola tried to guilt me about.”

  Nora suppressed a grin. After everything that had been discussed, Finley only cared about himself and about people not getting the wrong idea about his Porsche. What was worse, Finley looked like he almost believed himself that the car was a necessary purchase. “Okay,” Nora said, keeping her voice as neutral as possible.

  “I’ll tell you what I’m not doing. I’m not running home to mommy after five years of being MIA and then throwing a loud party right before a family function.” Finley was heated. “So if anyone’s at fault here, it’s him.”

  “I don’t think any of that matters right now,” Nora said, glancing at Viola’s pale face. “A man’s dead, Finley. We just need to stay calm and let the police handle things. Lucas isn’t harming anyone if he stays a few more days.”

  “That’s what you think,” Finley said meaningfully. “I think he could be downright dangerous. I don’t like his behavior one bit.”

  “Speaking of which, you never did tell me what was in your pocket last night. Or what you were doing out so late?” Nora shook her arm, freeing it from his grip.

  “You choose, Viola!” Finley exclaimed. “It’s either me or Lucas. End of story.” And once again leaving Nora’s questions unanswered, he walked away. Viola exhaled and put her hands to her temples, rubbing them in circles.

  “I’m sorry,” Nora said. “This is all so hard on you.”

  “Oh, no. I’m sorry,” Viola said. “Jacob so wanted to impress you and Harvey, and what must you think of us now? First you spend Thanksgiving cleaning up my kitchen, and now there’s a dead body in my house. I wouldn’t be surprised if you and Harvey had second thoughts about the marriage.” Viola bit her lip.

  “We understand, Viola. It’s just a crazy set of circumstances,” Nora said. “Life catches you by surprise sometimes.”

  “Thank you,” Viola said. “I just don’t want you to think we’re always this crazy.”

  “I did pick up some tension between Finley and Lucas,” Nora said. “But other than that you seem like a good, loving family.”

  “Oh, Finley and Lucas...” Viola put a hand over her eyes. “It’s such a pity. Lucas just never understood or accepted it…”

  “Have you and Finley been dating long?”

  “Dating?!” Viola shrank back. “Oh, no, no, no. You have the wrong impression. Finley’s just a dear friend, that’s all. I’m not dating him. Of course not. He’s my husband’s brother. Plus, he works under me at Giso. Of course not! I couldn’t date him.”

  “Alright,” Nora said. “It’s just that, I know it’s been many years since your husband passed away, and you and Finley seemed close...”

  “Well, Finley has no other family now. So naturally he and I… we lean on each other. He really stepped up when my husband passed away.”

  “Did Lucas always clash with him?”

  “Well, when my husband, William, was around, Lucas and Finley got on really well together. But when William died, Lucas changed. He’s always been a very sensitive boy. You’re a mother, you know that some children need to be protected more than others. My Jacob was tough right from the start, even if he was quieter and less social. But Lucas was always moody and…deep.”

  “He mentioned he’s moving back here from Seattle,” Nora said. “He also mentioned that he hasn’t been home for five years, is that right?”

  Viola nodded. “He used to work at Giso with me. That’s when he and Finley really clashed. They were both in sales and had different ideas on how to market the company. Lucas took it as a personal betrayal whenever I told him I was going with one of Finley’s ideas. Then, three years ago, my Annie died…and Lucas said he just couldn’t bear to come back. He and Annie were very close. In fact, they used to throw parties together all the time. Jacob was never like them. He was always out playing basketball with his friends or holed up in his room reading. But Lucas? Oh, Lucas and Annie were almost like twins. I’m really happy he’s finally moved back home. I knew he couldn’t stay far away forever.”

  “But Finley’s not too happy about it,” Nora said.

  “Finley thinks I’m coddling Lucas. I know I’m a bit soft on him, but he’s a good boy, really. He’s just been through so much.” Viola sighed. “I guess it’ll just take some time for him and Finley to adjust to each other.”

  Wisely, Nora refrained from giving advice. “I hope they do,” she said instead.

  “Viola dear?” Eugenie came up the stairs, a cup of coffee in her hands. “Chief Andrews said he wants to talk to you. Would you go to him?”

  “Sure. Excuse me, Nora,” Viola said.

  Eugenie watched her walk away, shaking her head. “This is terrible. All of it.”

  “Yes,” Nora agreed. “Everyone’s still in shock from finding the body.”

  “Oh, not that!” Eugenie exclaimed. “The rumors are starting. That’s what’s terrible. I know this town. They’re a vicious pack here, and the Giordano family hasn’t always made them happy.”

  “Rumors?” Nora raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

  “The same rumors that spread when William died,” Eugenie said. “The townsfolk think Viola killed him.”

  *****

  Chapter 12

  Murder With A Maybe

  Nora gaped at Eugenie. The news that Viola, of all people, should be a suspect in this death came as a huge shock to her. “Murder?” she asked. “This was an accident, surely. Bobby’s own fault. Why would you suspect otherwise? And, if it was murder, how could Viola possibly be wrapped up in it?”

  “Bobby Black was a criminal, plain and simple. He dabbled in all sorts of illegal trade. But his real specialty was blackmail.” Eugenie’s lips were pressed together. “There wasn’t a secret he couldn’t ferret out.”

  “How do you know that?” Nora asked.

  Eugenie gave her a look. “I was mayor of Greenfield for ten years, Nora. There isn’t much that goes on in town that I don’t know.”

  “But—”

  “Look, let’s just say that Giso has a lot of enemies here, a lot of people who would love to take Viola down. Of course, they’re going to spread unsavory rumors right now. Christmas has come early for these folks.” Eugenie sighed. “I’m just worried about my sister. That�
��s where you come in.”

  “Me?” Nora stared at Eugenie.

  “Yes, you.” Eugenie said. “Look, I know it’s a really big favor to ask, but could you stay on here for a few more days? Just till things get sorted. I’ve heard of your reputation, how you’ve helped solve a lot of cases in Milburn.”

  “That was just—”

  “Don’t be modest. I’ve met Milburn’s ex-sheriff more than once. He would always rave about you,” Eugenie said. “Nora, I don’t want to hire a lawyer or a PI right now. The optics just wouldn’t look good. People would be more convinced that Viola has something to hide. And, honestly, I don’t know if she does. What I’d love is just…for you to ask some questions. Just in case this wasn’t an accident.”

  “What do you mean?” Nora frowned.

  “I mean...” Eugenie hesitated. “I don’t want to name names or plant ideas in your head. Let’s just say that Bobby Black was unsavory, but that he was in this house for a reason. I’d like to know that reason before the police find out. And I’d be eternally grateful if you helped me find out. My sister’s reputation is at stake, and if Grace and Jacob ever decide to move here, then by extension, their reputation is at stake, too.”

  Nora gave Eugenie a level look. “That sounds too close to a threat for my comfort,” she said.

  “It’s not! It’s really not. I care for my nephew and I think Grace is a fine young woman. Honestly,” Eugenie said. “Come on, Nora. Do I have to beg? Please? I’ve had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach all day. Something bad is going to happen. I know it.”

  “Let’s say that I did decide to stay on,” Nora said. “Maybe until Monday...”

  “Excellent!”

  “Would you tell me everything you know about the family history?” Nora asked. “These rumors about Jacob’s father being murdered, for instance.”

  “It’s nearly been a decade now,” Eugenie said. “But people love to talk about it.”

  “What happened?”

  “It’s just one of those horrible incidents that you never think can happen to you,” Eugenie said. “William and Viola went back country hiking in Yellowstone. They’d camp out for a week, then return home feeling refreshed. They did this every year for twenty years with no problems. But this time… tragedy struck.”

  “Oh, no.”

  “They got chased by a bear,” Eugenie said. “They both scattered in opposite directions so that the bear would only get one of them. Viola says it was instinctive. She says by the time she stopped running, she had lost track of where she was. With great difficulty, she managed to trace her way back to the campsite… but William had vanished.”

  “My goodness.”

  “She took two days to find civilization and, by then, it was too late,” Eugenie said. “The rangers looked for weeks, to no avail. They finally found William’s body — he’d toppled over a cliff. But there were no signs that a bear had mauled him.”

  “Ah...”

  “It was horrible! My poor sister was so traumatized. But, of course, nobody cared about that. Back in town, tongues started wagging. People said all sorts of things! They claimed that there had never been a bear, and that Viola had pushed him over a cliff. Why? Nobody knew. But once a rumor spreads, some tiny part of a person will always believe it. You can’t know how Viola suffered. She lost so many friends. She had to endure so much gossip. It really affected her.”

  “I can imagine.”

  “That’s why she never trusts outsiders anymore. Not really,” Eugenie said. “Family is everything to her. The only person she can stand other than family is her best friend, Sophia. Sophia stood by her through everything. Loyalty matters to Viola and, after what she’s been through, I don’t blame her.”

  Nora nodded. “I see.”

  “Do you? The rumors are going to be even more vicious this time around. People are already saying that Bobby was blackmailing Viola, and that she pushed him down the stairs.”

  “The police will put that to rest, surely?” Nora asked. “Hopefully, they’ll declare that it was an accident?”

  “That’s the thing.” Eugenie hesitated. “I don’t want it to be an accident. If the case is closed as an ’accident’, the town will suspect Viola forever. Because here’s the thing — I don’t believe it’s an accident, either. Bobby was a star football player, and then he opened his own dance academy. He was not the kind of man to go tripping on his own feet and falling down a flight of stairs. No. I don’t buy it. I suspect that someone did kill Bobby. And I really need you to find out who that person was.”

  Nora frowned. “It’s one thing to suspect that someone killed Bobby,” she said. “It’s another thing to want one person to be declared the murderer. You’ve made no secret that you dislike Finley, Eugenie. I don’t think much of him, either. But that doesn’t mean...”

  “I didn’t name names,” Eugenie said, but she looked delighted. “I didn’t say a word against Finley. So how come you jumped to the same conclusion I did?”

  “What if it turns out to be Lucas?” Nora asked. “You said yourself that there might be a connection between his party and Bobby being in the house.”

  Eugenie shook her head. “Lucas? A murderer? Never!”

  “Eugenie, if you really want me asking questions, then I’m going to be asking some really tough ones,” Nora said. “And no matter how bitter the truth is, I won’t hesitate from shining a light upon it. So think twice — do you really want me to stay here?”

  Eugenie hesitated a moment then sighed and bowed her head. When she looked up again, her eyes were blazing with purpose. “Yes,” she said. “Whoever did this — they deserve to face their punishment. I couldn’t go the rest of my life suspecting, wondering, always doubtful. No. I’d much rather know — even if the truth hurts.”

  Nora nodded. “Good. I’ll do it, then. I’ll stay here.”

  “It can’t be Lucas, though,” Eugenie said. “My goodness, I’ve known him forever. He’s always been a little scamp but he’s not a bad person. I remember when he was Kaylee’s age and he made a drawing of me and Dave — he made me a lioness and Dave a rabbit. So naughty.” Eugenie shook her head. “I’m sure it’s not Lucas, Nora.”

  “History’s worst killers were loved by their parents at some point,” Nora said. “Lucas might have been a cute kid once, but he’s a grown man now. What do you really know about him? What was his business back in Seattle? Why is he home now?”

  “Well, I can answer that for you, actually,” Eugenie said. “He was trying to start his own gym in Seattle, and it failed. Plus, he had a girlfriend that broke up with him. So he came back home. Nothing suspicious.”

  “No?” Nora asked. “Bobby Black was a blackmailer. Maybe it really isn’t a coincidence that he landed up here now when Lucas returned.”

  “Maybe,” Eugenie said. “But if you’re looking for someone who was being blackmailed, I’d point you in Finley’s direction.” She tapped the side of her nose. “He hasn’t always had the most straightforward life, you know?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He’s sixty five now and he’s settled down a little but, back in the day, he liked a fast life,” Eugenie said. “Plus, he and William weren’t as close as brothers should be. They were always fighting. William was just like Jacob — responsible and hard working. He ran the company while Finley ran around accumulating debts. More than once, William had to dip into the company’s resources to rescue Finley.”

  “And Viola knows this?”

  “She does. But since William died, she’s always kept Finley around. At first, it was so that the boys had a father figure, and then… well, she doesn’t want to admit it, and she can never ever openly date him in this town, but I think she is in love with him.”

  “Eugenie, sweetheart. There you are!” Eugenie’s husband, Dave, came up the stairs, looking worried. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you.”

  “Dave? What is it?”

  “The media. I’ve be
en trying to push journalists off our lawn all morning, but it’s just not working. Do you think you could go talk to them? Give them a statement, maybe? They’re baying for blood.”

  Eugenie gave a deep sigh. “Alright. I’ll go deal with them.” She paused a moment and kissed Dave on his cheeks. “Thanks, sweetheart. I know you hate crowd control.”

  “Anything for you.” Dave kissed her back. “Don’t stress too much, okay? Things will work out. This will all die down in a day or two.”

  “I hope so,” Eugenie said, giving Nora a look. “I really hope so.”

  *****

  Chapter 13

  Macarena

  It wasn’t long after Eugenie’s talk with Nora that Viola extended Nora an invitation to stay the weekend. Nora had talked over the situation with Harvey already and they’d agreed to stay. Eugenie had persuaded the press to leave, and it was only once they had gone that Nora felt the silence in the house, like a new presence. She hadn’t realized how rattled her brain had felt with the incessant yelling of the press folks outside.

  Heading up to Grace’s room, Nora wondered whether she should tell her daughter about the rumors that were spreading around town. She decided in the end not to tell — not yet, at least. But she did want to check in on how Grace was feeling. They hadn’t gotten a chance to be alone since the body had been discovered.

  Nora paused at the door to Grace’s room, taking a deep breath. Would Grace be upset? She was usually so calm and composed, but the events of the day would have shaken anyone up. She heard a cry of “Come in!” and entered the room, prepared to see Grace morose and upset.

  Instead, Grace and Kaylee were laughing hysterically while a boom-box in the back played Macarena. Nora walked in to both of them shaking their heads in perfect sync and moving their hands to the music.

  “No. no.” Grace laughed. “It’s hands out, then over the elbows, then—” She looked up at Nora and paused the music. “Mom?”

  “Uh, Grace? I just came to see how you were doing.” Nora bit back a smile. “Looks like you’re doing fine.”