“That’s exactly what everyone needs.” Irma turned towards the door and Ramona placed her hand on her shoulder. “Was there something else?” she asked.
“I appreciate you calling me about the files. Also, I apologize for my rude behavior and attitude I've given you.”
Irma grinned and readjusted her glasses on her nose. “I’ve worked here a long time. I knew your daddy and I know how tough it must have been on you to lose him and now Lisa’s gone. It’s too much for a gal your age to bear. I never paid it any mind when you were snippy with me. Don’t worry your head over it.”
Ramona returned her warm smile and watch her walk out the door. “Are you ready to get out of here?” she asked Nick.
“Where to now?”
“The police station.”
◆◆◆
“May I help you?” asked the female desk Sergeant as Ramona and Nick approached the counter.
“Yes. I need to speak with Detective Yancey, he’s working the Melissa Pennington’s case.”
“And you are?”
“I’m Ramona Vasquez. Ms. Pennington’s niece.”
“Have a seat,” she said pointing to a row of worn faux leather black chairs. Ramona chose the chair with the fewest rips and stains on it. Nick stood beside her with his back against the wall.
“Thank you for all your help today. I know you’re taking time away from your business.”
“It's no big deal,” he said. “I have to meet with a contractor in the morning, but I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone. So, maybe you can accompany me to my meeting and we can have breakfast together beforehand.”
“I’ll be okay. I can take care of myself.”
“I’m being overprotective because I don’t want you out of my sight.”
“Miss Vasquez, what can I do for you?” Detective Yancey appeared from behind a set of double doors.
“I have a recording of Xavier incriminating himself.”
“You do?” he asked, in a doubtful tone. “Why don’t you follow me to my office.”
Ramona grabbed Nick’s hand.
“Alone, if you don’t mind,” said the detective.
“I do mind. I would like my friend to join me.”
“Very well.” The couple followed Detective Yancey down a long corridor to his office. It was hot and dingy with boxes of papers everywhere. It was barely enough room for one person, let alone three. The detective squeezed his way behind his desk and Ramona sat in a green chair next to it. That left Nick standing next to Ramona, but he didn’t seem to mind.
“What’s this about a recording?”
“I spoke with Xavier and he alluded to knowing Lisa died in the bedroom. How would he know that if he wasn’t guilty?”
Detective Yancey appeared disinterested by the revelation. Ramona expected him to be eager to hear the recording. Instead, he kept his head down as he tapped on the keyboard of his relic computer. “We spoke with Mr. Powers last night and he has an air-tight alibi.”
“You already questioned him? He never said a word about it. Matter of fact, he acted as if that was first he heard of Lisa’s death.”
“He has an alibi,” he said, reaching for his notepad. “Therefore, he’s not a suspect.”
“But, I have him threatening me. He said ‘I’ll pay just like Lisa.’”
“It doesn’t matter. He’s not suspect.”
Ramona looked at Nick in disbelief. “So, who do you consider a suspect?” she asked.
“I have a few questions for you. Where were you between the hours of seven and eight?”
“I told you I was with Nick.”
“Can anyone else besides him vouch for you?”
“No!”
“I have security cameras,” said Nick. “It will show when we arrived and left.”
The detective silently nodded his head and scribbled on his pad. “Your aunt was a wealthy woman.”
“And?”
“With her out of the way…”
“I never cared about her money! Besides, I have a trust my father left me.” Ramona turned to Nick. “This is why I don’t trust the police.”
“With all due respect, Detective,” began Nick, “Ramona has no motive to kill her aunt.”
“She has more than that Xavier fellow.”
“Are you serious?! You’re not interested in finding the real killer. You want to pin this on me.”
“Let’s go, Ramona. Don’t say another word until we get you an attorney.”
The Detective sat back in his chair with a grin so wide on his face like he was proud of himself.
“If you won’t do your job, then I’ll do it for you! I’ll prove that Xavier killed Lisa and then I’ll have you fired for incompetence.”
“Are threatening an officer, Miss Vasquez?”
“No. I’m stating the obvious. You would rather have me as the guilty party instead of finding the truth.”
“Let’s go,” said Nick pulling on Ramona’s arm. “Not another word.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The following week was one of the hardest in recent memory. That Monday the coroner’s office had contacted Ramona because Lisa’s body was ready for release to the funeral home. According to the coroner’s report, she had died from asphyxiation. Strangulation to be exact. She contacted Dave Lockhart to inquire if Lisa had a burial request. He confirmed that she did and they should meet to discuss it. Not only did he offer to assist with the funeral, but as an attorney, he could advise on any legal issues that may arise.
Two days later, Ramona met Dave at the funeral home where he had given her a copy of Lisa’s final wishes. Evidently, her aunt had the foresight to put in writing to have her body cremated and her ashes scattered in the Atlantic Ocean in Hilton Head, South Carolina. That’s where she and her brother visited every summer when they were kids.
By the end of the week, Ramona organized a small service for only close friends and associates so everyone could view her body, pay their respects, and say their goodbyes. Throughout the service, Ramona tried her hardest to remain strong and maintain her composure. Everyone around her was beside themselves in tears and she was right there consoling them. At the last minute, she felt compelled to speak a few words about her aunt’s kindness and spirit. She wanted to share with everyone that when she was at the lowest point in her life. Her aunt, Melissa Pennington, was her champion. She helped her pick up the pieces and reconstruct her life. Ramona wanted everyone to know her aunt had taught her the true meaning of family and what it meant to love unconditionally. But, when she stood before the grieving faces in attendance she couldn’t utter a word. Her body had become weak and unsteady like a gulf of roaring waters had swept her off her feet. She had fallen where she stood which caused Nick and Dave to rush to her side and usher her out. Overwhelmed was an understatement. The death of Lisa had brought up the guilt she still carried for her father. She never had the chance to say goodbye or tell them what they meant to her. Impossible for the heart to bare.
The funeral home cremated Lisa’s body soon after the service and seven days later Ramona picked up her ashes. Afterward, Dave had chartered a private jet for her and Nick to fly to South Carolina. That night Lisa’s ashes drifted away in the ocean waves of the Atlantic.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“Detective Yancey has officially taken my name off his suspect list. Thanks to your attorney,” said Ramona, hanging up her phone. She has been at Nick’s since they return from South Carolina. It’s still too painful for her to return home.
“Have you seen my gray tie? It was on the bed just a moment ago,” he asked.
Ramona leaned over the side of the bed and retrieved the silk tie off the floor. It had fallen over when he grabbed his pants. “Thanks. So, who’s on his radar now?”
“Don’t know but you know who’s on mines. Does your investigator have any leads?”
“I had planned to tell you this later. He spoke with Xavier’s ex-wife and according to him she has a sto
ry to tell.”
“Really? Xavier mentioned her when we first met. They married, outgrew each other, and divorced. Afterward, she moved to New York with his son.”
“Her story differs greatly from his. I set up a video conference call with her at the investigator’s office in two days.”
“Two days? I don’t know if I can wait that long.”
“She’s busy and we don’t want to push if she’s helping us. Besides, I have work that’s behind and back-to-back meetings all day. Will you be okay alone?”
“Of course. I haven’t heard from Xavier since the day we confronted him. That was weeks ago, I doubt if he contacts me now.”
“I have to go.” Nick placed a kiss on Ramona’s forehead. “If you go anywhere, text me. I’ll call you later.”
A sudden sadness overcame Ramona mainly because she and Nick would be apart for a considerable amount of hours. Since they’ve reconciled they’ve spent their time together, and she's gotten used to him being around. Although he has returned to work, she hadn’t stepped foot into the office in over a month. She can't bear to spend a full day there yet. In the meantime, she'll continue to stay in touch with the staff through calls and emails.
Ramona fell backward on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Her mind scattered between random thoughts of the past week’s events. The ringing of her phone interrupted her thoughts. It was Amber. “Hi, Amber,” she said when she answered.
“Hey, how are you? We haven’t spoken since the day we ran into each other.”
“I know. So much has happened since then.”
“Would you like to meet to talk about it?”
Ramona thought a minute before answering. Speaking with an old friend about the mess in her life might be exactly what she needed. Someone with an unbiased viewpoint who knows none of the players involved. “Sure, maybe later this week. I’ll text you and we’ll take it from there.”
“Sounds great. I’ll wait to hear from you.”
After hanging up with Amber, Ramona pondered on what to do next. She pulled herself up off of the bed and peered out the bedroom window overlooking the pool. The sun’s reflection on the clear blue water was inviting. She changed into a white two-piece swimsuit she had packed in the event, she and Nick wanted to take a midnight dip. Outside, she relaxed on of the plush tan loungers along the pool. She rubbed SPF 50 all over her exposed skin. It was the beginning of September and still hot as hell. Perfect weather for a quick swim. Ramona stood at the edge and took a deep breath before plunging into the warm water. She swam a lap from one end to the other. Next, she grasped the wall of the pool, lifted her legs into a flutter kick exercise. She had read somewhere it’s good for the core. After her fifth kick, she lifted her head to take a breath, that’s when she noticed movement to her right from the corner of her eye. She turned her head and saw Kelsey approaching with a white towel in hand. Although when they last saw each other it was unpleasant, they had since gotten past it. “I think you’ll need this,” she said, holding out the towel.
“Thanks,” said Ramona, squinting due to sun blaring in her eyes. She bolstered herself out of the pool and wiped the excess water from her body. “I thought you were coming later?”
“I was, but I left work early.”
“Was there a problem? Anything I should know?” asked Ramona.
“No. Everyone is sad, and it’s hard to work. Especially with no leadership. Some of us are wondering if you'll shut the doors.”
“No! I 'll never do that. Give me a sec to change my clothes. I’ll make us lunch and I can tell you my plans.”
Ramona ran upstairs and changed into a pair of white denim ripped shorts and a pink tank top. She returned downstairs and made a quick lunch for two. Tuna wrapped in romaine lettuce and lemon ice tea. The two women ate their lunch in the great room. It had a seventy-five-inch flat screen television mounted on the wall and a white leather sectional. Ramona turned the channel to a movie on the horror network. It was mainly on for background noise. “This is delicious,” said Kelsey taking a bite of her tuna wrap.
“The secret is the Dijon mustard. Three tablespoons are enough to give it that extra kick.”
“So, how’s living here with the love of your life?”
Ramona smiled. “I never referred to him that way.”
“You sort of did.”
“Everything is going well, considering…”
“I know. It still feels off not seeing her every day. What has the police said? Last time we talked you said they thought you were involved, which is insane.”
“Well, as of four hours ago I am no longer a suspect. What’s worst is neither is Xavier.”
“What a wacko he turned out to be.”
“Tell me about it. I know he’s responsible I just need proof.”
“You will. But on a more pleasant note, what are your plans for your family’s charity?”
“I’m not shutting the doors. I couldn’t without consulting the board first. My plan is to find a replacement for Lisa with Dave’s help. He’s been a lifesaver. Remember, I told you about him.”
“I do. You mentioned that he was Lisa’s confidant or something like that.”
“Yeah, something like that,” chuckled Ramona. “Anyway, together we’ll come up with a list of potential candidates.”
“Anyone, I know?”
“Maybe. My lips are sealed for now.” Ramona heard the ding of her phone notifying her of an incoming message. “One sec.” It was from Nick. He would be home later than expected. She replied to let him know she was hanging out with Kelsey. Ramona looked up and caught Kelsey staring at her. “What? Why are you staring at me?”
“I was wondering what you plan to do with the massive amount of money you’re about to inherit?”
Ramona scrunched her nose. “What makes you think I’m inheriting anything?”
Kelsey shrugged her shoulders. “Why wouldn’t you? Your family has piles of money.”
“Has anyone ever told you you’re nosey?”
“Yes. So, how much are you getting?”
Ramona picked up both of their empty plates and drinking glasses off the table. She carried them into the kitchen. Kelsey was right behind her. “You don’t want to tell me?”
She placed the dirty dishes in the sink and turned towards Kelsey. “I will tell you this. Most of what belongs to the family will go to several charities and I will have full access to the trust my father left me next year.”
“And the amount of that trust?”
Ramona narrowed her eyes. “Kelsey, I consider you a friend, but that is none of your business.”
“I don’t mean to be all up in your business, therefore I apologize. I’ll back off.” Kelsey took three steps away from Ramona. “This is me backing off.”
Ramona rolled her eyes and let out a laugh. “How is Julius? He sent me several sweet texts about angels.”
“We’re moving in together.”
“What?! That’s great.”
“I think he might be the one,” she beamed.
“I always thought he was perfect for you. I’m happy for you guys.”
“Thanks. I need to get out here. Your man lives all the way in the boondocks, it’ll take me at least two hours to get into the city.”
“Thank you for making the long drive over here. I’ll walk you out.”
She led Kelsey to the front door and walked her to her car. Kelsey opened the driver’s side door and then hesitated. “Oh, I almost forgot to ask. Do you have Lisa’s laptop? It’s no longer in her office.”
“Why do you need it?”
“I didn’t want to bother you. But, months ago Lisa had sent my team an email about a change in procedure. I deleted it by accident and I thought I would look for the original on her computer. I know Lisa kept everything.”
Ramona looked at Kelsey and wondered if she really was ignorant of her inappropriateness or she just didn’t care. She has grown tired of having the same conversation over and over abou
t boundaries. “Kelsey, I have all and everything that belonged to my aunt. If you need anything you contact me, you don’t snoop in her office. Besides, I thought I asked you to stay out of there.”
“I thought it wouldn’t hurt anything if I looked. I didn’t want to bother you.”
The muscles in Ramona’s jaw tighten. She narrowed her eyes and stepped closer to Kelsey only so she could hear every word from her mouth clearly. “I consider you a friend and would hate for that to end because of your constant disregard of boundaries. If you overstep one more time, you will witness a side of me you wished you hadn’t.”
Kelsey’s eyes grew to the size of saucers. “Whoa. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. For now on you’re my first call for whatever I need.”
“It better.” Ramona watched Kelsey get into her car and drive off.
Later that night when Nick returned home Ramona filled him in about her visit with Kelsey. “This woman doesn't care what line she crosses. It’s like she does whatever the hell she wants.”
“I’m sure you set her straight,” he said sounding tired and worn out.
“Rough day?”
“You can say that. A property in development is running into red tape. Permits not being granted, which has caused delays. It’s one big headache.” Nick removed his shoes and placed his suit jacket and tie on the chair.
“Sorry. What can I do for you?”
“You’re here, that’s enough.”
“I’m sure I can do more than that.”
“What are you suggesting?” he asked with a half smile.
“Come here,” she said, grabbing his hand, “sit right here and let me relax you.” She led him to the edge of the bed while she knelt behind him. She placed both hands on his shoulders and squeezed. “Nothing is better than a nice massage after a long day.” She continued to rub his shoulders, applying pressure on the most tense areas.
“That feels great, it’s exactly what I needed.”
Ramona kneaded his muscles between her hands, drifting up his neck. “How’s that?”
Shattered Hearts (Shattered Series Book 2) Page 12