by Carly Winter
A: That's right... except Art. We came here to golf and get out of the Seattle rain. What a mistake that was.
* * *
“Nothing is adding up,” I said. “Everyone is contradicting everyone else.”
“Yup. I want to tear my hair out over this.”
“Have you talked to Trevor and Art more than once? Besides on the golf course?”
“Yes. And they stick to their stories, which don't match up.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Give me the computer and I'll pull up Art's interview.”
I handed the device over to him, once again wondering how many rules and laws we were breaking by him letting me read official police reports.
“Here,” he said, handing it back to me. “Read the highlighted area.”
* * *
Q: You didn't know anyone besides Trevor, is that correct?
A: Yes. Thank goodness. Horrible people.
* * *
Q: And who was the last one back at the Jeep when Jack whistled for all of you to return?
A: Hmm... I don't recall. I think it may have been Nancy. Or Trevor. I'm not certain.
* * *
“Either everyone is remembering things differently, or no one is telling the truth,” I muttered, shaking my head.
“They've done studies on this,” Adam said. “A group of people can experience the same event, but everyone's perception of what happened will be different.”
“Do you think it's the case here, or do you think they're lying?”
“I don't know. No one knew a murder had occurred until we got there. Everyone acted as if he'd jumped. But we saw the fight and watched him go over the edge. Someone knew what had happened. So someone is lying.”
He pulled out a pad of paper and drew a line. “This is the road leading up to the cliff,” he continued, then sketched a large area which resembled a figure eight. “This is the top of the cliff, and right here is where Harold went down.” The X was in the upper left side of the top of the eight.
I recalled the trail leading to the area when we'd searched for where he fell.
“According to Nancy, she was down here,” Adam said, drawing a N at the bottom left side of the eight. “Art and Trevor were over here.” AT was written at the top right of eight. “If Belinda pushed him then went back to the Jeep, that means Trevor was telling the truth. But if Nancy was being honest, Trevor was the last one to return to the group, which means he'd have to cross over this way and then push him.”
“Without Belinda being there,” I said.
“Exactly. And I don’t know if you recall, but that’s some rough terrain to cross right in that area to get from one side of the cliff to the other.”
“It makes the most sense that Belinda’s the killer. She’s got motive and she had opportunity. I feel like she’s being treated with kid gloves,” I said. “I understand she may be the grieving widow, but as Ruby said, she could be faking it to make sure she doesn't get caught.”
“I thought the sheriff went pretty easy on her,” Adam agreed. “Based on what everyone has said, she's got an alcohol problem. Honestly, I could see her tripping, running into her husband, and having him fall off the ledge.”
“But that's not what we saw,” I said. “We witnessed two people fighting.”
“True. But does she have the physical strength to fight her husband while she's drunk and push him?”
“I don't know. Also, did she have the pent-up rage that would have driven her to do it?”
Adam sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “What if... what if this is something else?”
“What do you mean?”
“What if it's not as cut and dry as a scorned wife offing her horrible husband? Or some guy being so angry, he decides to kill a stranger?”
“Like what?” I asked, thoroughly confused.
“I have no idea. I feel like there's something I'm not seeing.”
I sighed and handed the computer back to him. “None of them knew each other. Of that we're certain because Jack confirmed it.”
“He's still a suspect,” Adam reminded me. “I can't take him off my list.”
“Okay, so then you have the wife who’s fed up with her husband's behavior, and three strangers who are angry enough to send him off a cliff.”
“Three?”
“Jack, Art, and Trevor.”
“What about Nancy?”
“Sure, she could have done it as well, but why? What's her motive?”
Adam shrugged. “Maybe she was having an affair with Harold and he told her he wasn't leaving his wife?”
That hadn't occurred to me. Some investigator I was.
“Who does Jack say was the last person to return to the Jeep?” I asked. “Who was the first one?”
Adam focused on the laptop as his fingers moved over the keyboard. “He says he can't remember who was the first one back. He wasn't paying attention. The report says he thinks Nancy may have been the last one, but he wasn't sure.”
“I don't know what to think,” I muttered, my frustration now mirroring Adam's. “But you're right—we're missing something. For all we know, it could have been someone up there that we aren’t even aware of.”
“But none of the tour group recall seeing anyone else on that cliff. And Jack’s Jeep was the only vehicle.”
“Someone could have hiked up there.”
“And just decided to push Harold?”
“Maybe,” I said, shrugging. “Maybe there’s a psychopath loose in Sedona.”
Just then, Ruby appeared wearing a Cheshire grin. “I know something you don't know,” she said in singsong.
“You sound like a child,” I muttered, really in no mood for her antics.
“You should be interested in the information I have,” she said, sitting right next to Adam. “And if you're not, the copper here will be.”
“Ruby's right next to me, isn't she?” Adam said. “My arm just got cold.”
I nodded and sighed. “What's your big secret, Ruby?”
“Not going to tell until I know my payment,” she said, the sly smile still in place.
“Your payment?” I asked. “What the heck does that mean?”
“Well, I wanted to stay and golf, but you wanted to come home. My fun was ruined, so therefore, you owe me.”
“Ruby, you're dead,” I said through gritted teeth. “You can't play golf.”
Her smile faded and she tilted her chin up as she glared at me. “I'm very aware of that, Bernadette. It doesn't mean that I can't enjoy the day out on the course.”
I winced. She never called me by my full name, so I knew I’d made her very upset.
“What's going on?” Adam asked.
“Ruby has information to share, but she wants payment for it because we left the golf course and ruined her day.”
“What does she want?” Adam asked, glancing to his side.
“Yes, tell us,” I said, hating that I was caving to her childish demands. “What do you want?”
“I'd like to go golfing again.”
I rolled my eyes. “Forget it.”
Ruby pointed a finger at me. “You better rethink your stance, young lady. The information I have could crack this case wide open.”
I considered my options. Where could she have gotten her new knowledge? My guess was she'd been visiting O'Malley upstairs. And if he'd been on phone calls, she could have very well heard something incredibly important.
Or she could be playing me, having me make promises to her for nothing.
“What does she want?” Adam asked.
“To go golfing again.”
Adam grinned and glanced over at the empty space beside him. Well, empty to him. My ghost smiled at him sweetly. “I'd be happy to go golfing with the two of you,” he said. “I wish we could've stayed out as well.”
Ruby stood up and clapped her hands while dancing a little jig. “What a nice copper he is!”
I softened
a little to the idea. Golf still would be considered one of my least favorite pastimes, but if Adam was there, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Beautiful course, nice weather, and a visit or two from the beer lady wouldn't hurt either.
“Fine. We'll go. Now tell me this incredibly important information you have,” I said.
Ruby sat back down, crossed her legs, and smoothed her hand over her purple mumu. “In a half-hour, Nancy will be meeting with Mr. O'Malley here at the house. And since you've promised me we're going golfing, I plan to listen in.”
I gasped and brought my hand to my mouth.
“What?” Adam whispered. “What did she say?”
After I explained what would happen, Adam shot to his feet and packed up his laptop. “I can't be here. You're going to have to report back to me.”
“We will,” I said, opening the bedroom door. I walked out into the kitchen to be certain O'Malley wasn't in sight. When I heard him upstairs, I waved for Adam to come out of the bedroom.
Just as I shut the back door, I heard the staircase groan. A few moments later, O'Malley rounded the corner into the kitchen where I was pouring a glass of wine and trying to appear calm and nonchalant. With my knowledge of the upcoming meeting, the room had become quite warm.
“I'm going to need that privacy that we spoke of,” O'Malley said after we engaged in a little small talk.
“Of course,” I said. “I'll be in my room watching television. The living room is yours.”
He thanked me and returned upstairs. As soon as the door shut, Ruby materialized next to me. “Your secret spy is reporting for duty.”
“I think I'm going to be sick,” I whispered. “This can't be legal.”
“Nothing really fun ever is, kiddo,” she said, rubbing her hands together. “Now quit your worrying and let's get a plan in place.”
Chapter Fifteen
I stood in my bedroom with my head against the door. I'd lied to O'Malley. I’d rarely watched television until I’d discovered my grandmother, and I certainly didn't have one in my bedroom.
As I listened intently, I worried Ruby wouldn't be able to catch the full conversation. Of course, she could sit right there on the couches with the lawyer and Nancy, but she also had the concentration level of a gnat. More than once I'd been talking to her and she'd zoned out, not remembering anything I'd said the past few moments when I called her on her faraway gaze. She became bored so easily.
Adam would have to let all the murder suspects head home soon, or he'd put them in jail. With the big shot O'Malley in the picture, Nancy and Belinda would be gone before they'd even settled into their cell. The miles between Los Angeles and Sedona would only make Adam's job more difficult. I wanted to help, and I didn't think I could fully rely on Ruby to report back on the conversation.
So, I was going to record it.
With a sweaty hand, I opened the door and glanced out into the kitchen. Nancy and her lawyer's voices carried my way from the living room. I grabbed my phone from the dresser, then dropped to my knees and slowly crawled out to the kitchen and hid behind the counter that separated me from the dining and living rooms. I leaned back against the cabinets and prayed no one would suddenly need a glass of water. If so, I'd be busted. Peeking around the corner, I noticed Ruby standing over Nancy's shoulder, facing me. I set my phone on the floor and pressed the record button. Between my ghost and the phone, we should have an accurate record of the discussion.
“Thanks for meeting me today,” Nancy said. “I'm very concerned about Belinda.”
“Why don't you tell me what's going on?”
“Well, first and foremost, she's drinking a lot. And she's starting to hurt herself.”
“Hurting herself?!” O'Malley exclaimed. “What does that mean?”
“Yesterday she took a tumble down the stairs leading to the pool and banged up her knee and hands pretty badly. The other day she bumped into a wall and now has a huge bruise there.”
“Because of her drinking?”
“Yes. She needs help.”
“Let's clear her of the murder charge first and then concentrate on her other issue, okay?”
“I don't know if that's a good idea,” Nancy said. “I think a two-pronged approach may be better. She's talking about buying yachts and airplanes now that Harold's gone. I'm afraid she's so out of her mind with grief, she's acting irresponsibly. I'd hate to see her make rash decisions. I feel like she needs some boundaries and guidance from someone who isn't as affected by Harold's death.”
“What did you have in mind?” O’Malley asked.
“I think she needs to be deemed mentally unfit. At least for a little while until she gets the help she needs.”
A long silence stretched on and I peeked around the cabinets. O'Malley's back was to me, while Nancy stared at him, her brow furrowed in worry. Ruby was nowhere in sight. She'd probably become bored and decided to head off to her tunnel or go sit with Elvira.
“And what proof do you have that's necessary?” he asked. “It's quite the serious path to take.”
“Belinda's had an alcohol problem for a number of months,” Nancy said. “Harold's death has only exacerbated it. She's falling down in public, which has been documented by the hotel security staff. The bruise on her arm... Here, look.”
I imagined Nancy pulling out a cell phone and showing the damage to O'Malley. I didn't dare peek around the cabinet again.
“Now all this talk about extravagant spending while in the depths of her grief... She's out of her mind. She needs help. Not only through medical means, but also with her finances. She's told me she doesn't have any idea how much money she has or where it is. All these things need to be sorted.”
“We can hire a financial planner for that,” O'Malley said. “As for the drinking... Well, I'm not sure how to proceed in getting her help if she doesn't want it.”
“By declaring her incompetent,” Nancy insisted. “She's a ticking timebomb waiting to go off. Either she'll hurt herself both physically and financially, or someone will take advantage of her.”
An icy chill ran over my arm and I looked over to find Ruby sitting next to me. “What are you doing?” she asked, grinning.
I brought my finger up to my lips, hoping she'd be quiet so I could concentrate.
“Look, I care about my friend,” Nancy continued. “She's... she's like my sister. I don't want to see anything happen to her.”
Was she crying?
“I'm... I'm sorry,” she said, sniffing. “My friend's hurting and I don't know what to do about it.”
“It's okay,” O'Malley said. “There's got to be a tissue around here somewhere.”
Please see the box of tissue on the side table. Don't come in here looking for some!
“Here you go,” he said.
“What can I do to help her?” Nancy asked a moment later.
“I'm not really sure,” O'Malley said. “I suppose being there for her during this difficult time is about all there is.”
“What if... what if... oh, never mind. I had an idea, but it's dumb.”
“No, please. Tell me. As I say to my little girl, there aren't any dumb questions or ideas.”
“I was just thinking... What if I became her guardian or something like that? I could help keep her life afloat, pay her bills until she gets the counseling she needs?”
“Hmm... are you saying you want power of attorney instated?”
“I... I don’t know the legal jargon. Power of attorney, co-signer on the accounts… whatever is going to make Belinda’s life easier right now. At least until she's back on her feet and in a better state of mind.”
“Well, we can't do that without her permission.”
“I can talk to her,” Nancy said. “If you think it's a good idea.”
“And if she doesn't agree?” O'Malley asked. “What then?”
“Perhaps we should think about her seeing a doctor when we get back to Los Angeles,” Nancy suggested. “It breaks my heart, but she's at rock bott
om. She's overwhelmed and I'm afraid it's all too much for her.”
“We'll be able to leave in the next few days. I actually spoke to the sheriff’s office and they claimed they're close to making an arrest.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes,” O'Malley said. “It's obviously one of those unsavory characters who were in the Jeep.”
“I'm sure you're right,” Nancy agreed. “I wouldn't put it past that driver, Jack, either. He knew the area well, and it was nighttime. Even with the moon, one would have to be aware of the terrain. At least be very athletic.”
“I'm not worried about which one they arrest, as long as it's not you or Belinda.”
“Thank you,” Nancy said, sniffing again. “I'm so thankful you're here. This trip has been such a nightmare, and I'm so concerned about Belinda... I don't know what to do.”
“You're a good friend to her, Nancy,” O'Malley said. “Everyone should be so lucky.”
“Thank you for your time.”
I peeked around the cabinet to find her and O'Malley standing. He motioned her to the front door. It was time to sneak back into my bedroom and listen to what I'd recorded.
“You better make like a crab and scurry away before he comes in here,” Ruby said. “He's going to need a stiff drink after that dramafest.”
I grabbed my phone and crawled on my hands and knees into my bedroom, then quietly shut the door. Elvira watched me from the bed as I stood, her hooded stare indicating a lot of judgment.
“Yes, I know I shouldn't have done that,” I whispered. “Quit looking at me like I just killed someone.”
“So, what did you think?” Ruby asked, wrapping herself around the feline, who shut her eyes and began to purr loudly.
“Nancy is really worried about Belinda,” I whispered, sinking into the rocking chair. I didn't want another episode of a guest overhearing my conversation with a ghost.
“Is she?”
I furrowed my brow. “What do you mean?”
“Is she worried, or is she a snake in the grass?”
“How in the world did you come up with that idea? She seemed very concerned about her friend's drinking and her future. She wants to make sure Belinda doesn't do anything stupid in her state of grief.”