by Jenny Kales
Tammy seemed to regain some of her perkiness as she gazed around Callie’s work room, commenting on the goodies cooking and the smells coming from the oven. She glanced hungrily at the rice pudding, so Callie handed her a small cup of it with a generous dash of cinnamon on top for good measure. It was meant to be served cold, but served warm it would probably be even more comforting to someone in Tammy’s shoes.
“I haven’t been eating lately. This is good,” Tammy said, consuming the pudding in a flash. “So, I heard that you found Holly and I was wondering what you could tell me. We were such good friends, and I just feel awful. No one will tell me anything.” Tammy’s face crinkled up as if trying to squelch tears.
“First of all, I’m really sorry for your loss. I’m also sorry to tell you that I’m not really at liberty to say much,” Callie said, thinking of Sands.
There was an uncomfortable silence that Callie decided to break with a question that had been bothering her. “Do you know what Holly might have been doing at the house? It was abandoned, after all. I just wondered if she would have had a special reason for being there.”
“I don’t know, and it’s really been bugging me.” Tammy frowned. “I know that she liked the Gilded Age homes, but I can’t see her trespassing on someone’s property, especially not out of the blue. I thought maybe you would know why she was there.” Tammy fiddled with her spoon.
“No idea. I was only there myself because my ex-husband was supposed to have a renovation job there next week. He was meeting me there to drop off my daughter as part of our custody arrangement. It’s not our usual agreement. I usually don’t pick her up at a work site.”
Tammy stood up, her chair making a loud screech as she pushed it back. “Well, I’ve taken up enough of your time. Sorry I bothered you. Oh, and thanks for the food.”
“You’re welcome. And you’re not a bother at all,” Callie said, startled by Tammy’s sudden need for departure. “Hey, before you go, I just wondered something. Was Holly close to Allan Browne, the director?”
“Close?” Tammy wrinkled her nose. “What do you mean?”
“There seemed to be some tension there,” Callie said gently. “It looked like they were arguing at the murder mystery night.”
Tammy blinked at her. “Allan is a jerk to everybody. He’s always worried about the bottom line. He was yelling at all of us that night. It seems like he’s always on edge the night of a performance.”
Tammy shifted from foot to foot. “Look, I’m sorry I interrupted your work. I should really get going.” In a blur of pink and denim, Tammy breezed through the French doors and was on the sidewalk door before Callie could say another word.
“Darn,” Callie said. She’d wanted to ask what Tammy knew about Allan Browne’s upscale home that just happened to be near the murder scene but hadn’t had a chance.
“What was that all about, boss?” Max asked.
“Nothing. Just someone who knew Holly Tennyson. I’d better get back to work. And Max?”
“Yeah?” Max shifted from foot to foot.
“Don’t worry about anything. We’ll figure it out.”
Max nodded and smiled. Callie went back to the work room. How much longer would Max be calling her “boss?”
And what was up with Tammy Heckstrom, anyway?
***
The afternoon passed quickly. Boaters, shoppers, locals and tourists kept Max and Callie running back and forth throughout the shop. They barely had time to speak, except to discuss food, which was probably a good thing.
It was Max and Piper’s turn to work the late shift, thankfully, and Callie was happy to call it a day. After a few last-minute instructions and a promise to be in early the next day to get a head start on all of her extracurricular baking, she bade goodbye to her staff and decided to take a mind-clearing walk around the bay before heading home. She’d already checked with George, and he had driven Olivia to Viv’s house after day camp. Callie knew that Grandma Viv would be a good influence on Olivia, so there was no need to hurry back. She needed time to clear her mind. Holly’s murder was weighing on her. She couldn’t get the images of that terrible day out of her mind.
The shop had been overly warm. Callie welcomed the cool breeze that washed over her as she walked in the direction of the bay. She strolled down to the park that bordered the water and decided to take a look at the bandstand. This was where Viv and Mrs. DeWitt would be working their magic with Beats on the Bay.
Callie smiled as she picked her way around kids shouting and running with swim gear and toys, and couples walking hand in hand, their faces dreamy and vague in the beautiful late afternoon. The Harris House loomed, its witches’ hat turrets nearly white under the dazzling sun. Gazing out at the shimmering water, Callie wondered if she’d be able to coerce Sands into Beats on the Bay or any other leisure-time activity anytime soon.
Turning back to the bandstand, Callie was deciding on the most convenient spot for a refreshments table when she heard voices rising in anger.
Lisa Linley and Tammy Heckstrom were having a loud conversation. It looked like they were arguing. About what? They were too far away for her to hear what they were arguing about, but Callie decided to try and get a little closer.
The Harris House was across the street from the waterfront park, so Callie darted through nearly stagnant traffic until she was safely on the sidewalk. Before she could hear the reason for their spat, Tammy had already huffed away and Lisa was stomping up the elegant steps of her hotel.
What to do?
Curiosity won. Callie decided to stop in The Harris House and see if she could find out what was going on. Tammy was acting awfully strange today, belligerent one minute and sad the next. Still, she had lost a good friend in a most horrific way. If there was more to it than simple emotional distress, Callie wanted to find out.
Smoothing back her tangled wavy hair, Callie walked into The Harris House with an excuse at the ready, flimsy though it was. She’d simply ask if Lisa had ever contacted Hugh’s firm about renovations. Surely, Lisa wouldn’t suspect anything from that inquiry. If anything, she’d think Callie was pushy. Fair enough.
The hotel was cool and hushed in the summer heat, its windows open to the breeze, and the usual group of cocktail and iced tea drinkers seated on the comfortable front porch. A buzz of voices came from diners having an early dinner or a very late lunch. There was no one at the reception desk, so Callie admired an Art Deco lamp while she waited. Had Lisa left work from another exit?
She was just about to ask the bartender where Lisa had gone when the woman herself appeared from the direction of the dining room. Unfortunately for Callie’s purposes of interrogation, she wasn’t alone. A short but shapely woman in jeans, work shirt and tool belt accompanied her. Her long, light brown hair was in a ponytail, and she had a fresh-faced look. Callie placed her at around 30 years old.
“Oh, hello there,” Lisa said smoothly when she noticed Callie. “You’re just the person I wanted to talk to. To thank, actually. Have you met April Manning? She works for the firm your ex-husband does. They sent her out today to discuss some repairs. She’s the project coordinator.”
“Great! I’m glad I was able to connect the two of you. I’m Callie Costas.” Callie extended her hand to April.
“Hi. Glad to meet you,” April said cheerily. She really was adorable, and Callie had a naughty thought; had Raine met April yet?
“Is there something I can help you with? Or are you here for dinner or a drink?” Lisa asked. She seemed calm and professional, with no sign of the distress she had exhibited when speaking with Tammy Heckstrom. Maybe Callie had gotten it wrong.
“Uh, no. Not really. This really is a coincidence. I was just checking to see if you’d called Vintage Reno and you have.” Callie was embarrassed.
“Thanks for the recommendation,” April said. “You’re Hugh’s ex?” She gave Callie an appraising look, and Callie blushed.
“Yes, I am. How long have you worked for Vintag
e Reno? I know Hugh likes it there a lot.”
“A few years,” April said. “It’s a great business to be in. You’d be surprised at how many buildings in Crystal Bay need help, especially these old, historic buildings. They keep us in business, that’s for sure.”
Lisa blanched a little bit at April’s bluntness, and April seemed to realize what she’d said. “You know what I mean” She shrugged and smiled pertly at the two older women. “But don’t worry, Lisa. You can count on us.”
“I’m sorry,” Lisa said, turning to Callie. “I’ve got to go over some specifics with April. Thanks again. I hope to see you here for a meal soon.”
“Nice to meet you, April. See you soon, Lisa.” Callie gave a jaunty wave and scurried back out of The Harris House. So much for sleuthing.
So Lisa had taken her advice, Callie thought as she left the two women to discuss repairs and renovations. While Callie was pleased that she was able to help Lisa, she wondered what Hugh knew about work going on at The Harris House. She made a mental note to check in with him about it as soon as she could.
Callie walked slowly down the steps of The Harris House and stopped to admire the waterfront. Kids were swimming, frolicking, and playing on the small beach next to the bay. She vowed to take Olivia for a mom-daughter swim day at the next available opportunity. Summer was far too fleeting in Crystal Bay. You had to embrace every moment.
Deep in thought, Callie had only walked about a block when she found herself staring straight into the white shirtfront of Sands.
“Well, this is a nice surprise!” Callie had been convinced he was chained to his desk somewhere.
“I’m glad you feel that way,” Sands said into her hair as he embraced her. “I’ve been looking for you.”
“I promise, I didn’t do it,” she joked, to hide the fact that she was flustered by his sudden presence. Her heart did a little skip.
“I decided to take a short break, and I thought I’d ask you to an early dinner. How about it?”
“Let me check in with Viv. She’s got Olivia tonight.” Sands nodded and smiled at her, his hazel eyes warm as she dialed the number on her cell phone. After Viv had given her gushing assent for Callie’s dinner date, Sands took her by the arm.
“Can we go somewhere nearby? I don’t have a lot of time. I just wanted to see you.”
“You did?” Callie was a little taken aback. She hadn’t expected Sands to have any time off at all after the tragic incident with Holly.
“Yes, of course.” He swooped down to give her a kiss on the cheek. “And if I’m being honest, there are a few things I want to run by you about the other night.”
“Ah. So it isn’t just the pleasure of my company you want after all.” Callie kept her tone light.
“I do, actually. I’d love nothing more than just the pleasure of your company, but I’m quite good at multi-tasking. So, where to?” Sands looked toward The Harris House. “How about there?” he asked, nodding. “It’s closest.”
“Fine, but I have to tell you, I was just in there. I saw the owner, Lisa, fighting with Tammy Heckstrom. She was the actress who played the murder victim at the show right before Holly…” Callie broke off as images of Holly lying on the grass filled her mind.
“Is that so?” Sands said thoughtfully. “I’ve met Tammy. She was a good friend of Holly’s. We’ve had a chat with her.”
He looked into Callie’s eyes. “A murder never stops being painful to contemplate, and you’ve been involved in more than your share.” He gave her arm a squeeze.
“Thanks a lot!” Callie said. “You’re right, of course, but what a way to put it!”
Sands raised an eyebrow at her. “Let’s go eat. You can put me in my place at dinner. And, you can tell me what you think the fight was about.”
Six
Lisa didn’t seem surprised by Callie’s return, but her smile was a little strained. Her lack of enthusiasm seemed to intensify when she noticed Sands, who had taken a minute to make a quick phone call before joining Callie by the concierge desk.
“I’m back,” Callie said brightly. “And this time, I brought a friend, Detective Ian Sands.” Lisa hadn’t taken ownership of The Harris House the last time Callie and Sands had dinner there, so Lisa had never met him.
“Pleased to meet you,” Sands said in his sandpapery voice. “And congratulations on your new purchase. The Harris House is a lovely place.”
“Thank you,” Lisa said, looking ill at ease. She kept glancing nervously at Sands. Callie looked over at him, but he didn’t seem to have noticed.
“Two for dinner? Right this way,” she said with a forced smile. Callie followed, perplexed by Lisa’s odd behavior.
Lisa sat them near the back of the small dining room, explaining that the larger dining room was closed at the moment. She handed them menus with a stiff smile, and sped away with a promise that a waiter would be right over.
“Hmmm,” Callie said taking a long drink from her water glass. “Lisa is usually much friendlier.”
Sands studied the menu. “Is she?” he asked. “Well, perhaps she’s still upset about this fight you say you saw her having.”
Callie shrugged. “I wasn’t aware that the two of them knew each other well enough to be fighting. Tammy was one of the performers the other night and that’s the extent of it as far as I know. I have no idea why they would be having a heated dispute.”
“It could mean something and it might not.” Sands finally looked up from the menu and put his hand over Callie’s. His hand was warm and Callie was uncomfortably aware that her hands were dry from all of the excessive hand washing she was required to do. If he was looking for someone with perfectly manicured hands, he’d picked someone in the wrong profession.
Sands didn’t seem to mind her dishpan hands. He met her gaze, looking thoughtful. “We’re obviously interested in this new owner of The Harris House, even though the murder didn’t take place here. I’m glad to have a chance to observe her tonight.”
“Uh-huh,” Callie said wickedly. “So this was all a set up. And here I thought we had a date.”
“We do,” Sands said, with a smile. He kissed Callie’s hand. “I’m happy to grab time with you whenever we can find some.”
Just then a waitress came over and Sands released her fingers, reluctantly so it seemed to Callie. He really was a dear, but his job! It was all-consuming.
Like mine, Callie thought ruefully.
The waitress took their drink orders: iced tea for both of them. Callie knew that Sands wouldn’t order anything stronger since he was heading back to work, and Callie felt like keeping a clear head with all of the work ahead of her over the next few days.
“So,” Sands taking a sip of water. “You said you didn’t think your ex-husband knew Holly Tennyson but it appears he did. We checked,” he said, interrupting her as she started to ask how he knew that.
Callie almost choked on her tea. “Really.”
“Yes, indeed. They briefly dated before he met his current wife.”
Callie set her glass down on the table so hard that some of it sloshed over the side. “What? Well, that explains it.”
“Explains what?”
“Why Hugh never went to teacher’s meetings with me last year. He didn’t want to run into an ex-girlfriend while with his ex-wife.”
“It appears their relationship was short-lived, and the split was amicable,” Sands remarked.
“Maybe that’s why I never heard about it. You’d think someone would have told me, though, especially when Holly became Olivia’s teacher last year.”
“It doesn’t appear that many people knew about the brief relationship,” Sands said soothingly. “And maybe people were trying to spare your feelings.”
Callie chuckled. “Doubtful. You know how everybody loves to gossip at my shop. I guess Holly and Hugh were just very discreet.”
“Right,” Sands said briskly, clearly warming up to his subject. “Did you know that Raine was also an acquai
ntance of Holly?”
“No, but that doesn’t surprise me as much as what you just told me. How did they know each other, besides working together with the acting troupe?” Callie had relayed Raine’s unexpected role as a costume helper to Sands the night of the murder mystery.
“They both attended St. Mary’s High School. Raine was a few years ahead of Holly.”
“What are you getting at? Does any of this matter?” Then again, Holly was found at Hugh’s new work site. Was what had seemed a terrible coincidence truly something more sinister?
Sands shrugged, a bland look on his face. “Who knows? I just was checking to see if you could shed some light on any of this, but it seems you weren’t aware.”
Callie stared at the lacy tablecloth. The prospect of a semi-romantic evening was starting to fade for her. The last thing she wanted to do was to think about her failed marriage, Hugh’s dating life and her ex’s new wife.
“I knew that Raine didn’t go to my high school and that’s about it,” she told Sands. “I’m a few years older than her, anyway. We probably wouldn’t have run in the same circles, even if we did go to the same school.”
“And as far as Hugh,” Callie heard her voice rising and struggled to keep calm. “I know he’s not the type of person to do something so violent. True, we didn’t get along but he’s just not, he’s just…” Callie cast around for convincing words but came up short. She knew that Sands was just doing his job, but couldn’t he see how serious this was for her? This was the father of her child he was talking about. As for Raine, she was ditzy at times, to be sure, but she didn’t seem to have any murderous tendencies.
Or did she? Maybe Hugh did, too. After all, Callie hadn’t even known he was seeing their daughter’s grade school teacher. It put her friendly relationship with Holly into a whole different light. What had Holly known about her and her personal life? Callie shifted in her chair, suddenly uncomfortable with the entire conversation.