“I have a very comfortable lifestyle. One I’m not willing to give up, especially after all the years I’ve had to kiss up to my wife to make sure she kept me around. You know too much, and I can’t risk you telling anyone else.”
I spread my hands. “I don’t know anything.” But then I realized I did. Phoebe had complained about how Carter had stood her up for the first time ever on Friday night. I hadn’t been paying attention at the time, but Friday was the same night Bethany had been killed. Add to that the fact he’d seen the fire lily in the back room, and there was a good chance Carter didn’t show up for his date because he was busy killing Bethany.
While these thoughts swirled around my head, my focus on Carter wavered. Before I could react, he lunged at me. I jumped back, but not before he managed to give me a small shove. My foot hit a patch of mud and slid out from under me. I fell backward, banging my spine on the water trough as I landed on my butt.
I pushed off with my hands in an effort to stand, but Carter crouched down and grabbed my shoulders before I could. He heaved me sideways. I found myself flat on my back, staring up at the gray overcast sky, a grim setting that matched the look on Carter’s face as he loomed into view.
He threw himself down in the muck, straddling me. His thighs pressed in from the sides, pinning my arms. He gripped my throat with both hands and squeezed.
In a panic, I managed to wrench out one arm, bringing globs of mud with me. I tried to pull out my other arm, but Carter tightened his hold with his knees. I yanked again and my arm flew free.
I beat at his chest and clawed at his hands. He shifted his hands for a better grip, and I managed to suck in a tiny bit of air. I tried to scratch at his eyes, but his face was just out of reach. I twisted and arched my back, but he was too heavy. Under his unrelenting weight, my legs were useless.
“I told you to stay out of it,” Carter hissed, the pressure on my throat increasing as he readjusted his grip, “but you’re as bad as Bethany. Which means I have to kill you, too.”
Black dots filled my vision. My lungs screamed for air. How much longer could I hold on?
I heard the pigs squealing behind me. Did they understand what was happening? Did they know I was about to die? That I’d miss the chance to spend my life with Jason?
I felt my strength wane. In a last-ditch effort, I clenched my right hand into a fist and swung it up, hoping to clip Carter’s chin. Instead, I connected with his Adam’s apple, leaving a streak of mud across it.
He gagged. I felt his grip on my throat ease a fraction. I grabbed a mouthful of air and brought my arm up again, connecting with the same spot, only harder this time. He coughed, and his hands flew to his own throat.
With the pressure gone from my neck, I greedily sucked in breath after breath. I felt like I would never get enough. But I couldn’t enjoy the moment. I had to get Carter off of me.
I shook my head to clear my vision as Carter reached for me. I blocked him with my forearms, but he lunged forward again. We grappled, and I was able to lift my shoulders a few inches off the ground. I drove one fist toward his family jewels. I couldn’t tell how hard I hit him, but it was enough. Carter let out a grunt and jerked back.
I used the sudden freedom to sit up. I tried to wriggle my legs out from under Carter’s body, but he was too heavy. What was I going to do?
“Help!” I screamed. “Somebody help!” I grabbed fistfuls of mud and flung them at Carter’s face.
He tried to bat the mud away. His face turned purple with rage. “Shut up!”
He stretched toward me, hands shaped like claws. I shrank back, but I had nowhere to go. As long as my legs were trapped, I was stuck.
I heard a powerful snort from a corner of the pen and then the pounding of hooves. Carter’s head whipped toward the sound, and his eyes widened as Wilbur barreled toward him. With his head down and nostrils flaring, the pig butted Carter in the side.
Carter let out a loud “oomph” and fell off of me. In the corner of the sty, the rest of the pigs squealed and grunted.
I drew my legs in, rolled over, and pushed myself into a crouch. I unsteadily rose to my feet as Carter did the same. Patches of his white dress shirt shone through a thick layer of mud. The goop was in his hair and smeared across one cheek. His pants were covered. I didn’t need to check to know I looked the exact same.
I glanced at the gate. On the post sat the scissors I’d used to cut open the bag of shavings. I returned my attention to Carter. His shoulders were up, and he held his arms out. He looked like a wrestler about to take down an opponent.
Wilbur sneezed. Carter’s attention flew to the pig, no doubt fearing a repeat attack. I used the momentary distraction to run for the gate. Even with the slick mud, the tread on the work boots gave me enough traction.
Behind me, Carter growled. I looked over my shoulder and saw him charge. At the first step, his dress shoes slid out from under him, and he fell straight toward me.
I tried to hop to the side but couldn’t lift my feet high enough with the boots on. His hand closed around one ankle, and he pulled.
I went down.
With one hand still gripping my ankle, Carter latched on to my shin with his other hand. He started to pull me toward him. I slid easily in the mud. I dug my fingers into the muck, but it did nothing to slow my progress. A trail of fingermarks formed in my wake as I kept sliding toward Carter.
His hands moved up my leg and closed around my knee. I pulled my other leg toward my waist and then kicked out with all my might.
A tremor shot through me as my foot made solid contact with his face. Carter howled, and I kicked him again.
I staggered to my feet and lumbered over to the post. I snatched up the scissors and whirled around.
Carter stood on his knees in the middle of the pen, one hand on his nose. Blood streamed out from under his fingers.
I pointed the scissors at him. “Don’t come any closer.”
Over my shoulder, I heard Gordon’s voice, clearly agitated. “What’s going on? Dana, are you all right?”
Carter swore and dropped back on his heels. He spit in the mud.
“Dana, what’s happening?” Gordon asked again.
With Carter clearly defeated, I risked a peek at Gordon and grinned. “Wilbur just saved my life.”
Chapter 31
Two days later, I stood before a full-length mirror in Esther’s bedroom and smoothed down my wedding dress over my midriff. I leaned in to see how visible the marks on my throat from Carter’s attack were, but Brittany had done a phenomenal job covering them with makeup.
“Don’t worry. No one can tell that psycho almost strangled you in the pigpen,” Ashlee said.
Brittany giggled.
Mom tsked. “Let’s not talk about what happened. We only want good thoughts today.” She fussed with my veil.
“Dana didn’t have the life squeezed out of her,” Ashlee said. “That is a good thought.”
Mom glowered at her. “You know what I mean.” She stepped back and clasped her hands together. Pride and fondness were written clearly across her face as she studied me. “My little girl, all grown up. I only wish your father were here to see you walk down the aisle.”
My throat instantly narrowed, and my nose burned. “Please don’t make me cry. It makes my face blotchy, and I’d hate to get married with a blotchy face.” I’d kept my tone light, but I, too, wished my father could be here.
The door to Esther’s bedroom inched open, and Esther squeezed inside before hastily shutting it. “Can’t let anyone see the bride before your big moment.”
“Thanks, Esther.” I was fairly sure no one else was upstairs, but I appreciated the thought.
She looked at my reflection in the mirror and pressed her hands to her mouth. “Don’t you look beautiful? I’m so thankful you were able to escape from Carter. To think that man murdered Bethany.” She shook her head.
So much for not talking about Carter. I tucked in a piece of hair that had
escaped the bun. “He told the police it was an accident. Said Bethany demanded more blackmail money, they started to argue, and he grabbed the gun from the shelf on impulse. He was only trying to scare her. He never intended to shoot her.”
Ashlee rolled her eyes. “He’s probably going to plead temporary insanity, like they do on TV. He is a lawyer after all.”
I shrugged. “Possibly. He must have known Bethany could blackmail him for years, with or without Phoebe in the picture, so maybe he saw a way out. We’ll probably never know for sure.”
In the mirror’s reflection, I saw Mom shiver. “I’m glad he didn’t kill you the moment he found out you knew about the affair.”
“Good thing I gave him that fake name when we first met. He really had no way to find me.”
Mom pointed a finger at me in the mirror, and I turned around to face her. “This is exactly why I don’t like you playing detective. It’s too dangerous.”
I laughed. “Look who’s talking. You wanted to take Mitch on a date strictly so you could question him about Bethany’s death. If he’d been the killer, you could have really put yourself in harm’s way.”
Mom laid a hand on my arm and leaned in. “Speaking of Mitch, I forgot to tell you that when I learned Carter was the killer, I called up Mitch and invited him to be my date for today. I hope that’s all right. The mother of the bride needs a dance partner.”
“Doesn’t it bother you that he’s been lying to his customers about where his ice cream comes from?” I asked.
“Of course, but we talked about it. He admits he made some poor decisions when his business ran into trouble, but he’s promised to start making his own ice cream again. He never felt right about the deception.”
“In that case, I’m delighted Mitch will be joining you. He seems like a decent enough guy.”
“Yeah, Mom, he’s not half bad,” Ashlee said. “Plus, I bet he gives you free ice cream. Maybe even your family members.” She winked.
Mom ducked her head, as if embarrassed to be talking about her dating life. “I don’t know which of us will be happier today. Me, because my oldest daughter is getting married, or Mitch, because Violet has agreed to sell him the flower shop.”
I smiled. Finding her mom’s killer must have given Violet the closure she needed. “That’s wonderful. For both of them. Mitch can expand his shop like he’s always wanted, and Violet will have the money to focus on her writing.”
“Yes, and Mitch received approval for his business loan, which will help him make all the changes he wants. It’s a win-win for everyone,” Mom said. She turned to Ashlee. “Who’s your date for today?”
“Logan. We’ve gone out a bunch of times.”
I opened my mouth in mock surprise. “Wow, he made it past the third date? That’s quite the commitment for you.”
Ashlee stuck her tongue out. “Knock it off. He’s not even as hot as most of the guys I go out with. But there’s something different about him. I can’t figure out what.”
She looked genuinely confused, and Mom and I exchanged a knowing look. “Sounds like he might be the one,” Mom said. I’d swear I heard Esther giggle, followed by Brittany.
Ashlee let out a groan. “I barely know the guy.” She tilted her head. “But, you know, if things work out with him, it wouldn’t be the end of the world.”
Wow. Who was this woman? She couldn’t be my sister.
“We should double date,” Brittany said. “That’s what Lucia and I did one time when some guy asked her out who she didn’t know too well. Hey, we could triple date!” She giggled again.
“How is Lucia?” I asked.
Brittany wiggled her hand back and forth to indicate she was so-so. “She told the police about that lady she ran over.”
Mom flinched. “What’s this?”
“She ran into some lady on her bike and hurt her back or something,” Brittany said. “She’s working with the public defender. He said that since she’s a first-time offender, she might end up with community service rather than jail time. If that happens, she could probably go back to school next semester.”
“Good for Lucia,” I said. “I hope things work out for her.”
A knock sounded on the door. Esther rushed over and opened it a crack. When she saw who it was, she swung the door wider. Gordon stood on the other side of the threshold in a black tuxedo, his combed-back, oiled hair almost as shiny as his wingtip shoes.
I felt tears prick my eyes. With my father gone, Gordon was the perfect replacement to walk me down the aisle. I checked the cow clock on the wall. It was time.
I looked at my reflection once more, touching the corners of my mouth to make sure my lipstick hadn’t smeared.
“You look good,” Ashlee said. “Don’t mess it up.”
Gordon cleared his throat, looking decidedly uncomfortable. “I must say, you do look lovely.”
“Well, thank you, Gordon.” I almost curtsied but stopped myself in time. “I guess this is it.” I gave Mom and Esther a quick hug. Both instantly reached into the sleeves of their dresses and pulled out tissues.
“We’d better get down there,” Mom said to Esther. They hurried past Gordon and out the door. Brittany and Ashlee followed.
Gordon held out his arm, and I hooked mine through his. He escorted me down the stairs, through the hall, and across the empty dining room. Ashlee waited near the door, her bouquet at the ready.
Beyond the French doors, I could see friends and family waiting on the patio. After my little run-in with Carter, Esther and Zennia had stepped up and decorated the patio for me, while Violet had added the bows she’d promised. Even through the glass, I could see that everything looked perfect.
Gordon poked his head out the door and spoke quietly to Zennia, who stood nearby. She gave a little tug on the leash in her hand, and Wilbur popped into view.
I had no idea how she’d managed to get a leash on him, let alone the little bow tie he now sported, but after all that had happened, I’d decided Wilbur deserved a spot in my wedding. Since I didn’t know any little girls the right age to be the flower girl, I’d given Wilbur the role of flower pig.
The wedding march started to play. Wilbur picked up a basket of flowers with his snout and trotted down the aisle, Zennia by his side. A murmur rose up from the guests. A few pointed at Wilbur, while others laughed.
Ashlee leaned toward me. “Last chance to ditch Jason and keep loving the single life.”
“No, thanks. I think I’m going to love the married life way more.”
“You could do a lot worse than Jason, that’s for sure.” She headed out the door.
I felt my stomach do a flip-flop. I gently lifted my own bouquet from a nearby table, held it before me, and walked with Gordon out the door. The guests rose. In true Gordon fashion, the walk down the aisle was brisk and efficient.
Jason waited at the end, looking more handsome in his tux than I’d ever seen him. Gordon released my arm, the two men shook hands, and then Jason took my hands in his. The minister started speaking, but I had trouble following his words. The first part of the ceremony was a blur.
But when he got to the part where he asked if I took Jason as my lawfully wedded husband, I looked straight into Jason’s warm green eyes and smiled. “I do.”
The minister said a few more words and checked to see if anyone had any objections to Jason and me getting married. I half expected Ashlee to speak up, but when she didn’t, the minister nodded to Jason. “You may now kiss the bride.”
Jason and I leaned toward each other and engaged in a kiss that brought a round of clapping and one wolf whistle. I felt myself blush as we broke apart, and I glanced at Mom, slightly embarrassed. She smiled at me, dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief. I smiled back.
Together, Jason and I walked back up the aisle and into the dining room, managing to steal one more kiss before everyone crowded in behind us. Esther and Zennia immediately made a beeline for the kitchen to retrieve the hors d’oeuvres, while the ph
otographer ushered the wedding party down the hall to the lobby to start the picture-taking.
When my cheeks started aching from all the smiling, I leaned toward Jason. “I think we have enough pictures. Shall we go spend time with our guests?”
“Whatever you say, Mrs. Forrester,” he said with a wink.
We thanked the photographer and headed back to the dining room. As soon as Gordon saw us enter, he stood up from his seat at one of the tables. I didn’t recognize the woman beside him. She wore a business jacket and had her hair pulled back in a bun so severe that the skin at her temples was stretched taut. She looked like she was attending a conference rather than a wedding. I knew immediately that she must be Gordon’s date.
Gordon tapped his wineglass with a spoon, and I focused my attention back on him. He cleared his throat.
“I’d like to propose a toast.” He tilted his glass in my direction. “When Dana first asked me to walk her down the aisle, I’d thought I’d misheard her. After all, our working relationship has been rocky at times, what with her tendency to take long lunches, especially when she decides to play amateur detective.”
A few people in the crowd laughed nervously.
Good grief. This was his speech?
“But after considering the request, I came to realize that Dana and I have developed a much closer relationship over these past few years. I’ve come to trust her work ethic and know she can be counted on. I was honored that she considered me an adequate stand-in for her father.” Now he tipped his glass toward Jason. “I’ve been reading Jason’s articles in the Herald for years, and I already know he’s a top-rate reporter. Anyone who takes his job as seriously as this man does will make a world-class husband. I know these two will be happy together for years to come.” Gordon raised his glass high. “To the bride and groom.”
Everyone in the room raised their own glasses as a chorus of “To the bride and groom” came back. I felt myself choke up a bit and swallowed the lump in my throat. As everyone else took a drink, I whispered into Jason’s ear, “I feel like the luckiest person in the world.”
Marriage Is Pure Murder Page 23