by Gina Conroy
To Whom It May Concern: If you find this, I’m probably dead either by natural causes or by foul play. I have evidence of a murder. My life has been threatened if I report this, and frankly I don’t wish to die just yet. However, they aren’t likely to kill me if they know I have hidden the evidence.
On February 7, 1976, the body of a foreign dignitary, one Ivan du Pres, was found floating in the river. It was unclear at the time whether the death was murder, accident, or suicide. I can assure you, it was murder. I was an unwilling witness of the deed and although I couldn’t prevent the act itself, I managed to take two photos. If you will dig a little further into this little fellow’s stomach, you’ll find them. In case the perpetrators are long gone or unrecognizable in the photo, I will include a list of their identities.
Following was a list of five names. The first name on the list was no surprise. Senator Anthony Noble. The next three were unknown to Susan. But the last name brought a gasp. She closed her eyes against the truth, and tears poured down her cheeks. “No,” she whispered. “Oh no. Uncle Ollie.”
Vince sat next to Susan on the sofa, comforting her. If only he could take away her pain. There was no use skirting the issue. If Lionel Oliver was one of the murderers, he was also likely involved in the attempts on Susan’s life. He was pretty sure that thought had crossed her mind as well.
He handed her a couple of fresh tissues. She blew her nose then looked up and took a shaky breath. “Okay, I’m ready to go now. Just let me wash my face.”
When she returned, there was little trace of her tears left. She gave him a tremulous smile that turned his heart over.
Vince had notified the police they were bringing the evidence in, so at the station, they were immediately escorted into the office of Detective Briner, a bulldog-faced man with a shock of curly white hair. He smiled and pulled out a chair for Susan, motioning for Vince to sit beside her.
His lips tightened as his eyes scanned the letter and photos. “And you found these where, Miss Holland?”
She handed him the drumming bear she held on her lap. He eyed the damaged toy and nodded. “From the reports, there was obviously something fishy about this case. These photos leave little doubt that the statements in the letter are true.” He glanced at a file on his desk. “And we’ll also check to see if this is connected with the accidents you’ve been having.”
After the detective thanked her and assured her he’d be in touch, they left.
“Do you want to stop for something to eat or a cup of coffee?” He hated to think of her grieving all alone in her apartment.
“Thanks, Vince, but I just want to go to sleep. Anyway, we both have to work tomorrow.”
“You’re right. But I have another request.” He took a deep breath. “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?”
She blinked and darted a glance at him. “Uncle Albert and I usually went out to dinner. Now that he’s gone, well, I hadn’t really thought about it.”
“Well, I have and I’ve decided it’s time for me to introduce you to the family I promised to share with you. How about coming to Thanksgiving dinner with us?” He almost held his breath waiting for her answer.
“Really? Oh no, I couldn’t do that. What would your mother think of a stranger barging in?”
“First of all, Mama doesn’t let anyone remain a stranger more than two minutes. And second, she’s the one who extended the invitation.” Practically ordered him to invite Susan actually, just as he’d hoped she would.
“Oh, you told her about me?”
He grinned. “Of course. You’re an important part of my life.”
“I am?” Her lips turned up at the corners. “I sort of like you, too, you know.”
“You should. I’m a nice guy.”
She laughed. “And you’re the first to say it, huh?”
Their laughter rang out as they drove up the hill to Cherry Blossom Estates. And after they’d said good night, Vince couldn’t erase the smile that was planted on his face.
He loved the woman. No denying it. And he was pretty sure she felt the same. It was time he did something about it.
Susan opened the box of freshly delivered donuts, still hot from the fryers and ovens, and placed them neatly in the glass cases.
She glanced around to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. She grabbed the paper and a mug of pumpkin spice and sat at the counter. Ten minutes to relax before time to open. It had been a busy week and she was glad it was Friday. Tonya was in back giving last-minute instructions to Amy, the girl Susan had hired the week before. Between employees and the overload of customers, the place was about to come apart at the seams.
Cleanup on the mansion had gone swiftly, and Vince and his crew were hard at work replacing and renovating, but she knew it would be awhile yet. But that was good. She’d need time to hire a manager to take over this location and hire a couple of waitresses. Conrad wanted to stay, but Tonya was eager to make the switch to Falls Church. Susan was impressed with Tonya’s progress.
She glanced at her watch. It was time. She opened the door, and chill air rushed into the warm café, followed by the waiting line of people.
Midmorning, the phone rang and Susan hurried to answer.
“Miss Holland, Detective Briner here. Do you have a few minutes?” His booming voice indicated the answer had better be yes.
“Yes, Detective, do you have any news yet?” It had been two weeks since Susan had found the incriminating evidence.
“Yes, I’m happy to say I do. One of the men on the list is deceased, but the others are in custody. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for later today.” He hesitated. “We have one signed confession. I thought you should know.”
“Uncle Ollie?”
“Yes, Lionel Oliver.” He cleared his throat. “Some of it concerns you. If you’d like to come to the station after work, I’ll discuss it with you.”
“I’ll be there.” Susan’s voice shook. She hung up the phone and took a deep breath. There were still customers waiting.
Later that night Susan sat in her living room and told Vince the details of her meeting with Detective Briner.
Uncle Ollie’s confession had eased her heart to a degree, in that he wasn’t involved in any way with the attacks on Susan. In fact, he’d actually prevented a few incidents that could have been fatal for her. But it chilled her to hear the details of the cold-blooded murder conspiracy. He’d been younger then and a great deal of money was involved.
Senator Noble had been so desperate to find the evidence, he’d sent someone to search the mansion the day the will was read. That person was the one who shoved Susan down the stairs. At this point it was uncertain whether he had instructions to get rid of her or was simply afraid she’d seen him.
She attempted a smile. “Uncle Ollie’s statement exonerated Uncle Albert completely of any part in the conspiracy or the actual murder.”
Vince nodded. “I suspected that suspicion might have crossed your mind.”
“Just for a moment or so. I never really thought he was involved. My uncle was always a champion of right and justice.” She smiled. “Still, it is a relief to know for sure.”
She blinked away the tears that flooded her eyes. “Well, it’s over now. Or almost. I may have to testify, but they don’t think it’ll be necessary with Uncle Ollie’s statement.” She smiled. “I’m ready to leave it all behind me.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He rubbed his thumb across her hand and a thrill ran up her arm. “My family is excited about meeting you next week.”
“I can’t wait to meet them, too. I’ve never celebrated a holiday with a big family.”
He laughed. “You may never want to again.”
“Oh, I doubt that’s true. They must be wonderful, if you’re any indication of what they’re like.”
His eyes lit up. “If that’s flattery, keep it up. I like it.” And there went that thumb again.
She laughed. “Go home, Vince. And don’t call me ea
rly tomorrow. I’m sleeping in.”
Chapter 10
Susan didn’t know if she’d ever laughed so much in her life. No sooner would she catch her breath than one of Vince’s brothers would say something so funny she couldn’t help herself from exploding with laughter.
She’d discovered very quickly the whole family loved to tease. And tonight, she and Vince were the main targets.
“Now stop that.” Mrs. Martinelli frowned at Frankie and wagged her finger in his face. “Frankie Martinelli, you should be ashamed of yourself, teasing the poor girl so. Now you apologize right this minute for your bad manners.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Frankie winked at Susan and bowed from the waist. “Please forgive me, Susan, for my bad manners.”
Susan covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.
“Ah, Mama. Leave the children alone. They’re only having fun.” Mr. Martinelli smiled at Susan. “She knows they don’t mean any harm.”
Susan nodded. “I’m not one bit offended.”
Mrs. Martinelli patted her cheek. “You’re a good girl. Just what my Vince needs.”
At that the whole room exploded with laughter. “Mama! And you scolded us.”
The elderly woman’s eyes twinkled. “But I’m not teasing.”
The dinner table was piled high with traditional Thanksgiving food, such as turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce, as well as traditional Italian dishes. Susan tried everything.
She took a bite of a salad-type dish and her eyes widened. She took another bite.
Mama Martinelli’s eyes sparkled. “You like the caponata di pesce?“
Susan smiled and nodded. “What is it?”
Vince’s mother drew her brows together in thought then said, “Oh yes. Fish salad.”
“Well, it’s very good.”
“Vincenzo likes it very much, too. I teach you to make it.”
The dinner ended with three different desserts, fruit, and cheese. Susan took a bite of each to be polite, but by now she was stuffed.
After dinner, someone rolled back the area rug in the living room and the furniture was pushed to the walls. Music filled the room and Susan had her first experience with an Italian folk dance.
One of Nick’s brothers-in-law pulled Susan into the mix, and when it was over she collapsed into a chair.
Frankie jumped up from across the room. “Okay,” he laughed, “time for the tarantella.”
“Don’t you dare, you bad boy.” His mama frowned and swatted him on the arm.
“But Mama. It’s for Susan and Vince.”
“No! I don’t like that dance and neither does Jesus.”
Frankie laughed. “All right, Mama. No tarantella.”
Soon the party broke up, and couples and families began to leave. Vince brought Susan’s coat, and she thanked Vince’s parents for sharing their holiday with her.
Vince’s mother took Susan’s face between her two hands. “I hope you will come again soon. Very soon.”
Susan leaned back in the car and sighed.
Vince chuckled. “I’d like to think that was a happy sigh, but I’m afraid it was a sigh of exhaustion.”
“Mmm. Both. I am tired, but it was a wonderful evening. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful family with me, Vince. I’ll never forget.”
“I hope you’ll share many more.”
She smiled. “So do I.”
Vince parked the car and they went upstairs. She stopped at the door and turned to face him.
“Do you mind if I come in just for a moment? I promise not to stay long.”
“All right.” She handed him her key.
They went inside and she kicked her shoes off. “I don’t know how I danced in those things. I think I’ll wear more comfortable shoes next time.”
His eyes crinkled up. “I should have warned you.”
“Would you like something to drink? I can make coffee.”
“No thanks. I just want to talk to you about something.” He cleared his throat.
“Nothing’s wrong at the mansion, is it?”
“No. Everything’s going fine.” He glanced at the sofa. “Can we sit down for a minute?”
“Yeah, I think we’d better. Before you fall down. What is it, Vince?”
They sat down and he took her hand.
“Susan, I’m in love with you.” His voice shook with emotion.
A thrill went through her. She knew he cared for her, but had hardly dared to hope those feelings went this far.
“Oh Vince. I feel the same. I mean, I love you, too.”
“You do? Are you sure?”
She laughed. “Of course I’m sure. Why? Were you hoping I’d say sorry, I don’t love you?”
“Oh no. Please don’t do that.” His smile took her breath away. “You’ll marry me, then?”
She stared at him, too overcome to speak.
Concern washed over his face. “Am I rushing things? I know we haven’t known each other long.”
“No,” she whispered. “I don’t think you’re rushing things at all. And yes, I’ll marry you.”
The joy that shone on his face matched what was filling her heart. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Her breath caught at the diamond that sparkled against an exquisite setting.
He slipped it on her finger and slowly lowered his head until his lips met hers.
Finally she pulled away.
“I’d better leave,” he said, his voice husky with emotion.
She walked him to the door. “Hey, your mama didn’t tell you to ask me to marry you, did she?”
“Sure she did. But I’d already bought the ring.”
Susan laughed, and then her lips met his in a long and tender kiss good night.
FRANCES L. DEVINE grew up in the great state of Texas, where she wrote her first story at the age of nine. She moved to Southwest Missouri more than twenty years ago and fell in love with the hills, the fall colors, and the Silver Dollar City. Frances has always loved to read, especially cozy mysteries, and considers herself blessed to have the opportunity to write in her favorite genre. She is the mother of seven adult children and has fourteen wonderful grandchildren.
A Letter to Our Readers
Dear Readers:
In order that we might better contribute to your reading enjoyment, we would appreciate you taking a few minutes to respond to the following questions. When completed, please return to the following: Fiction Editor, Barbour Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 719, Uhrichsville, OH 44683.