by Rayna Morgan
Pat entered the room with Pauline in handcuffs.
“Before you take her,” Maddy asked, “do you mind if we ask a few questions?”
“After what she put you through, be my guest.” Pat pushed Pauline into a chair and took a position behind her.
Maddy got to her feet and walked unsteadily across the room. She picked up the picture of Pauline and Jeffrey and turned to the nurse. “You were in love with him, weren’t you?”
Pauline stared at the photo with vacant eyes. “That day turned from the best of my life to the worst. Jeffrey acted surprised when I told him my feelings. I know he felt the same, but he insisted I misinterpreted his actions as more than friendship. It was painful having my emotions stripped raw and exposed in that manner. Even worse was listening to him rave about Emma, totally insensitive to my feelings. At the end of the day, he thanked me for being a good friend by listening.” She smirked. “Friend, indeed!”
Lea leaned over the woman. “During the conversation with my sister, you made a point of mentioning how the doctor helped an inmate on parole. You wanted us to believe the doctor hired the man to burglar his home. But it was you who hired the felon. Not to murder the doctor’s wife. You weren’t satisfied with anything less than carrying out that dastardly deed yourself. You hired the felon to set the stage of similar thefts in the area. Your plan worked beautifully. No one considered the break-in at the Blake residence to be independent of other burglaries.”
“No one except Sam,” Pauline noted dryly.
Maddy looked at her sister. “Don’t forget the information she gave me about the doctor borrowing from his wife’s trust.”
Lea stared down at Pauline. “Another attempt to frame Jeffrey. The perfect revenge for hurting you. But the evidence was not incriminating enough. You didn’t make a strong enough case for the police.”
“I’m curious,” Maddy said. “You gave the excuse of not being ready to move, but did the doctor ever ask you to help open his clinic here?”
“No.” She choked. “After all I did for him, he never even asked.”
Showing no sympathy, Lea continued. “You waited long enough for the case to be forgotten to wreak your revenge.”
The room fell silent.
When Pauline finally spoke, her laughter sent chills up Lea’s spine. “I was more set on revenge than Sam.”
“Speaking of Sam, why did you try to kill him? Did he get in your way?”
“Sam and I recognized each other the moment he entered emergency. I was surprised when he requested me for his follow up care. At first, I worried he suspected me. I decided it would be best to accept the assignment to find out exactly what he knew. “I soon realized I had nothing to fear. Each time I made a house call, he asked questions but only to accuse the doctor.
“As my visits continued, Sam confided about his marriage wearing on his nerves. His wife was constantly on his case, wanting more money, more attention, more everything. He told me he wanted out.
“The last time I went, his wife was clubbing with a friend. Sam was home alone, feeling old and sick and lonely. He wanted a brandy to help him sleep. He asked me to join him.
“The more we drank, the more I commiserated. I knew Sam was depressed and things would look better in the morning. Still, I suggested there were ways to get out of unhappy situations other than divorce. I only meant to suggest that he have an affair, but Sam was appalled.
“I knew then that Sam suspected me guilty of the crime he previously believed the doctor had committed. I had no choice but to kill him. I doctored his insulin knowing the next time he self-injected would be the last time.”
She stared at Maddy inquisitively. “Why did you come here tonight? What made you think it was me?”
“The pill box.”
Pauline’s eyes narrowed. “The pill I took at the coffee shop.”
When Maddy nodded, Pauline continued. “I was afraid to pawn the stolen items in case they might be traced. I disposed of everything except the pill box. It was foolish of me to keep it. It was the only thing of Emma’s I wanted.” With a chilling look, she added. “The only thing besides her husband.”
After Pat took Pauline away, Maddy looked at her sister. “When I read your message, I worried you’d show up all alone since I told you not to bother Tom.”
“I didn’t listen. Your safety concerns me more than sending the police on a false alarm.”
“For once, I’m glad you never listen to me.”
CHAPTER FORTY
Fuchsia Lane was filled with cars when Warren and Barbara arrived.
“A person can never find parking on these narrow streets,” Warren grumbled. “Where am I supposed to park?”
Barbara pointed to a No Parking barricade in front of Maddy’s cottage.
“Don’t be grumpy. Maddy reserved a spot for you.”
While he removed a wicker basket from the back, she admired the roses in the small garden. “Maddy’s green thumb is as good as mine,” she remarked.
Warren agreed. “She didn’t fall far from the tree in that regard.”
“No, indeed.”
“Nor in her love of sweets,” he added.
She acknowledged his words with a smile.
“Which reminds me,” he said. “Did you bake her favorite brownies?”
“Of course. A picnic wouldn’t be complete without them.”
Before they reached the door, Jon raced out. The dogs were close at his side, barking with excitement.
“C’mon, Grandpa. Let’s go to the beach to help Tom and Jack set up the volleyball net.”
Barbara took the basket from his hands. “Go ahead. I’ll follow with Lea and Maddy.”
Paul came out on the porch. “Not so fast, young man. Give me a hand with the cooler.” He called back inside. “Holler when you’re ready with the food.”
“What can I carry?” Warren asked.
Paul jerked his head toward a stack of towels. “Grab those, if you will. Tom took the blanket.”
The entourage made their way to the beach with the canines racing in front, eager to get to the water.
When Warren saw the net, he asked, “Will Lea and Maddy play?”
“If they ever finish yapping.”
“How do you choose sides with Maddy being so good and Lea being…?”
Paul finished the question. “Lea being Lea? We do it by tossing a coin.”
“The winner chooses a player?”
“Not exactly,” Paul admitted.
Jon burst out laughing. “Whoever loses gets Mom.”
“I see.”
“Don’t tell her that’s how it works.”
Warren waved at the brothers and dropped the towels on a blanket close to the net. Jon raced through the sand to the edge of the water, hurling a Frisbee as he ran. The border collie leaped in the air to snatch the disc between her teeth before landing gracefully on the sand.
“The dogs want to play,” Jon yelled, motioning for Paul and Warren to join him.
Warren looked at the retriever in a skeptical manner. “Spirit’s idea of play is nosing his way from rock to rock poking at seaweed.”
• • •
Tom and Jack finished setting up the net and batted the ball back and forth.
After several moments, Jack grabbed the ball and walked to the net. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask. I don’t want to step on your toes or go behind your back.”
“That’s a novel approach for you. I appreciate your concern. Fire away.”
“Will you object if I date Pat?”
“Not at all. Just remember…”
“I know. Treat her right.”
“Actually, that isn’t what I was going to say.”
“What, then?”
“You’re not prone to stay in one place which makes relationships difficult.”
“You’re afraid I’ll leave her in the lurch.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time you left a woman with a broken hea
rt.”
Jack kicked his foot, scattering sand in the air. “Forget I brought it up. I’ll find someone you don’t feel obligated to protect from me.”
He turned away, but Tom grabbed his arm. “I was going to suggest you make your assignment a permanent job. Give yourself a chance to build a real relationship with Pat.” He hesitated a second. “And the rest of us.”
A smile inched its way across Jack’s face. “You think this town is big enough for both of us?”
“Look, I admit I’m not the easiest brother in the world—”
“You can say that again.”
Tom held up a finger, but smiled. “You were supposed to disagree.”
Jon hollered for their attention. “Come play catch, guys.”
Tom laid a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “We got along when we were growing up. Maybe we can get there again.”
Jack remembered Pat’s advice. “A smart woman told me a union requires two people working together to be successful.”
Tom smiled as they walked toward Jon. “I’m game. We’ll work on this together.”
• • •
The sun was setting when Jack stood and brushed sand from his shorts. “The picnic was great, folks. Sorry to leave, but I have someone to see.”
Tom smiled. “Anyone I know?”
Jack’s only reply was a boyish grin.
Barbara rubbed her arms. “We’ll walk back with you. The air is turning cool.”
“Pick up the towels, Jon,” Paul said. “I’ll throw away the trash.”
Jack glanced at the volleyball net. “Do you need help, bro?”
“No, thanks. Maddy and I will take it down.”
Tom and Maddy stood alone, rolling up the net as the last sliver of sun cast an orange glow on the water. In the distance, a solitary sailboat made its way toward shore. The only sounds came from squawking seagulls and waves lapping against the shore.
Maddy cleaned the volleyball as Tom packed poles in the bag.
“Lea and Paul have decided to renew their wedding vows,” she told him. “They’re planning a ceremony at the Adobe.”
“That’s great. Your father will finally be able to walk a daughter down the aisle.”
Maddy placed the ball in the bag and stepped closer to him. Her words were barely audible. “Dad could walk down the aisle with a daughter on each arm.”
Tom dropped the bag and turned to face her. “Does that mean what I think it means?”
Her voice trembled slightly. “It means I will marry you.”
His eyes teared as he folded her in his arms.
She raised her head to look at him. “Are you happy, Tom?”
“I had forgotten this kind of happiness was possible.”
• • •
When they reached the cottage, everyone but Jack was gathered in the living room. For a few minutes, they discussed the case.
“How is Sam doing, Dad?” Lea asked.
“I visited him at the hospital today. He’s recovering nicely and will be released soon.”
“Did you give him the news about Pauline being responsible for his daughter’s death instead of Jeffrey?”
“Pauline was correct. Sam put two and two together during her last home visit. He realized he blamed the wrong person. He intended to tell me the next morning.”
“It’s hard to believe,” Lea said. “The person responsible for Emma’s murder and Dad’s sleepless nights has been right under our noses.”
Paul shook his head. “Women are hard to understand. All these years and Pauline still carried a torch.”
“Matters of the heart don’t come with time stamps,” Barbara replied.
“Speaking of matters of the heart…” Maddy held Tom’s hand as they shared their news.
Lea hugged her sister. “We can make it a double wedding.”
“If you’re a bride, you can’t be my bridesmaid,” Maddy reminded her.
“I know a bridesmaid for both of us,” Lea replied.
The sisters turned to their mother.
Barbara beamed with pleasure. “Nothing would make me happier.”
Paul looked at Tom. “I suppose I’ll have to get my tux out of mothballs to be your best man.”
“Don’t worry, the ceremony won’t be formal. Besides, I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I have someone else in mind.”
“Who might that be?” Warren asked.
Maddy squeezed her father’s hand. “For being the world’s greatest detective, you missed the signs in this case.”
Warren raised his hands. “Clue me in.”
Tom and Maddy spoke the name in unison. “Jack!”
<<<<>>>>
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BOOK EXCERPT
Sister Sleuths Mystery Series - Book Six
If she had known this was the last party she would attend, she would have danced and enjoyed the music. But she was no different from the rest of us. None of us knows which of our actions will change our life forever. Instead, she served drinks to a room full of arrogant people pretending wealth brought happiness.
Cate Palmer followed the circular drive past a tiered fountain at the home of one of the county’s biggest developers. She waved at valets wearing starched shirts and black vests and drove to parking at the rear. From previous parties at Ron Townsend’s mansion, she knew where the catering staff was expected to park.
She entered a door at the back and hurried past a living room featuring disappearing glass walls which provided panoramic views of the ocean and allowed warm, moist breezes to fill the house.
Knocking softly before entering a room down the hall, she breathed a sigh of relief to find the book-lined study empty. Permitting herself a moment’s diversion, she passed through sliding doors onto a terrace where she inhaled salty air as it washed over her skin. She twisted her long, brown hair into a bun and savored the feeling of living close to the beach.
She would rather spend her time off with her boyfriend, but Ron Townsend was known for exorbitant tips. She’d be short on rent without the gratuity handed out to servers at the end of the night. At least the gig provided an excuse to postpone the important conversation she must have with Mario. With a sigh, she turned her attention to the job at hand.
When she emerged from the study and entered the living room, the party was in full swing.
Holly Hanson rushed over. “You’re late. You won’t have time to set things up.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve taken care of it. Everything’s under control.”
The bartender signaled her. “Mr. Townsend has requested drinks in his library. And take a plate of the shrimp appetizers.
“Knock before you enter,” he cautioned, as he placed two whiskey glasses on her tray. “What goes on behind closed doors can be embarrassing.”
• • •
Following the bartender’s advice, she hesitated before entering the study. The heated conversation taking place gave her pause.
“Where are those permits?” an angry man shouted. “I’ve got a construction crew on site waiting to start a multi-million dollar project. It costs me a bundle every day those cranes aren’t operating.”
The reply came from a voice Cate recognized. “You can’t expect me to simply waltz into the building department and order them to approve your plans without going through required procedures. I’m doing the best I can.”
“Alright, then let’s enjoy the party. Where are those drinks I ordered? Let me page the bartender and find out.”
Cate hurriedly pushed the door open.
The man sitting across from Townsend stood to leave. “Never mind, Ron. As you said, I’ve got work to do.”
He brushed past the cocktai
l waitress, nearly spilling the drinks on her tray. Turning to offer an apology, he appeared flustered. “Cate! What are you doing here?”
“Delivering the drinks Mr. Townsend ordered.” She reached for a cocktail napkin. “Would you like one?”
“Don’t bother. I’m on my way out.”
Before closing the door, he added awkwardly, “Nice to see you.”
The host noted the dismayed look on Cate’s face as she walked around the desk to serve his drink. His lips curled in amusement.
“Don’t pay any attention to my guest. You know politicians. All bluster and empty rhetoric.”
He reached for the glasses. “Have a drink with me, Cate.”
She smiled demurely. “I’m working, Mr. Townsend.”
“I’ve asked you before to call me Ron.”
“Holly would have a fit if she heard me call a client or guest by his first name.”
“Come back when the party’s over. I’ll let you call me whatever you wish.”
He reached around her waist, letting his hand slide down her back.
She bit her tongue, worried he would feel the device hidden in her pocket. “You won’t appreciate the name I’ll call you if you cost me my job.”
His reply was cut off when the door was flung open by a young Hispanic man, shouting and waving his arms. “Where’s my money, Townsend? You were supposed to meet me in the parking lot.”
Cate turned, slipping away from Townsend’s grasp.
“Mario!” she exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”
Townsend looked displeased by the interruption. He drained the second whiskey and placed the empty glass on her tray.
“I’m sure my guests are thirsty, doll. Why don’t you hustle out to serve them so I can finish my business and join the festivities?”
Cate lowered her head without looking at Mario and hurried through the door. In the hall, she leaned back against the door to listen.
“I provided the goodies for your guests,” her boyfriend argued. “I want payment.”
A tap on her shoulder made Cate jump, nearly toppling the empty glasses on the tray.
• • •
She spun around to face the man in charge of Townsend’s security.