Martinez, Mary - Classic Murder: Mr. Romance (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Mary Martinez

  “Send them in. I’m not busy.” Adam frowned. What in the world? Then a thought dawned and he smiled. It was almost Christmas and he always gave a large contribution to the policemen’s fund. They probably wanted a bigger donation this year.

  As Adam stood, a gentleman of medium height entered the office first. He had a dark suit, and he was not smiling. He flipped out his badge and offered it to Adam, without being asked. This couldn’t be good, Adam decided. A younger man followed him, obviously the junior partner. He looked around the room, fascinated with the posters. Adam estimated most of the movies were from before he was born. Not that he was ancient himself, most people his age wouldn’t know a classic if it jumped up and bit them in the butt.

  Motioning them both to a seat, Adam sat himself and waited for the men to tell him why they had come.

  “I’m Detective Brandon Novak and this is my partner, Detective Eddie Jones.” When the young man scowled at the older man, Detective Novak cleared his voice and continued. “I mean Ed Jones. We have a few questions to ask you.”

  “Can you tell me what this is about?” Adam asked, feeling more uneasy with each passing minute. Detective Novak continued to stare hard at him, as if waiting for him to break down and confess to some hideous crime.

  “When was the last time you saw Cynthia Westwood?” the younger officer said from behind Adam’s chair.

  He spun in his chair, looked at the young man and tried to gather his wits. What in the world was going on?

  “I saw her last Sunday when we came back from San Francisco.”

  “Yes, we know that. Did you see her after that?” Novak asked.

  Adam swung back to look at the older detective. “No, I haven’t.” He stood and walked to the window. He turned around. From where he stood, he had the advantage of seeing both men. “I’m going to ask you again, what is this all about?”

  “Where were you last night?” the older man snapped.

  “I was at a benefit dinner.”

  “Yes, he was. We went together and met my parents there.” Katie stood in the doorway, a frown marring her beautiful features. Now why did Adam think of that at a time like this?

  “And after that?” Detective Jones asked.

  “He took me home.”

  “We’re asking Mr. Russo the questions, Miss. Would you please excuse us?” Detective Novak asked.

  “Katie, come in. I’d like you to join us.”

  Katie walked in and sat in Adam’s vacated seat, pushing it back so no one could stand behind her. Adam smothered a grin at her maneuver.

  “Are you sure you want her in here? This is about one of your girlfriends.”

  “Katie is my personal assistant, and Ms. Westwood is not one of my girlfriends. We went to Napa Valley on a wine tour together as friends. That is all. And I haven’t heard from her since we got back.”

  “Don’t you find it odd that she hasn’t called to thank you for taking her in your private jet on a weekend trip?” Detective Jones asked.

  “It’s only been a few days, and we didn’t really part on good terms.” Adam watched a look pass between the two detectives. He didn’t like that look one bit.

  “Oh, really? Mind telling us what happened?” Detective Novak asked.

  “Yes, I do mind. Why all the questions?” Adam had a sinking feeling he knew. There could only be one reason they were here— something had happened to Cynthia.

  “Look, we can always take you down to the station to finish the questioning if you’d rather.” Ed pulled himself up to his full height as if trying to intimidate.

  Adam had about reached the end of his rope. He walked to the door. “You can leave now. Or you can tell me what this is about. Until you do, I’m not answering any more questions.”

  “If you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to worry about. Just answer our questions.” The senior officer stood up, but didn’t turn toward the door, letting it be known by his actions he wasn’t ready to leave.

  Adam folded his arms across his broad chest and waited. No one bullied him in his own office. The detective stood between him and Katie. She hadn’t said anymore since she’d sat in his seat. He wondered what her thoughts were. He felt like a criminal, yet had done nothing wrong.

  “Fine.” Detective Novak motioned for his partner to sit and then he took his seat again. Adam walked back to his position by the window, raised an eyebrow at the two, and waited.

  “Cynthia Westwood’s mother found her dead on the floor of her apartment this morning. That’s all I’m at liberty to say at this moment. According to her employees, you seem to be the last person who saw her alive. Although her next door neighbor hasn’t been available for questioning. Hopefully, we’ll be able to remedy that soon.”

  “The fact you’re here questioning me leads me to believe that you suspect foul play, am I correct?” Adam asked.

  “As Detective Novak said, we’re not at liberty to discuss anything about the case. Now will you please answer the rest of our questions? What happened between the two of you last weekend?”

  “Let’s just say we both had a different agenda for our time together. And before you ask, we didn’t have any heated words or anything like that. The trip was enjoyable, though a bit strained. We just didn’t hit it off. That’s all.”

  “So you didn’t go to her house last night?” Detective Novak asked.

  “I told you I went to a benefit. There are several people who can attest to the fact I was there.” Adam was getting tired of the way the detectives were bouncing the questions back and forth, taking turns throwing them at him as if to trip him up.

  “What time did you leave?”

  “We left late. I danced for a least an hour after dinner. I believe the dinner portion ended between nine and ten,” Katie answered.

  “You danced?” Ed Jones looked at Katie, then at Adam. “You

  didn’t dance, Mr. Russo?”

  “No, I developed a cold while I was out of town. Happens to the best of us. I watched Katie have a good time dancing. I was nursing a hot toddy and visiting with Katie’s parents.”

  “What did you do when you left?” It was Brandon Novak’s turn to question.

  “He took me home. I told you that.” Katie sounded as exasperated as Adam felt. They couldn’t possibly believe he had something to do with this. But the more the questions continued the more he was convinced they did.

  When they finally seemed satisfied that they weren’t going to learn anything more from Adam or Katie, the detectives stood to leave. Adam heaved a sigh of relief and once again walked to his door and waited.

  “When the autopsy report comes back, we’ll be able to pinpoint the time of death. If it’s after the time you can account for, we’ll be back,” Detective Novak stated as the two left.

  Chapter Ten

  Adam walked back to his desk and took his seat after Katie vacated it. She walked around and sat in the director’s chair in front of the desk.

  “Poor Cynthia, I feel awful. I mean, I never met her, but still. I wonder what happened,” Katie said.

  “So do I. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. It just doesn’t seem real. I just saw her.” Adam turned toward the cabinet where he kept some liquor and pulled out a bottle and two small tumblers. “Would you like a drink? I need one after that.”

  “Sure, why not. What is that?”

  “It’s twelve-year-old scotch.”

  “If I drink that, you may have to take me home and tuck me in again.”

  Adam paused with the bottle poised over the glass as a mental picture of undressing her flashed through his mind. He swallowed and finally poured himself a double. When he filled Katie’s glass, he only put a splash in. He didn’t think he could handle a repeat of the evening before.

  “Here’s to the both of us having a better weekend than last.”

  Adam tossed back the amber liquid in one big gulp. Katie followed suit and ended up sputtering and spewing the scotch everywhere. After her cou
ghing settled down and her face was wet with the tears running down her face, she sent Adam an accusing look.

  “What are you laughing at?”

  “Nothing. Sorry. I guess I should have warned you to take it easy.”

  “That would have been nice.” Katie set the glass down and stood to leave. “Adam, I wouldn’t worry about the detectives. They’ll find the person who killed Ms. Westwood. I’m going to head home now. Do you need anything before I go?”

  “No. Thanks for your support. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Adam gave her a salute.

  The place seemed quiet after Katie had packed her things and left. For a while, Adam lost himself in paperwork, but the phone interrupted his concentration. The receptionist had left soon after Katie, so he answered the phone.

  Detective Novak seemed a bit surprised to have Adam answer his own phone, but after a pause, he told Adam the somewhat good news. They had been able to question the neighbor and the preliminary autopsy report had given them reason to believe the time of death about eight in the evening.

  Adam was off the suspect list for now. He was to let the two detectives know where he was so they could reach him for further questioning if needed. He told Novak that he’d be out of town over the weekend, so the detective wouldn’t think Adam was holding anything from them. Even though he was in the clear, he’d feel better if he called his lawyer in the morning just to give him a heads-up.

  Adam raked a hand through his hair and sighed. He didn’t think he would get any more work done. Tossing everything in his briefcase, he was determined to get everything done the next day. He hoped his weekend trip to the Bahamas would take his mind off the tragedy of the death of someone so young and beautiful. Who would want to murder a vibrant woman like Cynthia? It was such a waste.

  * * * *

  Friday dawned bright and a little on the cool side, but wonderful sailing weather. Adam couldn’t have asked for a better day if he’d ordered it himself. His driver, Brady, was at his home promptly on time, and they were on their way to pick up Janice Beeman. It had been a while since they had met, and for the life of him, he couldn’t conjure up a picture of her. He could only remember that she was a beautiful redhead. He’d always been partial to women with auburn hair. Sighing, he realized the car had stopped at the curb. He was about to find out.

  Adam knocked on the door several times, then took a step back to check the number thinking he might have the wrong apartment. About to turn away, the door swung open. Janice stood in her stocking feet, her hair not quite dry. She held a towel and her chest heaved as if she’d run a mile.

  “Adam, I’m so sorry. My cat picked last night to play with the cord from my alarm clock and pulled the plug. Come in. I promise I’ll only be a moment.” She ushered him in and pointed in the direction of the sofa.

  Adam looked around the tastefully decorated room. Earthy tones of beige and light brown welcomed the eye. He liked it. If they had the same taste in décor, then maybe they had more in common. He was too restless to sit and wandered into the kitchen. He wasn’t familiar with cooking, but to his untrained eye, she had everything a chef wanted. The homey room sparkled and shouted organization.

  “Oh, here you are. I thought I’d lost you.” Janice’s teasing voice startled him out of his scrutiny.

  Adam swung toward her and smiled. “Lovely kitchen. I bet this is where you love to spend most of your time.”

  “I wouldn’t take that bet if I were you—you’d lose. As much as I love to cook, I do it all day. I really don’t want to look at an oven when I get home. Although I do sometimes prepare meals here for my catering business, so I need everything at hand.”

  “I don’t know much about cooking, but I’m impressed. Are you ready?” Adam asked, then not waiting for an answer, he continued. “Shall we get going? Brady is waiting out in the car.”

  “Yes, I left my bag by the front door.”

  Once in the car, the two were silent, each lost in their own thoughts on the way to the dock. Brady pulled up next to the swaying schooner and Adam’s stomach rolled at the sight. Maybe I should have taken two motion sickness pills.

  “Oh, Adam, I’ve always wanted to sail on a schooner.” Janice didn’t wait for Brady to open her door. She was out and walking toward the dock.

  “Here, I’ll take my own bag. Brady, if you’d take the lady’s, we’ll get this show on the road.”

  “Sure you’re okay, boss? You look sick.”

  “I’ll be fine. I’m sure.” Adam wasn’t sure if the statement was true or if he wanted to reassure himself.

  Once they got the bags stored in the cabins, Adam went on deck to join Janice by the rail. Together they looked out over the expanse of blue ocean. The boat swayed with the waves and Adam’s stomach joined right along with the motion. He wasn’t sure how long he’d be able to pretend everything was fine. Just great, we haven’t set sail yet and I want to get off the schooner.

  “Are you all right?” Janice looked at him with concern.

  “Yes, I’ll be fine. I’m just not the best sailor in the world.”

  “Then why are we here?”

  “Because it’s one of your fantasies and we aim to please.” Adam gave her a little bow. He wasn’t going to tell her he had nothing to do with the arrangements or they wouldn’t be standing on the swaying deck of a boat.

  Janice gave him another look of concern, then turned her attention to the crew who were busily getting everything ready to sail. After several minutes passed, the ship dipped and started to pull away from the dock. Adam gripped the rail until his knuckles turned white.

  “Mr. Russo?” A tall man in a crisp uniform tapped Adam on the shoulder.

  “Yes.” Adam turned, trying to talk himself into letting go of the rail as he did so. He swallowed and tried to smile at the man.

  “I’m Captain Taylor. My crew and I will be taking care of you and Ms. Beeman throughout your short cruise. If there is anything you need at all, just ask. Mostly we will be staying out of your way as much as possible. We would like you both to feel as if you are alone on the schooner.”

  “Thank you, Captain. I’m sure we’ll be just fine,” Janice answered excitedly.

  Adam noticed her eyes twinkled in excitement. Any other time, he’d be fascinated by the green sparkles. The only thing he could think of at the moment was trying not to disgrace himself by throwing up before they got a mile away from shore.

  “Look.” Janice’s gaze focused across the deck.

  Adam very carefully turned in the direction she pointed and saw to his dismay a full table set. Flowers, champagne cooling in an ice bucket, and a very elaborate display of breakfast or brunch food laid out. Janice, delighted, skipped over to see everything.

  Adam stayed safely by the rail trying to get his sea legs. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem to be working. What am I going to do? I can’t stand here all day until we get to the island. Actually, they wouldn’t get to Nassau until sometime in the wee morning hours. Then the plan was to explore the island. Once on land he’d be okay. He just hoped he would survive until then.

  “Adam, come eat. Everything looks scrumptious.”

  “You enjoy. I forgot we were having something on board and ate before I picked you up,” Adam lied.

  “Come have a glass of champagne then while I eat.”

  Adam couldn’t think of a reason to refuse and pulled away from the rail. He stood for a moment taking a deep breath then he walked very carefully toward the table. One foot in front of the other, he muttered under his breath, like a dead man walking to the guillotine. Finally reaching the table, he took a seat, poured them both a glass, and held his glass up for a toast.

  “To my beautiful sailing partner.” Adam tapped her rim with his.

  “Thanks.”

  Janice didn’t seem to notice Adam’s discomfort. She chatted as she tried all the delicacies offered. Adam placed his glass on the table without taking a sip and listened politely, nodding in all the right places. He made a
ffirmative sounds when necessary and tried to ignore his stomach. Boiling acid in his midsection rolled along with the ship. Up and down. Up and down.

  * * * *

  Katie waited for her mother at Martha’s Vineyard Airport. Bonnie talked to the pilot of their chartered plane, letting him know when to pick them up on Sunday. Looking out the window, Katie was glad to see the sun shining. Her mother loved to shop, and the weather didn’t matter. Rain or shine, they hit the boutiques.

  “Well, that’s settled. Let’s get going. The day’s not getting any younger.” Bonnie grabbed Katie’s arm and linked it with hers.

  “Mom, you do have a list of ideas of what you’re buying, don’t you?” Katie organized her shopping as she did everything else. She liked to know what she wanted, go in, buy, and be done.

  “What fun is that, dear?” Bonnie pulled her along to the taxi stand, then hollered for one as it swept by them, not even pausing.

  “Mom, there’s a line. We’ll get one in a minute.” Katie pulled her bag strap up over her shoulder and wished that she had turned her mother down. At least she had worn sensible shoes.

  “Katie, we are going to have such fun. I’ve made reservations for dinner tonight at the L’etoile restaurant since we’ll be staying at the Charlotte Inn.”

  “Sounds nice and elegant.”

  “Oh, it is. We’re going to get checked in now so we don’t have to drag our bags around all day.”

  “Isn’t it too early for that?”

  “I called ahead. Since we stay there every year, they let us get our room as soon as we arrived.”

  “Don’t you ever want to stay at a new place, do something different?” How boring to do the same thing year after year.

  “Why would we change when we have such fun going to the Inn?”

  “Just asking.” Katie sighed. Her mother wouldn’t understand. “What do you have on the agenda after we get our things put away?”

  Bonnie continued to talk without pause as they climbed into their taxi. Katie let her mother’s words drone on as she watched the lush scenery pass by. The misty scent of the ocean breeze tickled her nose, reminding her of Adam’s weekend trip with the beautiful Ms. Beeman. She wondered what they were doing at that moment. Probably having the wonderful brunch she had ordered the chef to prepare for their pleasure. She knew every detail of their trip. She didn’t know the personal details though, and it was killing her.