Marinating in Murder

by Linda Wiken

  J.J. wasn’t quite sure if Evan was on the right track in trying to calm down Aunt Pam so she decided to change the subject. “I see you had a chance to clean all the stainless steel appliances. They all look so, uh, clean.”

  Pam’s smile was small. She nodded. “I have to keep busy. Alison doesn’t like all my fidgeting but that’s how I am.”

  “What was Alison like as a child?”

  This time Pam’s smile was wide. “She was so beautiful. Her long blonde hair always full of kinks but she let me make braids and I tried sewing her skirts and blouses but she wanted new ones, just like the other kids. I understood, although we didn’t have a lot of extra money. When Hector had to go on disability, I wanted to get a job but he said my place was in the home holding it together.” She smiled. “He’s still saying that but now there’s just the two of us.”

  J.J. reached out and put her hand on Pam’s. “Do you think that Alison became a cop because of your husband?”

  Pam blew her nose and nodded. “I think so, although she never really said it. Hector had wanted one of the boys to follow in his footsteps but Alexander always had to have pets. Dogs, cats, gerbils, mice. You name it, Alex brought it home. So, it’s not a big surprise that now he’s a vet. Henry, as you know, is a chef. I like to take credit for some of his cooking skills.” She stopped to smile. “And Jack, the youngest, he’s two years younger than Alison, is a lawyer.”

  “I’d say Alison was very lucky to have you and your husband be there for her.”

  “We tried. She’s like one of our own.” She took a deep breath and straightened her back. “And, I don’t let anyone hurt any of my kids. So, you better help find out who the real killer is. I want Alison back here and happy again.”

  On the drive back to the office, Evan asked, “So what did we learn there?”

  “That we have Aunt Pam’s blessing to stick our noses into this business.”

  *

  • • •

  Devine called as J.J. was hopping into bed. Indie paced around over the top of the comforter as J.J. reached for the phone.

  “Sorry I missed your call,” Devine said. “Do you have something? Maybe you’d like me to come over so you can tell me in person?”

  She caught the suggestive tone in his voice and smiled. “How about we meet tomorrow instead and take a drive over to the fire station in Plattsburgh, New York?”

  Indie started pawing at the comforter, and J.J. lifted a corner so that he could snuggle under.

  “And how did you come upon this tidbit of information?” Devine asked.

  J.J. flashed on Brad but felt reluctant to share what had happened. “I’m honing my investigating skills. Are you in?”

  “I’ll pick you up at nine and we’ll stop for breakfast on the way. Or do you have to go to the office first?”

  “I have the small matter of a funeral to attend tomorrow morning. I’m going into the office for a short while then taking the rest of the day off.”

  “It’s in Rouses Point?”

  “That’s right, at eleven, and I’m picking up Alison. I’m not quite sure what time we’ll be back.”

  “Why don’t you text me as you’re leaving the funeral?”

  “I’ll do that and meet you where?”

  “At your place. Sweet dreams.”

  She switched off the light on her bedside table after hanging up, slid under the covers, and smiled.

  What a silly woman I am.

  CHAPTER 13

  Ness was coming out of his apartment the next morning just as J.J. locked hers. He saw her and waited.

  “Where are you going?” he asked. “You’re in all black, although I know you wear black a lot, but this is a somber sort of look, not the stylish kind.”

  J.J. stifled a smile. After all, this was the look she was going for. “I’m going to the funeral of Alison’s former husband this morning.”

  “Ah, how is that all shaking out, anyway?”

  “The police still haven’t found the killer and I have no idea about any theories they have. I’ve avoided talking to Lieutenant Hastings because I don’t want to rock the boat in any way for Alison. But it turns out James’s double marriage also involved some major lies about his employment.”

  “How so?” He held up his hand. “Okay, not the best time for this discussion. Why don’t you stop by later or on the weekend?”

  “Will do.”

  They started walking together.

  “So, have you come up with any suggestions about Lola?” he asked, once they’d cleared the woman-in-question’s door.

  “I didn’t get a chance to tell you but she stopped by my apartment the other night.”

  “She what?”

  “Shhh. Do you want her to hear you and come running?”

  He looked around them rapidly then walked faster. “Good point. What did she want?”

  “She wanted to make nice and hoped that I would put in a good word for her with you. She also quizzed me about your personal life.”

  She’d heard the growl before. She hurried on before Ness exploded again. “I told her nothing, of course, and I didn’t make any promises. But, she does seem like she’s a harmless, lonely woman.”

  “Harmless? She’s a viper. And as for lonely, there’s a reason for that. Who would want to get close to someone who’s that pushy and nosy?”

  “I have been called the same thing, I might point out.”

  Ness grunted. “Yeah, but that’s because you’re sticking your nose into murder investigations, not into people’s private lives in order to further your own goals. You know, J.J., if I wanted to find me a woman, I would do that. But I like living alone. I’ve had three wives already and none of those were good ideas. This way, I can do what I want when I want. I don’t always have to be wary about saying the wrong thing or not paying attention to her.” He threw up his hands. “I like my life and I don’t want it to change.”

  J.J. was still absorbing the news about the three wives. That was more than he’d ever told her before. She did believe he was happy as he was but thought she should try one last stab.

  “I wouldn’t jump right to the marriage thing, Ness. Maybe she just wants companionship. A date now and then.”

  He snorted. “Not at that age. I understand your concern, J.J., but let’s just focus on keeping her away from me, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “See ya.”

  He pushed his left shoulder into the door leading out front while J.J. turned toward the back one.

  She drove straight to work, deciding not to tempt the fates by getting a latte. There was nothing worse than attending a funeral with coffee stains all over your coat. She flipped her computer on and checked her e-mail, pausing for a quick chat with Skye when she arrived, and then at nine thirty, shut the computer down and left to pick up Alison.

  When she pulled into the driveway, J.J. was surprised to see Pam come trailing after Alison out of the house. Pam slid into the backseat as Alison got into the front.

  “I didn’t know you were coming, Pam,” J.J. commented.

  “You don’t think I’d let my Alison go through this all alone. I know you’ll be with her, too, J.J., but she needs her family at a time like this. I have promised to behave myself and not say anything bad about the dead.”

  She crossed herself and J.J. wondered if Alison had been brought up in a religious environment. Religion might bring some comfort to Pam but she wondered if it mattered to Alison.

  They arrived at the Holly Oaks Funeral Home on the main road just outside Rouses Point a few minutes before eleven, when the service was to begin. J.J. followed the others into the building and they were directed to the chapel on the left. There were a handful of guests already seated, mainly women who J.J. thought must be Jessica’s friends. J.J., Alison, and Pam sat on padded fold-out chairs a couple of rows behind them. Everyone rose when Jessica, holding on to Brad’s arm, entered from a door at the front of the room. Jessica stared straight ahea
d while Brad scanned the room, giving a slight nod when he saw J.J. She felt Pam’s head snap to the right to stare at her but she didn’t return the look.

  Decorating the front of the chapel were two large stands of funeral wreaths, obviously artificial. An oak end table stood between the two, and on it, a brass urn holding Jeffrey’s ashes. A larger spray of real flowers had been placed on the floor in front of the table, and next to it, a vase with a bouquet of fall colors.

  The service took less than half an hour and it was filled mainly with readings from the Bible and a couple of poems that were said to be Jeffrey’s favorites. J.J. had glanced at Alison when that was mentioned but she just looked surprised and shrugged. J.J. dared to look behind them at that point and saw that no one else had come into the room. How sad. He didn’t have any friends or colleagues who came to say good-bye? She was happy for Jessica that at least her friends had shown up.

  Once everyone had filed out of the room, Jessica walked over to the three and thanked them for coming. Her eyes were red from crying and she sniffed a couple of times. She invited them to join the others at the restaurant next door for lunch but Alison begged off, saying they needed to get back home. Jessica didn’t insist. Brad glanced over at J.J. but didn’t attempt to talk to her although he did wink after Alison had turned toward the door. Unfortunately, Pam saw it.

  She whispered as they followed Alison to the car, “What a thing for that man to do at such a solemn occasion. I say that says a lot about what kind of a man he is. I think he has designs on you, J.J. I hope you will keep my Henry in your mind and won’t give that man”—she signaled behind her—“a second thought.”

  “Ah yes. Henry,” was all J.J. replied, thankful that they’d reached the car.

  Alison said little on the drive back but Pam kept up the chatter from the backseat. She seemed nervous or anxious and J.J. wasn’t sure if it was for Alison or Henry. As she dropped them off back at the house, Alison turned to J.J. before getting out of the car.

  “Thank you so much for coming, J.J. It turned out not to be as bad as I’d imagined but I still couldn’t have done it on my own. Even with Aunt Pam.” Her smile was a sad one.

  *

  • • •

  J.J. could see Devine parked out front of her office building and she pulled into the parking lot behind it.

  Devine waited until she’d fastened her seat belt before asking where she’d like to eat.

  “I hadn’t thought about it. Your choice.”

  “Well, if you can wait, there’s a nice little bistro just this side of Rouses Point.”

  “Sure. Do you realize this is my second trip today to Rouses Point?”

  “I do, and if you’d rather, we can turbo through and not stop until we reach Plattsburgh. By then you should be good and hungry.” He flashed her a grin and she started to relax. She hadn’t realized she’d been so uptight about the morning. But then again, it was a funeral. Not her favorite place to be.

  They drove in companionable silence for about half an hour. J.J. enjoyed just sitting and watching the scenery, not having to think, and it seemed like Devine was just as happy to let her do so.

  Eventually, he asked, “So, how did the funeral go? Anything worth noting?”

  “Not really. Just the fact that the poor guy really was a loner.” She turned slightly in her seat to look at Devine. “You know, there wasn’t a single guy there. No friends, no work buddies. Only eight women whom I took to be friends of Jessica’s. Now, that’s so sad.”

  “How did Alison take it?”

  “She didn’t really say. Her aunt Pam decided to come, too, and she did most of the talking. I guess it’s one thing to know someone’s dead but then the funeral really does finalize it. Especially with his ashes on display. Tomorrow morning there’s the reading of the will. That should be interesting.”

  “That it should. So, changing the subject, you never told me how you found out about where he worked. Did you actually talk to the wife?”

  “Uh, no.” Better just say it. “Her brother. He had said he’d be willing to talk if I had any questions.”

  “I’ll bet. And where did this talk take place?”

  “Over dinner but it didn’t end well. He didn’t like some of my questions.” She glanced at Devine and saw he was smiling. She’d better leave the explanation at that.

  By the time they reached the Pesto and Pasta Bistro, J.J. was famished. They chose a table for two in a far corner even though there was only one other person eating there. She decided she deserved a glass of wine after that morning and ordered a cabernet sauvignon from a local winery, one of the fourteen who made up the Vermont Wine Growers Association, whose conference was coming up in late spring. Devine had the same and they both ordered, on the server’s recommendation, bok choy and pork tenderloin salad.

  “You’ve been here before?” J.J. asked, more idle curiosity than anything.

  “No, but the owner, Leslie Blatt, is a past client. And that’s all I’m saying about that.” He toasted her with his wine. “And I think this wine is from one of your clients, if I remember correctly.”

  She was pleased and impressed that he did, which led to a discussion about the various wineries in Vermont. When they’d finished their meals, they realized it was getting quite late and left quickly.

  They pulled up in front of Fire Station No. 4 at the corner of Race and Stetson Streets, just before four thirty. It was a large impersonal concrete building with two garage doors facing the main street. The door to the building was at the right side, just off the parking lot. They walked in and Devine asked the first person they met where they could find the station supervisor. They were directed to wait in a small office, which appeared to not be in use. The top of the desk was empty. There was a calendar hanging on the wall, one of the fund-raising firefighter kind, but the month was March. Two chairs, which had seen better days, were placed facing the desk. They sat in these and waited.

  After about ten minutes, a tall man in uniform walked in. His graying hair had been pulled back in a ponytail but his equally gray handlebar mustache stood out unfettered. J.J. pegged his height at six foot four, about the same height as her brother Kyle, the middle child in the family. Kyle was also a firefighter although he wore a navy uniform, lighter in color than the one that the man in front of them wore.

  “I’m Lieutenant Mike Starr. What can I do for you?”

  Devine glanced at J.J. before speaking. “My name is Ty Devine and I’m a private investigator, and this is J.J. Tanner. We’re looking for information about Jeffrey Bailey and would like to ask a few questions about him.”

  Starr looked blank. “What did you say his name is?”

  “Jeffrey Bailey. He was a firefighter here. At least, that’s what we were led to believe.”

  J.J. held her breath. Not again.

  Starr shook his head. “Not at this station. I’ve been here eight years now and I don’t know who you’re talking about. I could check the records, though, and see where he’s at.”

  “That would be a big help,” J.J. said.

  Starr nodded at her and left the room. He was back in a few minutes.

  “I can’t find that name listed anywhere. Are you sure you have the right city? He could be a volunteer in one of the counties, you know.”

  J.J. and Devine stood. “Sorry to bother you,” Devine said.

  “Sorry I couldn’t be of help.” He left and they were left to make their way out the door and back to the car.

  They sat silent for a few seconds. “Another lie in his life. What was this guy up to?” J.J. finally asked.

  Devine shook his head. “Well, we have back-to-back shifts of four days of work to be accounted for. Whatever he was up to, it was well planned. After all, it’s been going on for almost three years and it took his death to expose it all.”

  “What now?”

  “Dinner?”

  *

  • • •

  J.J. swallowed her final mouthfu
l of shrimp risotto and smiled in contentment. “That was absolutely delicious. Thank you, Devine. It seems like all we’re doing today is eating. And we haven’t even talked about what just happened.”

  “Sort of been there, done that, wouldn’t you say?”

  “Exactly. But what’s this guy all about? How did Jeffrey get away with not having a life for so long? There’s got to be some money involved.”

  “It seems to have been well thought out. You don’t just decide one day that you’re going to fake a life and start a second one without a lot of things in place. The answer probably lies in the days long before he got married the first time and in his time with Alison. I wonder if she has any of his personal items or files lying around the house. Something that might give some clues.”

  “She hasn’t really said anything about having any of his stuff and I haven’t thought to ask. Maybe I should.”

  She pulled out her smartphone and punched in the number, nibbling on the final crumb of a freshly made bun that she dipped in an olive oil and balsamic vinegar mix while waiting. Alison answered on the second ring and J.J. barely choked the piece down. She took a quick sip of wine before talking.

  “Sorry about that, Alison. I was nibbling. Dumb thing to do but you answered so fast.”

  “I was just about to make a call. What’s up?”

  “We were just talking and wondering some more about James’s background. Does he have any official records or documents that he might have left at your place?”

  “We?”

  “Devine and I.” J.J. filled her in on their visit to the Plattsburgh fire station.

  Alison was silent for a few moments. “So, I wasn’t the only one being hoodwinked. I don’t know how that makes me feel. I should be pleased, at the very least. It sounds like you’re starting back at square one.”

  “Something like that. So, we were wondering if you might still have some papers or albums or anything that belonged to James.”

  Alison was silent for a few moments. “I don’t think so unless he left something in the storage area in the garage without telling me. It’s messy and crowded in there but I’ve been meaning to go through it all and start downsizing. I guess tonight would be a good time to start. I’ll give you a call if I find anything useful.”