The Diva Takes the Cake

by Davis, Krista

  “Where is Hannah?”

  “She ran out to the store.” Trying not to be obvious, I searched in desperation for something, anything to defend myself. I swallowed hard. He might not be the killer, but he was desperate. “So were you the one who unscrewed the lightbulbs in the shed and left the knife out there?”

  “Stan never would have let Hannah and me live in peace. When he had what he wanted, he would have killed me. But you probably can’t understand that. You don’t know what it’s like to look over your shoulder every day, every minute, everywhere you go.”

  “You left the day before the wedding. You could have disappeared again.”

  “I tried.” He no longer made an effort to hide his emotions. Haggard and wretched, he said, “I couldn’t do it. All I wanted was to live a quiet life with Hannah, but Stan would always have been one step behind me. There would be no peace as long as he was alive.”

  He blocked the doorway. If I could just wedge past him . . . I edged back, hoping it would prompt him to step inside the room and clear the doorway. It worked.

  I moved to the right and sought something to say. “I heard your vitamin business did very well.”

  “Ironic, huh?”

  If he wasn’t a doctor, as I suspected, he could have killed someone with his vitamins. “Were they sugar pills?”

  Proud of himself, he said, “They were real vitamins. I bought them in bulk and rebottled them under my label. Who knew people would pay so much for them?”

  “So how many wives do you have?” Oops, probably not a clever question.

  But he didn’t seem angry. “Just the one, Donata—Darby.”

  “What? Wait, what about the Emily Beacham in Vancouver?”

  “Well, well. You did find out quite a bit, didn’t you? I was never married to her. I just assumed her husband’s identity.”

  I judged the distance to the door. “Then who was the woman in the pergola?”

  A shadow crossed his face. “Lina, an old friend from the neighborhood.” He winced. “Constanzo’s wife. I’m certain she wanted to warn me that everyone knew about the wedding and Stan would be on the way. She knew he would kill me as soon as he had the diamonds. She knew how vengeful Stan could be.

  “You could leave now, you know. Stan’s dead. You didn’t kill anyone. You could take off and be gone.”

  His eyes fierce, he said, “Not without Hannah. I want her with me and, you see, there’s one person standing in the way of our happiness.” He bent his knees and extended his arms like a sumo wrestler. When he came closer, the dreadful clump of comb-over hair fell backward, revealing a wound near the top of his head. The kind of wound a glass diamond would inflict.

  In one large bound he would be upon me. He outweighed me and stood at least a foot taller. It was now or never.

  I yelled, “Mochie!” as I grabbed Hannah’s wedding dress and launched it at his head. Mochie appeared on cue. Craig struggled with the unwieldy mass of wedding silk and tripped over Mochie and Daisy. Calling them, I ran for the stairs.

  But Craig was on his feet too soon. He struck me with the back of his hand and knocked me down. “I should have finished you when I caught you in the basement.”

  When I stood again, he blocked my access to the stairs. Holding Hannah’s dress in his hands, he wore a sick smile like he was enjoying himself.

  A familiar clank came from the foyer downstairs. Distracted, he turned his head to listen. It was only my mail slot being opened and the mail shoved through. But I seized the moment and barreled into him as hard as I could. He fell backward, down the creaky stairs. I nearly tumbled on top of him but caught hold of the ancient banister. I could see his chest moving. Afraid he would hurt Mochie, I staggered down and swept him into my arms, called Daisy, and kept going. But I was moving too fast on the worn old steps. My foot missed a tread and I bounced to the bottom. I lay on the foyer floor gasping for breath as Craig’s hulking shape bore down on me with vengeance.

  I rolled to the side and stuck out my leg. He fell face-first and a split second later, Natasha’s huge heart topiary smashed into bits on the back of his head.

  When I looked up, Darby was wiping her hands. She held them out to me. “Can you stand? Do you need a doctor?”

  Fearful of another attack, I blurted, “Where’s Robert?” I stumbled to my feet and opened the front door. Wolf and Natasha were running toward my house.

  About time.

  FORTY-TWO

  From “THE GOOD LIFE”:

  Dear Sophie,

  After three years of dating, my boyfriend popped the question. We’re shopping for engagement rings, but I don’t want a blood diamond that caused suffering and death in a country engaged in a civil war over diamonds. Is there another stone I can use?

  —Taking the Plunge in Lake Wynonah

  Dear Taking the Plunge,

  Sapphires and rubies are excellent alternatives. Shy away from pearls, though, because they can’t stand up to everyday wear and tear.

  But if you have your heart set on a diamond, conflict-free diamonds are rapidly becoming available. Ask your local jeweler or check the Web. Visit http://www.brilli antearth.com and http://www.leberjeweler.com/indexphp3. .

  —Sophie

  “My topiary!” shrieked Natasha.

  Wolf handcuffed Craig, who appeared to be dazed. The heart shape of the topiary had landed on the back of his head intact, like a crown of ivy and orchids.

  Natasha gripped my arm and allowed me to lean on her. “Robert killed Stan,” I said to Wolf. “And he was in the backyard a few minutes ago.”

  Natasha helped me to a kitchen chair and brought me a bag of frozen corn for my throbbing head. “I think you’re out of peas.”

  Mochie jumped into my lap and Daisy nuzzled my hand. When Natasha tried to shoo them away, I stopped her. I closed my eyes and tried to breathe normally. Sirens blared in the distance. I placed Mochie on the floor and hobbled to the foyer.

  Behind me, Hannah and her friends burst into the kitchen. Hannah inched closer. “What happened? Is that Craig?”

  Humphrey, Phoebe, Joel, and Tucker crowded around to peer at Craig. I didn’t think he’d moved. Hannah kneeled next to him and lifted the heart off his head. The flap of hair he combed over his balding head stuck to it. She pried it off and clutched the heart.

  I tried not to sound like an obnoxious big sister when I said, “His name is Tony Franchini. He stole the identity of a doctor.”

  “Is that true?” Hannah asked him.

  “He’s a diamond thief,” I added. “The worst kind—he double-crossed his own father and uncle at the heist and stole the diamonds from them.”

  “But I didn’t kill anyone,” he croaked. “I was going to give them the diamonds. For you, Hannah. So we could be together.”

  His hand snaked out to Hannah but she recoiled. “How could I have been so blind?”

  Emergency medical technicians barged into my foyer, and we shuffled out of their way.

  Wolf put away his phone and stared down at Craig. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Hannah. The Franchinis were good, very good. Their identification was top notch. Fake, but excellent work. I’d bet they’ve had a lot of practice fooling people.”

  Craig pleaded, “I still love you, Hannah. It’s not too late for us.”

  “Are you kidding? I don’t even know you. And to think I was so upset when you told me you had been married before.”

  Hannah sniffled. She looked at an emergency medical technician who was preparing a head immobilizer. “Will he be okay?”

  “He’ll live.”

  Wolf touched my fingertips. “Do you need medical attention?”

  “I’m just bruised and a little shaken. What about Robert?”

  “We’re looking for him right now.”

  To make room for the EMTs, we returned to the kitchen, where Natasha was pulling cookies from the oven and serving tea. “I hope you don’t mind. I found the dough in the freezer. Sophie, sweetie, should I pu
t some rum in your tea? I saved her life,” she announced. “I knew something was wrong when she hung up on my mother. A nice southern girl would never hang up on someone’s mother.”

  I was aiming my bruised behind at a chair when Humphrey threw his arms around me. “I should have been here to protect you.”

  Good heavens. I didn’t want him thinking he had to hang around all the time. “I’m glad you were looking out for Hannah.”

  I winced when my bottom made contact with the chair seat, and then I realized everyone was staring at something behind me.

  Darby hovered in the hallway leading to the family room. “Come join us,” I said.

  Scared as a baby bunny, she shuffled toward us. “Do you think they’ll arrest me?”

  I patted the chair beside me. “Sit down, Donata, you saved me from Craig. Or should I say Tony?”

  She perched on the chair as though ready to flee. “You know I’m not really Darby? No wonder Tony was out to get you.”

  “Thank you for saving me. Why did you do that? You could have walked away and saved yourself.”

  “You didn’t deserve to be killed. Neither did Lina—Emily. Besides, I had my own reasons for wanting to bash Tony over the head.”

  “Because he walked out on you?”

  A whisper of a grin crossed her lips. “I’ve been looking for him for five long years.”

  “Then who killed Emily?” asked Humphrey. “What about the necklace with the silver C?”

  Darby’s mouth dropped open. “So I was right. C for Constanzo, whom you know as Stan. Robert told him not to wear that necklace!”

  Joel sat next to Phoebe. “But why would he kill her?”

  Humphrey and Hannah peppered her with questions. Darby held up her hands. “I’m sorry, Joel, but it was Robert, Stan, and Tony who intercepted your courier. They’d heard about the shipment and thought he was an easy target. But then Craig—er—Tony double-crossed everybody and disappeared with the diamonds. And that same day, Lina, who was Stan’s wife, left him. Everybody thought she ran off with Craig—er—Tony.” She stared at the table like her thoughts had transported her elsewhere. “Stan must have knocked Lina off to scare Tony into giving up the diamonds. When I found out somebody killed Lina, I knew it had to be one of us. Who else would kill a nice person like Lina? It scared me half to death. If they killed Lina, they might kill me, too. I was so glad when you offered to let me stay here because I figured I was safer here with your nice family.”

  Hannah leaned toward Darby. “So the dead woman wasn’t Craig’s ex-wife?”

  “No. That was our friend, Lina.” She looked at me. “This pretending to be somebody else is hard. I almost slipped up and told you the truth. Tony was never married to Lina. He’s my husband. He’s the bum that took off on me. Imagine my surprise at seeing the wedding Web site. I was nervous about coming, so I brought the gun he gave me for protection years ago. Stan must have found it when he was changing clothes in the den. When Stan turned up dead, I figured Craig killed him, and that he was gonna get us all. Every last one of us who knew about the diamond heist. Only his dad and me were left.”

  “I gather Stan used your gun to threaten Craig in the shed and that’s why Robert killed him,” I offered.

  Hannah’s hand crept to her throat. “So the diamond necklace Stan gave me really was Lina’s like Sophie suspected? Ugh.” She shuddered. “Darby, would you take it back to Lina’s mother for me?”

  “You know, Craig meant to give you a necklace like that,” I said. “Jen has it.”

  “She can keep it. I never want to wear another diamond necklace in my life.”

  Joel sat back, his face a thundercloud. “Darby, if you were so scared, why did you come back?”

  “Craig promised us diamonds on Monday. That’s today. I wasn’t part of the heist, but I figured I was due my fair share for all Craig put me through. Once I got home, I felt more scared. I didn’t have the gun anymore and I was all alone. I figured loads of people would still be hanging out at Sophie’s and that I could pressure Craig into giving me some of the diamonds. He owed me.”

  “If he was your husband, why did you let me marry him? Why didn’t you say something?” asked Hannah.

  “You think I wanted that creep back after he ran off with those diamonds and left me?”

  “Then who was Kevin?” I asked.

  Darby smiled. “A very hunky man who I plan to look up.”

  “He wasn’t part of the heist?”

  “Of course not. I’m through with scoundrels.”

  Hannah retrieved her engagement ring from the window over the sink and placed it on the table in front of Joel. “I think this belongs to you.”

  Humphrey perked up. He seemed happier than I’d ever seen him. “All this is great news for you, Hannah. If Craig already had a wife and fraudulently induced you to marry him by posing as someone else, then your marriage can be annulled.”

  Mars barged past Wolf into the kitchen. “I just heard. Is everyone okay?” He handed me a package and a bunch of magazines. “Your mail was on the floor.”

  “Thanks.” I placed it on the table and turned back to Darby. “But why was everyone searching my house for diamonds?”

  Darby grinned. “Loot-stashing 101. Hide it in plain sight or hide it with someone who doesn’t know she has it.”

  Tucker nudged me. “They weren’t the only ones looking for something.” He pointed to the drawer where I had stashed Stan’s necklace.

  Claws extended, Mochie hooked the side of the drawer and pried it open. He sniffed inside, then wandered away, no doubt in search of more interesting scents.

  “Uh, Soph,” said Mars, “this package is from Craig.” It rattled when he shook it.

  Even Wolf, wearing an earbud, crowded in to see what it contained.

  “He mailed it Saturday, the day he disappeared.” I ripped it open. Inside were two dozen white vitamin bottles with Dr. Craig’s label on them.

  “At least he was polite enough to send you a thank-you gift,” said Hannah.

  After a moment of silence, we all grabbed bottles and broke the seals. In a heartbeat, a pile of pink diamonds rested in front of Joel.

  “He gave them up for you,” Darby said to Hannah. “That was his deal with Constanzo. If everyone would leave the two of you alone, he would hand over the diamonds.”

  I expected Hannah to cry, but she fought to maintain composure.

  The kitchen door flew open and Nina dashed in carrying Hermione, who wore a fancy bow on her neck. “What’s with the police? What happened? Are those diamonds?” She handed off Hermione to Joel and picked up a diamond.

  Instead of explaining, Joel walked around the table to Phoebe. Holding Hermione, he dropped to one knee. “I wanted to do this earlier, but with all that happened, the time never seemed right. Phoebe, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Phoebe turned a shade of pink that clashed with her copper hair. “You suspected Craig all along. That’s why you were against the marriage?” Bending forward, she kissed him.

  “Need a diamond?” asked Tucker.

  Joel smiled. “Those are blood diamonds through and through.” He handed Hermione to Phoebe. “If we’re going to build up a jewelry store, we’ll need a guard dog.”

  Nina wiped a tear from her cheek.

  Phoebe cuddled Hermione. She felt the bow around Hermione’s neck and her eyes grew wide. Grinning, Joel removed a diamond ring from Hermione’s collar and slid it onto Phoebe’s finger.

  “Nina,” I chided, “you knew about this and you didn’t say a word.”

  She flushed. “I can keep secrets when they’re worth keeping.”

  Natasha ran to my refrigerator. “I knew there would be champagne, since we didn’t get to drink it at the wedding. Mars, be a doll and open this while I find glasses.”

  Wolf rested a hand on my shoulder. “Good news, folks. They located Robert on his way to the airport.” He caught my eye and motioned to the foyer.

&n
bsp; I left the others congratulating the happy couple and followed him. Orchids and damp soil marred the floor where Darby had incapacitated Craig.

  Wolf took one of my hands into his. “I don’t think moonlight and champagne would have been more romantic than that.” He ran a finger across my cheek to whisk a hair away. “I’m sorry, Sophie. I hope you can understand why I acted as I did. But I’d still like to find out who was leaving messages under your name.”