“Can you give us any names besides Max Garvey and Ms. Carter?” Bernie smiled at the woman. “Maybe people you met at the pool.”
“Not many people are at home here during the day and since I work nights at the hospital, I don’t know a lot of my neighbors. As I’ve already told Mr. Quimbley, I know Mrs. Carter next door. She’s at the pool sometimes when I go, and I see her coming in and out of her house.” She shifted her weight and went on. “Cindy Riven is at the pool with her little boy a lot, and so are the Rayfreds and their kids. They both work nights, too, and they live in one on the units on the back street. There are some people I don’t know by name, but I do know their faces. And a lot of teenagers. I don’t know if any of them were friends with Mindy Davidson or not.”
“Do you have a family, Ms. Shallowford?” Nick asked.
“No. I live alone.”
Nick stepped closer to her. “Thank you for your help. Let me give you my card. I don’t think I gave you one yesterday.”
“No, you didn’t.”
“If you see or hear anything you think will help us, feel free to call.”
“I will, Mr. Quimbley.” She looked at the card. “Tess Carter and Max Garvey seemed to be Mindy’s best friends. They were always together at the pool. Maybe Tess can help you.”
“She’s not at home now. We’ll check back with her.”
“If I see her, I’ll tell her you came by.”
“Thank you, Ms. Shallowford.” Bernie smiled again.
Back at their cars, Nick asked, “Well, Bernie. What did you think about her?”
Bernie chuckled. “She sure doesn’t need to lose any weight like I do. She could even put on a few pounds.” Nick smiled, and Bernie went on. “I don’t think she was involved with the in-crowd. And she’s pretty pissed about it.”
“I thought that, too. Do you think she knew Mindy very well?”
“Probably not. She seemed more jealous of Mindy than anything. But,” he added, “she could be a good source of information for us. I think she’s just nosy enough to keep up with what’s going on in the neighborhood.”
Nick nodded. “I agree.” He headed for his car. “See you back at the office later.”
Bernie nodded and said, “Enjoy your lunch.”
Chapter 21
Rebecca dressed for lunch in a pair of black slacks and a white silk blouse. She fluffed her brown hair around her face and applied her makeup with care. She looked a little sickly these days and wanted to hide as much of the pallor as she could.
She was glad she’d missed seeing Aunt Millicent as she left. She couldn’t face another confrontation with the older woman. She didn’t want to hear anything else that might put doubts in her mind. No matter how hard she tried to shake off the ridiculous accusations Aunt Millicent had hurled at her yesterday, some of them had stuck with Rebecca. Especially her remark about the pictures.
Vernon hadn’t seemed upset when she’d found them, and his explanation had certainly made sense. Yet how would Aunt Millicent know anything about them unless Mindy had told her? When had Mindy talked to their aunt? More importantly, why had she talked with her? The last time Mindy and Rebecca had had a discussion about the elder Davidson woman, Mindy had called their aunt a meddling old fool. Now Aunt Millicent talked as if she and Mindy were best friends.
Rebecca left the house by the back door and arrived at Village Tavern thirty minutes early. She didn’t mind. She took a seat in one of the corner booths, ordered a glass of iced tea, and told the waiter she’d wait to order lunch when her friend arrived.
Several other people were in the restaurant, but she didn’t recognize any of them. That was good. She’d like to have one day when she didn’t have to smile and accept comforting words from acquaintances, or worse, endure prying questions from strangers.
At five minutes till one, Nick arrived. He spotted her before she saw him and was almost at the table when she looked up. They both smiled.
She took his extended hand. “Thanks for joining me, Nick.”
“My pleasure.”
A waiter appeared immediately. Nick ordered iced tea and when the waiter left to fetch it, they studied the menus. When the young man returned, Rebecca asked for a concoction in a croissant. Nick ordered a chicken dish.
When the waiter left, Rebecca asked, “Well, Nick. Did you find anyone at the complex who knows anything about Mindy’s death?”
“Not yet.” He tasted his tea. “We did get Max Garvey to give us a hair sample.”
“Why would you want a hair sample?”
“Hair was one thing we found at the condo.” She could tell from his expression that he hadn’t meant to say anything about the hair. He went on, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to blurt that out. I’m going to have to watch myself around you.”
“Please don’t hold anything back.
He nodded. “As I said, Garvey was cooperative.”
“He didn’t protest at all?”
“Just a little, but we got there at the right time. He was worried about his wife coming home for lunch, and he wanted to get us out of there.”
“Do you think he had anything to do with it?”
Nick took a deep breath. “I think he was involved with your sister, but how far the involvement went, I can’t say.”
“You didn’t answer my question. What do your instincts tell you?”
“I need more facts before I can make up my mind. I’m not convinced he committed the murder, so I won’t stop looking for other suspects. Right now, the case is still wide open.”
The food arrived, creating a pause. When they were alone again, Rebecca said, “I think Max might have done it, but I’m glad he’s not the only one you’re concentrating on.”
“We’re just getting started. I promise we won’t stop until we find out who killed Mindy. And I’m sure the police won’t, either.”
Tears came to her eyes. “Thank you.”
He had to have noticed her crying, but he didn’t mention it. Instead, he said, “We talked with another lady who lives in the area, and she gave us several names to check out. We’ll do that this afternoon.”
“I hope you didn’t take anything my Aunt Millicent said seriously.”
He took a bite of his food before he answered. “I know she’s old and probably way off base, but we have to check out every lead. Even the ridiculous ones.”
Rebecca stared at him. “You mean, you suspect Vernon?”
“Right now, I suspect everyone except you and Aunt Millicent.”
She had the hint of a smile. “What gets us off the hook?”
He smiled back at her. “Do I really have to answer that?”
“I guess not.” She became serious. “I’ve been debating whether or not to tell you something.”
“You should tell me anything that might shed light on your sister’s death. You never know what will give us the lead we need to crack the case and identify the killer.”
She nodded. “I only hesitated because it’s a little embarrassing.”
“You don’t have to be embarrassed with me.”
“Thank you. I knew you’d say something like that.” She picked up her purse, took out the pictures, and handed them to him.
Nick’s face showed no expression as he looked at them. “Do you know who these people are with your sister?”
“I think the man is Max Garvey. I don’t know the woman.”
“Do you know who took the pictures?”
“No.” She wouldn’t tell him Aunt Millicent had made her wonder if Vernon had been the photographer. That idea was too ludicrous to entertain. To Nick she said, “When I showed the pictures to Vernon, he said a man had sent them to him trying to get money, and he and Mindy decided not to pay because some of the pictures had already been published somewhere.”
“Did he say why he didn’t report the blackmail attempt?”
“He thought he’d handled it.” Rebecca looked at her food. “Do you think the pictures will help?”
“They might.”
“Unless you have to show them; it could…” She let her voice trail off.
“I understand. No one will know about them except me. That is, unless it becomes absolutely necessary.”
“Thank you.” Relieved, she smiled.
He put the pictures into his pocket. “Were these all you found?”
“No.” Rebecca bit her lip. “I took those out of a stack of pictures.”
“Do you mind if I see the rest of them?”
“When I looked for the others this morning, they were gone. I assume Vernon destroyed them.”
“I know this is painful for you, but I have to ask. Were Mindy and your husband involved?”
A few days ago, Rebecca would have given him an unequivocal no. Now she couldn’t do that. Not after what Aunt Millicent had said. Regardless of how much Rebecca trusted Vernon, Millicent had done what she’d set out to do. She’d planted a seed of doubt in Rebecca’s mind.
“I’m not sure,” she answered in an almost whisper.
“That’s fair enough.” He paused, then forged ahead. “On the night before Mindy was found, can you say for certain that Vernon was at home with you?”
“Absolutely,” she said, her answer a little sharp.
“I’m sorry. I have to ask hard questions even if they bother people. I won’t have to ask you again.”
“I know you’re only doing your job, Nick.” She relaxed. “I just wish you’d concentrate on the people who might be able to help find her killer.”
“Your husband might be able to help. After all, he told you he’d talked with the blackmailer. That could be a lead.”
“I hadn’t thought of it in that way.”
“We try not to overlook anything. You never know what will help solve a crime. That’s why we have to dig for so much detail.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “I appreciate anything you or any family member gives me, Rebecca. I’ll follow up on all of it.”
“I want to help. I made a list of things Mindy has done in the past. Things that got her into trouble. I tried to remember the people involved at the time, but I wasn’t able to do so in all instances.”
“That’s good.” He took the list.
“As I said, I want to help you all I can.”
“I know you do. And you’re doing the right thing, because the best way you can help is to think of every little thing that might give us a clue. Other lists you might make for me are the friends she had, places she visited, men she was involved with, anything we can look into.”
“I’ll be happy to do that.”
“That’ll be great.”
“I want to do more, though. I’d like to talk to some people for you.”
“You can talk to the people you and your sister had in common, but when it comes to strangers, I’ll question them. Sometimes it can get sticky when you’re on unfamiliar ground.”
“You’re right. I was thinking just this morning that if you want me to, I can go through Mindy’s condo with a sister’s eye. I might see something you or Mr. Wheeler missed.”
“That’s not a bad idea.” He wiped his mouth with the napkin. “Let me check on some things while they’re fresh in people’s minds. I’ll call you in a day or two, and if the police have released the condo, we’ll go through it together.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Making me feel useful.”
“You are useful, Rebecca. Very useful. I can’t imagine why anyone would make you feel otherwise.”
Chapter 22
“What do you mean, some detectives were here? What do we know about Mindy Davidson’s death?” Robyn put down her fork and stared at Max.
“They’re talking with a lot of neighbors, Robyn. I wasn’t the only one they came to see.”
“So? Why did they talk to you at all?”
“Think about it, sweetheart. You work with her brother-in-law, and I’m here all the time. I see all the women at the pool and in the recreation center, Mindy included. They’d be fools not to talk to me.”
She took a deep breath. “I guess you’re right.”
“Of course I am. Here, let me pour you some more tea.”
“I don’t want any more tea.”
“Okay. Just don’t be mad at me.”
She shook her head. “I’m not mad. I just don’t want to get involved. Don’t you realize it could mean my job? I work for that family. I make damn good money for what I do, and I don’t want to lose it.”
Her words stunned Max. He hadn’t thought about the possibility that Robyn might lose her job. That would be awful. He might have to go to work. “Don’t worry, baby. They think too much of you at Davidson Industries. They wouldn’t let you go.” He hoped he was right.
“I’d like to think they’d never fire me, but Vernon Armfield isn’t the kind of person you play around with. He’d dump me in a heartbeat if he thought I could hurt him. I’ve seen him do it to others.”
“How in the world could you hurt him?”
“I’m almost positive he was getting it on with Mindy. He was always meeting her to talk business. But you and I both know Mindy wasn’t interested in business. As long as she got her monthly check, she could care less what went on at Davidson Industries.”
“Don’t you understand?” He smiled. “That could be our trump card.”
“What do you mean?”
“If he tries to fire you, tell him in no uncertain terms that you’ll spill the beans about him and Mindy. He won’t want that coming out.”
“You know what? I think you’re right.” For the first time, Robyn relaxed. She smiled, and then took a deep breath. “That takes a big load off my mind.” She leaned over and kissed him. “Thanks.”
He returned the kiss. “I’m glad you’re thankful. Do you have time to show me how much?”
“I wish I could, but I can’t today.” She sighed. “I’ve got to get the rest of the monthly statement out this afternoon. Vernon is waiting for it, so I’d better get back.”
“I understand. Tonight, then?”
“You bet.” She stood. “Now, you be a good boy. I don’t want to hear that you’ve done things you shouldn’t while I’m at work.”
“What are you talking about?” He stood and walked her to the door. “I’m always a good boy.”
“Keep it that way.” She gave him another quick kiss and stepped outside. “See you tonight. Fix a special supper. Maybe a nice Italian dish.”
“I’ll do that.” He closed the door with a worried look on his face. He couldn’t help wondering about Robyn’s remarks. What was she getting at? Did she suspect something? Damn, he had to keep her in the dark about his daytime games with the neighborhood women. Things were going too good to mess up now.
He headed for the kitchen to get an aspirin. He had a headache. All he needed now was for Tess to call and say she had spilled her guts to the police or those private detectives.
Chapter 23
The next morning, the phone on Nick’s desk buzzed. “Millicent Davidson is on line two for you, Nick.”
“Thank you.” He punched in line two. “Hello, Millicent. It’s good to hear from you.”
“I’d like to meet with you, Nick. Do you have some free time this afternoon?”
“I can get free. What time is best for you?”
“I have an appointment at three. How does four-thirty sound to you?”
“That will be fine. Shall I come to your house?”
“No. I’ll meet you. How about Old Salem Tavern?”
“That sounds good, but why don’t we make it a little later and have an early supper? I like the food there.” Nick hadn’t eaten at the Tavern in a while, and he relished an evening meal there.
“That would be good. I’d enjoy dining with you. Let’s say six-thirty.”
“Are you sure you wouldn’t like me to pick you up?”
“I don’t think so. I don’t want anyone to know I’m meeting y
ou. I’ll take a taxi and meet you there. You can bring me home.”
“I’d be delighted to do that. I’ll see you at six-thirty.”
* * * *
Millicent hung up with a smile. She had planted seeds of doubt in Rebecca’s mind, and she was certain she could win Nick over as well. She liked him. He was an honest man, and she felt sure he would get to the bottom of Vernon’s deceitfulness. She just hoped he’d do so before the thief ran the company into the ground.
She sighed. She’d concentrate on that tonight. Now she had to get ready to face Willard Brookmeyer. He was probably in with Vernon up to his eyeballs—something else she wanted to inform Nick about. The one thing she despised more than Vernon Armfield was a crooked lawyer, and to her way of thinking, Willard Brookmeyer fit neatly into that category.
“Which reminds me,” she mumbled. “I need to call Justine Crouse and make some changes in my will. Now, that’s one lady lawyer I do trust. I’m so glad Mindy told me about her.”
As she dialed the number, she looked out her window toward the swimming pool and tennis courts.
She smiled and muttered, “Yes, Rebecca. I know you don’t see it yet, but I know without a doubt that Vernon Armfield is not only a crook. He’s also a murderer.”
* * * *
Rebecca sat alone at the backyard swimming pool. She’d done a couple of laps and was ready to relax and do some serious thinking. Vernon had mentioned to her last night that they needed to make new wills, but she didn’t believe that now was a good time for him to bring it up. The last thing she wanted was to confirm the idea Aunt Millicent had planted in her mind that Vernon was after her money and didn’t love her as she thought he did. She was glad Aunt Millicent had chosen last night to meet with some of her old friends for dinner and hadn’t overheard their conversation. That would only make her more certain Vernon was guilty.
“I can’t think about changing my will now, Vernon,” Rebecca had snapped at him.
“But you must. We can’t leave important things like that left undone, my dear.”
“Right now, the only important thing to me is finding out who killed my sister.”
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