by Maci Grant
“Now listen, I’m guessing that you nanny for one of those Hollywood actresses that work on those dramatic police shows, but this is real life. Police resources can’t just be wasted looking into a crime that never happened.”
“Oh, they’re better spent on drool tissues?” Blu shook her head. “I think I might just have to tell the very wealthy engineer that I work for, that this area is not safe because of its poor police force, and that we would be better off selling the beach house and moving on to a new place to spend our summers.”
“Are you attempting to threaten me?” He took a step out from behind the front desk. “Is this what you think you can get away with here?”
“I just want Sam’s death to be investigated. And I’m not the only one. Obviously his death was suspicious—that’s why people are talking about it.”
“Do you hear this, Mitch?” He looked over at the sleepy officer behind the desk. “Nanny—” He looked back at her. “What’s your name again?”
“Blu.”
“Nanny Blu over here wants to tell me how to do my job. Well, I’ll tell you what—if you bring me the slightest shred of evidence, any kind of actual proof that Sam’s death was not an unfortunate accident, then I will open a case. Until then, I’ll be happy to refer you to the library, where they have great true-life crime novels for you to enjoy.” He laughed, then turned and sauntered back to his office.
Blu’s cheeks burned. She bit into her tongue to keep from saying worse things than she already had. It was clear that Paul Pitman, the chief of police, was not going to take her seriously until she did exactly what she said she’d do. She’d bring him evidence and force him to keep his word about opening an investigation.
This was no longer just about a man who lost his life, but about a police chief who needed a wake-up call.
Chapter 13
As Blu stormed out of the police station she nearly collided with Shawna on the sidewalk out front.
“Hey, watch it!” She paused and looked at Blu. “You’re that woman from the bar, aren’t you?”
“Yes.” Blu started to walk past her.
“What were you doing here?”
“I was trying to have a reasonable conversation with the police chief.”
“Oh, Uncle Paul?” Shawna laughed. “Good luck with that.”
“I don’t think it’s funny. He was quite rude.”
“Don’t worry about that. It’s just his way. I give him a hard time, but he’s actually a decent man. If you give him a chance, he’ll show you that his bark is much worse than his bite.”
“Maybe so, but he isn’t interested in investigating a potential murder.”
“Are you talking about Sam?” Shawna’s eyes grew wide. “Are you really going to get into the middle of that?”
“Yes. I am.” Blu blinked. She wasn’t sure how she had ended up in the middle of this, but now she was sure there was only one way out—solving the crime.
“Well, if you need any help let me know. I’d love to see someone brought to justice. Sam didn’t deserve to die like that.”
Blu nodded. “I may just take you up on that.”
She glanced at her watch and realized it was way past dinner. She never stayed out so late—just in case Rachel needed her, even if she was off for the evening.
She hurried back to the beach house to find that it was dark. Rachel had left a note to let her know that she and the kids had gone out to dinner.
Blu sighed as she closed the door to her room. Was she taking too big of a risk by getting in the middle of all this?
That night, as she went to bed, her mind was filled with the events of the day. There was so much to sort out, not the least of which was whether the police force could be trusted.
As she tried to fall asleep, she remembered the sensation of the water rising up along her neck when the little boy she’d helped rescue had tried to pull her down. She remembered the strength of Sam’s grip and how he’d swum with such ease.
Blu spent most of her life in the background. She spent her time with someone else’s children, acting as a guide and chauffeur. She lived in a home that was not her own and drove a car that was not her own. Now, she was running the risk of stirring up the locals and the wealthy with her focus on Sam’s death. And still, Sam could truly have just drowned. It all could have been an accident. Yet every instinct in her body was telling her that it wasn’t and that it was worth her digging a bit more.
In the morning Rachel had some news for Blu.
“Marshall is flying in a day early so he can have dinner with the kids and me tonight. He has to meet with some clients so it’s going to be a working dinner, but at least they will get some time with their dad.”
“Oh, wonderful. I’ll get Joey’s suit out and the purple dress for Marley…”
“Yes, that would be fine.” Rachel was all smiles as she shared breakfast with the kids.
Although Blu was distracted by Sam’s death, it was nice to see Rachel excited about her husband’s visit. There was nothing that pleased Blu more than seeing the family she worked for happy.
As she washed the dishes from breakfast her mind returned to Sam and the conversation she’d had with Chief Pitman. What kind of evidence could she find?
“Kids, why don’t we take a walk on the beach this morning to collect some shells? We could use them to make a special gift for your mom and dad.”
“If I find a crab, can I keep it?” Joey grinned.
“Only if you promise not to put it in the bathtub.”
“Okay.” Joey laughed. “I won’t do that again.”
“I hope not.” Blu laughed too. The last time Joey brought a pet home from the beach, his mother found it when she tried to take a bubble bath. It was quite an eventful night for the family.
“Go get dressed and we’ll head out. Marley, I put some clothes on your bed to wear.”
As the kids ran off Blu pulled out her phone and texted Maddie.
Can you meet at the beach for shell hunting?
Maddie texted back right away.
Sure, we’ll be there in 30.
Blu tucked her phone back into her pocket and wondered how her friend would react to what she was going to ask of her. It was risky to take the next step that she’d planned, but she didn’t know how else she would get any evidence to prove Sam’s death wasn’t an accident.
“Ready!” Joey ran past her with a large bucket.
“Me too!” Marley barreled by with her entire collection of sand toys in a big beach bag.
Blu laughed and picked up the shovels and sifters that had fallen out of the bag as Marley ran by. She loved the enthusiasm that children had. To her, they truly understood how to live life, not limited by the concerns and insecurities of adults—a lesson more adults around her could use. Blu couldn’t help the thought that often entered her mind.
Chapter 14
When they reached the beach Maddie was just pulling up. She only had Chrissa with her.
“Where’s Brennan?” Blu waved to Chrissa as she ran off to hunt for crabs with Joey.
“He’s asleep. That’s what he does now. Sleep and more sleep.” Maddie shook her head. “I’m having a hard time connecting with him.”
“Just give it time. The older they get, the harder it can be to figure out what’s going on in their heads.”
“I see that.” Maddie sighed. Then she looked at Blu with a furrowed brow. “What’s going on with you? You don’t look like you’ve had much sleep.”
“I slept, but not well.”
“Still thinking about Sam?”
“I had quite an encounter with Chief Pitman last night.”
“Why?” Maddie’s eyes widened.
“I wanted to know why he hasn’t been looking into the possibility of Sam’s death not being an accident. He was not very responsive. Basically, he said if I couldn’t bring him some kind of evidence, he wouldn’t be opening an investigation.”
“Wow, so you really thin
k Sam was murdered?” Maddie lowered her voice.
“I think that something isn’t right, and it should be looked into. If the people who knew him the best are so sure that he wouldn’t have died this way, then why not? But that’s not enough for Chief Pitman.”
“Oh, Blu.” Maddie folded her hands behind her back and turned to watch the kids. “I think you might be getting in too deep.”
“Someone has to, right?” Blu pursed her lips. “There was this case I studied when I was in college. It was about a man on death row. Everyone was convinced without question that he was guilty. Everyone but one journalist. That journalist did tons of research, conducted his own investigation, and saved that man’s life by proving his innocence.”
“But you’re not a journalist. You’re a nanny.” Maddie looked over at her and met her eyes. “And if there’s one thing you’ve taught me about working for the wealthy, it’s that they like to keep their private lives private. If you dig around, you’re either going to find things you don’t like, or you’re going to end up without a job.”
“I know.” Blu frowned. “I’m breaking all my own rules. But I think it’s the right thing to do—the only thing that I can do. No one else is looking for justice, and if it falls on me, then it falls on me.”
“Who do you think did it?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. I mean, Kayla seemed pretty angry at him because he broke up with her. But can someone who claims to love someone so much really have him killed?”
“I’ve always been told there’s a fine line between love and hate.”
“Do you think you could get me a meeting with Penelope?”
“Hm. Yeah, I think that’s possible. You really think she’s involved in this somehow?”
“I thought for sure I saw her on the beach the night before Sam died. They were arguing. Everyone’s been hinting at Sam hooking up with someone from the summer houses. You mentioned that Penelope seemed to have a new boyfriend. It could easily be Sam. Right?”
“Well, she said she was out of town, but honestly she did get back pretty fast. I guess it’s worth looking into. I’ll ask her to meet with you.”
“Maybe you could suggest the carnival with the kids? I’m taking Joey and Marley tomorrow.”
“That would be perfect. I know that she’s been needing some family time.”
“Great, so I can get a chance to talk to her when we’re there. I’ll do my best to keep it casual, and I promise not to mention you.”
“Sounds like a plan. I just hope that your suspicions aren’t right. I’d hate to think of Penelope involved in anything criminal.”
“She has a lot to lose.”
“That’s for sure.”
“Blu! Blu! Look what I got!” Marley’s sweet voice called out to her.
Blu spotted her by the foot of the lifeguard stand. Blu jogged over to take a look at what the little girl was holding. Marley proudly displayed something sparkly. It looked like a coin at first. Then, as she took it from Marley’s hand, she saw that it was a cufflink. It was engraved with a lion.
“This is an odd thing to find on the beach.” She showed it to Maddie.
“Oh, wow.” Maddie’s eyes widened.
“What is it?”
“I think that might be Brian’s.”
“Might be?” Blu narrowed her eyes.
“Yes. He was looking for it. He has a pair with lions on it.”
“When was he looking for it?”
“He wanted to wear them to the memorial.” Maddie bit into her bottom lip. “He ended up not wearing any.”
“He must have been the person that was arguing with Sam the night before he died. It was after I left.”
“Oh, this is not looking good.” Maddie lowered her voice. “Maybe he found out about Penelope and Sam.”
“Maybe. But we don’t even know for sure yet that there was a Penelope and Sam.”
“That’s true.”
“I’ve got to get the kids home for lunch. They’re going out to dinner tonight with some of Marshall’s clients. Let me know what Penelope says about the carnival.”
Maddie nodded. “I will.”
“And Maddie, make sure you don’t breathe a word about this to either of them. If either one of them is involved, then they’re potentially dangerous—as crazy as that sounds around here. Whoever did this will do anything to keep from being found out. I’m pretty sure about that.”
“Could you imagine if it’s true? How could either of them kill Sam?”
“I don’t know. But I’m going to find out the truth, no matter what it takes. Joey, Marley—we have to go!” Blu waved the children over.
As they collected their toys she tucked the cufflink into her pocket. It might not be enough to convince Chief Pitman, but it was a start.
Chapter 15
“Blu, I’m so glad you’re here.”
“What’s wrong, Rachel?” Blu surveyed the demolished kitchen.
“I was looking for scissors. I can’t find scissors anywhere! I had a thread loose on my dress and I just wanted to snip it off before dinner, and I couldn’t find scissors anywhere! Why is that? Shouldn’t there be scissors?”
“After Marley snipped her hair at home last month, I always make sure they’re above her reach.” Blu reached into one of the cabinets above the sink. “I’m sorry. I should have told you where I moved them.”
Rachel sniffled and took the scissors.
Blu noticed the way her hands shook when she gripped them. “Rachel, are you okay?”
“I don’t know. I feel like a wreck. I’m so nervous about Marshall coming home and not wanting to stay.”
“Rachel.” Blu hugged her close. “He’s going to want to stay. Marshall loves you.”
Rachel clung to her. “You’re right, I know you’re right. It’s just so hard with him gone so long. If I didn’t have you around, what would I do?”
“Rachel, you’re an amazing mother, and an intelligent, capable woman. You’re going to be fine.”
“I hope so.” Rachel sighed and pulled away from her.
“Why don’t you go get a massage? It’ll help you relax, and by the time you get back, the kids will be ready for dinner.”
“You must think I’m a mess.” She shook her head.
“No, I don’t think that at all. I think you’ve done a great job of keeping this family together and you just need a break. Go get a massage, buy a new dress for tonight, and remember how much Marshall loves you.”
“Blu, you’re amazing.” She kissed her cheek. “I want you to know that you really are part of the family and I don’t know what we’d do without you.”
“Thank you.” Blu smiled.
As Rachel left the house, Blu couldn’t help but wonder if her employer would still feel that way when she found out about Blu’s push for the investigation into Sam’s death.
Blu spent the afternoon tidying up and playing cards with the kids. When it was time to get ready for dinner she summoned Joey to his room to put on his suit.
“Are you excited to see your dad?”
“I guess.” He shrugged.
“We’re going to the carnival tomorrow. We’ll have a great time.” She straightened his tie. “Tonight you mind your manners, spend some special time with your dad, and tomorrow we’ll go wild. Alright?”
Joey nodded, but he didn’t look any happier. “Why do I have to be nice to him, Blu?”
“Joey, he’s your father and he loves you.”
“But he’s never here.” Joey frowned.
“Why do you think that is, sweetie?” Blu met his eyes. “What do you think your dad is doing when he’s not with you?”
“Working, I guess.”
“That’s right. He works very hard because he loves you and your mother and your sister. Maybe he doesn’t always get to have fun with you, but he does his best to make sure that you have everything you could ever need. That’s pretty great, don’t you think?”
Joey smiled. “I
guess so.”
“Make sure you tell him that when you see him. Hm?” She touched her fingertip to his nose.
“I will.”
“Good. Now go see if your sister needs help finding her shoes.”
Joey ran off down the hall.
Blu heard the front door open and close. “Blu?”
“The kids are just about ready.”
“Great, we’re going to meet Marshall at the restaurant.” Rachel walked further into the kitchen and Blu caught sight of her.
“Oh, you look gorgeous.” Blu smiled at her. “I love the new dress.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll just check on Marley’s hair.” Blu found Marley with her feet through the sleeves of her dress. “Oops, I think we need to fix that.” Blu laughed and helped Marley to get her dress on correctly. Then she tied her bouncy curls back with a purple ribbon. “There you go, sweetheart. You’re all set.”
Marley hugged her tight and then ran for her mother.
After Blu saw them off she sat down at her computer. She decided to see if she could track down what Brian Ross had been up to lately. Sam was nearly invisible on the Internet, but Brian was the complete opposite. There were pictures of him all over the place. She had just opened one particular website that featured the husbands of powerful wives when there was a knock at the door. Blu rushed toward it.
“Did you forget something?” She opened the door, expecting Rachel to be on the other side.
“No.” AJ smiled. “Sorry to intrude.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to talk to you.”
Blu’s heart raced. “How did you even know where I live?”
“It wasn’t hard to find out. Can I come in?” He started to move forward.
“No, I don’t think that would be a good idea. I’ll come out.” She stepped outside and pulled the door closed behind her. “Now why are you here, AJ?”