by Nora LeDuc
Luke mentally swore. She was going to interrogate their hostess.
“When Buddy arrives, he won’t waste a minute straightening out his father’s version of the last basketball game.”
“Does that annoy Dean?” Rose followed Tia into a cream-colored corridor decorated with photos of Buddy at different ages. What would these good people say if the tip line led to their son?
“Dean takes Buddy’s corrections all in the spirit of the evening. Teasing each other is part of their relationship. Luke joins in when he visits. He and Buddy have been friends since middle school. They’d do anything for each other.”
Or, be blind to each other’s faults.
“They’re close. In school, they were on every team together and inseparable. They were always at each other’s house eating, supposedly studying or tossing a ball around. Luke’s mother’s a close friend of mine. I wish she’d move back to New Hampshire. I miss her.” Tia paused by a snapshot of her son with his arm around a woman with long, dark hair and flawless, white skin. The young woman leaned into him.
“Here’s Shauna and Bud’s engagement picture. Beautiful, isn’t she? Buddy is lucky. She’s totally devoted to him, and he’s crazy about her. They were high school sweethearts. You know first loves often find each other again.”
“Again?” Rose raised her brows. Then she remembered Buddy had cheated on Shauna and she left him.
“They broke up before Shauna left for college. Buddy has dated lots of other girls.” Tia inclined her head toward her son’s picture. “He’s a charmer when he wants to be. When Shauna moved back last summer, they started seeing each other, quietly at first. True love won in the end.”
Rose studied the future Mrs. Drown. She gazed up at Buddy with open adoration in her eyes. Her face seemed to glow. “Buddy’s very handsome. I bet he broke lots of hearts when the engagement became public.”
“Buddy had his share of girlfriends, but he didn’t care much about them. Shauna was his first serious and only love. She was married briefly years ago, but we’ll forgive her.” Tia laughed. “They’re perfect for each other. Sorry, I’m a romantic at heart and seeing them together reminds me of when I met Dean.”
“How did you get together?”
“Not too many people know, but I was married before Dean. My ex and I said our vows the week after high school graduation. Buddy was born nine months later. The marriage was never good, but I was stubborn and determined to make it work. But as the years passed, I decided divorce was my only option to keep myself and Buddy safe.”
“Going it alone must have been tough.”
“Staying was worse. I thought I’d never marry again. Then I met Dean on a ski lift. By the time we reached the top of the mountain, we were a couple. We’ve been married close to thirty years. People thought we wouldn’t last. I’m five years older, and had an eleven year-old when we got together.”
“No wonder you’re a romantic. Did Dean grow up in Ledgeview?”
“We lived in Maine. We moved to Ledgeview soon after we married for Dean to establish his business. Come this way.” Tia switched on a light and led Rose through an arched doorway, into a twelve-by-twelve foot space. “This is my sewing room.”
Piles of clothing covered most of the furniture and probably hid a sewing machine somewhere. The legs of a chair peeked out from under a load of shirts and skirts. “Your store must be a big success. You should rent a storage space.”
“My shop is overflowing, but I don’t rent. Dean owns the building.”
“I forgot. Guess you have a good relationship with your landlord.”
“Once a year, I collect clothes for the homeless. I admit I’m proud of my success.” Tia put a finger to her chin. “Wait a minute.” She grabbed a bag from the top of a pile and dug out a black garment. “Lovely, isn’t it?”
Rose glanced at the fabric in her hostess’s hands and nodded.
“Women are always searching for the perfect little black outfit, and today, one found its way to me. Can you believe it?” Sequins on the garb shimmered as Tia held it higher.
Rose nodded. “The ladies will be jealous when you wear it.”
“The dress is perfect for you.” She held the garment up and tilted her head to the side. “Want to try it on?” Her eyes glimmered with excitement. “You’ll have to wear it to the celebration for Dean after he wins.”
How much would the perfect little dress cost? She bet her hostess never carried a brand Rose could afford. She’d have to find a way to politely decline. Her mind groped for excuses while the last part of Tia’s statement sank in. “Celebrate a win?”
“Dean’s running for mayor. He believes he can beat the incumbent. A lot of people are unhappy with your sister’s murder investigation. Ledgeview used to be one of the safest cities to live in. Now a young woman has been murdered in our hometown, and with no one under arrest, who knows who will be killed next?”
At least she wasn’t alone in her fears. “I’m sorry my sister’s death brought such fright.”
“You’re not to blame. Dean has picked out his platform for his campaign.” She raised a manicured finger. “Elect a working man for the working people who puts safety first.”
Tia beamed. “We’re throwing a party next weekend to kick off the announcement. Of course, you’re invited. Your presence will be a boost to Dean’s campaign.” She ran a hand over the piece of clothing. “Don’t you adore the simple, clean cut lines? It’s a classic.” Her face brightened. “Luke can bring you to the party. You might not feel like a get together after what’s happened to your sister, but Dean and I would appreciate your support as a guest.”
She was acting as though she and Lennox were a couple, dangerous territory. “Homicide detectives don’t take much time off, but you must be excited. When’s the election?”
“The voting happens in the fall. Dean’s announcing his decision next weekend to his closest friends. These elections require a lot of planning, time and money. My husband’s been a city selectman for years. Mayor is the next logical rung on the political ladder, and he has what it takes. Dean’s a hard worker, keeps his word and listens to people. He’s a winner.”
“How much is the dress?” Rose blurted out.
“It’s free. Oh, dear, I hope you weren’t worried about price. A customer of mine donated it to the drive. My clients drop off items from their closets to help me out.”
Tia brought her to the room to give her a donated dress and further a match up with Lennox. Her own plan to learn about Buddy was nothing compared with her hostess’s.
“The price tag was still pinned to the fabric when she dropped it off,” Tia continued. “The previous owner probably thought she’d diet and fit into it before the truth sank in. She’d never be the right size. The dress was meant for you.”
“Tia, you don’t need to give me anything. You and Dean have done plenty by starting the tip line. I also haven’t forgotten your husband offered me Dahlia’s place and saved me hours of searching in a new city.”
“Apartment hunting when you’re upset is never good, especially when you’re alone. Course, you can always talk to Luke. He’d understand your feelings. He dealt with his father’s death, and I’m sure returning to Ledgeview hasn’t been easy. People often like to remind you of uncomfortable moments from our past, for some reason.”
Rose went still. “How did his father die? I read it was suicide.”
“That was the final version.” Tia glanced away.
“There were other stories?” This was news.
“He died a year and a half ago. His passing was listed as a suicide, but no one believed he’d take his life.” Tia dipped her gaze for a moment. “Dean doesn’t like me to talk about it because he feels I’m gossiping,” she lowered her voice. “John Lennox would never commit suicide. He was never depressed a day in his life.”
“What do you mean?”
“The M.E.—”
The door clicked open and Lennox entered.
Silence fell over the room for an uncomfortable moment.
“Am I interrupting the girl talk?” He searched their faces with raised brows.
“You surprised us,” Tia said, recovering her composure first. “Is something wrong?”
“I came to ask if you’d like me to check on dinner while you’re busy. I’m a mean cook.” He stepped closer to Rose as though he meant to herd her through the doorway.
She bet he wanted to cook up an excuse to get her away from Tia.
“I’m all set.” Their hostess shook her head. “I wish Buddy would learn to use a stove. I’ve warned Shauna not to expect home cooked meals from him.” Tia scooted over to the pile of fabrics and pulled out a paper bag. Only the Best was printed across the center of the flowery shopping bag. She slid the gift inside. “You can try it on at home.”
“Good idea. Lennox, Tia told me Dean’s making a big announcement soon.”
“Really, what’s that?” With hands stuffed in his pockets, he paced around the sewing room. His gaze traveled over the fabric as though searching for matching prints.
“He’s going to run for mayor,” Tia said. “It’s still a secret from the general public.”
“He’s wants to be the mayor?” Lennox halted. His eyes widened in surprise.
“I bet Buddy’s excited about his father’s decision to enter the elections.” Rose hoped Lennox wouldn’t interrupt her chance to talk about the missing Drown.
“Buddy likes to stay out of the limelight of political affairs,” Tia said. “But he enjoys a good get-together.” The paper bag crinkled as she folded over the top. “Let me add how sorry I am about your sister.” She patted Rose’s arm and faced Lennox. “Everyone is on edge with a killer running around. No woman in Ledgeview wants to walk alone or drive by herself.”
“We’re going to catch the person responsible, Tia,” he confirmed. “Until then, take precautions.”
“I have faith in you, Detective Lennox.” Tia turned and gave a startled cry.
“What is it?” Rose asked, trying to pinpoint a frightening object.
“Someone put the boxes of breakables on the bottom of the clothes pile. I bet my cleaning lady was responsible.” Tia strode to a corner chair and lifted mound after mound of shirts, pants, and dresses like a forklift and transferred them to a heap on the floor.
“I can help.” Rose’s foot crunched on an object. She bent down and searched the rug. “I stepped on something.” She picked up three straight pins with round pink heads. They were duplicates of the one stuck in her doorbell.
She rubbed her arms as a chill settled over her. Of course, stores must sell hundreds of similar pins. She slipped them into her pocket.
“Don’t worry. I’ve sewing notions all over the place. Dean complains every time he comes into the room.” Tia put her hands on her hips. “What a mess. I should limit people from dropping off their donations until the week before the sale.” She swung the first box out of the way and bent for the second.
“Let me.” Lennox stepped forward and grabbed the bottom container.
“Put it by the desk. I can manage the rest later.”
He grabbed the box and frowned. “What’s inside, brick knick knacks? He deposited the container on the desktop. “How did you lug this inside?”
“Once I married, I carried all kinds of things: a baby, sheetrock, deliveries for my store.”
Tia’s arms rippled with muscles underneath her blouse. She was a strong woman. Had she developed her strength out of self defense against an abusive husband, or the stylish way, working out at a gym?
“Let’s join Dean and what’s left of the appetizers.” Tia rested her box on top of Lennox’s. “He’s probably in the kitchen stealing food out of the oven. He calls it sampling.” She glanced at her watch. “I hope Buddy and Shauna arrive soon. Dinner’s almost ready.”
“If they’re late, we’ll serve them the leftovers.” Lennox opened the door. “Ladies, first.”
Rose carried her gift and walked through the hall with Tia. Lennox shadowed their heels. The doorbell rang as they reached the main entryway.
“I hope it’s not someone wanting Dean.” Tia’s face scrunched up. “He’s always working. You won’t believe how rare it is to enjoy a dinner at home together.” She peeked out the curtained side window in the entryway. “It’s the police.” Her lip quivered as she switched on the exterior light and opened up.
Lennox hovered beside Rose.
A young uniformed officer stood on the step. “Evening, Mrs. Drown. You probably don’t remember me. I was in high school with your son. I’m Jay Lark. Buddy asked me to stop on my way home and let you know he’s at the station.”
Lennox stepped up. “Evening, Officer, is there a problem?”
“Detective Lennox, I didn’t know you were here.” He shrugged and blinked away his surprise.
“Is something wrong with my son?” Tia interjected.
“It was Miss Smith. There was an incident in the parking garage this evening.”
“What do you mean? Oh, my God, was it that maniac killer?”
The officer bowed his head and shuffled his feet. His silent confirmation sent a quiver through Rose.
Tia stumbled backwards before Lennox steadied her.
“I’ll get Dean.” Rose squeezed Tia’s shoulder and turned away. The killer wasn’t hiding. He was hunting another victim.
Chapter 14
Luke escorted Rose inside her apartment and then found Buddy in the hospital where the odor of antiseptic greeted him. The white waiting room was strangely empty except for his friend.
“I didn’t expect you.” Buddy jumped up from his plastic seat and shook Lennox’s hand. “Thanks for coming. The doctor’s with Shauna.”
Lennox was speechless. His friend never showed gratitude. It was his guy code.
Buddy sank into his chair. “I can’t believe anyone would harm Shauna. She’s a good person. How could the attack have happened?”
“Often these assaults are crimes of convenience such as a parking garage without witnesses but with an easy exit. What about the beat cop, did he see anything?”
“The patrol had already gone through.”
“Are your parents around?”
“They headed home. Mom was too upset to sit in the waiting room. I promised to call them after Shauna’s exam.”
Luke sat down across from Buddy. “How’s Shauna really doing?”
“She suffered a bruise on the side of her face that she doesn’t remember getting and a sprained arm from escaping her kidnapper. Of course, she’s shook up. She didn’t want to go to the doctor, but my dad and I managed to convince her.”
“You should have called me, Buddy.”
“I wanted to handle the situation. You can imagine how my dad acted. He rushed to the station and tried to take over. Shauna had enough to deal with.” Buddy tapped his fingertips together in front of his chest. “The truth is—I… didn’t want to call you because I’d acted like such a jackass earlier today.” He bent forward, hung his head between his knees and swept his hands back over his hair. “I couldn’t have been a bigger jerk. I hope you’ll forget what I said.”
“It’s okay, Bud.” Luke touched his friend’s shoulder. “We’ll always watch each other’s backs just like when we played football.”
Buddy straightened, blinking his eyes. “Thanks.”
“How’d Shauna get away from her attacker?”
“She pepper-sprayed the guy.”
“Did she see which way he fled or if he jumped into a car?”
“She screamed, ran for the exit and didn’t look back. She was afraid he’d grab her again.” Buddy collapsed against the chair and extended his legs in front of him. “What a night. She bought the pepper spray after the Blue woman was murdered, and I teased her for buying it, called her paranoid.”
“Did she get a good look at her assailant?”
“She said he was about six feet, dressed completely in b
lack with a ski mask and gloves. God, I feel awful.” He ran a hand over his face.
“Describe the ski mask.”
“Not much to say. Shauna said it was a black, knit mask with holes for eyes and a mouth.”
“Did she notice anything about his clothes or a watch or any kind of jewelry?”
“No, she was trying to get away.”
“Why did you meet her in the garage? Why not park in front of the bank?”
“The parking spaces in front of the building are taken by their customers. The attack’s my fault. If I’d arrived on time, she’d be fine.”
Luke wasn’t about to absolve Buddy and let him off the hook until he learned more. “Why were you late?”
“I stopped at Tiny’s Bar and Grill and ordered a drink. Then I heard my mom’s voice in my head, complaining about me drinking before her dinner party. I canceled my beer and drank a diet soda. I was only a little behind schedule when I drove to the bank, but Shauna got out a few minutes before I arrived. If only I’d called and told her I was running late and to wait inside.”
“You didn’t phone her?”
“I haven’t replaced my lost cell. I was kinda enjoying being outside of Dean’s constant reach, and at the moment, a phone is the least of my problems.” Buddy put his face in his hands.
Luke was tempted to ask why he didn’t borrow someone’s cell at Tiny’s but decided to let up a little. “She’s safe now.”
Buddy met his stare. “She was a mess. Crying, she didn’t want to see anyone. I had to talk her into reporting the attack and letting the doctor near her. The cops wanted to keep her longer. Dean convinced the officer taking her statement to let her go to the hospital. He also persuaded Mom to leave. She gets overemotional.”
“I can’t blame Tia, given the circumstances,” Luke said. “When Shauna’s calmer, she might remember something else. I’ll speak to her then.”
“Shauna’s attacker must be the man who killed Dahlia Blue.”
“We’ll need proof.”
“It must be him unless psychos have taken over the city. What’s happened to this place?” Buddy fisted a hand on his knee. “This kind of thing never used to happen in Ledgeview.”