Nowhere to Run

by Jeanne Bannon

  Aiden’s statement hung heavily in the air. The baby would have been an heir, an heir not just to Zander’s fortune, but to Sara’s as well. Was he feeling her out? Wanting to see how she’d react? If she’d mention the money? It always came down to the damned money. Any way you sliced it, all those millions were right there in the middle of things.

  “I never wanted the money, Mr. O’Rourke. I made it clear to my sister she could keep it all. She offered me half, you know. She wasn’t a selfish woman. I told her if she wanted to give me something then let me have the diner.”

  His brows lifted, but she was unsure of his expression. Was he surprised Sara offered her half of the money or that she called him Mr. O’Rourke?

  Then she remembered something. Something she hadn’t the heart to tell her sister. “Zander came here, to the diner. He sat right over there.” Lily pointed to the largest booth in the restaurant, the one big enough to seat eight. “He was alone. I walked up to him, smiling, but he glared back at me. I tried to start a conversation, telling him what I was sure he already knew, that I was Sara’s sister, and even held out my hand. He left me hanging, sneering as if I was something dirty he didn’t dare touch. For Sara’s sake, I ignored his rudeness and asked what he’d like to order.

  “He told me he wasn’t here to eat and that I shouldn’t put ideas into my sister’s head. Then he said something I’ll never forget. I remember his exact words. ‘She’s having that abortion even if I have to do it myself.’ He ordered a coffee, left it untouched, threw a fifty-dollar bill on the table and left. Maybe if Sara knew what he’d said, she would have been more careful. She might have even wanted to take the gun.”

  Aiden stared at her for a moment, then leaned back, spreading his arms across the back of the booth. His eyes narrowed and he tilted his head, making him look exactly like what he was—a hard-boiled, cynical detective. What was he up to, some cop trick? Waiting for her to continue, to maybe say something incriminating? She felt her insides drop with disappointment.

  He didn’t believe her.

  She shook her head, then stood and peered down at him. “You son of a bitch. I loved my sister more than anyone in the world. I would never hurt her. Never!” With hands planted on her hips, she yelled, “Get the hell out of here. I’m done with you. I thought you wanted the truth and that’s what I gave you.”

  A smile played on his lips as he looked up at her.

  “Why the hell are you smiling?”

  “Because I believe you. It makes sense. Things are falling into place. And, well, I’m glad.”

  “Glad?”

  He sighed. “I’m sorry if I upset you. That wasn’t my intention. It’s my job to ask questions and to be suspicious of everyone, but to be honest, I never wanted you to be a suspect.”

  Anger still burned in her, but she sat back down. Was he being sincere or just shoveling cop bullshit at her to lull her into a false sense of security? She crossed her arms tightly over her chest and pressed her lips into a thin line of displeasure.

  “I believe you,” he said again, adding a measure of emphasis to his tone, “but we’ve got more to talk about. Like where the gun is now. Do you have any idea what might have happened to it?”

  Lily stiffened.

  Aiden seemed to catch the movement, or rather, the lack of it. “What? What’s wrong?”

  She turned away, not wanting to answer.

  He splayed both hands on the Arborite and pushed himself to standing. “I can’t bloody well help you if you don’t talk to me. I know you’re still upset about last night and I’m sorry. I was an idiot. I made a mistake, but I need your help. Do you, or do you not want your sister’s murderer found?”

  His anger startled her. It was a side of him she hadn’t yet seen. But if the murder weapon was found and it was her gun, Wilkins and Deluca would have the evidence they needed to arrest her. “I don’t know where it is, and I’m not sure I want it found.” Her voice was almost a whisper. “If the bullets that killed my sister came from my gun, they’ll charge me. The gun was registered. It’d be easy to match the slugs to the weapon. Even I know that and I’m no cop.”

  “Not unless it has Zander’s fingerprints on it. We’ve got to find that gun.”

  Lily’s heart beat hard against her ribs. Was he right? Could it be a good thing to find the gun? “What if it was wiped clean? Then I’d still be a suspect.”

  “It’s a chance I’m willing to take, Lily.”

  Sure, it was easy for him to gamble with her life, but was it a chance she was willing to take? “Like I said, I have no idea where it is.”

  He nodded and chewed on his lower lip. “OK. Then we have to find it.” He flipped through his notes and looked up. “They tested you for gunpowder residue when you were first brought in for questioning and you came up clean, right? That’s a very good thing you’ve got working in your favor. Don’t be afraid.” He sounded so much like a detective now, so distant and businesslike.

  “Think it may be time to pay a visit to the Lyons household.” Aiden stood and gathered up his notes. “Thank you for your time, Miss Valier.”

  CHAPTER 17

  The woman heading down the black-and-white staircase had her eyes glued to him. She was beautiful in a past-her-prime sort of way. The kind of woman some men might call a cougar, and the way she was eyeing him made Aiden feel like he was prey.

  “You can go now, Sabina,” Gabrielle Lyons told her housekeeper without looking at her.

  “Sorry for the unexpected visit, ma’am. My name’s Aiden O’Rourke.” He held out his hand, and she held on a bit too long for his liking. She looked him over from head to toe, then back up again, making him feel like he was about to be devoured.

  “Lovely to meet you, Mr. O’Rourke, I’m Gabrielle Lyons. What can I do for you?” Her voice was lined in silk.

  “I’m a private investigator, ma’am, working on the Sara Valier murder, and I was wondering if your husband was around. I’d like to talk to him. Promise I won’t take too much of his time. I know he’s a busy man.”

  The woman crossed her arms tightly over her chest. “What would make you think Zander would be home at this time of day? He’s at work.” Her tone had become icy. “Besides, he’s already spoken to Deputy Deluca and was cleared as a suspect. He wasn’t even in town when that Sara woman was killed.”

  Aiden smiled inwardly. He knew damn well Zander wouldn’t be home during the day. What he really wanted was to meet his lovely missus and pop by Zander’s fancy office right after. After all, Gabrielle Lyons had a reason to want Sara dead too.

  “Where was he the night Miss Valier was shot? Do you happen to remember?” Aiden asked.

  “On a business trip. In Canada…Toronto, I think.”

  “I’d like to see something concrete that puts him there. Like a hotel receipt. Do you know if he has anything like that?”

  Gabrielle’s eyes flashed with anger for a second, and her lips parted as if she was about to say something. Instead, she smiled. “I wouldn’t have the faintest idea where Zander would keep something like that. All I know is the deputy investigated his alibi, and my husband was cleared.” She reached out and touched his shoulder. “Why don’t you come on in for a coffee. I’ll call Zander at the office and tell him to come home.”

  It was his lucky day. Speaking to Zander Lyons at home would be much easier than trying to get past security in his office building, a task he was dreading.

  “That sounds great.” Aiden stepped forward off the rug at the door and onto the marble.

  “Please remove your boots. Lots of snow out there and I wouldn’t want you dirtying up my clean floors.” Gabrielle laughed, but Aiden noted it was without humor.

  The kitchen was huge, the size of his entire cabin. The echoing of their voices bouncing off the granite, marble, and hardwood was unsettling.

  Gabrielle gestured to the tall, upholstered stools lined up on one side of a granite counter top. Aiden took a seat. She stood on the opposite side
of the counter and leaned seductively over it, her blouse falling open to reveal red lace.

  “Sabina!” Gabrielle called. A moment later, her housekeeper, a stout Italian-looking woman, was back, standing at attention like a robot awaiting an order. “A fresh pot of coffee. Use the percolator, not that crappy coffee maker Zander likes. Oh, and bring in the tray of cupcakes. I think you left it in the prep kitchen.” She turned back to Aiden. He’d left his jacket on a bench by the front door, and her eyes now wandered over his arms and chest. One hand lay restlessly on the counter so close to his arm he could feel her body heat.

  Gabrielle bit her bottom lip and looked up coyly. Aiden was rarely scared, but this woman was making him wish he had a shot of whisky to down. An awkward silence stretched between them like a small forever until finally, he spoke. “Thought you were going to call your husband.”

  Without taking her eyes from him, she picked up the cordless from the counter and punched in a number.

  The housekeeper was back, carrying a silver, three-tiered tray filled with cupcakes of various colors. She set it down between Aiden and Gabrielle.

  Gabrielle plucked up a red one. Red velvet, he guessed, knowing how popular they were lately, though he’d never had one. She peeled off the wrapper, cradling the phone between ear and shoulder. Daintily, she licked the creamy frosting from the top and then took a nibble. With a sigh, she put the cupcake down. “Zander, come home right now. It’s important.” There was a pause and she said, “Because there’s someone here to see you.” Another pause. “You’ll find out when you get here.” She hung up and resumed her love affair with the tiny red cake.

  CHAPTER 18

  With only an hour left until closing, Lily decided to call it a day.

  “Annie?” she called to her friend, who was busy polishing the counter top and straightening the menus.

  “Yeah?” Annie answered without looking up.

  “I’m gonna go now. Will you lock up?”

  “Yup.” Her tone was stony.

  Lily placed a hand on her arm. “Sorry about how I spoke to you when Aiden was here. I didn’t mean it. He and I, well, we’re not on the best of terms right now.”

  Annie turned to the grill and began scraping it clean. “No need to explain.”

  “He’s a detective. Wilkins hired him,” she said.

  Annie threw down the scraper and turned to face Lily, her mouth agape. “What?”

  “It’s true. He was only trying to get close to me to see if I killed my sister.”

  “Oh, Lil, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say.” She walked around to the other side of the counter, and for a moment Lily thought she was going to hug her. She might have liked a hug at that moment, but Annie stopped herself and instead gave her a sympathetic frown.

  “There’s nothing to say. It is what it is. At any rate, I told him everything and I think he believes me and wants to help, so things are looking up.” She tried to inject a cheery tone into her voice.

  “Hon, are you OK? Is there anything I can do?”

  Lily had had no time to assess her emotions. How did she feel? That was an excellent question. In the short time she’d known Aiden, or thought she knew him, he’d stolen a large piece of her heart, but he’d betrayed her in the worst way possible. What hurt most was knowing she’d been his number one suspect. How could she ever trust him again?

  “I’m fine, Annie.” She sighed at the heavy realization of the falseness of her words. She needed to go before the tears started. “Gonna duck out now, OK?”

  Annie nodded and smiled. “Sure thing, girlfriend. Got it all under control.”

  * * *

  “Wilkins in?” Lily asked after pulling open the front doors of the sheriff’s department.

  Julia, the shortest, fattest deputy in the East, was seated behind the counter. She eyed Lily with contempt like everyone else in town.

  “He’s busy.”

  “So, that means he’s in.” Lily kept walking, right past deputy fat ass and straight to Wilkins’s office. A halfhearted “Hey” came from behind her but no approaching footfalls. Probably too lazy to get off her ass.

  “You son of a—”

  Wilkins was on his feet in a flash, stilling Lily with two words, “Aiden O’Rourke.”

  She huffed in frustration. “Why?”

  “It’s not personal, Lily. You know that. Just doin’ my job.” Wilkins sat down and gestured for Lily to do the same.

  She stepped farther into his office but didn’t sit. “No. You’re doing nothing. You hired Aiden to do your job.”

  Wilkins pulled open a drawer and took out a bottle of Pepto-Bismol, unscrewed the top and took a swig, then put the lid back on and put it back. “All this crap is giving me an ulcer.” He pounded a fist on his blotter. “Damn, I can’t believe he’s blown his cover so early. Maybe it was a mistake to bring him in.”

  She hadn’t expected this reaction. Her intentions were to blast Wilkins, let him know she was onto his game and then leave, but now, a knot of worry tightened in her gut. Was Wilkins going to fire Aiden now, after he’d given her a small glimmer of hope and told her he believed her?

  “I have nothing to hide. I didn’t kill my sister! Let him finish his goddamn investigation.”

  Fire blazed in the sheriff’s dark eyes. “Calm yourself. Why don’t I have Julia bring you a cup of tea, and we can talk about this. Sit down.” Wilkins’s voice was deep with authority.

  She didn’t want to stay another second. Her heart pounded with fear. What had she done? Was Aiden going to be sent packing? And why was she so scared he might be? Because he promised to help find her sister’s killer, or was there more to it than that?

  Lily finally sat with an indelicate drop into the creaky old chair. Wilkins buzzed Julia and a moment later, a cup of hot water and a tea bag were placed in front of her. Julia slapped a couple of sugar packets down beside it and left.

  “Should I call my lawyer?” Lily asked.

  “No need for that.” Wilkins gave his head a good shake. “Look, this is as frustrating for me as it is for you. As much as I want to, I can’t clear you as a suspect yet, Lily.”

  “So, Aiden will continue with the investigation?”

  He sighed, deep and long. “Suppose so. Guess it’s best to let the man do his job.”

  “Was he expensive?”

  “Beg your pardon?”

  “Just wondering how much you paid to try to bring the dangerous criminal, Lily Valier, to justice.”

  A voice came from behind her. “You could save us some dough if you confessed.” It was Deluca.

  She was on her feet, her tea untouched. She looked at Wilkins. “Why don’t you save the taxpayers some money and retire? You’re getting a wage for sitting on your ass doing nothing but harassing innocent women.”

  Deluca made his way to her side and touched her arm, but Lily pulled away. He grinned and took a step back. “I understand how frustrating this must be for you, but you’re the most likely suspect at the moment.”

  “Really? I’d think Zander or Gabrielle Lyons would be higher up on your list. My sister was pregnant with Zander’s child. He wanted her to have an abortion, and when she refused, he threatened the life of her child.”

  “You’ve already told us that, Miss Valier, and Zander Lyons vehemently denies the accusation and besides, he has an alibi.”

  “What about Gabrielle then? Was she even brought in for questioning?”

  “We spoke to Mrs. Lyons and, frankly, she really doesn’t fit the profile.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me! Profile? What profile? It’s not like you’re hunting down a terrorist here. She’s the wife of a philandering husband, one who happened to impregnate my sister. Isn’t that enough of a motive?” She wanted to scream, stamp her feet, pull out her hair.

  Deluca shook his head and gave Lily a condescending look. “No, I’m sorry, but we really don’t think she’s guilty of the crime. And before you even bring up his name, Phil Ke
mp is an even less likely suspect, so, guess who that leaves?” Deluca’s grin was now a wide smile.

  Lily looked at the sheriff with pleading eyes. “Why are you letting him take over this case?”

  The sheriff ran a hand over his closely cropped gray hair. “I’m not letting him take over, but Deputy Deluca does have experience with homicides.”

  Deluca broke in, “Don’t forget we’ve got a third party involved now. It was Sheriff Wilkins’s idea to get some extra help, so I haven’t actually taken anything over. I’d say Aiden has done that.”

  Lily wanted to say so much more. She wanted to call them both a few choice names but said only, “You know where you can put that cup of tea, don’t ya?” before turning on her heel and stomping from the office.

  CHAPTER 19

  The sound of a door opening caught Aiden’s attention. Zander must have run a few red lights to get home so quickly, but he was grateful for the added company. Gabrielle was on her second cupcake, this time a chocolate one. Maybe she’d behave herself with her husband in the room.

  “Hey,” came a female voice.

  “Oh, hi, honey,” Gabrielle answered stiffly, the word “honey” seeming to stick in her throat. “This is Aiden. He’s a private dick, here to ask your dear old daddy some questions.” She plucked up a cake and held it out. “Want one?” She threw her daughter a wink.

  The girl shook her head. “Surprised you’re willing to share.”

  “This is my loving daughter, Natalie,” Gabrielle said to Aiden with a nonchalant wave of her hand.

  Natalie gave a nod in his direction, narrowed her eyes, and skulked out of the room.