A Perfect Manhattan Murder

by Tracy Kiely

  “It would seem so,” Marcy said.

  “Are he and Danny still running Little’s Vittles?” I asked.

  “As far as I know the Board of Health hasn’t shut it down,” said Marcy. “I shudder to think how bad a restaurant has to be before they take action.”

  “I think I might be in the mood for some bad Italian food,” I said after a minute.

  “I figured as much,” Marcy said in a resigned voice. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

  “About the food or the servers?” I asked.

  “Both.”

  “Don’t worry, I promise to be careful,” I said.

  Marcy let out a dubious sigh. “I know. I just worry that one day it’ll be a promise you can’t keep.”

  thirty-five

  After hanging up with Marcy, I called Harper’s house. There was no answer. I then called her cell phone. On the fifth ring, Devin picked up. He sounded horrible. “Devin?” I said. “It’s Nic Martini. I was trying to reach Harper.”

  “She’s not here, Ms. Martini,” he said his voice a breathless rush. “The police came. They … they arrested her. They arrested Harper.” His voice caught. “They think she had something to do with Dan’s … Mr. Trados’s death. I told them they were wrong. I told them it was impossible. I was here that night. I was here with Harper all night. She never left. But they didn’t listen. Jesus. This is a nightmare. I don’t know what to do.”

  “Don’t worry, Devin,” I said. “We’ll take care of it. Now, first things first. Where’s Gracie?”

  “I have her. I’m going to stay here with her.”

  “Okay, Devin. That’s good. Second question, did someone call Harper’s lawyer?”

  “Yes,” he said. “Her dad is taking care of it. They’re going to meet her at the police station.”

  “Good.”

  “But how do I help Harper?” he asked his voice desperate. “I mean, she didn’t kill Dan. God knows he was horrible to her, but she’s too good of a person to ever kill someone. I mean …”

  “Devin,” I interrupted him, “I have to ask you something, and I want you to be honest—”

  “Yes,” Devin said in a rush, “I love her. I know it probably sounds crazy. There is an age difference … but she’s an amazing woman. She’s like no one I’ve ever met. But nothing happened. I mean, nothing until …”

  “Devin,” I interrupted him again, a bit firmer this time, “I’m going to ask you to stop talking right now for several reasons, not the least of which is that I want to be able to truthfully say I don’t know what happened between you and Harper. The only thing I want to know is whether you were telling me the truth about spending the night at Harper’s.”

  Devin answered immediately. “I was here all night,” he said. “I swear.”

  “Good,” I answered. “Did either of you go out without the other that night?”

  This time Devin didn’t answer immediately. Finally, he said, “I … I went to the drug store at one point to get some baby Tylenol.”

  “How long were you gone?”

  “I … I’m not sure. The first place I went to didn’t have the right kind, so it took me longer than I thought it would.”

  “How long?” I repeated.

  “About forty minutes,” he said, his voice barely a whisper.

  I thanked Devin and hung up. Forty minutes. Dan’s work apartment was only ten minutes from where he and Harper lived. I knew Harper would never leave Gracie alone, but the police might have other ideas.

  thirty-six

  I sat back down in the chair and stared unseeingly at the floral arrangement on the table in front of me. “What did Marcy say?” Nigel asked.

  “Lots, actually,” I said, “but the main thing is that they’re arresting Harper.”

  Nigel’s eyes widened in shock. “Are you serious? Then we need to go down there and bail her out,” he said.

  I held up my hand. “Harper’s dad is already on it. He and the family lawyer are on their way to the station now.”

  Nigel relaxed slightly. “Well, that’s good.”

  I shrugged. “That’s a relative term.”

  Nigel squeezed my shoulder. “Hang on. I know what you need.”

  Skippy put his head back in my lap and nudged my hand with his nose. I began to pet his ears when he started to whine. Leaning down, I lifted up one ear and peered in. “Nigel,” I called. “Did we bring Skippy’s medicine? I think he’s got another ear infection.”

  “I’ll get it,” Nigel said. “Hang on.”

  Moments later, Nigel appeared with a dirty martini. I glanced up at him. “I hope that’s for me, and not Skippy,” I said.

  “Of course,” Nigel said as he set the glass down on the table in front of me. “Skippy likes his martinis dry.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a bottle of the ointment. Skippy stoically held still while Nigel put a few drops in each ear. “Good boy, Skippy,” he said. “Now don’t scratch at them or we’ll have to pull out the cone of shame.”

  Skippy put his head back in my lap and stared mournfully at me. “Okay,” I said, “you can have an olive.” I fished one out and tossed it to him. Skippy caught it neatly and lay down at my feet.

  Nigel went to get his drink and then slid into the chair opposite me. He clinked his glass against mine. I took a grateful sip. “What else did Marcy have to say?” he asked. When I finished telling him, he let out a low whistle. “Damn. This just keeps getting better and better,” he said. He took a sip of his drink. “So who do you want to visit first?” he asked.

  I looked at him in confusion. “Visit?”

  Nigel nodded. “Yes. The way I see it, we need to talk to Nina and Jeremy first thing tomorrow about their visits to Dan. Then maybe we can grab a late lunch.”

  I smiled at him. “Have I told you today how much I love you?” I asked.

  “I believe you covered that subject quite satisfactorily earlier this morning,” Nigel said. “But if you feel the need to go over it again, I’m happy to oblige. However in the interest of full disclosure, I probably should tell you where I’m taking you to lunch before you embark on any demonstrations of affection.”

  I sat back in my chair with a slow smile. “I assumed you were taking me to Little’s Vittles.”

  Nigel smiled back. “You are a clever girl.”

  I tipped my head in acknowledgement. “By the way, thank you for my martini.”

  “You’re welcome. Is it dirty enough for you?”

  I took a sip and winked. “Never.”

  thirty-seven

  The next morning I came out of the shower to find Skippy sitting in the middle of the hallway. I looked down at him and then yelled, “Nigel! For God’s sake, no.”

  A second later, Nigel came around the corner. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “That’s what’s wrong,” I said pointing at Skippy. During the night, he’d been unable to stop scratching at his ears. This morning we were forced to pull out the cone of shame. However, Nigel had made some modifications to it while I was in the shower. Three olive decals now adorned one side of the plastic cone. “Seriously, Nigel? He looks like a walking martini glass.”

  Nigel frowned. “And that’s bad, why?”

  I opened my mouth but realized I didn’t have an answer—at least not one that would satisfy Nigel. I closed my mouth and sighed. Nigel grinned at me. “See?” he said. “Besides, Skippy likes it. Don’t you, boy?”

  Skippy gave a happy bark.

  Nigel arched his eyebrow. “Never doubt the power of a Martini,” he said as he leaned over and kissed me on the shoulder.

  “Are we talking about the drink or you?” I asked, as I readjusted my towel.

  “Both,” Nigel said as he adjusted it back. “But there is a hierarchy between the two that apparently you need to be reminded of.
”

  “Is that a fact?”

  “It is.”

  Sometime later, after Nigel had expertly made his point, we left to pay Nina a visit. Nigel had called ahead to ask if he could stop by to catch up and reminisce about old times. At my suggestion, he did not mention that Skippy and I would be in attendance.

  After Nigel hung up with Nina, I called Marcy. I asked her to give me the dates and times of Nina’s visits to Dan’s apartment. “Sure,” she said. “Mind if I ask why you need them?”

  “I have a theory about those visits,” I said.

  “Is this a theory you plan on sharing?” she asked.

  “Only if I’m right,” I said.

  “Typical,” Marcy said with a laugh. “Hang on, let me get the report.” A minute later, Marcy came back on the phone with the dates and times. “Is that what you were looking for?” she asked.

  “I sincerely hope so,” I said.

  Nina lived in a luxury apartment on Central Park South. Outside it was the perfect fall day; the sky was bright blue and the air was clean and crisp. Well, clean and crisp by New York City’s standards. Given the weather, we decided to walk the relatively short distance to Nina’s. That and the fact that getting a taxi with Skippy was difficult on the best of days. Now that he looked like an alcoholic’s hallucination, it was near impossible.

  A uniformed doorman outside the apartment building greeted us with a polite nod. It was some credit to his professionalism that he did not gawk at Skippy. Either that or the residents had already jaded him to sights of the absurd.

  Inside, a poised young woman of about twenty-five sat at a sleek mahogany desk. She wore the standard corporate uniform of a dark tailored suit with a crisp white blouse. Her thick chestnut hair was pulled back into a severe bun. The only concession to color was a slash of red lipstick. A slim white nametag announced her name as Marta. She glanced up at our entrance with a polished smile. “Good afternoon,” she said in a smooth, practiced voice. “May I help you?”

  “Yes,” Nigel said with a smile. “Nigel and Nicole Martini to see Ms. Nina Durand.”

  Marta’s eyes briefly slid to Skippy; the only tell of her relative inexperience. Nigel saw the look and quickly added, “And Master Skippy Martini.”

  She blinked. “But of course. One moment while I ring Ms. Durand.” After a brief telephone conversation confirmed our visit was anticipated, Marta smiled at us and nodded toward the elevator. “Ms. Durand is expecting you. She’s on the sixtieth floor. The elevators are to your right.”

  Nigel and I smiled our thanks. Once inside the elevator, I turned to him and said, “I hate to sound like the jealous spouse, but I don’t recall anyone telling us what apartment Nina is in.”

  Nigel laughed and leaned over to kiss me soundly on the lips. “Have I told you today how much I love you?” he asked.

  “Yes,” I said. “Now answer the damn question.”

  Nigel raised one eyebrow. “I don’t believe you asked one.”

  I raised one eyebrow right back. “Do you really want those to be your last words here on earth?”

  Nigel leaned down and nipped me on the earlobe. “Nina’s apartment is the entire floor,” he explained. “The elevator will only open to her apartment.”

  I raised an eyebrow.

  Nigel realized his error and quickly added, “I assume.”

  I gave a rueful shake of my head. “It’s a good thing you’re so charming,” I said.

  Nigel grinned. “But darling, it’s because I am so charming, that I have to be charming now.”

  I laughed. “Touché, Nigel. Touché.”

  thirty-eight

  Nina did a fairly passable job of pretending that she wasn’t expecting a private reunion with Nigel. Of course, she was wearing a black silk robe, and from the looks of it, nothing else, so I was pretty sure my presence was a surprise. At least, I sincerely hoped it was.

  “Darling!” she cooed to me after greeting Nigel a shade more enthusiastically than necessary. “I’m so delighted to see you again. And who is this?” she asked, looking down at Skippy.

  “This is our dog Skippy,” I explained.

  “Are you sure he’s a dog?” she asked. “He’s so big.”

  “I know,” said Nigel. “We suspect that he’s wearing lifts, but we haven’t been able to catch him.”

  Nina looked at him and laughed. “Have you been drinking?” she asked.

  Nigel shook his head. “No, why? Do you think I should be?”

  Nina laughed again and said, “I’ll take that as a hint. Please, make yourselves comfortable.” She waved us to take a seat in the living room while she went to the sideboard and poured a generous splash of scotch into a glass. She took a sip and then turned back to us. “So what’s your pleasure?” she asked. “I have wine, gin, vodka and, of course, Chivas Regal,” she said indicating the bottle in her hand. “If I remember correctly, Nigel, that’s one of your favorites.”

  “It is. Thank you,” said Nigel with a nod. “I’m surprised you remembered.”

  Nina winked. “I have a very good memory,” she said.

  When she turned back to the sideboard to pour two more glasses, I took the opportunity to flick Nigel on his ear. He smothered a smile and shrugged. Nina turned back, drinks in hand, and walked over to us. “Is it true that the police arrested Harper for Dan’s murder?” she asked as she handed us our drinks.

  “I’m afraid so,” Nigel answered.

  Nina suddenly froze. “Oh dear God,” she gasped. “Is that why you’re here? Did Harper kill Dan because of his affair with me?”

  “No, it’s nothing like that,” I said. “Besides, Harper didn’t kill Dan.”

  Nina glanced sharply at me. “Well, you certainly don’t think I had anything to do with it, do you?”

  I smiled. “Of course not,” I said. “We’re only here because we wanted to ask you a few questions about Dan.”

  “Well, that, and because you serve an excellent scotch,” Nigel said with a wink as he took a sip of his drink.

  Nina let out a throaty laugh and curled up on the opposite couch. “Oh Nigel,” she said. “You could always make me laugh.” She tucked her feet under her legs and arranged the folds of her robe over her legs. “Well, what did you want to know?” she asked.

  “How long were you and Dan together?” Nigel asked.

  Nina tilted her head. There was no trace of embarrassment as she considered the question. She reacted no differently than if Nigel asked her what she had for dinner last night. “Hmmm,” she said as she tapped the edge of her glass with her finger. “Not that long really; a few weeks, maybe. It certainly wasn’t serious.” Suddenly her gaze turned to me. She regarded me for a moment and then said, “I know Harper is your friend, and as such, you probably think I’m horrible.”

  I shook my head. “Of course not,” I said. “And neither does Harper. To be honest, I think she was a bit relieved.”

  Nina’s brows drew together. “She was relieved?” she repeated, her tone puzzled.

  Leaning forward a bit in my chair. “Harper told me about Dan’s penchant for full-body waxing,” I confided. “Between you and me, she hated it.”

  Nina blinked. “Oh,” she said. “I see.”

  I nodded. “So you needn’t worry about Harper holding a grudge or anything,” I said. “Besides, Dan never made a secret of his affairs.”

  Nina took a sip of her drink. “Good. I’d hate to think that I was the cause of any additional pain for her.”

  I shook my head and leaned back in my chair. “Not at all. But I was curious about one thing. Why did Dan give you such a nasty review? Usually his trysts ended amicably.”

  Nina lifted a slim shoulder before answering. “I may have said a few things that got back to him,” she said.

  “Things like what?” I asked.

 
Nina took a sip of her drink before answering. “To be honest, I wasn’t a big fan of the waxing either,” she said. “I felt like I was making love to a Ken doll.”

  Next to me Nigel almost spit out his drink.

  “I can well imagine,” I said.

  “Well, luckily, it was a short-lived affair,” Nina went on. “I find those are the best.”

  “Is that why you broke off your engagement with Fletcher Levin?” I asked.

  Nina looked startled. “Yes,” she finally said. “I was just eighteen and starting my career. I realized that I wasn’t cut out for marriage and a family.”

  “You went to Europe after that, didn’t you?”

  Nina’s lip’s tightened and her eyes shuttered. “That’s right,” she said.

  “You were there for about a year, is that right?” I asked.

  Nina gave a tight smile. “That’s right.”

  “Were you in a production?” I asked.

  Nina took another sip of her drink. “No. I took a little sabbatical,” she said with a casual shrug. “Being engaged to Fletcher Levin—even for only a brief time—rather took its toll on me.”

  I smiled sympathetically. “I quite understand. He strikes me as being somewhat dogmatic in his views about women, especially once they become mothers.”

  Nina drained the rest of her drink. “You’ve no idea,” she said.

  thirty-nine

  “Darling,” Nigel said once we’d left Nina’s building, “the next time you decide to spring a bald-faced lie, no pun intended, about full-body waxing, do you think you could warn me? I almost spit out my drink. And I don’t think I need to remind you, that was some damn good scotch.”

  I laughed. “Sorry about that.”

  Nigel glanced at me sideways. “It was a lie, though, right?” he asked. “I mean, Dan was bad enough already. But the idea of him … hairless,” he added with a shudder. “I just can’t.”

  “Yes, it was a lie,” I said. “I think Nina said she had an affair with Dan to cover up for the real reason she went to his apartment.”