A Season for Killing Blondes

by Joanne Guidoccio

  “Not to worry. I have no designs on Ray. But I agree with both you and Jenny Marie. He has changed and for the better. Did you know that he is considering getting into local politics?”

  Sofia leaned closer. “Local politics…interesting.”

  “You’d make a great mayor’s wife.”

  “Listen to us. We sound like teenagers at our first dance.” She nudged me with her elbow. “What about Carlo? Did he say anything to you tonight.”

  “Other than hello and how are you, nothing.”

  Sofia frowned. “I even put him next to you at dinner.”

  “He spent most of the night talking to your father about the good old days and Italy. I’m glad that Ray was sitting next to me.”

  Sofia surveyed the room with a critical air. “An eclectic group, but it did work.”

  “Our mothers had a good time as well.”

  Sofia’s eyes flickered with annoyance. “They spent most of the evening in the kitchen, attending to details that had already been attended to.”

  “They did sit and socialize with Elsa and Martino.” I would never have invited an ex-sister-in-law to a party celebrating a new relationship. But it seemed the relationship between Sofia and Elsa had survived Andrew’s defection.

  “She’s been a good friend,” Sofia said. “She doesn’t begrudge me my relationship with Roberto.”

  “Whatever makes you happy is fine with all of us. That’s all we want for you. You’ve done so much for everyone, and now it’s your turn to be happy.”

  “Yes, it’s my turn to be happy.”

  “And you make me very happy, pretty lady.” Roberto’s arm circled around Sofia, and he spun her around expertly.

  I slipped away and headed toward the opposite end of the room. Carlo and I approached the dessert bar at the same time. I felt awkward but knew I had to say something. “Isn’t this a beautiful spread?”

  “It’s been a while since I’ve had such an elaborate meal. Your cousin sets a fine table.” He sounded relaxed.

  “She’s our Martha Stewart.”

  “I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to chat with you this evening.” He lowered his voice. “There’s so much I would like to tell you, but it’s not the right time or place.”

  “About the murders?” My heart skipped a beat.

  “That and a few personal issues,” he said. “I haven’t forgotten about our date. It’s just that I’m swamped with work right now, and I’m under a lot of pressure to bring some kind of closure to the murder cases.”

  “Are you close to that stage?”

  “Getting there. We have narrowed down the field of suspects.”

  “Do you have the one?”

  “Almost there.”

  “Looks like you two are plotting a coup. Lighten up and enjoy the party.” Roberto approached without Sofia in tow. “It’s so nice to see everyone in a normal setting.” He gestured toward the room. “Sofia knows how to put on a good show. If I ever decide to run for political office, she’ll be at my side all the way.”

  Another wannabe politician in the group, I thought.

  “And what office would that be?” Carlo asked.

  “Oh, I don’t know. With the right woman at my side, I would consider running provincially or federally. What do you think, Gilda? Would Sofia be up for it?”

  “Up for what?” Sofia joined him and linked her arm through his.

  “Helping Roberto become premier or prime minister.” I was surprised to hear myself give Roberto such lofty ambitions. Must be the wine talking.

  “Hey, slow down. I just said I would consider running as MPP or MP. I don’t know about going for the whole enchilada. But thanks for the vote of confidence, Gilda. I’ll be sure to call on you as campaign manager.” Roberto winked at me and then pulled Carlo aside. “Excuse us, ladies. I have a few matters to discuss with my favorite detective.”

  Sofia frowned. “I wonder what that’s all about.”

  I imagine Roberto had his own theories about the murders and wanted to share them with Carlo. I squeezed Sofia’s arm. “Don’t worry about the blonde bimbette. After tonight, I don’t think he’ll be talking about her too much longer.”

  Before Sofia could respond, her parents approached and announced they were leaving. My mother and several other couples were also starting to make motions to leave. Sofia left me to say goodbye to her guests.

  “Blonde bimbette! I hope you weren’t talking about me?” I turned and saw Grace standing behind me.

  “Someone else who has nothing at all to do with us,” I said as I hugged her close. “And never will.”

  “Another blonde on the chopping block?”

  I shivered. “How can you even suggest such a thing? If you must know, we were talking about one of Roberto’s clients. She is young, blonde and vulnerable.”

  “He’s probably hit on her,” Grace said matter-of-factly. “He doesn’t waste too much time.”

  “Grace, what are you saying? Did he…?” I couldn’t believe Roberto would even consider approaching another woman right under Sofia’s nose.

  “Yes, in a very subtle way, but I put him off.”

  It sounded like Roberto had not changed his stripes. I couldn’t believe how disappointed I felt. I had been prepared to give Roberto the benefit of the doubt, but now I wondered if I should be warning Sofia instead. Not that she would even listen. “I thought he and Sofia might have a chance together.”

  “That’s a possibility, but it doesn’t preclude him cheating on her. He likes harems.”

  My eyes traveled around the room. “I hope he hasn’t hit on anyone else in the room. Most of these ladies are friends of Sofia. It would be so awkward if anything happened.”

  “Not to worry,” Grace said. “He likes them young and blonde. As for these women being friends, I don’t think they’re all that close to your cousin.”

  I put thoughts of Sofia out of my mind and focused on the lovely, young woman standing next to me. “You seem to have circulated very well. Where did you learn to work a room?”

  “I spent a few months with Melly Grace after I graduated, and I learned a lot from that woman. I used to joke that I received a ninety-day MBA from her.”

  “She was so good at making herself comfortable and flourishing in all situations. I see you have that gift as well.”

  “I had an ulterior motive tonight,” Grace whispered. “I wanted to learn as much as possible about the murders.”

  “You discussed the murders with these people?” If Sofia learned about Grace’s networking, she would be furious.

  “Not directly. I’m much more subtle than that. But I was able to uncover some interesting tidbits about Anna May.”

  “Such as…?”

  “With the exception of your mother and Scott, everyone else has had some kind of negative experience with Anna May in the last six months.” Grace leaned closer and whispered in my ear. “I can feel the presence of the murderer in this room.”

  I gasped, and my hand flew to my mouth.

  “I’ll drop by your office tomorrow morning. In the meantime, smile and try to look as if nothing had happened. If you must, think of everyone in this room in their underwear or naked.” She winked at me and then headed toward the dessert bar.

  I was still trying to collect myself when the Taylors approached. Michael’s face was flushed, his jaw clenched.

  Jean spoke, her voice warm with sympathy and concern. “What’s wrong, Gilda?”

  “Did Grace say something to upset you?” Michael asked. “That young woman has a habit of stirring up trouble. Someone needs to sit her down and have a long chat about appropriate behavior.” He muttered, “I can’t believe she’s still talking about those murders.”

  So much for Grace’s subtlety. I hoped that no one else had caught on to her real motives. Michael looked like he wanted to throttle Grace.

  Jean put her hand on his arm. “Relax, hon. You know how intense Grace can be. I imagine she’s still mournin
g her two aunts and cousin. I know she was really close to Carrie Ann and Melly Grace. And Anna May—”

  “Anna May tried everyone’s patience, even her mother’s,” Michael said. “I have always wondered how someone as kind and considerate as Elizabeth could produce such a selfish, egotistical child. While I hated to see her die, it’s a blessing she did not live to see her eldest daughter involved in three murders.”

  Jean’s eyes welled with tears. Elizabeth Godfrey was the only mother figure she had ever known. It must be very hard for Jean to recall her death.

  Michael continued, oblivious to his wife’s discomfort. “Elizabeth bailed her out so many times. Full of beans, she used to say. After her divorce and breakdown, she blamed poor Ray.” He nodded in my direction. “You’re a counselor, Gilda. Would you diagnose her as…as what…a narcissist?”

  Takes one to know one, I thought. My eyes traveled to the half-full glass of wine in his hand. I wondered how many glasses he had consumed. I didn’t want to dwell on Anna May’s pathology, so I decided to deflect the situation. “I don’t like to think about that whole unpleasant episode. It’s behind me now, and I hope to move forward.”

  I was rewarded with a grateful smile from Jean. “I’m so glad to hear that, Gilda. You must come back to Wednesday night yoga. It’s not the same without you. There’s an empty space between Adele and Laura that needs to be filled.” She repeated, “You must come back.”

  I found myself nodding in agreement. “I’ll try to make it this week.” In spite of everything that had happened, I still missed that feeling of calm after her sessions.

  Chapter 26

  Saturday, November 12, 2011

  I arrived at the ReCareering office bright and early the following morning. I had planned to get a lot of paperwork out of the way, but I couldn’t concentrate. Grace had calmly and matter-of-factly stated that she felt the murderer’s presence at the party, and I had believed her. After a lifetime of ignoring my own mother’s premonitions and dreams, I had accepted the younger woman’s intuitive feelings as fact. While tossing and turning all night, I had gone through Sofia’s entire guest list. A few days ago, I would have accused one of the bad boys, but I wasn’t so sure anymore. I believed that Michael Taylor was capable of murder, and he might have held a grudge toward Carrie Ann and Melly Grace, but what would motivate him to help Anna May kill Natalia?

  As for Aunt Amelia and Uncle Paolo, it was ludicrous to consider the two of them as suspects. But I was curious about their encounter with Anna May. Strange that Sofia never mentioned it.

  Loud knocking on the picture window interrupted my thoughts. I looked up and smiled at Grace. Dressed in jeans, a sweatshirt, and a baseball cap, she was still drop-dead gorgeous. The combination of porcelain skin framed by a cascade of ash blonde curls needed no further embellishment. I let her in, and Grace followed me into the smaller counseling office. She then turned and walked back toward the front window and looked out into the parking lot. Satisfied, she returned to the office and closed the door behind her.

  “Is something wrong?” I asked.

  “I think someone might be following me.”

  “Does Carlo know?” I reached for the telephone.

  “I have no real proof, so there’s no point alarming the police. I can feel someone watching and waiting for me to make some kind of move.” She shivered. “The murderer is still out there.”

  “And you think we were graced with his presence last night?”

  “I’m certain of it.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “I have strong visceral reactions to both extreme positive and negative events and people. I’ve only felt this way twice in the last few weeks: at the memorial service and at Sofia’s party.” She added, “The diary supports my feelings.”

  I wondered what she had found and motioned for her to continue.

  “I’ve come up with my own version of events, but it would never stand up in court. We need more proof.” She clenched and unclenched her hands.

  I sensed that Grace wasn’t ready to share the diary with me. I decided to focus on her intuitive feelings. “All we have to do is figure out who attended both events. That should cut back on the number of suspects.”

  She pulled out a sheet of folded paper from her backpack. “We’re down to seventeen possibilities.”

  “Seventeen of last night’s guests were at the memorial service? Sofia told me fewer than twenty people were there.”

  “Sofia came later in the afternoon,” Grace explained. “We had a steady flow of visitors. Most people didn’t stay too long.”

  I didn’t expect to see so many of Sofia’s neighbors on the list. “You mentioned that almost everyone had some kind of negative experience with Anna May. I’m curious about my aunt and uncle. What kind of business would they have had with Anna May?”

  “Exactly that,” she said. “In June, they hired Carrie Ann to help with their window treatments. The wrong set of blinds were delivered and, when they complained, Anna May took the call and became loud and abusive. Your aunt started crying, and your uncle yelled and demanded a refund. Carrie Ann got on the telephone and managed to calm everyone.”

  “I wonder why they didn’t just ask Sofia for her advice and help.”

  “Your aunt mentioned something about Sofia being too busy with your condo and left it at that.”

  “Well, it’s a moot point. They aren’t on your list, and I never considered any of them suspects. Let’s check out some of these other people.”

  “The bad boys, as you like to call them, all had alibis conveniently supplied by their wives, with the exception of Ray Centis, of course.”

  “Do you think Ray might have been involved?”

  “I don’t know much about him, but he is a decent sort, and I think he would steer clear of Anna May after that disastrous marriage.” She paused and added, “He participated in a fund-raising event all day Saturday and didn’t get home until dark. Well after both Natalia and Anna May were killed.”

  “He’s off the hook. But from your tone, it doesn’t sound like the other four couples are. Any gut feelings about one of them?”

  “The men have admitted to giving Anna May money, and I don’t think it went any further. Some of those wives are a bit possessive of their husbands, and they don’t like other women moving in on their territory.” Grace added, “Last night, they made catty comments about Sofia, especially after that outstanding meal. Did she get any outside help with that?”

  “My mother and aunt helped, but Sofia is the mastermind when it comes to anything domestic.” I waved my hand toward the rest of the office. “She even helped design and decorate my offices.”

  Grace nodded approvingly as her eyes traveled around the room. “She could have given Three Sisters Decorating some real competition.” Grace circled the names of two ladies on the list. “Let’s move on to some of the other suspects. Sofia’s next door neighbor, Leah Dottori spoke in very angry tones about Anna May. Both Leah and Anna May go to Curves. They were very close and supported each other’s progress. Then Anna May became jealous of Leah and started making inappropriate comments about her husband and children.”

  “Anna May went to Curves?” I mumbled, “Sofia never mentioned it.”

  Grace raised her eyebrows. “Sofia goes to Curves? I wouldn’t bother with a gym if I had invested all that money in exercise equipment. That room must have cost her a pretty penny.”

  “Sofia has an exercise room?” While I never listened too closely when Sofia discussed her decorating projects, I would have recalled any mention of an exercise room. “When did she put that in?”

  “I don’t know, but now that I think about it, everything did look brand new.” Her eyes widened. “Don’t you go there?”

  “She comes over here, or we end up meeting at our parents’ homes. I don’t know what will happen now that Roberto is in the picture.” I added, “Or not. It sounds like Roberto is still on the trail for hot blondes.”r />
  “He better not look my way again.” Grace shuddered. “He’s too slick and too old for my taste.”

  I pointed to Roberto’s name on the list. “Did he attend the memorial service with Sofia?”

  “My mother and I were surprised to see them as a couple last night, so they must have come separately. She came alone and didn’t stay too long. I remember my mother introducing her as your cousin, and then she disappeared right after the service.”

  “They hadn’t come out as a couple yet,” I explained. “Her divorce wasn’t finalized until last week, so they could have been in the room at the same time.”

  “I wondered why she threw that gala event last night.”

  “What was Roberto’s beef with Anna May?” I couldn’t visualize any kind of relationship between those two.

  “While grocery shopping with her son, Mrs. Ongaro lost control of her cart and hit Anna May’s stationary car. No major damage, but there were a few scratches. I don’t know how Anna May even noticed. Her car was at least ten years old and not well-maintained. Anna May started to yell and threatened to call the police and insurance company.” Grace shook her head. “Mrs. Ongaro became very upset and burst into tears. Roberto wrote Anna May a check. A generous one.”

  “What a spoiled brat! Did Anna May have any friends left at the end of her life?”

  “Other than my mother, I don’t think so.”

  “Your poor mother is a saint.”

  “She went through a very difficult period after my father left,” Grace said. “But she’s starting to pick up now. Before I left last week, I cleaned out all the junk food from the cupboards. She’s walking each morning with one of the neighbours, and she’s thinking about joining a gym.” Grace put her hands on mine. “You’ve made it so much easier for her to continue.”

  “I’m glad. Do you think she’ll stay in Sudbury?”

  “I’m trying to convince her to move to southern Ontario. She detests Toronto, but she could live in Kitchener or Barrie. We have relatives in both cities.” She took a deep breath and continued, “My mother is the main reason I’m here today. I want closure on the murders. I want to find the murderer and bring that person to justice. And I need your help to do it.”