I got up and wandered into the kitchen. I poured myself a glass of the iced-tea lemonade Dottie made for Bread and Batter then punched in Charlotte’s number as I went back to the office.
“Hello?”
“Good afternoon. I’m looking for Charlotte Swain.”
“This is she. Who’s calling, please?”
“Molly Tyler. I’m calling on behalf of the Destiny Police Department.” I thought that was a good way of putting it.
“Ah. I’ve been expecting a call from the police ever since I found out my ex-employer was killed.”
This might not go so badly. I had the feeling she was going to be easier to talk to than Mr. Meara. “I’m not a police officer, but I’ve been authorized by the county attorney to assist in the investigation regarding Senator Rydell and her sister’s homicides.” That sounded nice and official. “Can I ask you a few questions?”
She gave a one-syllable laugh and didn’t seem uneasy that I wasn’t a bona fide member of the police department. “Do I have a choice?”
She did, but I wasn’t going to advise her of that fact. Most people love talking about themselves, so I let her.
“I was in Boca Raton on the day the senator was killed. I’ll be happy to provide receipts proving it. And lots of witnesses. Senator Rydell was a horrible woman with no principles, personal or professional, but I didn’t kill her. Why should I? I have much more to gain by writing a book about her.”
I couldn’t disagree, for all I knew she was right. “Did she threaten you when she found out you were writing a book about your time as a nanny in her household?”
She sighed in my ear. “She wasn’t happy. She didn’t threaten me, per se, but she tried to bribe me. Her attorneys called me and offered me a large sum of money to scrap my project.”
“Did you consider it?”
“Are you kidding me? Not for a second. There is nothing in my book that isn’t true. Besides, my advance was larger than what she offered.”
“So, you told her lawyers no to the offer?”
“Exactly.”
“Did you hear anything else from her, or her attorney?”
“I did not. I don’t mean to seem cold, but other than her kids not having a mother, I’m not sorry she’s dead. She was dreadful. Read my book when it comes out. You’ll find out all about it. It’s going to be a bestseller.”
I was going to pass on that, but no need to tell her so. “Do you have any idea who would have wanted her dead?”
“Her husband comes to mind. They fought a lot. Plus, he’s just a lowlife. Other than him, I don’t know. I’m sorry, I’m not going to be of much help. My book wasn’t about her life as a senator, just my life as the nanny to her kids, whom I adore by the way. I feel sorry for them. Another reason I didn’t do it. Who would deprive kids of a mother? It wasn’t me. Oh, there was that guy that stalked her and wrote scary letters. She was scared to death. I couldn’t exactly blame her. Maybe the nanny she had before she hired me did her in.”
I sensed she was growing bored with our conversation, but I wasn’t ready to hang up yet. “Her husband wanted her dead?”
“She turned him in to the FBI. He was into a bunch of illegal stuff. If you’re with the police you should know that, shouldn’t you?”
I sidestepped her question. “Did you ever overhear him threaten her?”
“No,” she replied slowly, “but I know he wasn’t thrilled that she was probably the one who turned him in. I’d take a look at him. What do they say? It’s usually a family member, right?”
I wasn’t sure if that was true or not. “Did she have a boyfriend, maybe?”
“We weren’t best friends, so how would I know? But I have a feeling her lover was her career. It’s all she cared about. The woman was a viper.”
I had nothing else to add. “I guess that’s it then. Thank you for your time.”
“You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy my book.”
“Maybe I’ll suggest it to my book club,” I told her truthfully, and disconnected.
A few minutes later, Olivia came looking for me. “Is something bothering you? You look worried.” She plopped down in the easy chair in front of our shared desk.
I looked at her. “These murders, Liv. Who did them?”
She leaned back. “That’s your forte. And the police’s. Not mine. What do you have so far?”
“An ex-nanny with an ax to grind, an angry constituent, her husband, Lucas, some mob guy named Piero DiGiovanni, and maybe Rocco.”
“Rocco?” she breathed, looking shocked. “Our Rocco? Why would he kill her?”
I explained what I’d found out from my research. “It could’ve been Piero, Rocco, or Rachael’s husband. The nanny is going to get six figures from her book, why risk that? The angry voter doesn’t come across as smart enough to have carried out a murder, even if he did know about the benefit.”
“Okay. Anyone else on your list?”
“A woman named Sharon Elliott. Mom heard people talking about her being bullied by Melanie and Rachael, and her being unpopular because she wasn’t wealthy.”
“That’s awful. Your mom wasn’t wealthy, was she bullied?”
“No. Mom had tons of friends. That wasn’t an issue at all. But if you’re bullied, then I can understand wanting revenge.”
“Then it’s her!” Olivia exclaimed, excitement shining in her eyes. “Isn’t it always the one you least suspect? I think you’ve got your killer!”
“The ex-nanny thinks it was Lucas, Rachael’s husband. She thinks it’s always a family member, at least, according to her, that’s what ‘they’ say. Thanks for the thought though.”
“No problem. What does Sean say?” Olivia continued.
“He’s not involved, Alex is. We haven’t seen a lot of each other lately. Sean and I, to clarify, not Alex and I.”
She gave me a concerned look. “Everything’s okay with you guys, isn’t it?”
“Everything’s fine. He’s busy. I’m busy. You know.”
“Anthony’s been busy, too. Our cupcakes are still a huge hit in Brooklyn. He’s started selling them on the side. I told him that was okay. It is, isn’t it?”
“Of course it is. I’m glad they’re such a hit.”
“I have faith in Sean, and you, and Alex. You’ll get it done. Look at your track record.”
I smiled in gratitude. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I didn’t do it alone. And helping solve two murders isn’t a major track record. I should just tell Alex I can’t help him, he’s on his own.”
“Then you’d feel guilty. Plus, I think you like being involved.”
“Yeah. I would feel guilty bailing on him. And ridiculous, since I’m the one who practically begged him to get permission from the county attorney so I could help. I just don’t know where to go from here.”
“You’ll figure it out. What about family members? Other than Lucas, I mean.”
“We haven’t talked to them yet. I think Alex has that on his agenda. Lucas and his assistant are arriving sometime soon. Maybe when we talk to them things will start making sense.”
“Hopefully.” Olivia stood. “I’ll be out front.”
“Ok. I’m going to finish up here, then I think I’ll see if Serafina wants to join mystery night. When I come back, we can leave to meet Rocco.”
Olivia wrinkled her nose. “Something tells me she won’t want to.”
“I’ll bring her a scone. Maybe that will convince her.”
“That just might do it.”
I found my phone and texted Sean. Hi there. Thought I’d check in. Talked to a couple of persons of interest re. the murders. We’ll see how that pans out. How’s it going?
I got a response almost right away. With the chief and FBI. Talk later? Love ya!
Sure. Love you back.
I took my scones from the freezer and wrapped one up for Serafina.
“Be back in a few,” I told Kendra and Olivia.
CHAPTER 14
/> * * *
Serafina was busy with customers, so I wandered around and looked at products I couldn’t imagine using as I waited.
“Va-va-va-voom!” She exclaimed when the last customer had gone. She used a hand to fan herself. “You look fantastic. Very sophisticated. Sean’s a lucky guy!”
“It’s not for Sean this time. Olivia and I are meeting Rocco Mastrostefano this afternoon. Remember, I mentioned Bread and Batter is providing desserts for the opening of Sweet Hill Winery. Will you be there?”
“No, no, no! Nothing personal, I just want to go back to the hotel and have a relaxing hot stone massage. A word of advice about Mr. Mastrostefano, just remember who he is and what he’s done.” She slashed a finger across her neck.
I brought my hand up to my own neck. “I’m sure he’s not going to be doing any of that at his winery opening. Or when we meet with him this afternoon.”
She wagged an index finger at me. “Just be careful. If you disappear, don’t come crying to me.”
I picked up a tester jar of face cream, opened it and smeared some on my cheek. It felt like silk. I checked the price and almost dropped the jar. “I won’t. I came over to see if you wanted to join Olivia and me over at Barking Mad tonight. Seven-ish. It’s our first Mystery Monday.”
“I’m guessing it’s some kind of small town entertainment that would probably bore me to tears.”
I ignored her little dig. “We’re picking mystery authors to read each Monday, then we’ll discuss them.”
“As fascinating as that sounds, I don’t think so. A mysterious book club? Not my glass of wine.”
“It’s not a mysterious book club. It’s called Mystery Monday. And there will be wine. Sangria. My Destiny Divas will all be there. They’d love to see you.”
“They can see me here. Molly, you know I don’t have time to read. I’m lucky to have time to sleep, eat, and breathe. You should see the new perfume I’m launching. It’s called Tulip. I can’t wait to show you. I’ll bring you a sample next time I’m up. It’s coming out next spring. I don’t want to launch it in the winter, it’s not a winter scent, so it’s going to have to wait almost a year.”
I was excited for her. Everything she made was so delicious. “Congratulations! I’m looking forward to it, and I’d love a sample. Listen, I’ve got to run. Here,” I held out the box. “I brought you a scone.”
Her eyes lit up like a little kid’s. “Thanks, you’re a sweetheart. I appreciate it. I’ll save it for later. Enjoy your mysterious book club and please be careful around Rocco. The way you’re dressed his mind won’t be on cupcakes!”
When I got back to Bread and Batter, Olivia was changing for our meeting with Rocco.
“We haven’t talked about what we’re charging for this,” I said, watching her put the finishing touches on her makeup.
“I did a little research.” I followed her as she tucked her makeup away in her purse then picked up the binder we had to take with us. “I’ve got something worked up to present to him. I wanted to show you before now, but there was no time.”
“That’s fine. Whatever you’ve done, I know it’s perfect.”
She smiled at me. “Nice to have a partner that has such confidence in me.”
I winked at her. “Always.”
Rocco was waiting for us when we arrived at Mia’s. It wasn’t busy yet, but the people that were dining kept casting furtive glances at him. He certainly stood out in the crowd even though the restaurant’s lighting was dim.
He immediately stood when he saw us and did a little bow as we reached the table he’d chosen. It was a large, cozy, comfortable red leather wrap-around booth, all the way in the back.
He took our hands and kissed the backs of them. “Thank you for doing desserts for my opening. I’ve asked around and people cannot say enough about your bakery.”
“That’s good to know,” I replied. “Olivia has come up with a list of items we think you’ll be very happy with.”
“I’m sure whatever your girls have come up with will be delicioso! Please, let’s sit down.”
Olivia and I slid onto the rich leather bench and kept sliding so Rocco could fit.
The waiter hurried over with menus, trying for nonchalance, as if the mafia dining in Mia’s was an everyday occurrence. It was like Olivia and I were with a celebrity of sorts. I guess we were in a strange way. People seem to be fascinated with the mafia. I was starving. I hadn’t eaten lunch and my breakfast had long since been used up. I ordered a Caesar salad and a glass of sparkling water.
After we had finished our meals, and had exhausted all conversation about mundane things, Olivia opened the binder and went over our proposal, which included the desserts, a couple of breads, and what we were charging. I was proud of her. She was very professional and thorough.
After a few seconds, Rocco put down his fork and held up his hand. “I know nothing about the bakery business. I leave this all up to you girls. What you described sounds delicious. I’m expecting five hundred people, so as long as you have enough for everyone, I will leave it all in your capable hands.”
Five hundred people? I almost spewed the sip of water I’d just taken across the table. That was going to be a huge task for Olivia, Kendra, and me. We may have to hire some temporary help. I hoped she hadn’t under-billed him.
Olivia maintained her composure. She slid a contract toward him. “If you’ll read this, then sign and have it back to us as soon as possible, we’ll get started.”
He took a pen out of his suit jacket, barely glanced over the contract that Olivia had so thoughtfully prepared, and signed with a flourish. “We’re all set, no?” He pushed the signed contract toward us.
“I think we are,” agreed Olivia. “We appreciate your business.”
He held up his glass of white wine. “Salute!”
Olivia and I responded appropriately.
He reached into the pocket of his suit jacket again and pulled out a checkbook. A few seconds later he handed me a check. I looked down and somehow managed to feign nonchalance myself, and refrain from screaming “Whaaat?” at the top of my lungs. This was not what I’d expected at all. Had he added too many zeros by mistake? I tucked it into my wallet before he snatched it back. “Thank you, Mr. Mastrostefano. You are more than generous.”
“Siete molto benvenuti. You are very welcome. And you call me Rocco I told you.” He wiggled a finger at me. “My friends don’t call me Mr. Mastrostefano. I will be insulted if you do. You will do a wonderful job. I am looking forward to it.”
We said our goodbyes and Olivia and I headed back to my car.
“You looked a little shocked when you looked at the check he handed you,” she said as I drove. “I hope it was at least what we asked for. I’m afraid to know.”
“You don’t have to be afraid, it is,” I said, looking forward to her reaction. “Get my wallet out from my purse. I’m going to stop at the bank. I don’t want to carry this much money around even if it is in check form.”
She retrieved my purse, pulled out my wallet then pulled out the check. She stared at it, totally speechless for a few seconds. “Are you kidding me? Is he serious? I don’t even know what to say. I’ve never seen a check this big. Do you think it’s a mistake? Is he really giving us one hundred thousand dollars to do desserts? Did you look at this?”
I laughed at her facial expression. “I certainly did. I know! Now we can do the updates we’ve been thinking about and a little renovating.”
“I can’t believe he did this. Do you think it’ll bounce?”
“I don’t think so. Holy moly, Liv. I hope not.”
“We’ll have to get busy,” said Olivia. “Five hundred people! This should drum up a lot of good business for us.”
###
When we got to Barking Mad Books later that evening, all the Destiny Divas were there, plus some other women I recognized as bakery regulars, and some I had never seen before. There were no men. I thought there would be at least t
wo or three. Emily had a good turnout for Mystery Monday. The book we’d chosen was written by a woman named Merrick Fitch. She was the queen of the mystery novella. She put out a book a month it seemed. This book was called Murder Times Two. How appropriate.
We purposely had chosen short books to read since we were to read them within the week. Sort of like speed reading as opposed to speed dating. Where I was going to find time to read now, I had no idea. I still had my Destiny Diva book club book to read. This wasn’t great timing, but I couldn’t tell Olivia and Emily we had to cancel it.
It Cannoli Be Murder Page 10