by Ginger Ring
“Well, hopefully, I will never have a need for a lawyer but I’m glad you stopped by. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Caponelli.”
“It’s miss,” she corrected him.
“My mistake, I figured someone as beautiful as you would already be taken.”
That statement brought Dominic back to her side and the smile on Edward’s face disappeared.
“I am taken.” Well, even if she wasn’t, that was her story. “But thanks for the compliment.”
Edward swallowed as his gaze drifted to the man by her side.
“Ah, this is a friend of mine, Dominic Scarlatti.”
The antique owner just nodded and neither held out their hands.
“So,” Edward said after a moment, “is there anything I can get for you or show you?”
Both were shocked when Dom spoke. “Yes, the knife in the case.”
An hour and a few hundred bucks later, they left Bygones. Valentina found a Tiffany lamp she liked for her office and Dom purchased a vintage dagger. The two men actually had a civil conversation about knives, swords, and other deadly weapons that left her feeling a bit queasy. Although Edward was polite and didn’t do anything threatening, she wouldn’t want to be alone with the guy. He just gave off a bad vibe, maybe a sense of sadness.
As soon as they arrived home, Roman called. “I need your help.” Finally, she would have something to do. “Can you come over?”
“Sure, we’re leaving now.” Dominic drove her to her brother’s house, where they found him in his office.
“What’s up, Romeo?” The glare he gave her would have most men pissing themselves, but she knew he’d never hurt her.
“I’m going over the files from the housewife murders.” He stretched and leaned back in his chair. His desk was littered with papers.
“How did you get these?” She paled when some of the photos of the victims came into focus. “Who could do such a thing?”
“I’ve seen worse.” Dominic picked up a photo. “But even I would never do that to a woman. Maybe it was a woman who did this.”
Valentina ignored him. “Again, how do you have these? These are confidential files from the police department. See, on the front it says Confidential, Property of the Lake Genoa Police Department.” She tapped it with her fingers.
“I had our tech guy hack in. I want this monster caught just as bad as the next guy. I thought we could go over this stuff and see if we can find something they missed.” Roman studied the photos again. “Do you recognize this work?” Some killers had a signature, especially the hired ones. He held up a photo of Amy and handed it to Dom.
“No, it looks personal, not professional. Could be a lover’s quarrel or someone in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Dominic picked up the photo of Tracy and shook his head. “Not a mob hit. I’m certain of it.”
“Are the girls connected somehow?” Valentina dragged a chair closer to the desk.
“Just that they both had items from the new antique store.”
“What about what Dom said? Were they dating anyone? It says here that Tracy had a note in her datebook.” She underlined the sentence with her red nails. “At the time the murder may have happened she had a date with ‘A. Man,’ or did she just mean ‘a man’? Maybe she was going on a blind date?”
“I did some checking and she went out with Nathan, one of the cops here, a few times but nothing serious. I’ve got Arlo asking around about Amy.” He twirled a Cartier pen around his fingers. “Val, you were great with finding out who was bothering Madison and the other businesses in town. See what you can find out this time. Anyone just move to town in the last few months who sends up a flag. Check out this antique guy also. I tapped Ryan’s phone—”
“What? You tapped his phone?” Thank goodness she hadn’t sent any suggestive photos, not that she ever would.
“Not his personal one, just the department’s.” He flicked through the stack of papers again.
Valentina slapped the back of his head as only a sister could get away with. “As the family’s lawyer, I did not hear that.”
He swatted her away as if she was a bug. “Here it is. Follow up on this conversation he had with the police department in McGraw County. See what you can find out about who Elizabeth LaGrander-Davis was sleeping with in town.”
She read through the transcripts. Something didn’t add up. “I’m on it.” Using the spare computer in Roman’s office, she sent off a work order to a private detective they had on the payroll and sent him down South.
After about an hour, Valentina stopped, removed her reading glasses, and asked her brother, “What do you know about etorphine?”
“Never heard of it,” Roman answered.
“I have,” Dominic, who was studying the reports as well, said. “It’s what that serial killer used on that TV show.”
Val and Roman both stared.
“You know, the one with the blood spatter guy who worked for the police department and then he hunted down and killed the bad guys who got away.” It was one of the few times she’d ever seen him smile. “I loved that show.”
“Where do you get it?” Roman typed the drug name into his laptop.
“What?” Valentina glanced back and forth between the two.
“Etorphine.”
“Oh, it’s used on animals, so I would think only veterinarians would have something like that.” Dom got up from the leather couch and wandered over to his boss’s desk.
“It says here it’s used for big animals like rhinos and elephants,” Roman explained. “I can’t see any vet places even needing something like that here.”
“We aren’t too far away from that circus place. They might have it around just in case they need to work on an elephant.” Unfortunately, if they started calling vet clinics and asking about etorphine, it might raise some red flags.
“Good point.”
“There you are.” Madison strolled into the room.
Roman quickly gathered all the crime reports, put them in a folder, and locked them in a desk drawer.
She glanced back and forth between the three. “I know the drill. Don’t ask.”
“We were just finishing up.” Valentina exited out of everything on her laptop and closed the lid.
“Great. Then you can see the dress I’ve designed for you.” She clapped her hands together in front of her chest. It had always been a dream of Maddy’s to be a clothing designer but she never wanted to leave her beloved hometown. When possible, she still liked to sketch and make gowns for her friends’ special events or weddings.
“I’m thrilled, but what is it for?” It was a good bet that Ryan might be the one to someday walk her down the aisle, but that was a long way off. They just started dating.
“The Snowflake Ball,” she squealed.
“I don’t know if I’m going to get all dressed up. I really should be working it. I need to put in more time at Firenza.” Would Ryan ask her to go? The man would probably have to work that night anyway.
“Of course you are dressing up. You have to. Now come see what I made for you.”
So excited was Madison that she jumped up and down a few times. Val narrowed her eyes at her brother as his gaze zeroed in on his wife’s bouncing breasts.
“Lead the way.” She shook her head at Roman and followed his wife out the door and into her sewing room. Fabric and sketches were everywhere, but one thing in the room stood out.
“It’s stunning.” As if in a trance, Valentina carefully stepped over boxes, gloves, and boning that littered the floor. There in front of her on a mannequin was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. It was a red strapless silk gown. The bodice was fitted, as was the skirt, but the back flared out into a small train.
Before even being asked, Valentina stripped out of her clothes and slipped it on. It fit like a glove. Stepping in front of the floor-length mirror, she felt like a princess, and not just a mafia one. The color reminded her of the bunny costume and her cheeks flushed
.
“You must be thinking of a certain officer.” Madison hugged her shoulder and looked at their reflection in the glass. “You’re going to take his breath away.”
“How much? I want it.” She turned and kissed Maddy on the cheek.
“It’s free. I’m happy to have such a pretty sister-in-law to give it to.”
Valentina waltzed around the room. “I can’t wait to wear it, but what if he doesn’t want to go with me?”
“Any man would be honored to take you to the ball.” Roman stood at the door. “You look lovely, Valentina.”
“I don’t want just any man.” She stopped in front of the mirror and stiffened. This time it was her brother who stood next to her, staring back.
“I’ve never encouraged this. He’s a police offer and we operate on the edge of the law, but if Ryan is the one you want, you have my blessing.” He rested a hand on her shoulder. Tears threatened to fall as she turned and wrapped him in her arms. Her family may not have been perfect, but they did love her.
Chapter Eighteen
Ryan
Ryan had smiled more in the last two weeks than he had in his entire life. The woman in front of him chatted away but he hadn’t heard a word she said, he only had eyes for the one waiting at the table.
“Sir, did you want your change?” the barista repeated.
“No, thanks. Just put it in the tip jar.” He took a cup in each hand.
“Here you go.” He set Val’s drink in front of her. “Sure you don’t want a muffin or anything?”
“No, I want to fit into my dress.” She took a sip and moaned. “This is heaven.”
The sweet sound that came from her lips stirred him below the belt. It was hard to concentrate when she was around. At least once a day they’d seen each other. Sometimes it was just for morning coffee, other times they went out for dinner or just watched a game. They were dating. Slowly. It was the way he wanted it. Valentina deserved better than a wham bam, thank you, ma’am date. She was special. She was the real deal and he craved her for a lifetime, not just a night.
He let the comment about the dress slip on purpose. The Snowflake Ball was only a few nights away and Valentina had dropped several hints about wanting to go, but so far he’d ignored them. Sure, he was taking her, but he was waiting for the perfect moment to ask. If he didn’t have to work at the last minute that is.
“Anything planned for the rest of the week? Say, like, Friday night?” Her graceful fingers stirred the coffee with a tiny red straw.
“Still not sure if I have to work or not.” Thankfully, there hadn’t been any more murders. They still weren’t any closer to finding the killer, though, either. There were no prints, no witnesses, and being in a small town, no video surveillance.
His phone buzzed. It was a text from Danny. A dark cloud seemed to come over the room and it was hard to breath. They’d found another one. It was like a hit to the stomach and he pushed his coffee aside.
Valentina put a hand over his. “What is it?”
“I’ve got to go.” He kissed her cheek and she held tight to his hand.
“It’s happened again. Hasn’t it?” Pain shown in her dark eyes and her lower lip trembled.
He nodded and kissed her hand before letting go. “I’ll tell Dom to come sit with you.” The guy was out in the car, reading a book of all things.
“No, I’ll leave now.”
After seeing Val safely to her bodyguard, Ryan drove to the crime scene. There were already several cars in the parking lot of the veterinary clinic. He left his coat in the car and hurried to the front entrance. It was getting colder and colder but right now it didn’t matter one bit.
He never had cause to visit the place except to drop Milo off for his shots. The clinic had the usual hospital cleaning supplies smell mixed with a hint of animal urine.
Dr. Bob was on his phone, speaking quietly, but looked up when he noticed Ryan and nodded. He was visibly upset, as was everyone else in the place. A tearful worker dressed in scrubs hugged another person by the door.
Ryan walked into the back room and a body lay in front of some pet cages. A poodle whined and wagged its tail. If only the pooch could talk. The place was a mess. Drawers were pulled out, the refrigerator door was open, and some cupboard doors were even yanked from the hinges.
“Same as before,” Danny whispered in his ear. “Same needle mark in the neck. Doc here declared her dead.” Each victim had been drugged, but killed a different way. Etorphine was what the medical examiner called it, an extremely powerful animal tranquilizer, although it was used on humans in some countries. “Maybe the bastard tore the place apart in search of more etorphine.” Danny carefully turned the victim’s wrist so that he could see the face. “Looks like her watch was smashed in the struggle. It stopped at seven oh three.”
“Son of a bitch.” Running his fingers through his hair, Ryan shook his head. “We have to find this guy. The town can’t handle another death.” Families had lost loved ones and everyone was on edge. Scared to go out and live life like they normally did. Just when things had finally calmed down a little in the local news, a third murder was going to put everyone in a panic. “Who found the body?”
Danny looked at her notes. “The girl out front. Arianne Manning.”
Arianne, the badge bunny he’d turned down for the date? “I’ll go talk to her.” Sure enough, when he went out front, it was Arianne sitting in one of the waiting room chairs. Her arms and legs were crossed.
“Hi, Arianne. Mind if I talk to you for a moment?”
“Yes, of course.” Arianne scooted her chair over and he sat down next to her.
“I hear you found the body. Could you tell me what happened?”
“I saw the lights on so I went inside. I called out but no one answered. I thought it was kind of weird so I looked around.” Her hands shook. She interlocked her fingers and laid them on her lap. There were beads of sweat on her forehead.
“Can I get you some water?” Ryan stood up.
“Yes, that would be great. I’m just very upset.” She fidgeted and rocked back and forth.
“That’s understandable. I’ll be right back.” Paper cup in hand, he returned with some water from the bubbler and gave it to Arianne. “So when you didn’t see anyone, what did you do?”
“I, uh, I heard dogs barking in the back so I went to look. There she was, lying on the floor, clutching her chest.”
“Clutching her chest? Was she alive?” That didn’t make sense.
“No. No. She wasn’t moving. Just lying there like this.” Arianne brought her hands up in front of her chest.
“You’re sure?” The victim had her arms by her side when Ryan got to the scene.
“Yes, positive.” The shaken woman nodded vigorously.
“You didn’t try to move or revive her?” The victim had somehow changed position if what Arianne said was true.
“No. I just left to go get help. I was scared.”
“Did you see anyone else around? Any cars in the lot?” Ryan took a visual count of the vehicles outside.
“Yes, a van. It was black, dark grey. I don’t remember.”
He jotted down the description, wondering if the van belonged to Davis. “Any others?”
“No. Just mine and another car. I assumed it belonged to the person inside.” She took a sip of the water.
Never had he felt so hopeless. Another death with not much to go on. “If you think of anything, please give us a call.” He took out a business card for the department and handed it to her.
Grabbing her purse, she stood up and accepted the card. “I will. Thanks. Is it okay to go now?”
“Sure.” Walking over to the entrance, he opened the front door for her. “One more thing before you go.”
She hurried out in the cold and Ryan followed.
“Do you have a dog?” he hollered after her.
“What? No, why?” She struggled with the zipper of her coat.
“Just wonde
ring why you were here.” He put his hands in his pockets.
“Am I a suspect now? I didn’t do anything. I’m the one who called the police.” Arianne gave up on the zipper, stomped her foot, and put her gloves on.
“I didn’t say that. You came here for a reason so I didn’t want you to forget to get what you came in here for.” And why so early? Judging by the hours listed on the door, she had arrived at least an hour before the clinic opened.
“If you must know, I was driving by and, like I said, I saw a car here. Since I can’t get equipment yet for my fitness center, I thought I would use the space to collect clothes for charity. You know coats, boots, and gloves. Stuff like that.” Her cheeks turned pink from the cold and little puffs of air escaped as she talked.
“That’s sounds like a great idea. I will ask around and see if anyone wants to donate.” Valentina had a kind heart, she’d be happy to help with something like that.
“Can I go now? I’m freezing.” Her teeth chattered.
“It’s only forty degrees out, what are you going to do when it hits thirty below?” Winter was hard on locals, let alone people from the South.
“I’ll get used to it. That’s what everyone keeps telling me.” Arianne let out one more wisp of air. “Are we done now?”
“Yeah.” He studied her as she rushed to her car. The plates were from Georgia, just like the ones on Edward’s van. Her story didn’t jive. When he got back to the station, he’d run a check on those plates. “One more thing.”
She stopped. “Now what?”
“I need you to stop at the station later.” Ryan walked to where she stood bouncing from one foot to the other.
“Why? I gave your my statement.”
“We need to get your fingerprints so that all we find at the scene are accounted for.”
“Fine,” she grumbled, “I’ll do it after lunch.”
Once Arianne drove off, an ambulance pulled in. They’d be taking the body to the hospital morgue and the medical examiner would meet them there. It hurt just as bad as the first one. A young life cut needlessly short. He’d catch this murderer if it was the last thing he did.