by Cindy Bell
“No, there was no one, I was crying too hard to notice,” Anne blurted out.
“Anne, think about it,” Wendy said grimly. “Even if you think that they didn't see you, did you notice anyone in the windows, walking around the garden, or near the pool?”
“Wait,” Anne whispered. Wendy glanced at her watch. She only had about a minute left. “Chris!” she said suddenly. “I saw Chris. He was walking outside the hotel, right by the outside wall. I thought he was looking for me, and I didn't want to talk to him, or anyone. So, I turned and walked the other way before he could see me. How is that going to help?” she asked with a sigh.
“Don't worry, Anne, let me figure that out,” Wendy said. “I have to go now, but I want you to know that I'm working to get you out of here. No matter what you believe, Rowan knows that you didn't kill his mother, Anne, he told the police that, too.”
Anne sniffled and nodded. “That's good at least,” she muttered. “Wendy,” she whispered and lifted her eyes to the woman across from her.
“Yes?” Wendy asked, urgency surging through her veins.
“I didn't kill her. I really didn't, but,” she lowered her voice. “I really wanted to.”
Wendy stared at her for a brief moment, and then she nodded. “Just don't tell the police that, Anne,” Wendy said calmly. She stood up and glanced towards the door. “I have to go. I will try to get you out of here as soon as I can.”
“Okay,” Anne sniffled. “Thank you. Can you check on my father please? He's staying at the hotel, I haven't been able to get hold of him. He didn't show up for the rehearsal lunch, and I'm very worried about him.”
“I will,” Wendy promised her before hurrying out the door. She closed it carefully behind her.
“What are you doing back here?” a sharp voice asked as Wendy stepped out of the interrogation room. She felt an icy blast course through her veins as she realized that she had been caught. Luckily, she had already closed the door behind her.
“I'm looking for the bathroom,” she said as she turned towards the voice. Standing before her was a woman dressed from head to toe in a spotless business suit. She had stern, gray eyes and her dark brown hair was knotted at the base of her neck.
“Really?” she said with disbelief. “There are bathrooms in the lobby, there is no reason for you to be back here. What's your name?” she demanded. Wendy's heart was pounding. She knew that Brian had risked a lot by helping her out, and so had his friend. She didn't want him to lose his job over what had happened.
“Okay, you got me,” Wendy said with a pout. “I'm not really looking for the bathroom.”
“I know that, so what are you doing here and what is your name?” the woman demanded again as she took a step closer to Wendy.
“My name is Christina Johns,” she explained quickly, and ignored the fact that she was lying to a person who was likely a police detective. “I'm a reporter, I just wanted to see if I could get the scoop on that murder that happened at the Sand Hotel. I heard it had something to do with a wedding, I just thought it would be an interesting piece.”
“I could have you arrested, do you know that?” the woman snapped and searched Wendy's eyes with clear disapproval. “People's lives are not a game for you to play with.”
“I know that,” Wendy said softly as if she had been chastised. “I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I didn't even get any information. I slipped back here and I was just on my way back out.”
“You better be telling me the truth,” the woman said sharply. “I'm Paige Dunn, and I'm the detective working this case. If I see so much as a word about this case published under your name, I will have you arrested. Do you understand?”
Wendy nodded quickly. “I'm sorry,” she said meekly.
“Officer,” Detective Dunn snapped at a police officer that was walking by, the very same one that had allowed Wendy into the interrogation room. He looked at Detective Dunn guiltily. “Please escort this woman out of the building.”
“Yes ma'am,” the officer nodded and grabbed Wendy's arm rather roughly. He led her down the hall, right past Brian, and out the door into the parking lot. Wendy glanced over her shoulder to see Brian step out after her.
“That was too close,” the officer said grimly. “I hope that you got something that you could use,” he said with a shake of his head before he stepped back into the station.
“Did you?” Brian asked as he walked Wendy to her car.
“Maybe,” Wendy replied. “I'm not sure yet.”
“Well, what did she say?” Brian asked.
“She said she was out walking by herself, but she saw Chris out walking, too. She claims he didn't see her, but I think he might have,” Wendy slid behind the steering wheel. Brian opened the passenger door and settled in beside her. Wendy glanced at him briefly with surprise.
“I told you I would help you,” Brian said and reached out to give her hand a light pat. “We might as well carpool.”
Wendy smiled a little at that and started the car. “Is that really all she said?” Brian asked with a frown. “It's not much to go on.”
“It may not seem like much now,” Wendy said with a slight nod. “But I think it’s worth pursuing and it’s all we’ve got. Before I can talk to Chris, I have to check on Anne's father. He wasn't at the lunch, and she hasn't been able to get hold of him.”
“Hmm, absent at the time of the murder and now inaccessible?” Brian arched an eyebrow.
“He's very frail,” Wendy said with a shake of her head.
“Don't do that,” Brian warned. “Never dismiss a suspect just because of a snap judgment. There are plenty of people in the world that make themselves look weaker than they are. Never cross off a suspect unless you have proven their innocence.”
“Guilty until proven innocent?” Wendy asked with a slight laugh.
“Yes,” Brian replied in a serious tone. “The truth is everyone in that hotel today is a suspect. That means that Celeste's killer is still on the loose. You can't assume that you are safe with anyone.”
“I guess you're right,” Wendy nodded. “So, the sooner we find the murderer the better,” she said with determination.
Chapter Seven
Wendy drove the rest of the way from the police station to the hotel in silence as she was processing what she had learned about the murder. Brian seemed to be doing the same as he stared out of the window. When Wendy pulled into the hotel parking lot she was more determined than ever to find the real murderer.
“I'm going to check on Arnold, then I want to see if there are copies of the video feed from the cameras around the hotel,” she said to Brian as she pulled the key out of the ignition.
“Don't you think the police already have that?” Brian asked.
“I'm sure they do. But there is no harm in asking if there are any copies. I overheard that there was a problem with some of the footage. I want to find out what was actually retrieved. I want to see the feed from around the entire hotel if possible. It's possible that Anne was caught somewhere else in the hotel or on the grounds around the time the murder was taking place.”
“That's a good idea,” Brian nodded. “It's amazing what cameras capture these days. But do you think you can get in to see the footage?”
“Yes, I think so. I met the security guard yesterday and he was very nice to me,” Wendy explained as they walked into the lobby.
Wendy paused beside the front desk of the hotel. There was a clerk behind the desk, who looked a little overwhelmed.
“I need to know which room Arnold Max is staying in,” Wendy said when the clerk finally looked up at her.
The clerk nodded and tapped on the keyboard for a moment before looking back at Wendy.
“He's staying in room 501,” the clerk said softly. “Poor man.”
“Why do you say that?” Wendy asked.
“Well, don't you know, it was his daughter that killed that poor woman,” the clerk said with a slight gasp in her voice.
“I didn't know
that,” Wendy replied and narrowed her eyes. “It's not a good idea to gossip, especially when you aren't certain that something is true.”
“Oh, sorry,” the clerk blushed and lowered her eyes. Wendy and Brian walked to the elevator. There were still several police officers milling about, and Wendy spotted a few members from the wedding party scattered throughout the lobby and the banquet hall as well. Brian held the elevator doors so that Wendy could step in. Then he pressed the button for level five. As the elevator lurched and rose upward, Wendy glanced over at him.
“So much for keeping a lid on things, it looks like the rumor is spreading a lot faster than the investigation can move.”
“That's going to make it harder on Anne,” Brian said with a frown. “Public opinion can really have an impact on a trial. If she is seen as a murderer then that may influence how the court sees her as well.”
“It just isn't right,” Wendy said as she balled her hands into fists. “I don’t think she's done anything wrong.”
When they stepped off the elevator onto the fifth floor, the first room was the one they needed to go to. Wendy walked up to the door of the room and knocked lightly. There was no answer. She knocked a little harder. This time the door swung open as a result of her knocking. Wendy glanced over at Brian who shrugged slightly. Wendy nudged the door the rest of the way open.
“Arnold, are you in here?” she called out. “It's Wendy, your daughter's wedding planner.”
Wendy heard a slight scuffling sound and glanced warily at Brian. Brian raised a hand and gestured for her to let him go in first. As he started to step in front of her, Arnold suddenly appeared at the door.
“I'm sorry, I didn't have my hearing aid in,” he explained. “Wendy, right?” he asked as he settled his gaze on Wendy.
“Yes sir, your daughter Anne was concerned about you, and she asked me to check on you,” Wendy explained.
“Concerned about me, why?” Arnold asked with surprise.
“She said she's been trying to reach you, but wasn't able to. Also, she was concerned because you didn't arrive on time for the rehearsal lunch,” Wendy explained.
“Oh, nothing to worry about. I just wasn't feeling too well. I thought I'd stick to the room. I knew that if I told Anne that I wasn't feeling well, she would worry instead of enjoying the lunch. I want to make sure that I'm fresh for the wedding tomorrow,” he added with a slight smile. Wendy and Brian exchanged a look.
“Sir, are you not aware of what happened here today?” Brian asked with a frown.
“I'm sorry, I'm not following,” Arnold shook his head. “Have we met before?”
“No,” Brian replied. “My name is Brian, I'm a friend of Wendy's,” he said gently. “I am sorry to say but Celeste, Rowan’s mother, was killed today in this hotel.”
“What?” Arnold gasped.
“As of this moment, Anne is the main suspect,” Brian said cautiously
“What?” Arnold asked again in shock. “Is this some kind of prank?” he demanded and looked at Wendy. “This is a cruel trick, there's nothing funny about this.”
“I assure you, Sir, it's not a joke,” Wendy explained quickly. “I'm trying to help Anne. I know that she didn't do this. You're sure she didn't come to see you or text you earlier today?” she asked.
Arnold stared at her with blank, shocked eyes. “No,” he muttered, and then shook his head. “No, this isn't right. This wasn't supposed to happen. I think I need to lie down now,” he mumbled.
“Okay,” Wendy nodded with understanding. “I know this is a lot to take in. I just want you to know that we are working towards clearing your daughter’s name.”
“Yes,” he sighed and shook his head. Then he began walking back towards his bed.
“We should let him rest,” Brian said quietly.
Wendy nodded and closed the door behind her. Once they were in the hall, Brian stopped her.
“You realize he has no alibi,” he said calmly.
“Brian, he could barely stand up!” Wendy pointed out.
“Or, that's how he wanted it to seem.”
Wendy was silent on the elevator ride down to the lobby. She knew that Brian's suspicions were founded but it was hard for her to think of a man as sweet and funny as Arnold as a suspect in such a terrible crime. Brian seemed oblivious to her silence as he followed behind her to the security room. There were no police officers in the hallway anymore, but the door to the security office was still closed. Wendy knocked lightly and then opened the door without waiting for an answer. The man inside was tapping lightly at his keyboard as he studied the monitor in front of him. He looked up swiftly when Wendy stepped in.
“I'm sorry to bother you,” Wendy said quickly. “Do you remember me from yesterday?”
“Yes,” he nodded and glanced past her at Brian who was standing in the doorway.
“I know that it's been a crazy evening, but I was wondering if you could help me with something, Marcus,” Wendy sat down in the chair beside him. “I'm Wendy by the way, and this is Brian.”
“What can I help you with?” Marcus replied and again glanced awkwardly up at Brian. Brian was silent and stared right back at him.
“Well, I know that you probably already turned the footage from earlier over to the police, but I was wondering if you had any other cameras or angles. I'm looking for a way to prove that Anne is not the murderer,” she explained.
“Oh well, that's simple enough,” Marcus shrugged. He tapped the keyboard and a video began playing on the monitor in front of him. “Everything we have is stored on the computer. I gave the police lots of footage but this is a copy of some of the footage,” he explained. “I think you’ll find it’s the most illuminating.” Wendy watched the empty hallway for a few seconds. Then suddenly there was a woman walking down the hall. It wasn't Anne however, not with that sway or that smirk.
“That's Suzette,” Wendy gasped, “the groom's sister-in-law.”
“Exactly,” Marcus nodded. “Now watch,” he pointed to the door of the room where Celeste was killed. Sure enough, Suzette walked right up to it and opened the door. Once she had disappeared inside, the door closed.
“I can't believe this,” Wendy shook her head. “I never thought that it would be her.”
“Let's go find her,” Brian said quickly.
“Thank you, Marcus, this has been a huge help,” Wendy said with a warm smile.
“No problem,” he replied.
As Wendy and Brian hurried out of the security office, Brian leaned close to her.
“Are you sure you don’t want to leave this to the police?” Brian questioned cautiously.
“I just want to see what Suzette has to say about it,” Wendy said.
“She might have already been picked up by the police. If you want to speak to her we'll have to find her fast, that’s even if she's still here,” Brian explained. “I can't imagine why, if they've seen that video, she hasn't been arrested yet.”
“They probably haven't had the copy long,” Wendy explained. “Marcus was having some trouble getting the footage for them earlier. As for Suzette, I think I can make a pretty good guess as to where she might be. The hotel bar.”
“Okay,” Brian nodded. “Let's check it out.”
Despite the chaos that had unfolded after the murder, the hotel bar was generally unaffected. There was a man playing the piano in the center of the room. There were several people lined up for drinks at the bar.
“There she is,” Wendy said as she recognized Suzette. “Suzette,” she called out as she walked up to her. Suzette turned with a mild frown.
“What is it?” she snapped.
“I need to talk with you for a moment,” Wendy said. “It's very important. Can we step out into the hall?”
“Can I get my drink first?” Suzette asked with annoyance.
“I'm not serving you any more,” the bartender said as she passed by the area where Suzette was leaning.
Suzette rolled her eyes. Then she foll
owed Brian and Wendy out into the hall. Once in the hallway, Wendy turned to face Suzette.
“I think you need to tell the truth, Suzette,” Wendy said calmly. “Before things get any more out of hand.”
“The truth about what?” Suzette asked with annoyance.
“The truth about going into the room where your mother-in-law was murdered around the time of her murder,” Brian said sternly. Suzette glared at him for a moment and then looked back at Wendy.
“Do you think I killed her?” Suzette gasped.
“Well, from the tape it looks like a possibility,” Wendy stated diplomatically.
“Are you serious? I didn't kill the old bat. Why would I do that?” she shook her head.
“Maybe you were fed up?” Wendy suggested. “Or maybe you wanted Chris to get his inheritance faster. Whatever the reason, you need to make it clear that Anne had nothing to do with this crime.”
“You're nuts,” Suzette scowled. “I didn't kill Celeste.”
“Suzette, we have you on camera going into the very same room where Celeste was killed,” Wendy said in a whisper. “How long do you think it's going to take the police to figure that out?”
“You're wrong,” Suzette growled. “I had nothing to do with Celeste's death, though I can't say I blame Anne for finally snapping. It's always the sweet ones you know.”
“No, I don't know,” Wendy argued sternly. “I don't think Anne did this, and the footage we saw is proof of that.”
“It can't be,” Suzette frowned and took a step back. “I didn't do it, I wasn't there.”
“Cameras don't lie,” Brian pointed out gruffly.
“This time they do,” Suzette insisted. She was starting to get irritated.
“Are you saying that wasn't you on the camera walking into the room?” Wendy asked incredulously.
“Okay look,” Suzette sighed and shook her head. “I did go into the room. But it was earlier, and I wasn't in there with Celeste.”
“So, you just picked a room that was being painted to hang out in?” Brian asked sharply. “Suzette, you've got to come up with something better than that.”
“I just wanted a drink, in peace,” Suzette explained with annoyance. “Having to put up with that woman is like nails scraping across a chalkboard. I needed a moment to myself, and I figured she wouldn't go near a room that was under renovation. So, I slipped in there to have a few drinks.”