“Me, neither,” Joy agreed. “It isn’t the sort of issue that’s easily resolved. It’s as though someone stepped in and took over from the money-hungry people Tim had found for them.”
“Who could that somebody be?”
Joy shrugged. “Beats me. Marge promised to explain everything tomorrow night.”
“Getting their granddaughter means everything to Marge and Evan. I hope they’re not flying all the way to Peru only to be disappointed.”
“Which is why Evan asked doña Marisol for assurance that no one will prevent them from bringing Eloisa home with them. She had him contact an official in the village where she lives.”
When we reached the check-out line counter, Brandon began to cry. Joy shook a rattle. He grabbed it and put the teething end in his mouth.
“Good boy!” She helped me unload our purchases onto the conveyer belt. “Brandon wants his lunch, a change, and a nap.”
“Lucky little boy, having a mom who understands him.”
“It’s easy, after Zack and Ruthie.”
“Every day with Jesse meant learning something new,” I said as we walked toward Joy’s SUV.
“It gets easier with each kid. You start to know what to expect.” Joy backed expertly out of the parking spot and we headed for home.
“Do you miss working?” I asked when we’d stopped for a red light.
The question surprised her. “Occasionally, but after being in the field all those years, I’m happy to be home when the kids get off the bus. I’m glad I can tell the class mother or teacher, ‘sure, I’ll bake a dozen cupcakes’ or ‘I’m free to chaperone a class trip.’”
“And you’re available to help me solve local homicides,” I joked.
Joy nodded. “Especially since our friends in blue haven’t made much progress. No clear-cut evidence, DNA, or eye witnesses to point a finger at anyone.”
“Josephine Tey believed facial characteristics reveal character,” I said. “If a murderer’s face gives him away, then who killed Len and Tim? No one we know looks especially malevolent or ominous.”
Joy pursed her lips as she thought. “Sadie’s been rather grim since Tim died, but that’s to be expected.”
“And Corinne’s perfectly frightful, spewing one of her Medea-like rages when she feels Felicity needs protecting.” I grimaced. “And I’m usually her victim. You’d think by now she’d have caught on that I want to help her sister, not upset her.”
“You’ll be rid of Corinne soon enough,” Joy said. “WITSEC will be whisking them off to a new home with new IDs.”
I felt a twinge of guilt. “Because I told them I knew they were Fusco’s daughters?”
“Primarily because Corinne testified at John Scarvino’s trial. The government’s obligated to give them new identities and keep them safe from the likes of Johnny Scarvino.”
I sighed. “Relocation. New jobs. New friends. It must be difficult.”
“Luckily, the two sisters are devoted to one another,” Joy said. “They have to be, to get through this.”
I shook my head. “Poor Felicity. She’s not the brightest bulb, and she probably needs Corinne to look out for her, but she needs some leeway if she’s going to develop self-reliance. Corinne’s so overbearing.”
Joy winked at me. “I’m sure you don’t treat Gayle that way.”
“Lately, Gayle thinks I’m the best thing since chopped liver. She called last night to thank me for seeing her through this mess. Estes is in jail on several charges. This time his own department won’t let him post bail.”
Joy sent me a knowing look. “Probably because of what your boyfriend told them. When is Brian coming home?”
“The day after tomorrow. Gayle’s flying to Long Island next week to pick up her SUV. I’m hoping she’ll stay to spend Thanksgiving with me. We should spend holidays together when we can.”
Joy reached over to pat my hand. “You’ve done good, Lexie, reconnecting with your sister.”
“I’m glad we’ve forged a new kind of relationship. Besides Jesse, Gayle’s the only family I have.” A pang of sadness dinged my heart. “Now that he lives in California, he sees more of his father than he did in all his growing-up years.”
“Jesse needs to spend time with Godfrey,” Joy said. “He knows he has you.”
“I suppose,” I conceded.
As she turned down Magnolia Lane, we discussed how much cake and cookies I was to buy when I went shopping again later that afternoon.
“Don’t go crazy, Lexie. No one expects much on such short notice. How many are we?”
“There’s you, me, Marge, Felicity, Corinne, Sadie, and Viola. Seven in all.”
Joy pursed her lips as she pulled into my driveway. “I hope Sadie doesn’t throw a fit because we’ve included Viola.”
“Viola’s part of our book club now and welcome to come to the shower,” I said firmly. “Besides, I think Sadie’s overdoing the widowed girlfriend bit.”
“Really?” Joy mused, her expression thoughtful. “Do you think Sadie killed Tim and is putting on an act so we won’t suspect her?”
“Anything’s possible.” I pointed at her. “You, better than anyone, should know that.”
Joy sighed. “Still, I hate to have to go around suspecting people we like.”
I laughed. “We’d rather all murderers looked like Shawn Estes. He fits Tey’s formula.”
“Perfectly!”
I blew Joy a kiss, then carried the cart and party supplies inside.
*****
Preparing for a shower was much easier than preparing for a meeting of the book club. All I had to do was put out the goodies and keep the decaf coffee and tea going. I was glad to take part in this joyous occasion. Little Eloisa was finally meeting her American grandparents, and they would make sure she led a happy, cared-for childhood.
I scrambled a few eggs for dinner, then cleared the table to set out the pretty paper plates and napkins we’d bought earlier. A faint sound coming from the back yard sent a shiver down my back. I turned off the light switch and peered outside. Nothing.
No one’s out to hurt you. Estes is locked up in a Utah jail. I caught sight of the swaying tree branches and smiled. It must have been the wind I heard. Besides, you’re safe inside, and friends are on their way.
I returned to my baby shower preparations. Thinking someone might like wine, I took an unopened bottle of chardonnay from the fridge and set it beside the cookies, cakes and mugs. I placed the toy shopping cart I’d bought for Eloisa on the small table I’d set up for gifts. Because of its odd shape, I hadn’t wrapped it, though I taped a large welcome card to one of the sides.
As I worked, I couldn’t stop wondering if there really had been a legal problem preventing Eloisa from leaving Peru. Whether the problem had to do with immigration or was a ploy by the group trying to get more of the Billingses’ money, someone had stepped in to cut through the red tape. Someone powerful with plenty of clout.
The doorbell rang. I glanced at my watch. Ten to eight. A bit early, but no big deal. I went to welcome my first guest.
“Sorry. I didn’t realize the time,” Sadie said, her breath coming in gasps.
“No problem. Everything’s ready. Come on in.”
“I had so much to do, I was afraid I’d be late,” she said, shrugging out of her coat. She was still dressed for school—mid-calf leather boots, a long tan sweater she wore belted over a skirt. Sadie looked down at the beautifully-wrapped gift in her hands. “Where can...? I see.”
She placed her gift on the table and picked up the shopping cart, which suddenly looked naked in its unwrapped state. “How precious! I had one of these when I was little.”
“What did you buy her?”
“An age-appropriate educational toy.” Sadie gave me a wan smile. “A friend who’s a child psychologist suggested it.”
“I’m sure Eloisa will love all her gifts,” I said. “Want a cup of coffee?”
“I’d love one! I never go
t a chance to eat dinner.”
Sadie followed me into the kitchen and poured herself a mug of regular coffee. I filled one with decaf.
“Would you like me to make you a sandwich? I’ve tuna fish, turkey, and Swiss cheese.”
“Coffee’s fine.” She let out a sigh. “I’m not able to eat much these days.”
“How have you been?” I asked, wondering if she was truly upset or trying to make me think she was.
Sadie blinked back tears and offered me a brave smile. “Losing Tim knocked me for a loop. Though we only started dating weeks ago, we’ve been friends for ages. I had no idea how essential he was to my life.”
“Shall we sit down?”
She followed me into the living room.
“I know everything thinks Tim was a shyster lawyer who pulled all kinds of deals and made money in sleazy ways, but he was a wonderful person.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of déjà vu. I’d heard similar words recently. When? Where? Of course! When Felicity was mourning Len Lyons.
“Do you have any idea who might have killed him?” I asked.
“The detectives keep asking me that. I’ll tell you what I tell them each time: I don’t know. Tim never told me anything about his business.”
How very convenient. “They probably keep asking because you both borrowed money from someone in the mob.”
Sadie’s eyes flashed with anger. She was about to lash out and ask how I knew her business. Instead, her aggressiveness dissipated, and she merely shook her head.
“I went on a stupid spending spree, buying items I couldn’t afford.” She gave a humorless laugh. “My reaction to a relationship gone sour. And suddenly I was in debt. Owed more money than I ever had in my life! Tim understood and offered to help me out. He arranged for me to borrow money without my having to meet with the person doing the loaning. He promised that as long as I made my payments, I’d be fine.”
She glanced at me. “He took care of everything for me. And now he’s gone.”
“The honorable money lender,” I murmured.
“Don’t mock what you know nothing about! And the worst part is, it’s far from over.”
“What do you mean?”
“Today I got a phone call telling me to pay up everything I owe. With interest.”
She sent me a glance of pure terror. “But how can I pay back money I don’t have? I can’t even sell my house in two weeks.”
“Whoever he is, he means business. I hope you’ve called the police.”
Sadie’s nostrils flared as she shook her head vehemently to ward off my suggestion. “I know who killed Tim! The pieces all came together as I drove here. How dumb of me not to have seen it before.”
I swallowed, dreading what I was about to hear. “Who killed him?”
“Viola.”
I shivered as if ice cubes were dripping down my back. “What makes you say that?”
“She’s the only person who wanted Tim dead. So she could stop paying him alimony.”
Sadie’s words made no sense. “At our last meeting, Viola said Tim owed her money.”
“He did. He’d been gambling a bit and had a streak of bad luck, so he asked Viola for an advance to pay some bills. She gave it to him. Then suddenly she wanted her money. He had to borrow from a money lender to pay some of it back.”
Sadie let out what sounded like a hiss. “It’s not like she needed it. Viola doesn’t give a damn about the money! She only wanted to see Tim miserable.” She glared at me. “Her father’s a billionaire, and she has a side business that brings in thousands every week.”
I bit my lip. Why had I invited Viola to join our group? “But that doesn’t mean she’d kill Tim.”
“Viola hated him. She told Tim she’d kill him if he ruined the life of another woman.” Sadie gave me a wan smile. “And then we started going out.”
“Think, Sadie.” I placed my hand on her shoulder. “You’re only saying this—“
The doorbell rang, cutting off the rest of my sentence.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The others started to arrive, chattering away as they shed jackets and covered the small table with gifts for Eloisa. Viola appeared, lugging the largest gift of all. I turned to Sadie, afraid that she’d suddenly shout accusations and ruin the festive mood, but she merely stared at her nemesis, jaw clamped tight in fury.
“I’ve brought Eloise a doll carriage,” Viola said, putting it on the table with the other presents. “Every little girl needs a carriage for her babies.”
I got caught up in my hostess duties and lost track of Sadie.
Marge, overcome with emotion, went around hugging everyone. “Thank you all! I can’t begin to express how much your kindness means to Evan and me.”
We bombarded her with questions, most of them regarding the sudden ease with which they were now able to bring Eloisa to the U. S.
In response, Marge pulled a magnum of champagne from her tote bag. Grinning broadly, she said, “All in good time. Lexie, could you get us a couple of glasses? I want everyone to drink a toast to our angel.”
Joy accompanied me into the kitchen. “What’s the big mystery?” she grumbled as we filled two trays with wine glasses. “Who’s this wonderful savior?
“Aren’t you the impatient one?” I teased. “You’ll find out in a minute.”
Marge surprised me by opening the bottle with finesse. She poured a generous amount of champagne into each glass and handed them around. We stood in a tight group, watching Marge and waiting for what came next.
“I want to drink a toast to our darling little Eloisa, and to the wonderful person responsible for bringing her home to Evan and me.”
I raised my glass, prepared to imbibe the moment I heard the mysterious person’s name, when the doorbell rang.
“Sorry. Won’t be a minute,” I apologized, dashing to the front door. I looked through the peephole and saw a delivery man holding a gift-wrapped package.
“Delivery for Mrs. Evan Billings.”
I opened the door and stared longer than I should have at the gorgeous Adonis standing before me. He was around thirty and had the broad shouldered-trim body of a swimmer, black curly hair and wonderful features.
“How-how did anyone know to send a gift to this address?” I sputtered.
“Beats me,” he said. “Do you want to sign for it or not?”
“I’ll take it. Thanks.” I scrawled my name on his gizmo and shut the door.
Joy walked toward me, a scowl on her face. “Is that Mike, asking for help with a problem he can’t handle?”
“It’s a gift for Eloisa,” I said, carrying the box into the dining room.
“Who from?”
“It must be from Marge’s granddaughter. She’s the only person we invited who couldn’t make it tonight.”
“Lexie! Joy! We’re waiting.”
“Sorry,” I mumbled as we rejoined the others.
“Now,” Marge said, “as I was about to tell you, our joy and happiness is due to one special person—our dear friend, Corinne Roberts.”
Six necks swiveled to stare at Corinne. The object of our attention met our stares with a hint of a smile. We raised our glasses and toasted her in silence. When I found my voice, I said, “Corinne, please tell us how you performed this miracle.”
She shrugged. “Marge gives me much too much credit. I merely got things rolling. The other day was quiet at the bank, so I had time to examine a few of our big personal accounts—something we’re asked to do periodically for our customers’ benefit as well as ours. I came across the account belonging to a rather nice gentleman high up in the state department. I remembered what Marge and Evan were going through, so I called him to ask if he could help resolve the matter.”
“She’s full of it,” Joy whispered.
She had to be. The story sounded too good to be real, but I had to hear more. “You called and he offered to work out all the kinks?” I asked Corinne, not bothering to hide how incredulous
I found her story.
She grinned back, as if she knew what I was thinking and didn’t give a damn. “More or less. The problem appealed to him, probably because it involved a young child. He promised to see what he could do, and called back two days later, matter resolved.”
“Amazing,” I muttered.
“Totally amazing!” Marge agreed. “The woman looking after Eloisa needed reassurance that we’d be good guardians. After all, she’s a distant cousin of the little girl’s father. Money wasn’t the prime concern.”
Prime concern? “Are you and Evan paying her?”
“Of course. For taking care of Eloisa all this time. Doña Marisol is a widow. She earns barely enough money to feed her three children and herself, let alone feed and clothe Eloisa.”
I bit back what I really thought, for fear of ruining Marge’s special evening. “The important thing is bringing your granddaughter home.”
At that point, everyone had something to say. Something was wrong with this picture. No doubt, this doña Marisol was receiving big bucks, as were other people. But none of it mattered if Eloisa was brought safely to the U. S. Feeling restless, I picked up the dishes of cookies and cakes and went around offering them to my guests.
“Coffee and tea are in the kitchen,” I said. Minutes later, when everyone was back in the living room munching away, I suggested that we open Eloisa’s presents.We oohed and ahed as one after another gift was unwrapped and held up for Marge’s approval. And approve she did. At last, the only remaining gift was the one that had just been delivered.
I reached for it. “I think this is from your granddaughter, Marge.”
“Really?” Marge’s face scrunched in puzzlement. “Callie told me she was sending us a check.”
“Then I’ve no idea who it’s from. Maybe the card’s inside.”
Marge ripped away the paper. “It’s a beautiful cloth-bound photo album.” She thumbed through the pages. “I can’t find a card. Wait, here’s something.”
I picked up the photograph that had fallen to the carpet. A young woman gazed down at something long and furry in her lap. I gulped when I realized it was a ferret. A dead ferret, judging by the angle of its head.
Murder the Tey Way: A Golden Age of Mystery Book Club Mystery (The Golden Age of Mystery Book Club Mysteries 2) Page 17