by Joyce Tremel
“Don’t do that to me, Max. I don’t know what that boy is waiting for. I’ve a mind to have a little talk with him.”
“Don’t you dare! Jake and I care about each other, but neither one of us is ready for that step yet. When—or if—the time comes, you’ll be the first to know. After my mother, of course.”
“I can’t imagine what you want to tell me then.”
I grinned. Time to give her a taste of her own medicine. “You’ll just have to wait and see, won’t you?” Before she could interrogate me and wrangle it out of me, I hurried out the door and jaywalked across the street to Jump, Jive & Java.
I pulled on the door at the same time someone pushed it from the inside and I almost went flying.
“Well, if it isn’t Miss O’Hara.” It was my former nemesis and my dad’s partner, Detective Vincent Falk. Even on a Saturday morning, he was impeccably dressed as if he’d just stepped off the cover of GQ. He even smiled, which was an odd thing to see. Two months ago he’d wanted to haul Jake and me off to jail. He had been certain that Jake had poisoned the infamous food critic, Reginald Mobley, and I was his accomplice. He had gone to great lengths to prove it. He’d been wrong and had humbly admitted that fact. We’d called a truce since then.
“Good morning, Detective. What brings you to the neighborhood?”
“I stopped in to see a friend. I hear you found another body.”
“You’re not going to accuse me of murder again, are you?”
“Not this time,” he said.
When he didn’t ask who it was, I volunteered the information. “The victim was a member of the band I hired for Oktoberfest next weekend.” I waited to see if he’d say anything about what he might have heard from Mitch. He didn’t, so I asked him if he knew if there were any suspects.
“I don’t know anything, and even if I did, you know I wouldn’t be able to tell you.”
I shrugged. “It was worth a try.”
Vince reached into his pocket and pulled out his car keys. “I have to run. Try and stay out of trouble.”
When I went inside, the coffee shop was empty except for Kristie. She was humming along to “It’s Been a Long, Long Time,” the song that was playing on her sound system. I’d never heard her do that before. She greeted me with a huge smile. “Isn’t it a beautiful day?” she said.
I suddenly put two and two together. Her recent hairstyle change. The new man in her life she’d been trying to keep secret. The humming. The smile. Vince Falk saying he’d stopped in to see a friend. I smiled back at Kristie. “Why didn’t you tell me you were seeing Vince?”
The look of surprise on her face was priceless. Then she laughed. “I should have known you’d figure it out, Miss Detective.”
“If Candy wasn’t so preoccupied, I’m sure she would have beat me to it.”
“No doubt.” Without asking, Kristie began making my iced mocha. “I didn’t want to say anything at first because I knew the two of you weren’t all that fond of each other.”
“We’ve called a truce,” I told her. “I still don’t think he likes me very much, but I can live with that. So how long has this been going on? Is it serious?”
“Not long. It’s too soon to know how serious it is.” Kristie handed me my drink and followed me to our usual table. “I didn’t even like him at first. He talked to me after that food critic was killed—he had all kinds of questions about you and Jake.” She smiled. “I told him off in no uncertain terms. I’m pretty sure his ears were ringing for hours.”
I laughed. “I would have loved to have seen that.”
“Yeah, it was one of my better moments. Anyway, after things settled down, he came in for coffee one morning and apologized. He said he wanted to make it up to me by buying me dinner. You know me—I’m not going to turn down a free meal.”
“You must have made quite an impression on him. No one else got a free meal. I don’t even think anyone else got an apology.”
Kristie leaned forward, her elbows on the table. “I know you won’t believe this, but he’s the sweetest and funniest guy I’ve ever met.”
I couldn’t imagine it. “Are you sure we’re talking about the same person? Rigid, opinionated, stiffly starched Vincent Falk?”
“One and the same.”
I studied her face. She was head over heels for the guy. “I’ll have to take your word for it, I guess. Now that your secret is out, you should bring him into the pub some night.”
We chatted more while I finished my mocha. Before I left, I told her about going to Doodle’s funeral and about the plan to go to Hartwood Acres tonight. “Are you up for it? Or do you have something else to do?”
“Vincent is working on some kind of task force thing, so I have no plans,” Kristie said. “This is going to be fun.”
“I don’t know about fun, but it will definitely be interesting.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
It was lunchtime before Candy came into the brew house. Nicole and I were behind the bar, and Candy sat on one of the stools eating Jake’s semi-famous Buffalo chicken pierogies, while I told them about the gallery opening last night. When I got to the part about Victoria being there and that she was the buyer of the painting, Nicole audibly gasped.
“You’re kidding,” she said.
“Nope.”
“I’m sure that went over well with Jake,” Candy said. She knew all about his former fiancée. “What’s the witch like?”
“Exactly how I imagined she’d be. Gorgeous and thin, with the personality of a snake. Although that might be giving snakes a bad name. I have a feeling she only bought that painting so she could say she owns something by a famous artist.”
Cassie, one of the servers, came to the bar with a beer order and I poured it, then continued. “Jake made it clear he didn’t want to have anything to do with her. I’m hoping by now she’s on her way back to New York.”
I looked up when the door opened. The infamous Victoria sashayed into the pub, followed by Philip Rittenhouse. Great. So much for hoping she’d be gone. I kind of felt sorry for Philip. Apparently he was at her beck and call. “Guess who just came in?” I said.
Nicole’s eyes widened. “That’s her?”
“The one and only.” I didn’t want to, but I went around the bar and headed their way.
Candy was right behind me. “Oh, this is going to be good.”
I could only imagine what she was going to do. “Try and behave yourself.” That was like asking a shark not to take a bite out of a tasty swimmer.
From the way Victoria was standing, it looked like she was trying to get the attention of everyone in the room. A few people glanced up, but most were too busy with their food. I reached her in seconds, with Candy right at my elbow.
I pasted a smile on my face, wishing I was wearing something besides the jeans and T-shirt that I’d worn that morning to keg beer. I probably smelled like it, too. At least I’d donned a clean apron. “Welcome to the Allegheny Brew House,” I said.
I’d heard the expression look down your nose at someone numerous times, but this was the first time I’d actually seen anyone do it.
“Hello, Max,” Victoria said. She swept her right arm over her head. “So this is your brewpub.”
“Yes, it is.”
“It’s very quaint.” She didn’t say it like that was a good thing.
Candy nudged me aside, grabbed her hand, and pumped it like she was trying to shake bugs off it. “Oh. My. Gawd. I can’t believe I’m meeting a supermodel. I see your picture in the fashion magazines and . . . oh, I just can’t believe it!”
Philip took a step back in case he was next in Candy’s line of attack.
Victoria’s shocked expression changed to a smile. “Why, thank you very much. You don’t know how much that means to me. To be recognized for my hard work is all that I ever ask for.”
I
could have gagged.
“Max was just telling me how you bought that old painting,” Candy said. “What a wonderful thing to do. I imagine every museum in the world is going to want to display it.”
“Um.” Victoria’s smile faltered. “I don’t . . .”
Candy went on. “Some people would lock that painting up in a vault, but I can tell just to look at you, that you would want to share it with everyone. You seem like such a generous person.”
If I’d have turned around, I was sure I’d have seen Nicole rolling her eyes.
“I can see it now—the famous painting hanging in a special exhibit with your name—in big letters, of course—right next to it,” Candy said.
Victoria’s smile returned. She was warming up to the idea. I could almost see the wheels turning in her head.
“You will be as famous as that painting’s going to be.” Candy beamed.
“That’s exactly what I’m planning to do,” Victoria said.
Philip had a puzzled expression on his face. “Are you sure? That’s not what you said earlier.”
“You must have misunderstood me, Philip. I want everyone to enjoy that painting as much as I do.”
“I’m very glad about that. It would be a shame for a Vermeer to only be used as an investment,” Philip said pointedly.
Touché.
“I’m going to call the Met first thing in the morning and set something up.” She finally extricated her hand from Candy’s and said to Philip, “I’ll leave the painting with you until then, and you can have it shipped to me.” She turned to me. “Would you mind finding us a table?” She gave me a catty smile. “I really miss Jake cooking for me.”
• • •
I made it through the lunch hour and Victoria’s visit without throttling her although I’d been tempted more than once. I even convinced Jake to come out of the kitchen and talk to her. I told him the sooner he did, the sooner she’d leave. I went to my office and stayed there until Nicole let me know the coast was clear. I smiled to myself every time I thought about Candy’s performance. She could have a third career as an actress if she wanted to.
The rest of the afternoon seemed to drag, although we were busy. I was anxious for tonight’s . . . well, I wasn’t sure what to call it. Adventure wasn’t exactly the right word. Nicole had assured me she didn’t mind working a little overtime and staying until the pub closed.
The Deutschmen were slated to perform at seven thirty, so I headed home at five thirty to get ready and take care of Hops. As much as I’d liked dressing up last night, I was glad I didn’t have to do it again. It would be jeans and a sweater tonight. It had been warm all day, but in the last hour clouds had moved in and the temperature dropped a few degrees. I hoped the rain would hold off until after the evening’s events.
Hops wasn’t happy that I was going out again. She latched herself on to my pant leg and I had to peel her off. I told her we’d spend the day together tomorrow but she wasn’t buying it. I finally tossed a few treats into her newly acquired shoe box bed and dashed out.
I was picking up Kristie and Daisy, and Jake was getting Elmer. We were all planning to meet up with Candy and Tommy in the parking lot off Middle Road, which was the designated lot for the amphitheater.
Hartwood Acres was one of several Allegheny County Parks and was located north of the city. It had been the estate of John and Mary Flinn Lawrence until 1969, when Mary sold the property to the county with the stipulation that she could remain there until her death, and that the county would not subdivide or sell the land for development. In addition to the amphitheater, there were numerous hiking and horse riding trails. The big draw, however, was the thirty-one-room Tudor-style stone mansion. It was open for tours and available for special events. It was often a location for bridal showers and receptions. There were a lot of wedding albums containing photos of the bride and groom with the mansion in the background.
I expected the parking lot to be full when we reached it but there were still half a dozen spots, plus the overflow area. I imagined many people had gone earlier in the day when the petting zoo and other activities for children were going on. Either that, or the clouds that were getting darker hour by hour were scaring people away.
Jake and Elmer had arrived before us and were standing beside Jake’s truck. The three of us got out of my car and crossed the lot. Jake nudged Elmer. “Looks like we have the hottest dates in town.”
Elmer grinned. “No doubt about that.”
I gave Jake a kiss and Elmer a hug.
“I hear your ex is in town,” Kristie said to Jake.
“And Candy had a little fun with her,” Daisy added. “I really wish I could have seen that.”
Elmer said, “That would have been a sight to behold. No stickly New York gal can hold a candle to any of yinz.”
Daisy smiled. “Why, Elmer, did you just say something nice? That’s twice in five minutes.”
He winked. “Don’t let that get around. I wouldn’t want to ruin my reputation.”
Just then, Candy pulled her gold sedan into the lot and squealed into a parking space. If Tommy didn’t have whiplash after she slammed on the brakes, I’d be surprised. He was a little pale when he got out of the car and headed our way. He’d dropped his usual British-looking attire and adopted what could only be called Pittsburgh Tourist. Candy must have had something to do with that. I doubted that Tommy would have chosen any of it himself. He wore beige Bermuda shorts, a Pirates T-shirt with an unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt on top, and a Steelers ball cap. The best, however, were the sandals worn with black socks.
Candy looked like her usual black and gold self. They were a perfect couple.
“I hardly recognized you, Tommy,” I said.
“I look ridiculous, I know,” he said. “Candace insisted I wear this getup.”
“Of course I did. You’re supposed to be undercover and look like a tourist.”
“I could have been a dignified tourist. Instead I look like . . . I’m not even sure what to call this.”
“We talked about this. Josef would recognize you in an instant if you dressed like you usually do,” she said.
“What’s your excuse, then?” Elmer asked. “You don’t look any different.”
Candy rolled her eyes. “No kidding. If I looked different, Josef would be sure to suspect something. He’s already seen me and knows this is how I dress.”
I was a little puzzled. “I thought you wanted him to recognize both of you.”
“Change of plans,” Candy said. “If Josef doesn’t realize this is Tommy, he might be more likely to approach me.”
After a brief discussion, we decided that Jake and I would head for the amphitheater first since I’d already told Felix we were going to be there. A few minutes later, Elmer, Kristie, and Daisy would follow. Candy and Tommy would come in last—after the band began playing. Now that we were here, I realized it wasn’t much of a plan. Even if Felix approached Candy and Tommy, he wasn’t going to admit he’d killed Doodle. And unless he could get Candy or Tommy alone, it would be difficult for him to try anything with so many people around. At least I hoped that was the case.
I voiced my concerns to Jake while we walked. “I’m not sure this is going to accomplish anything.”
“It’s worth a try. It’s probably the best way to talk to Felix without him suspecting anything.”
We arrived at the amphitheater area in no time at all. Hundreds of people had gathered on the lawn in front of the stage. Some had spread blankets on the ground, and others lounged in lawn chairs. More than a few had picnic baskets, which was a great idea. We’d have to come back next summer for a concert and make it into a picnic.
The Deutschmen wouldn’t take the stage for another thirty minutes, so Jake and I strolled toward the rear of the stage. We found Bruce, Manny, and Felix unloading sound equipment from a wh
ite van.
“Need some help?” Jake asked.
Manny grinned. “All we can get.”
I introduced Jake and we helped them lug their equipment onto the stage. When I lifted a thirty-pound speaker like it was nothing, Felix looked surprised. I smiled at him. “I’m stronger than I look. I’m used to hauling fifty-pound bags of malt around.”
When we’d finished, Bruce clapped Jake on the back. “Thanks, man.” He shook my hand. “I appreciate the help. At the very least we owe you two a drink.”
We told them we were happy to help and we’d see them after the show. I hoped our assisting them would leave them open to answering a few questions later. I was a step ahead of Jake when we rounded the stage and ran right into Paisley.
“Oh!” she said. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you.”
“I’m sorry, too,” I said. “I didn’t see you, either.”
Paisley studied my face. “Weren’t you at my brother’s funeral?”
“Yes, I was. I’m Max O’Hara.”
“That’s right,” she said. “I’m not so good with names but I never forget a face.”
I introduced her to Jake.
“My sister and I are here to watch the band. They were good friends to Walter and I wanted to come and support them.”
As surprised as I was that Paisley was here, I was even more so that Rhonda had come. This didn’t seem like her kind of event. It might be a good opportunity to find out more about her brother and the other band members.
Jake must have been thinking the same thing because he asked Paisley if she and her sister would like to hang out with us and listen to the band.
Paisley gave him a big smile. “I would love to, but I’m not sure about Rhonda. She said something about sitting backstage, but I’ll ask her. She wanted to see the mansion first.”
We moved off to the side of the stage, where we wouldn’t block anyone’s view. I spotted Kristie, Daisy, and Elmer and waved my arms until they saw me. When they reached us, I introduced them to Paisley.
“Interesting name you’ve got there, young lady,” Elmer said.