“The Springs has a population of over half a million people. No, I didn’t even know of her until last night. That’s not unusual you know.” I bit my tongue. I caught myself wanting to chatter away.
“But, you are holding back something.” He tilted his head like he was trying to get a different perspective. “Might as well just tell me so you can relax.”
“It’s just hearsay and speculation. I don’t have any special knowledge.” A defensive tone crept into my voice. My palms were sweaty and I had an overwhelming urge to fidget but I managed to meet his gaze steadily. At least I think my gaze was steady.
He leaned forward and in a conspiratorial whisper said, “I’ll be careful to note it as hearsay, and since this isn’t a trial I think it’ll be okay.”
I attributed my anxiety to the mutual suspicion with Detective Lawrence last fall. I think Lawrence fitting me for a murder-one arrest left a lasting distrust in me toward the police. I still didn’t trust the detective in front of me, but I took a breath and took the plunge.
“Well okay. It seems that her ex, not sure if it’s ex-husband or just ex-boyfriend, is staying here. Bryce – Caine maybe if they were married. But they didn’t seem on good terms, nearly snarling at each other last night at dinner. Oh, plus there was a guy at dinner...Christopher, I think, with his wife and son. Kara stopped at their table and I overheard him say they must talk through their lawyers. The family clearly disliked her.”
I was quiet so he could catch up with the notes he was scribbling. He glanced up and motioned for me to continue. I told him about the former best friend in the bar who complained about her and the newspaper guy who was plagued by the victim.
“Anything else? Anything at all.”
“Well, talking in the lounge out there I met a colleague of hers, um Preston something. He might provide you more about her ‘cause he seemed to know her. But that’s all I’ve got.” I was able to breathe again.
“Where were you last night, early this morning?”
“After dinner and a stroll to tour the resort facilities, we went to the room for the night. That’s my friend Porsche and I. I got up early and went down for breakfast. I was on my way to take breakfast to Porsche...” I held up the little Styrofoam box with the bagel, “when I got sidetracked talking and now this.”
“We’re going to wrap this investigation up as quickly as possible. The roads have closed so you’re stuck in town, but if you should go to another hotel please notify the station. Forecasts are now predicting this storm system could get much worse.” The wind howled like a wolf again and the windows shook.
Things just keep getting better. Snowed in with a killer roaming the resort. I had the urge to go to the gym and practice the self-defense moves Mason had taught me.
“Um, I noticed there wasn’t any blood in the snow, at least not that I could see. How did she die? I mean, could it be an accident somehow?”
“Not much blood sometimes with this sort of wound. A nail gun to the head and then a dive over the balcony isn’t looking like an accident.”
My vision tunneled and my hearing went muffled. A nail in the head and tossed out in the freezing cold. If one didn’t kill her, the other probably did.
“Ma’am, don’t you faint or anything. Put your head between your knees and breathe deep.” I did as he instructed and finally I recovered, embarrassed and in a hurry to escape the interview. I tried to walk in an assured and sedate manner, but I fear I nearly tripped over my own feet to exit the interrogation...interview.
I entered my room to find Porsche wearing a towel and her hair wet, pacing while talking on the phone.
“I don’t know why she hasn’t called you back and,” She glanced at me, but I shook my head no, “I just got out to the shower but she isn’t here. Probably checking out where the conference will be...I promise I’ll tell her you called...yep, okay.” She hung up my phone and tossed it to me.
Okay, I was going to have to speak to Mason eventually.
“He’s been calling for the last forty-five minutes, even woke me up.” She had her arms crossed.
“Here’s a bagel for you, I couldn’t sleep so I went for breakfast early. Plus, I have two pieces of big news.” I figured she would forget about Mason once she heard about the murder, or at least that was my hope.
“Okay, spill. Don’t think this gets you out of dealing with Mason, girlfriend.”
I walked over to the balcony doors and drew open the drapes to reveal the blizzard in all its fierce fury, and two rather large raccoons huddled in the corner of the balcony in an embrace. My throwing the drapes open had startled them and they starred up at me with big eyes and their ringed tails wrapped around them.
Porsche called the front desk before I stopped looking at the masked visitors with a goofy smile on my face. Snow had already accumulated on the little balcony but it seemed to provide some shelter for the two. I was tempted to try and slip them some food or water, but the front desk insisted we not do exactly that. I closed the drapes part way to give them a little privacy.
“What was the other thing you wanted to tell me besides the storm raging and putting a crimp in the weekend?” She said as she began to get dressed.
“Remember that woman from dinner last night? She was found dead this morning out in the snow”
I made some in-room coffee and Porsche ate her bagel while I told her about my interesting morning.
“So, describe this detective. Don’t leave anything out. Start with how old he is and what he looks like.”
“Ummm, well he’s probably a couple years older than us...I think. And um, he has that blond strong guy thing going for him.” I was terrible at detailing what guys looked like for her. “Oh, and his voice is smooth as silk.”
Her eyes were bright and she was putting on lipstick. I wondered if she could get information on the case from him, just to satisfy my curiosity of course.
“I almost feel sorry for Detective Larson when he interviews you.” I smiled as she threw her hair towel at me.
My phone began ringing and Porsche crossed her arms. I answered the phone without looking.
“Oh, ummmm. Hi. Surprised to hear from you.” I couldn’t believe my ex-boyfriend, Brandon, had suddenly called.
Chapter Four
I mouthed Brandon to Porsche. She relocated to the bathroom and shut the door. Shortly I heard the hair dryer. Porsche had always thought Brandon was a nice guy but not the right fit for me.
“I miss you, Julienne. I don’t know how this went so bad between us so fast.” I ached inside. Not for anything lost, but for a relationship that was ill-fated from the start and for hurting a truly nice and decent guy.
“I thought it was a bit fast when you jumped into Tiffany Davidson’s arms.” I couldn’t help that little barb. I wasn’t that big of a person. But, he had jumped into Tiffany Davidson’s arms. She was only interested in getting even with me for a perceived slight in high school. I had held Mason off thinking Brandon and I still had some issues to settle between us, but Brandon took the easy route.
“It was fast, and died just as quickly.” A few heartbeats of silence followed where I rubbed my eyes. Didn’t he have amazing timing!
Through my talking with a therapist I understood I had dated Brandon because he was so very safe. My abandonment issues from my mother dying of Breast Cancer when I was just a pre-teen made me seek a person who wouldn’t leave. Brandon was that sort of steadfast, stick by your side kind of guy. He was also so practical that he planned my future for me including the number of children he wanted, scrapping my dreams of traveling the world by way of managing resorts globally.
I rested my forehead against the balcony door, the cold on my forehead helped me focus.
“Brandon, I thought we had reached the natural end of our relationship. Remember, we hadn’t been a real couple for months...” My heart was hurting. I didn’t want to go through this again. Especially not when Mason and I were having some issues. “Besides,
we want different things in life. You know that.”
”Can we have coffee and talk. Please.” It wasn’t pleading, but close. I figure he needed closure, and I probably owed him that much. I didn’t think for one minute we would actually work out the major differences in what we wanted in life. Besides, I had realized I didn’t love him in that way, he was more a brother to me.
I watched the chaotic churning dance of the snow at the balcony door, standing so close my breath fogged the glass with every exhale.
“I’m out of town at a conference. It’ll be a few days before I’m back. Maybe we can have coffee and talk after I get back.” I wasn’t just saying it because he needed some closure. Maybe we could clear the air and heal. Healing was good.
He agreed and eventually, after giving me a brief update of his life, hung up.
I glanced at the two raccoons still hunkered in a corner of the balcony. I couldn’t tell where one began or ended for they were entwined for warmth. I marveled at their reaching a second-floor balcony.
Porsche entered dressed in jeans and a lovely coral sweater, makeup in place, and her game face on.
“What did Brandon want? Don’t you dare tell me you’re giving him a second chance.” She glared.
“I think that’s what he would like. But nothing has changed as far as I’m concerned.” The call had dredged up emotions that were warring for attention.
She studied me for a few moments, gauging my mood or something.
“Alright enough of that. I want to get my interview over with so we can get a little shopping in before your conference. It may be our only chance considering the weather.”
Our first stop was Detective Johan Larson and his temporary office of interrogation in the spa.
I waited outside while Porsche was interviewed. There was a steady trickle of people arriving and waiting their turn. Most found it an inconvenience but weren’t too bad about it. Porsche didn’t take long.
Detective Larson walked her to the door and waved me over. I looked behind me, but he was motioning for me. Gulp. I was baffled. What did he want me for? Not to be whiny but being singled out by a homicide detective – well, I’d been there, done that and didn’t want to go back.
“Ms. LaMere, I’d like to talk to you again.” He motioned me inside but didn’t sit. “I understand your conference will be starting up this afternoon. Maybe after they dismiss I could talk to you again?”
Color me shocked. “What? Why me? I mean, did I do something wrong?” I never claimed to speak eloquently. But, I would have appreciated a bit more coherence for my own dignity.
“You might be able to help me. I won’t have eaten and hope to wrap up interviews by the time your initial conference meeting is over. If you don’t mind joining me so I can get a bite while we talk, I would appreciate it.” He was serious, no twinkle in the eye at the mention of joining him for dinner.
“Um, yeah, okay. I guess so.” Think before you speak Julie. Geesh. “Is your eating while we talk where I help you out or is there something else?” Go fish.
“When you’re done just meet me at the Ranchhand restaurant on the first floor.” It was the hotel’s one restaurant that paid homage to being in the Rocky Mountains and the rural west with steaks, buffalo, and some wild game. “I’ll be starved by then. I hope you don’t mind if I eat in front of you?”
“Uh, well no I don’t mind. Seriously, you won’t get anything to eat until then?” I felt a teeny tiny bit sorry for him, but I did notice he sidestepped my question.
That is shy, before Porsche and I left for a little shopping, I ordered eggs and waffles from Kylie and tipped her to deliver them to the spa for Detective Larson. I know I didn’t have to, but maybe whatever his remaining questions were for me would be softened by my goodwill. Or I was trying to get better karma. Hey, a girl could hope.
“What was that about?” Porsche asked on our way out the front door.
“I’m not sure, he said something about helping him. It will be after he is done. He wants discuss it over dinner so he can get something to eat.” The instant we stepped outside the blowing cold was like hitting a glacier.
“Help him. Help the police? I don’t like it, you shouldn’t get involved.” Hmmmm. Was she remembering my past record with homicide detectives, or was she hoping this particular detective was more interested in her?
Either way, I hadn’t even considered saying no, not really.
“I want to find out how he thinks I can help. I like being helpful rather than a suspect.” Which was true, as far as it went. I also wanted the killer among us captured sooner rather than later. Can you blame me?
It was a short walk into town , made treacherous by deep snow and bitter cold, the icy wind cut through even the thickest coats. Coloradans tend to take the weather in stride, so we hadn’t thought much of going into town. We had layers on and were bundled up with heavy coats, ear muffs, knit hats, sub-zero gloves and boots, and thick scarves wound around our necks. Of course, we were burning up inside the shops.
It was a surreal atmosphere, a bit of frenetic energy mixed with a sense of anxiety, as the storm now seemed to worsen.
This was quickly becoming worse than the usual snowstorm. We ducked from one shop into another. Hot cider and hot chocolate were being served up for brave shoppers at several stores. Word was buzzing that this could be the worst storm in a century or more. The town was bracing itself and the locals behind the counters said the grocery stores had nearly bare shelves with everyone stocking up.
We were in the last shop before we planned to return to the resort. It was a clothing boutique with unique items and jewelry.
The sales lady, who I suspected was the owner, struck up a conversation with us. When she heard we were from Alpine Sun, she asked, “I hear there was some excitement at your place. What happened?” She had a pleasant smile, but her eyes were alive with curiosity.
“Oh, well the police are looking into something. I don’t know if we’re supposed to talk about it. Ongoing investigation and all.” I tried to sidestep.
“I hear it was Ms. Caine found dead in the snow. What a horrible way to go.” Oh yeah, small town grapevine and all. It was likely the talk of the town.
“You knew her then?” I said with a casual air.
“Oh, she shopped in here two days ago and seemed very pleasant. We had a good chat.” Hold on one little minute. Pleasant?
Porsche and I exchanged stunned looks.
“That’s a little surprising, she didn’t seem in a good mood last night when I saw her. She was a bit...out of sorts. Did she share anything with you that might explain her bad mood?” I couldn’t resist myself.
“She didn’t mention anything, just cheery and nice as could be though.”
Porsche leaned across the glass counter displaying jewelry. “I met your charming Detective Larson this morning.” She smiled like a cat with cream.
The sales lady chuckled, “Oh isn’t he just a yummy morsel.” She waggled her eyebrows at Porsche. “He isn’t dating, but if you are so inclined I should give you fair warning, every single gal in a twenty-mile radius has tried to catch his eye without any luck.”
I paid for the army green tee shirt with the emblem on the front of the famed 10th Mountain Division soldiers who trained nearby in mountain climbing and skiing before going on to fight historic mountain battles in WWII. My Uncle Lars would love it. I doubted I would get out to see the statue in town that commemorated the historic troop.
All in all, our whirlwind shopping spree was successful. We found a few lovely sweaters. I found some fun and flirty earrings for my cousin Felicia, got some Vail branded sweatshirts for Uncle Lars and cousin Loring, and found a classic apron for Aunt Regina that I knew she would love. Porsche found some items for her family back East. They were all reduced for blizzard customers. Bonus!
We weren’t the last people left in town, but close as the stores were all closing up to ensure employees and owners got home safely to ride out the s
torm.
We couldn’t get back to Alpine Sun fast enough once we gave up on shopping and followed the exact route Porsche and I had walked down on our way into town. The white landscape provided little in the way of direction or landmarks.
The doormen rushed out to help us the last twenty feet barely, an hour after we had left. Porsche and I waded through deep drifted snow around the front, holding our shopping bags high. The ground floor was full of guests. I raised my eyebrows in question at the doorman helping me with my coat.
“As the storm gets worse people have been congregating around the lobby.” He shrugged.
The lobby was crammed full with a hundred or so people all anxious about the storm, now predicted to be far worse than originally thought. It was like a holding pen as people restlessly milled about. The mingling of colognes and aftershaves was headache inducing.
The manager, looking haggard and drained, appeared and raised his hands for quiet. Porsche and I drew closer to the crowd to hear him.
“You may have already heard that all major roads have been closed. The radio reports extremely hazardous road conditions. We can’t force anybody to stay, but we’re strongly advising everyone to stay and not attempt to leave. The tourist part of town has just closed shops and only vital town services will be open. Cell service may be spotty since the networks are being overloaded. Please inform your family or friends that you may be detained due to the weather.”
“Will there be enough food for all of us?”
“Will the power stay on?”
The manager held his hand up again to quiet the questions coming fast. “If the forecasts hold true, we’ll have plenty of food. If the public utilities should have any outages we have backup power sources that will kick in.”
“What about the murder, have the police caught the killer?”
“Yeah, are we still going to be hounded and questioned since we’re stuck here?”
Really, that’s what the man asked. As if that were something to worry about. Hello, we’re stuck here with a killer lose. Bigger issue at stake.
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