by Rose Pressey
She stepped out of my way and I hurried out. When I climbed behind the wheel and looked over, she was still standing at the door staring at me. There was seriously something wrong with her.
Chapter Sixteen
After leaving Coco’s, I headed home. I pulled up in front of my house and cut the engine. Thank goodness I’d made it home safely. I unloaded the items I found and went to the kitchen for a bottle of water.
As I drank I couldn’t stop thinking about Connie’s questions. Where was Julian? Did she know what had happened? Since it was Saturday maybe she had the day off. She could have gone away for the weekend with her new love interest. If so, then she was in for a real shock when she got home. Maybe someone would call her cell phone and share the news. Since this was all speculation, there was only one way to find out.
After a couple rings, Kent picked up.
“I hope you’re not calling to cancel,” he said.
“No, no. It’s nothing like that. I just wondered if you ever found Julian?” I asked.
“You’ve been trying to solve this case, haven’t you?”
“Of course…” Oh, who was I kidding? He knew the truth. “Okay, so I have been thinking about it. There’s nothing illegal about that, right?”
He chuckled. “No, not that I know of.”
“So you don’t mind if I ask if you found her?” I repeated. “Of course you don’t have to answer me if you don’t want to.”
I hoped he found it in his heart to answer me though because otherwise I’d have to find out myself.
“We haven’t found her yet. But we’re working on it,” he said.
“Maybe she went away for the weekend? She does have a new boyfriend. Did you know that?”
Kent laughed again. “Yes, I’m aware.”
I shrugged. “Well, you never know. I just thought I’d give all the info I could think of.”
“And I really appreciate that,” he said.
“It’s important that we find the killer. I mean, people are on edge. Okay, maybe they don’t seem all that worried and maybe they’re still looking at me as if I am a suspect,” I said.
“Don’t let them get to you, Raelynn.”
“So is Julian a suspect?” I asked.
He released a deep breath that I heard through the other end of the line, and then said, “She is a person of interest. But you didn’t hear that from me.”
“Of course not. I don’t have anyone to tell. Although Connie Dayton seems to think that I should share any info that I have.”
“Why do you say that?” he asked.
“She works at Coco’s and I ran into her. When she found out we were having dinner she asked me to tell her what I find out. She likes gossip, I think.”
“You’re not going to tell her anything, right?”
“No, I’m not a gossip. If you tell me to keep something quiet then that’s what I’ll do.” I crossed my index finger over my heart as if he could see me.
“I trust you. So I’ll pick you up around seven?” he asked.
“I’ll be ready.”
After hanging up, I tried to busy myself with a project. I sanded the table that I’d just bought. I’d learned easier methods for sanding now and it didn’t hurt my hands nearly as much. I still ended up with dust in my hair and paint on my clothing.
Next I did a little research on making the chandelier that I’d been drooling over in Coco’s storefront window. It seemed easy enough to make since the glass part was nothing more than Mason jars. The hardest part would be doing the wiring for the actual lights, but that was more time-consuming than anything. As soon as I could round up the supplies I was going to give it a try. What was the worst that could happen? It wouldn’t work?
A few minutes later my phone rang.
“How are you holding up?” Claire Ann asked when I answered.
“I’m keeping myself busy with a few projects,” I said.
“That’s the best thing you can do. I found out about an estate sale here in town. Do you want to go?” she asked.
“That’s like asking if I love chocolate. What kind of question is that? Of course I want to go. You don’t even need to ask.”
“I figured, but just in case you had a hot date or something I thought I’d ask first.”
“My hot date isn’t until tonight.”
“Well, in that case I’ll pick you up in thirty minutes.”
“I’ll be waiting outside with my purse.”
I waited on the front step for Claire Ann. I looked down at the spot where I’d found the award. Had Kent found anything from it yet? It probably took a while to get information like that, but nonetheless I was anxious to find out. After a few minutes, I spotted Claire Ann’s car coming up the road. She pulled in front of the house and I jumped up. It was just in time too because I spotted Doreen walking down the sidewalk toward my house. That woman just never gave up. She was almost at the harassment stage.
After I climbed in the car, Claire Ann pulled out onto the road.
I fastened my seatbelt. “Did you see Doreen back there? Thank goodness I didn’t have to deal with her.”
“She is the ex-mother-in-law from hell.”
“The woman has issues,” I said.
The sale was on the other side of town at a small farmhouse. The woman had lived there by herself since her husband died twenty years ago. They had never had children. When she passed she’d left the home to a friend. The woman had sold the home and was now selling its contents before the new homeowners took possession.
We made it almost to the other side of town when I spotted a car that looked familiar.
“Is that Julian’s car?” I said.
“I think it is,” Claire Ann said.
“The police still haven’t told her about what had happened. She has to know, right? Why hasn’t she talked to the police?” I asked.
“That’s a good question. Do you think she had something to do with the murder?” Claire Ann asked.
“I hate to think she did, but anything is possible. She had been arguing with Luke.” Now I sounded like Connie.
“We need to find out more about her,” Claire Ann said as she steered the wheel.
“We should follow her,” I said.
“I’m on it.” Claire Ann pushed on the gas.
We stayed just behind the car enough so that with any luck Julian wouldn’t notice us. She wasn’t speeding so I was almost sure she had no idea we were following her.
“Where do you think she’s going?” Claire Ann asked.
“I hope not to the estate sale,” I said.
I hoped we didn’t miss the sale because of Julian. It would be worth it though if I could get an idea of what she knew and how she felt about her boss being murdered. She sure hadn’t acted upset about the ex-boyfriend. Her behavior had seemed cold and uncaring when I’d talked with her.
“I think she’s turning into the old abandoned bourbon distillery.” I pointed.
The buildings stood empty, like relics of a past life. Greenery covered most of the structures and weeds surrounded the grounds. Trees arched thick over the road. The car turned into the main drive leading back to the buildings. A maze of paved roads ran through the area. It looked as if it had been years since anyone had travelled them. Some of the roads had gravel paths that sprouted off on the side, calling to visitors to disappear into the unknown.
“We’ll give her a couple seconds and then turn in to see where’s she’s headed,” Claire Ann said.
“Just don’t let her see us.”
“I’ve watched a lot of crime shows where they follow a suspect. That makes me an expert.”
That was like saying I was an expert at solving murders just because I read mystery novels.
We pulled down the drive and saw Julian’s car drive around the back behind one of the buildings.
“We can park over here and walk up to the building,” Claire Ann said.
“Wait. Is that Connie Dayton I saw walking a
round the building?”
“Where?” Claire Ann asked.
“Right there. It is her. What is she doing here?”
“Well, there’s only one way to find out.” Claire Ann shoved the car into park.
We opened the doors and got out. Neither woman had turned around and noticed that they weren’t alone. I hoped we could keep it that way.
Claire Ann and I stayed close to the buildings hoping we wouldn’t be seen. We had to find out what the women were doing. Why would they be at the old distillery? There was nothing here but a bunch of old buildings. I stumbled on uneven pavement. Not to mention the place was unsafe.
We neared the area where Julian had parked her car. The wind carried the sound of female voices, but I couldn’t make out what was being said. Maybe if we got closer we’d be able to listen in on their conversation. Claire Ann motioned for me to step closer.
We peeked around the side of the building. Connie and Julian were talking. They stood close to each other. It didn’t look as if they were arguing but just having a normal conversation. I wished that we could make out what they were saying but there was no way we could get any closer without the women noticing us. All we could do was watch and hope that they talked louder or moved a little closer. It didn’t look as either one of those options were going to happen. I wondered how long they’d known each other.
Claire Ann looked at me and whispered, “We have to find out what they are saying.”
“I know, but I don’t think it’ll be possible.”
Claire Ann looked around. “Aren’t there any closer buildings we could hide behind?”
I shook my head. “No, I think this is it.”
Claire Ann moved a couple steps forward.
“That’s as far as you can go. They’ll see us,” I whispered.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be quiet.” Just then Claire Ann stumbled on uneven pavement and fell to the ground.
“Are you okay?” I reached down and helped her up.
“I’m okay.” Claire Ann brushed dirt from her pants and shirt.
When I peered over at the women again, they were looking around as if they’d heard something.
“I think they heard us,” I said. “We should get out of here.”
Before we had a chance to leave I heard movement. It sounded like footsteps.
“I think they heard us.” I grabbed Claire Ann’s arm.
“We have to get out of here. Where will we go? I don’t think we have time to get to the car before they catch up to us.”
As we rushed in the direction of the car I was trying to process what we would do. There was only one option. We’d have to hide. Luckily Claire Ann had parked the car where I didn’t think Connie and Julian would see it. Now if we could hide from the women they would never know that we’d been spying on them.
Claire Ann motioned for me to step to the right. The buildings were close together and we could slide in and stay close to the buildings. One of the doors was open. Claire Ann motioned for me to follow her inside. The residual smell from the bourbon lingered in the air. It was hard to see where I was stepping since the only light coming in was from the open door.
After several minutes, we peered out from the open door.
“Do you think it’s safe to go out now?” Claire Ann asked.
I shrugged. “There’s only one way to find out.”
My heart thumped in my chest when I thought about the fact that Julian could have been the killer. What if she found us here and decided to do the same to us?
Claire Ann and I made our way back to her car like we were cat burglars. As we crossed the area I was on the lookout for the women, hoping that they weren’t hiding. The last thing I needed was a confrontation with either woman. I had a strange feeling that Connie and Julian had seen us, but it was just a feeling. I hoped that I was wrong.
“That was a close call,” Claire Ann said as she started the car.
“A little too close,” I said.
Now if I could only find out how the women knew each other and what this secret meeting had been about.
Chapter Seventeen
Since I wasn’t sure what the award had looked like, I figured I would call the board of realtors and ask about it. It had looked like a piece had been missing from the award, but unless I saw a picture of what it was supposed to look like, there was no way to be sure. I looked up the number and dialed. I hoped I didn’t sound crazy with my request. Who was I kidding? Of course I would. Who would ever call and ask for something that strange?
After several rings a woman finally answered the phone. She didn’t sound too happy that she’d had to answer my call. “Can you hold, please?” she asked in a clipped tone.
“Sure,” I said. Did I have any choice? I listened to the Muzak as I waited for her to come back to the phone. That was if she came back. Most of the time when I was put on hold the call was mysteriously dropped or they just never came back until I finally gave up and hung up the phone. They made you wait until you were too exhausted to talk.
After another five minutes the woman popped back on the line. “Who are you holding for?”
“Well, I wasn’t holding for anyone. I don’t know who I need to talk to.”
She released a sigh. “How can I help you?”
“I have a rather unusual question.”
I was sure I heard a snort from the other end of the line. She didn’t speak, so I figured that was my cue to continue. “You give an award every year for the realtor of the year in the state.”
“Yes,” she said.
“Would you happen to have a picture of that award? I looked on your website but couldn’t find one.”
She didn’t speak for another few seconds and I wondered if she had hung up on me.
“Hello? Are you still there?” I asked.
“I suppose I could email you a photo.” Her voice was less than excited.
“That would be fantastic,” I said a little too enthusiastically. This woman probably thought I was crazy. I was just glad that she hadn’t asked why I wanted to see the photo. That would be hard to explain.
After I gave her my email address, she promised to send me the photo. Now I worried whether she really would send it and how long it would take.
Based on the amount of time she’d put me on hold I figured it might take a week before she even sent the photo. Nevertheless, I kept hitting refresh on my inbox. I couldn’t do this all night though. I would give her just a few minutes and then I would give up.
After a couple minutes I clicked refresh and the email popped up. Bless her—she had sent it after all. I had underestimated her. I clicked open the email and waited for the photo to download. It took just a couple seconds for the photo to appear on my screen.
I looked closely at the photo. I wasn’t sure what I was looking for exactly. I just knew that there seemed to be a piece missing at the top of the award. It was hard to say for sure because Kent had it. I wasn’t sure what it mattered even if there was a missing piece. Unless I had that piece it meant nothing. It could have been broken a long time ago. Not just when it had been used as a murder weapon. It made a shiver run down my spine just thinking of it.
As I studied the photo, I paid special attention to the top of the award. That was where the missing piece had been on the one I had found. So I had been correct. But now I wondered where that piece was. It was probably missing before Luke’s murder. Then again, it could have broken off in the act. I wondered if the piece was still in Luke’s office. Of course there was no way I could ever get in there to look. I supposed if I found it that wouldn’t prove anything. It would be a pointless trip.
What I really needed to know was who had had access to his office? That was assuming the award had been in his office—it could have been at his home. How it got in my front yard would forever be a mystery. It was hard for me to leave something unresolved. Especially something this important. Asking people who knew Luke might help. I could find out if they’d se
en the award in his office or at his home. That might narrow down the list of people who could have gotten it. From what I’d heard though Luke didn’t know a lot of people. He wasn’t originally from Honeysuckle. He didn’t have a lot of friends.
Staring at the picture wasn’t going to help me, so I closed the email and then shut off my computer. I made a mental note to ask around about Luke’s office, if anyone remembered being in there and if he’d kept the award there. More than likely he had kept it at the office. That would be something he’d like to display for his clients. An award like that would definitely make people want to use Luke as their agent. He’d helped not only people in Honeysuckle, but the surrounding areas as well.
Anyway, it was time for me to get to work. These found treasures wouldn’t redo themselves.
I was still on a mission to find something spectacular. Something that was a real bargain and that would be unique. Things like that didn’t come along often. I had no idea what that something was, but I would know it when I saw it. More yard sales, trash rummaging and thrift stores were in my future.
Chapter Eighteen
Kent and I had a table at the front of the restaurant by the window. It was perfect for looking outside or watching the action inside the restaurant. Though I had to admit I was more interested in looking at Kent. He wore brown pants and a blue shirt that brought out the color of his eyes.
We’d placed orders for pasta and were enjoying a glass of wine. As much as I wanted to ask about the case, I was holding back. I knew he didn’t want to talk about that while on a date. Murder investigations weren’t a romantic topic.
At least I’d found out that the police had tracked down Julian before we’d arrived at dinner. Once we’d stepped through the door of the restaurant I’d decided not to ask any more questions. Tonight would be just about us. No talk of Ross either. He was probably long gone with Charity anyway. I was glad about that too. Now I wouldn’t have to deal with him. Not until he showed up again. He always had a reason to come back around when I didn’t want to see him. The waitress brought our pasta and I dived my fork in. It would be a battle not to get the stuff all over the front of my dress. I paced the white linen napkin on my lap just in case. The pasta so far had remained off my clothing.