“So, I take it the date went well?”
“It was horrible. The guy ended up being a complete jerk. He was rude to the waiter, kept texting on his cell phone throughout dinner, and then suggested they go Dutch when the bill came. Emily paid her half then headed home, crying her eyes out. To top it all off, she got a flat tire on the highway and had to pull over. The battery in her cell phone had died, so she couldn’t call for help. Then, like an angel from heaven, someone pulled over and offered to change the tire for her.”
“Please tell me it was Paul.”
“You bet it was. But, the most amazing thing of all, he’d never changed a tire before.”
“Never?”
“At first Emily thought he was crazy. He was wearing a crisp white button down shirt with a purple tie and fancy shoes that looked like they’d just been polished. But wouldn’t you know, he managed to change that damn tire. And Emily fell in love that night.”
“Paul seems like quite a guy.”
Linda narrowed her eyes at me. “Why do you say it like that?”
“What did I say?”
“There was something in your tone,” she said, setting her bread on the plate. “You don’t like Paul, do you?”
I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
Linda rested her elbows on the table and leaned forward. “Sarah, something is going on. What are you not telling me?”
I looked away, my cheeks getting hot. Linda knew me too well, even after all these years. “Shit.”
“What does that mean?” she asked.
“Emily asked me not to say anything to you. She didn’t want you to worry.”
Linda looked at me as if I’d just shot her in the leg. “Is Emily in trouble?”
“Maybe. But if I tell you, you have to promise me you won’t say anything to Paul.”
“Fine, I won’t say anything.”
I took a deep breath and let it out. “She thinks Paul is putting something in her tea.”
It took a few seconds. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“What do you think I’m saying?”
She leaned in and lowered voice. “That he’s trying to kill her faster?”
I nodded. “I’m sorry I lied to you.”
Linda covered her face with trembling hands. “Oh, no. I think I’m gonna be sick.”
I caught Benjamin’s attention from across the room and signaled for our check.
He returned a minute later to find Linda’s face still buried in her hands. I handed him a credit card. “My friend isn’t feeling well. Can we take our entrée’s to go, please.”
He bowed as if he understood and walked away.
Linda wiped her eyes and composed herself. “I refuse to believe it. Paul would never do that. He loves Emily more than anything in the world.”
“I know it’s hard to believe.”
“Why would he do such a thing?”
“Money. He’ll get two million in life insurance when she’s gone. Did you know they’ve been struggling financially?”
“I thought Emily got a huge severance package when she left work.”
“It’s gone. They’re in jeopardy of losing their house.”
“They never said a word to me about any of this. But even so, Paul wouldn’t do it. Do you have any proof he’s trying to hurt her?”
“Not yet. But Emily told me there’s eight hundred dollars missing from their joint bank account.”
“I just can’t believe Emily hired you to spy on her husband. She suspects him of poisoning her, which, by the way, doesn’t make any sense. Poison her with what?”
I explained the acetaminophen situation, but Linda dismissed the idea.
“Look,” I said. “I know this must come as a shock, but you have to look at it from Emily’s point of view.”
Linda closed her eyes. “If Paul had any idea what you guys were up to, it would crush him.” When she opened her eyes, they were red and teary. “Even if I could, I wouldn’t have the heart to tell him.”
I let out a breath of relief. “Thank you.”
“No wonder you kept asking questions about Paul the other night. I knew something was up, but could never have guessed it was this bad.”
“I asked those questions because Paul was your patient. I was looking for some insight.”
“I’m bound by an oath. My livelihood depends on it.”
“What about the life of a dear friend? Is it worth that?”
Linda’s eyes narrowed. “If I really thought Paul was capable of hurting someone, I’d tell you. But since I believe in his innocence, I refuse to break that pledge.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gotten you involved by asking questions.”
“So Benjamin was just a big lie to throw me off track?”
“Like I said, Emily didn’t want you to worry. Please don’t be upset with her. She’s probably going to fire me when she finds out I told you.”
“I feel like a complete fool. No wonder you hadn’t found her brother … it was because you were never looking for him to begin with. And here I thought I was helping.”
“Emily hates her brother. I’m not exactly sure why, but she’d rather die than see his face. I was kind of curious to meet him tonight.”
“But this sucks. How will Emily get better? Benjamin was her last chance.”
“She’s still on the donor list. You can’t give up hope.”
A few minutes later, Benjamin returned with the receipt. “Thank you, ladies. Please come again.”
Linda barely said a word on the ride home. When we got to my apartment, she pulled up to the curb, but didn’t look at me when I opened the door. “Linda, I’m so sorry.”
Her expression was solemn. “I just need time to process this. I’m not mad at you, Sarah.”
I gave her a hug. “I just want to do the right thing for Emily.”
“I hope you can prove Paul is innocent.”
There wasn’t much else to say. I exited the vehicle and watched her drive off.
When I got home, Max was on the couch with the laptop in front of him. He glanced at his watch, then back at me. “You’re home earlier than I expected. By that look on your face, things didn’t go so well.”
I kicked off my shoes and joined him. “Benjamin wasn’t the brother. Long story short, Linda knew something was up so I told her the truth.”
“What did she say?”
“She thinks the idea of Paul hurting Emily is complete bullshit.”
“According to our surveillance, I tend to agree with her. I’ve been going over the footage, watching every move he makes, and I’m positive he’s not adding anything to her tea or water. Granted, he could have tampered with the tea bags weeks ago. He could have cut the top of the pouch, inserted the acetaminophen powder, and sealed it back up.”
I pondered that for a moment. “If that’s the case, we’re wasting our time with the surveillance.”
“Yep.”
“I’ll call Emily first thing in the morning and arrange to go over there and inspect the tea. If we open one up and find some white powder in there, we’ll have our proof.”
Chapter 16
I called Emily around eight the next morning, but she didn’t answer. I left a message for her to call me back.
She was going to flip when I explained the situation with Linda.
Max climbed out of the shower, his toned body glistening with moisture. “Did you get a hold of Emily?” he asked, eyeing the cell phone in my hand.
“She didn’t answer. If she doesn’t get back to me in a few hours, I’ll try her again.”
“I’ll be busy most of the day, but if she wants us to remove the cameras tomorrow, that would work for me.”
“Thanks. I’ll find out and let you know.”
“Don’t worry, Sarah. You’re very close to figuring things out. If there’s one thing you’re good at, it’s deductive reasoning.”
“It appears the only thin
g I’m good at is knowing how to botch an assignment.”
“Look, I gotta run.” He slipped a cotton t-shirt over his head and zipped up his jeans. He kissed my cheek as he slipped past me. “I’ll see you tonight, okay? Don’t worry about Emily. She’ll understand.”
When Max left, I decided to go for a run to kill some time, carrying my cell phone with me in case Emily called back. Fort-five minutes later, she still hadn’t called.
I tried to convince myself she was just sleeping late. If she’d left the house, she would have had to walk through the kitchen to get to the garage door. The surveillance confirmed she hadn’t.
By 9:45, I was officially worried.
I decided to drive to her house.
* * *
Hector’s red pick-up truck was parked in front of Emily’s house again. I drove past the house to get a glimpse of the backyard. No Hector. I circled the neighborhood once, came back, and parked across the street.
I checked my phone again: 10:13 a.m. and still no call from Emily.
I lowered my window and examined the property, searching for the elusive landscaper.
Was he inside using the facilities?
Should I sit in my car and wait, or go knock on the door?
I was going to dial her number when I heard a sound and looked up. Emily’s front door opened and Hector walked out, yet I didn’t see Emily at the door. I sunk down in my seat as Hector continued up the walkway and hopped into his truck.
I had the good sense to take a few snapshots of his license plate as he drove off.
As soon as his truck was out of site, I rushed to the front door and depressed the doorbell.
I waited.
Then I knocked.
I reached down to try the doorknob. It was unlocked so I opened the door and peeked inside.
“Emily? Are you here? It’s Sarah.” I waited a few seconds with no reply. “Emily? Hello?”
I heard a sound.
Emily’s face came into view and I breathed a sigh of relief.
“Sarah?” She walked toward me, wrapping the robe around her.
“I’m sorry to barge in like this. I was really worried. I called you several times. The door was unlocked.”
Emily motioned me into the house. Her eyes were red, and her skin blotchy. “I’m sorry. I just woke up. Paul must have forgotten to lock up when he left for work this morning.”
“You just woke up?”
“I heard you yelling my name. I was still in bed.”
“Sleeping?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
“Well, I noticed the landscaper was here. I just saw him walk out your front door.”
“You mean he was inside the house?”
“You didn’t let him in?”
“I had no idea he was even coming to work today. I thought he was done. Anyway, he probably just needed to use the bathroom.”
“So it doesn’t bother you that he just waltz’s into your house to use the facilities without asking?”
“Don’t worry, Hector wouldn’t steal anything.”
“I didn’t say he would.”
“Is there a specific reason you stopped by?” she asked, but then her eyebrows shot up in fear. “Oh no. Did you see something on the surveillance? Did Paul—”
“No,” I interrupted. “Nothing yet. This has to do with Linda.”
“What about her?”
“She knows the real reason you hired me.”
Emily blinked a few times. “What? How?”
“I’m sorry. Linda is very good at reading me. She sort of figured things out. She called me up yesterday, all excited because she thought she’d found Benjamin. So she made dinner reservations at a place in Cambridge. I had to play along.”
“So it wasn’t him?”
“No. He was African-American.”
Emily walked to the counter and grasped the edge as if she might pass out. “Well, this is not good. Linda might say something to Paul.”
“She promised not to.”
“What do we do now?”
“Do you mind if I take a look at your tea?”
“My tea?”
“I’d like to see if its been tampered with.”
“I … I guess so. It’s right over there in the basket.”
I picked up the box of Liver Detox Herbal Tea, but noticed the plastic wrapping was still intact. “This box is brand new?”
“Paul must have picked up another one at the store last night.”
“Great.”
Emily eyes widened. “You think he put the acetaminophen inside of the tea bags?”
“I don’t know. But there’s no way to prove that now.”
“So what does this mean?”
“Either your husband is innocent, or he’s extremely savvy.”
She sighed. “In other words, we’re back to square one?”
“At this point, I only see two options. If you really feel like your life is in danger, leave this house as soon as possible. Go stay with your parents.”
“What will I tell him?” she asked.
“Tell him you need a change of scenery.”
“And option number two?”
“Just ask him.”
“Ask him what?”
“Look into his eyes and ask him why he’s hurting you. You’ll catch him off guard.”
“Why would he ever admit it?”
“He won’t have to say a word. You’ll see the truth in his eyes.”
“Isn’t there a third option? I could just tell Paul I don’t like tea anymore.” Her fragile smile confirmed she was joking, but the dismal tone in her voice nearly broke my heart.
“Sure,” I said. “You could continue living in fear, but you’ll always wonder what his next trick will be.”
“How about the police?”
“You could get them involved, too, but without any hard proof, they can’t do anything to Paul.”
She nodded. “You’re right. I should call my parents. I made a promise long ago never to ask them for help. Now, it seems I have no other choice.”
I hung my head. “I wish I could have helped you find some answers.”
Emily touched my shoulder. “You did everything you could.”
“Max says he can come back first thing tomorrow to collect the cameras. Will that work for you?”
“That’s fine. I’ll need another day to get my affairs in order.”
I wanted to reach out and hug her but I got the sense she wanted to be left alone. With nothing more to propose, I said good-bye.
Chapter 17
Had I done everything I could do to help Emily?
There was still something nagging me; an idea that wasn’t fully developed.
We’d spent so much time focused on Paul, I hadn’t even considered the fact that someone else might be involved.
I retrieved my cell phone from my purse and called Carter.
“Hello, Sarah.”
“I need another favor,” I said. “Can you look into someone for me? I only have a name and a license plate number.”
“Who is this person?”
“Emily’s landscaper. There’s something not right about him. Emily doesn’t even know his last name. Apparently, Hector and Paul barter services between them.”
“I’ll see what I can do. Should have something for you in a few hours.”
“Thanks. By the way, we’re done with the surveillance. Martha is ready to come home.”
“If Paul is parked at his office, I’ll go get her right now. Where are you?”
“I’m still in Emily’s driveway, but I’m heading to the mall for a few hours. I need to clear my head.”
“Alcoholics drink … you spend money.”
“It’s my only vice.”
“Don’t take your troubles out on the credit card, Sarah.”
“Thanks. I’ll take that under advisement.”
The New Chester Mall was an upscale indoor shopping plaza housing delicatessens,
coffee shops, and my favorite clothing stores. I enjoyed going there in the winter months, walking around for hours while gazing at all the things I wanted, but couldn’t afford. I’d been on a tight budget since my divorce, but it didn’t hurt to look. Well, sometimes it hurt a little.
I parked outside Macys. As I was getting out of my car, a black sedan pulled into the spot next to mine.
I made my way toward the department store, passing by the vehicle. The fact that it was a Cadillac didn’t register at first, but when I noticed the driver wearing a baseball cap, my stomach clenched.
I kept walking, wondering if he’d follow me.
As I approached the store’s double doors, the reflection in the glass confirmed my fears. I opened the door and slipped inside, then made my way through isles of clothing. I got to the infant department, stopped and looked around, and felt utterly foolish for my paranoia.
The guy was nowhere to be found.
That’s when I heard the voice.
“Hello, Sarah Woods.”
I spun around. He was standing next to a rack of baby dresses. At first I didn’t recognize his face, but then pictured him without the baseball cap. It was the pilot I had met in the emergency room after stealing the tapes from Gavin’s house. “Hey, it’s you,” I said[JG2] .
He smiled and pointed at my foot. “By the speed you’ve been walking, I assume those dog bites have healed up just fine?”
I was too stunned to speak.
His eyes flickered with amusement. “I’m glad you’re okay. I was concerned about you.”
I looked down at his hands. “What about your finger? I don’t see any bandages.”
He raised both hands in front of his chest. “Okay, you got me. I never cut my finger.”
I took a few steps back and glared at him. “Then why were you at the hospital that night?”
“Can I buy you a cup of coffee?”
Sarah Woods Mystery Series (1-6) Boxed Set Page 43