While Teresa and I ate the dinner provided for the staff by the kitchen, she grilled me. “So why are you working?"
"Why else? Money.” I wasn't about to announce I was investigating a series of deaths I believed had been murders.
"Why here? Didn't you work at the local hospital for years? Surely they would have taken you back."
Fortunately, I had prepared answers for this sort of question. “I'm sure they would have, but frankly, the pace was too hectic. I retired because the workload exhausted me."
She nodded. “I imagine your pension plus Social Security is enough to cover your usual expenses, but you have to budget for extras. Not this woman. I'm socking away every penny so my retirement will be comfortable."
I studied the food on my plate. What did she mean by comfortable? “I've a question. Do you always do meds?"
She nodded. “Unless I want a change of pace. Comes from working with Molly. She hates doing them. Did she tap you last evening?"
"Yes. She said it would help me learn the patients. She was right. Why doesn't she like giving them?"
"She said making a mistake is too easy and she doesn't want to be blamed if there's a problem. There shouldn't be if one is careful.” Teresa rose. “Time for six o'clocks. Then the families descend with questions, complaints and some not-so-helpful suggestions for care. Listen, be polite and completely ignore the suggestions."
"I hear you."
* * * *
Once again, I slept late. The night had been so warm I'd left the windows open. The sound of an angry male voice pulled me from the bed. I dashed to the window. Though I couldn't see what was happening, I noticed Marcus’ sleek sedan parked at the curb. I pulled on a caftan, grabbed the portable phone and hurried downstairs.
Marcus stood on the porch. “I want them and you're coming to the bank with me. Now."
"I won't give Gran's diamonds to your wife."
"But you will give some pieces to my daughters."
"And I might sell some, too."
He grabbed her arm. “If you think so little of my mother's gift, you don't deserve them. Sophie will treasure the diamonds, especially the set she sent me to get. She worked hard to earn them. You have no idea how cruel Mother was to her."
Jenna stepped back. “I don't believe Gran would be cruel to anyone. Did you ever see her mistreat your wife?"
Marcus shook his head. “In front of an audience, hardly. Mother wouldn't let other people see, but Sophie told me how Mother insulted her."
"Did you ever think Sophie could have lied?"
"Why? My wife thinks you're finding it funny dangling the diamonds as some kind of prize."
Jenna's hands rested on her hips. “That's not true. I wish Gran had done anything with them except leave them to me. I'll share with your daughters when they're old enough. They are also granddaughters. I thought they'd be pleased."
A pained expression arose on his face. “Heather thought you were nice. Tammy laughed and taunted her mother."
"Why?” Jenna asked.
"Why not give them their share now?"
"And watch Sophie claim then. I don't think so."
"Jenna, I really need them. I'll have them even if I have to drag you to the bank."
I stepped onto the porch and waved the portable phone. “Marcus Garner, I warned you about coming on my property and bullying Jenna. Leave or I'll call the police. Then I'll get a restraining order. Won't people talk about that."
He stomped off the porch. “You don't understand."
He was right. I didn't see why he needed those diamonds so desperately. If I could learn the reason maybe I would know more about what had really happened to Martha. He wouldn't tell me. I would have to mull this over. Until he drove away, I remained on the porch.
Jenna followed me into the hall. “He's acting like a crazy man. Why is he so worked up about Gran's jewelry?"
"Maybe because Sophie has demanded them.” That was the only reason I could imagine but it didn't seem strong enough.
"With all he inherited, he could buy her a load of diamonds,” Jenna said.
"Maybe he's cheap.” I frowned. Hadn't I heard Sophie mention he planned to buy her diamonds in modern settings? Of course, that could have been talk.
Jenna laughed. “Maybe he feels purchasing more would be a waste with all the glitter that's locked in my box."
"Were there specific pieces he asked for?"
She nodded. “A necklace like those Egyptian collars with diamonds instead of other gems, the bracelet and earrings that match. If he and Sophie hadn't been so nasty, I might have forked them over.” She reached for her apartment door. “Are you free for dinner tomorrow evening? Richard says he'll have most of the information you want. I'm doing the red sauce with chicken."
"I'm free and I am interested in what he's discovered.” I paused on the stairs. “Are you two becoming serious?"
"Maybe. He says he really likes me and he'll give me all the time I need to figure what I want."
"Smart man."
"And totally wonderful.” She met my gaze. “What will I do if he discovers I'm not the kind of woman he can love?"
"Get that idea out of your head. You're an amazing young woman. Any man would be lucky to land you."
"Thanks.” She entered her apartment.
* * * *
By Saturday afternoon, I felt refreshed. I'd taken my early walk and ended at the river. I noticed the sold sign in front of the ranch house. Though I loved my Victorian, this house had always appealed to me. Oh well, I thought and walked home.
Twice Jenna popped in for advice on the dinner she planned. I promised to bring garlic bread.
That afternoon, she caught me in the yard. “How long should I cook the pasta?"
"Start it before I come down and I'll check. Is Louise eating with us?"
"She went upstate with her boyfriend.” Jenna toed the grass. “That's one of the reasons I invited you. I'm not sure I'm ready for an evening alone with Richard."
"I refuse to play chaperone until he's bored and goes home. Are you afraid he'll make a move or that he won't."
She giggled. “Maybe both. It's that other than my dad, Gran and you, I've never had people who cared. Dad's cousin was nice, but she had her own children to fuss over. I think Richard cares for me. I'm scared. What if I blow my chances with him?"
"Do you think you're worthy of love and happiness?"
For a long time, she was silent, then she met my gaze. “I am. Yes, I am. You can stay until after he shows you what he's learned about the people. I'm ready to take a chance."
"Good for you. I definitely won't leave until I learn what I want to know. I've been meaning to ask you something about the accident. Your uncle said something that puzzles me."
"What?"
"That Sophie saw the accident from her front window. Pete said she arrived after he did."
"I don't remember seeing her.” She closed her eyes. “Wait a minute. “She was at Gran's. Mark brought her when he came to pick me up. They were arguing."
"Did you hear what they said?"
She shook her head. “She jumped out of the car and screamed that she'd find her own way home and that he'd be sorry when she finished with him. He yelled at me to move it if I wanted a ride. When I asked what was wrong, he said that Sophie was stupid and so was his dad. I got in the car and he sped out of the driveway."
"Then what happened?” I wondered what Mark had meant about Sophie and his father. Had Martha learned what he'd meant?
"He tore down the street. I screamed for him to slow down, but he didn't. I was crying. I wanted him to stop so I could get out. When he reached the corner, he yelled that I could get out, but he skidded and rammed into the tree. I crawled from the car and started screaming and a policeman came. He called an ambulance."
"I wonder why she lied."
"Bet she didn't want Uncle Marcus to know she and Mark had a fight or that she was with him.” Jenna's eyes widened. “There
was lipstick on his tee shirt and scratches on his face. Maybe they were involved. She was about five or six years older than him. He hung at their house a lot. Gran always said Sophie didn't love anyone but herself."
Jenna's story filled in a few details of the accident but didn't add any clues to my current puzzle. I entered the house. “Time for you to get back to your dinner. See you at six."
"Come early and see if the sauce is all right."
"Will do. Expect me at five to six.” I stopped in the foyer and inhaled the scent of garlic. “Smells great. When I come down, I'll add my special ingredient, but you have to promise not to talk."
She laughed. “My lips are sealed."
* * * *
Shortly before six, I walked downstairs. I handed Jenna the garlic bread. “This needs to go in the oven for ten minutes.” I followed her to the kitchen. While she took care of the bread, I added some of the red wine I'd brought to the sauce and stirred.
"Is that all?” Jenna asked.
I tasted the sauce, added the remainder and tasted again. “The secret is in the taste. I don't know how much to tell people to add since each time the sauce is made, there are subtle differences."
She blew on a spoonful and sipped. “I'll remember."
The doorbell rang. I tested the pasta and drained it. Jenna and Richard entered the kitchen. I found a bowl for the pasta and added the sauce. Jenna took the bread and chicken from the oven. Richard produced a bottle of wine and filled our glasses. The salads were already on the table.
We served ourselves and began to eat. Though my curiosity nearly peaked, I didn't ask Richard to divulge what he'd learned. The time for the information would be after dinner. Jenna and I compared stories of school. Richard amused us with some courtroom tales,
When we finished, Richard and Jenna cleared the table and stored the leftovers. Their teamwork was splendid. After Jenna poured coffee for three, we went to the living room.
I'd waited long enough. I turned to the young lawyer. “What did you discover?"
He pulled several computer printouts from his jacket pocket. “Here are the sizes of the estates and what each of the inheritors received.” He opened a second sheet. “Here's what I could uncover about their pre-inheritance financial status."
I compared both his lists to mine and crossed out several names. As I had suspected there were eight names remaining. Had all or none been murdered?
Richard pointed to three of the remaining names. “They died shortly after making new wills."
Was this a significant factor in their deaths? The estates varied from several hundred thousand dollars to Martha's millions. I made a mental note to ask Robby for the last name of his classmate. I also needed to learn when Molly and Teresa had begun to work at Hudson House. Most of all, I wanted to see the charts. That meant confiding my suspicions to Pauline. How would she react? Should I speak to her on Monday or snoop further?
I folded the paper. “Thanks. This helps."
"With answers?” Richard asked.
"Actually, raises more questions."
Jenna rose. “When will you tell us exactly what's going on?"
"Over dessert."
Jenna went to the kitchen and returned with slices of cake. I recognized the recipe, using pound cake and sweetened ricotta cheese. Instead of candied fruit and pistachio nuts, I used chocolate chips and walnuts. I tasted and saw she had. “Perfect."
"Thanks to your new recipes. What about a cookbook?"
"Many of these aren't my own recipes. I'll make copies for you if you want. That's my only offer."
Richard turned to me. “Just what do you plan to do with this information?"
"If I discover there have been murders, I'll go to the police and let them take over."
Jenna raised an eyebrow. “Will you? From what Pete said, you tend to jump into the middle of the action."
"Perhaps my overprotective friends see it that way, but it's the police unless I have to act to prevent another murder."
Richard patted my hand. “Be careful."
"Always."
Jenna frowned. “At least tell someone what you plan before you charge into a mess."
"I will.” I savored the last bite of the dessert. “I do have to go."
"When do you work again?” Jenna asked.
"Next Friday, Saturday and Sunday."
"Won't three days in a row exhaust you?” Jenna rose.
"I'll manage."
They walked me to the door. Richard slid his arm around Jenna's waist. I smiled. Though I'd once sworn off matchmaking, the sight of the pair pleased me.
* * * *
The next morning when the Duggans arrived to take me to church, I slid into the back seat beside Robby. His fair hair I was sure his mother had combed now went its own way.
He grinned. “Hi, Grandma Mrs. Miller."
Pete chuckled. “Silly name."
I snorted. “Don't listen to him. I remember when he called me Second Mom."
"Got me,” Pete said.
"Robby, I need to ask you a question."
He looked up. “Sure."
"Remember the day I adopted you?"
He nodded. “Yeah, that was cool."
"What's the boy's last name? The one who was happy his grandmother had died?"
"Cifon."
I drew a deep breath. That was one of the eight names remaining on my list.
"Why do you want to know?” Pete's voice bristled with concern. “Are you fixing to do something rash?"
"Hardly. I'm just trying to connect some dots."
He pulled into a parking space a half block from the church and pinned me with a stare. “Are you aiming to emulate the cat? You know what happens to a curious one."
"Not a bit.” I opened the door.
Beth winked. “Not even the one with nine lives?"
"Now that one I'll take under consideration."
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter 8
~
Initial Diagnosis
-
As I was about to start my second week at Hudson House, an excited Lars called. As soon as I heard his deep voice, I settled on the window seat. “I hear good news in your voice."
"I'm officially retired. Untangled the last of the mess left by my daughter, her husband and my assistant. The Santa Fe office is closed and I've sold another house."
"Busy man."
"I just want to come home and be with you and my children and grandkids."
"Which house?"
He groaned. “Not Bonnie's. I'm negotiating with several organizations about turning it into a museum. Even agreed to put in a new road."
I closed my eyes and envisioned Casa Del Oro, the golden house. When the sun shone on the pyrite-flecked adobe, the house had glowed. “Sounds like a workable plan."
"I'm hoping. By the way, I have a surprise for you.” His voice held a teasing tone.
"What?"
"I'll show you when I arrive."
"Lars, tell me now. You know how I hate surprises."
He laughed. “You'll have to wait, but I think you'll love it."
Robespierre settled beside me. Since I know the only way I would learn about this secret was to blindside Lars, I changed the subject. “Where are you staying?"
"For now at Bonnie's. Maria and I are clearing out the place. Then she's returning to Mexico to rule her family."
"You'll miss her."
"Not as much as I miss you."
That was a sweet thought and warmed me. “What about the condo at the resort?” I fondly remembered our time there and wished we hadn't left because of Bonnie's faked kidnapping.
"I'm keeping the place. Tell your real and adopted family members if they need an inexpensive vacation spot, they're welcome to stay there."
"I will. That's generous of you.” I stroked Robespierre who rumbled in response to my touch.
"Any new happenings on the home front?” he asked.
I hesitate
d. How much should I tell him about the mysterious deaths at Hudson House and my current employment as a nurse? “Not much."
"That's not what I hear."
Now I saw what he wanted to know. The phone call had been triggered by one of my over-concerned friends. Was he going to argue me out of my quest for the truth? “Let's see. Jenna has Martha's diamonds. Marcus wants them for Sophie. He dropped by and badgered Jenna. I think he has another purpose for the jewelry."
"Kate, explain."
"Just a suspicion based on a conversation I overheard. I don't think Sophie wants them. She wants Marcus to buy her new jewelry."
Lars growled. “Will you let this be?"
"Will you tell me how you plan to surprise me?"
"No."
"That's my answer, too.” Would he look away if he were sure a series of murders had taken place? “I'll do what I have to do."
He groaned. “You always do. Kate, I love you. I want to marry you. If you're dead, I can't."
His comment made me choke on a laugh. “I promise to remain alive."
He chuckled. “I can live with that. Look for me to be home by the middle of June. We'll set a wedding date."
"We'll discuss the possibility. If we marry, you will not be my keeper. Who knows, you might find dead bodies interesting."
"You are too much."
We chatted a bit longer. Though I tried again to learn how he planned to surprise me, I failed. He also failed to persuade me to give up the chase. No matter how hard he argued, I couldn't step aside, not and feel proud of myself."
* * * *
On Friday, I began the three day stretch and wondered who would be on duty with me. When I reached the office for report, I saw Teresa was on tonight. Did that mean I would be working with Molly on Saturday and Sunday?
There had been changes in the patient population since the last time I had worked. Two of the residents who had been here for extensive physical therapy following knees surgery had been discharged. The two new admissions were ones requiring extensive nursing care.
As I made rounds, I encountered a visitor. She stood outside one of the rooms with her back pressed against the wall. Her hands covered her mouth and muffled choked sobs.
Hudson House Murders [Book 4 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] Page 10