“My bet for Robbie’s murder is still Andrew Martinez,” Faith said. “That would make sense. But as for threatening Capability for money? That doesn’t sound right. Unless…” Her imagination began to kick in. “He just wants to destroy this whole place and get it shut down. Because as far as I know, Robert Lewis Senior hasn’t pulled out of the senator race for later in the year. So maybe he just wants to break him down as much as possible. Really mess with his mind. Wouldn’t that then make sense that he’d attack Capability in the garden, when the cameras were there, too? And then send threatening notes, hoping it will make the news. To make Robbie’s Springs of Hope, and the whole of Paradise Falls, look like a disaster. And to put so much pressure on Robert Lewis Senior that he has to bow out?”
“That does make sense,” Nathan said. “But you know, there are two people we’re overlooking. Two people who are always around.”
“Janice and Tabby?” said Faith doubtfully. “But… I don’t know. What would they have to gain from all this?”
Laura grinned. “Maybe one of them is a psycho stalker. She tried to woo Robbie, and the rejection led her to murder. Then she tried the same with Capability, got nowhere, and decided to take her revenge, framing it on the kids.”
“Then why are Nathan and Max so safe?” Faith said with a grin. She gave Nathan a mock-warning look. “Watch out, babe, you’re next.”
Laura made wide eyes. “You joke, Faith, but we might actually be right. But my money’s on Janice. That’s why Max is safe.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Faith said. “It sounds a little out there.”
They all quietened down for a while, watching the waves lap up on the sun-warmed shore. The sun was in that glorious evening-time gold, and the whole world looked beautiful for that short time.
“Oooh, hang on!” said Nathan. “You know what? We’ve been making an assumption.”
Faith and Laura both leaned forward to look at him. “What?”
“That the money thing wasn’t the actual motive. What if it was? Think about it. That’s what Robbie and Capability have in common. Robbie has access to endless money through his father, and Capability is a rich man in his own right through his work. So maybe the whole thing was about money after all.”
Faith drained her mango smoothie with a slurping sound. “We totally overlooked that.”
Laura nodded. “And doesn’t that make someone like Janice or Tabby seem like more of a possibility?” Then she gasped. “I just remembered. Tabby’s father used to have a real gambling problem, when we were back in school. What if…” She looked up to the sky, and Faith could practically see the cogs in her brain whir around. “What if he’s done something crazy like gambled the house away?
“Maybe Tabby tried to get the money out of Robbie, but he wouldn’t budge, so she killed him in a fit of rage or something. Then she tried the same thing on Capability, he said no, so she hit him with the rock, hoping to kill him. But because of his concussion, he can’t remember what happened? So she sends him a note, but then hides the rock in JoJo’s bag because she’s worried Capability will remember what happened. But if the rock points to JoJo, everyone might just think Capability can’t remember properly because of the knock to the head.”
Nathan sighed. “They all seem as likely as each other. Max, Andrew Martinez, and Tabby. I don’t for one second think Janice did it, though. She’s not the type. But how do we work out who it is?”
“I’ll get friendly with Tabby,” Laura offered. “I could go to her house, find out more about her financial situation, all of that.”
“When Andrew Martinez came to Eat With Faith, he mentioned he needed catering for his wife’s birthday,” said Faith. “I studiously ignored him and pretended it was nothing to do with me. But maybe I should go over there and see if I can get my foot in the door.”
Nathan nodded. “Good idea.” Then he grimaced. “I guess that means I’m going to have to get friendly with Max. This is going to be wonderful.”
Laura giggled. “Nathan and Max, best buddies forever.”
*****
Chapter 16
Faith was a little shocked by Andrew Martinez’ home. It wasn’t as big as she had expected, for one thing – just a large family home. Nothing approaching the Lewis mansion. Secondly, there was a huge climbing frame jungle gym in the fenced front yard, and mini ride-on cars were strewn everywhere. Faith had expected a huge, cold, immaculate mansion, with little trace of life, and certainly no trace of children.
Still, she told herself, plenty of killers have children.
She walked up the path, noticing plenty more kids’ things around the place – a mini basketball hoop, some sparkly hula hoops with tassels on, and a My Little Pony forgotten in the grass.
When she knocked on the door, she began to feel a little nervous. She hadn’t exactly been invited. She’d looked up Martinez’s address online and turned up. Would she be welcome? Had his remarks about his wife’s birthday been more throwaway than she had originally thought?
She tried not to overthink it, and put on her best friendly smile while she was waiting for someone to open the door.
The face she met was tearstained and devastated. “Oh, hello,” the woman said, rubbing her eye and creating a huge slash of mascara across her face. She was a large woman, with a lovely soft face, blonde curly hair, jeans, and a white lacy top.
“Sorry,” Faith said. “Have I caught you at a bad time?”
“No, no, it’s fine.”
“I wanted to speak to Mr. Martinez about your birthday? You’re his wife?”
Mrs. Martinez nodded tearfully.
“I’m a caterer, Faith Franklin. Oh gosh, I hope it’s not supposed to be a surprise, the party?”
“No, it’s not. But I’m not sure I want one. Andrew’s insisting.”
“Oh.” Faith didn’t quite know what to say, but everything was adding up – the crying, Andrew’s insistent personality, him telling her she had to have a birthday party when she didn’t want one. Faith was sure he was walking all over her like a doormat. “Maybe I shouldn’t see him, then?”
“No, you can see him. You’ve made the effort to come all the way here. Please, come in. Sorry I’m such a mess.”
Faith wondered what Andrew had done to upset her so badly. She could imagine him being a completely insensitive man who didn’t understand feelings. In fact, she was beginning to dislike him more and more by the minute.
“He’s in the garden,” Mrs. Martinez said.
That was another surprise. Faith expected him to spend every waking hour in his office, plotting how he was going to oust Robert Lewis Senior and become senator.
They entered the living room, which had a set of double doors leading onto a decking area, then the garden. Mrs. Martinez pointed through the open door to a tree in the distance. “He’s sitting under the mango tree. Feel free to make your way over there.”
“Thank you,” Faith said, then began the walk. With each step she became increasingly nervous. What was she going to say to him – “Oh, hey, Mr. Martinez. Kill or blackmail anyone lately?”
To strengthen herself, she thought of Robbie. He needed justice. Not only that, she thought of Nathan. He’d poured his heart and soul into taming Paradise Springs from a wild patch of jungle into something the community could easily walk around and enjoy. Thankfully no one had gone to the press about the blackmail note, but another murder could easily be on their hands if things weren’t resolved soon.
So, despite wishing she could blank it all out and pretend nothing was happening, holing herself up in Eat With Faith or Slice of Paradise and baking until kingdom come, she stepped on, willing herself to say the right thing. Perhaps she could get the right information. All she needed was more time around him – time to study him, time for him to let something inadvertently slip.
“Oh, hello, Faith,” Andrew Martinez said. He didn’t move from his place on the bench under the tree. If anything, he looked depressed. His smile was s
trained.
“Hello, Mr. Martinez,” said Faith. “How are you doing?”
He let out a sigh, then stood up and shook her hand. “Fine, thank you, fine.” He couldn’t meet her eyes. Perhaps his guilt was catching up with him?
“I came to talk to you about your wife’s birthday,” she said. “But first I have to let you know about a sensitive matter. I was wondering if you could help.”
Suddenly he looked concerned. “Of course. Anything for the good people of Florida. Please sit down.”
Faith took a seat, not knowing where she was going with this. She wasn’t thinking of the words that she would say next – she was just letting it flow and hoping for the best.
“We’ve had another serious incident at Paradise Falls,” she said. “Capability Moses received a threatening note, saying that the killing of Robbie was their doing, and that if Capability didn’t pay up and give them the money they’d asked for, they would kill him too. The rock was just a warning, they said.”
Andrew Martinez put his hand on Faith’s arm and looked into her eyes. “I’m so sorry,” he said.
Faith wanted to squirm away from his touch, but she forced herself to pretend she was being comforted. “It’s terrible,” she said. “I feel so bad for Nathan. The whole place feels like it’s in jeopardy. We might be able to survive Robbie’s killing, because we’re making it a place of hope. But who knows if the killer might strike again? No one will come there again. And who could blame them? I struggle to go in some days. I don’t think the kids’ parents… or care workers… will let them come again, either. The grand opening will probably have to have a hefty police presence. How’s that going to look?!”
Andrew Martinez let out a long breath. “How are the police handling it?”
“I have a lot of respect for the police,” said Faith, “but I can’t lie. The deputy sheriff has a lot of history with us all, and he’s not exactly our greatest fan. The best I could hope for him would be him charging us with the murder.”
Andrew Martinez shook his head. “Do you want me to get involved, to try to get more police on the case?”
Faith considered. “I suppose that would be good.”
“All right, I’ll do that,” he said, in an authoritative can-do politician voice. “Do you have any idea who could have done it?”
“No,” Faith said. She hesitated about telling him about the rock – especially if he was going to talk to the police. The lasts thing JoJo needed was a murder investigation on his back, when she was certain he wasn’t involved. “I think someone might be trying to frame the young people. You know, because they have bad backgrounds. It might be easy to pin it on them.”
Andrew Martinez actually looked angry. “That’s despicable. I’ve met those kids and I can see they’re in a deep place of healing. That place is working wonders for them. I wouldn’t think for a second they’d have done it.”
“I don’t think so either,” Faith said.
“Kids in the care system, and those who are children of criminals and drug addicts, we have to make sure we take special care of them as a society,” Andrew Martinez said. “Because otherwise many of them are likely to be the next generation of criminals. That’s one reason I’m so passionate about what you’re doing down there. You’re giving them hope. A community.”
“Yes.” Faith felt confused. He seemed genuine. Would someone with a heart like that be willing to kill someone? But then, he was talking politics. And politics would be his motive. A question formulated in her mind. “Do you think Robert Lewis Senior is doing enough in the senate for people like this?”
Andrew Martinez looked over the garden, pulling the corners of his mouth tight. “Honestly, in the past, I don’t think he has. But having gone through this tragedy and seeing those kids? I think he’ll start doing more.”
Faith nodded, knowing just how to play it. “But he hasn’t got much time left in office, has he?”
“He’s likely to be reelected,” Andrew Martinez said. “His popularity ratings are excellent.”
“Yours are good, too.”
“That’s not important,” he said, agitated.
“Don’t you want the senator job for yourself?”
“I can’t speak on this subject. I’m sorry, Faith.” His voice was tight and strained.
“But you did excellently last time,” she pushed. “And you’ve run twice before. Surely this year would be your best shot?”
He watched her for a moment, then narrowed his eyes. “Are you a journalist?”
“No!”
His eyes widened, like he’d just realized something. “You were very pally with that Krystle Hatton. That’s what this is, isn’t it? You’re trying to get your next scoop!”
“No, I’m a baker, you know that well,” Faith said, trying to be measured. “I am Nathan’s girlfriend, which is why I’m involved with Paradise Falls. How could I possibly do all that and be a journalist trying to glean political information from you? With all respect, Mr. Martinez, that doesn’t even make sense.”
Andrew Martinez watched her closely, looking into her eyes, as if trying to find out the truth. Eventually he sighed. “I apologize. Things are not that easy right now, but I shouldn’t have let that affect how I spoke to you. What with Robbie’s murder, and… well, everything. You have every right to be interested in politics. It is wonderful that you care about what’s going on in the state. I apologize if I communicated anything different.”
“It’s all right,” said Faith, warming to him. “And I’m really not a journalist. I tried to do some editing and writing work with my mom – that’s what she does for a living – and it was a total disaster. So trust me, writing and all of that is not my forte.”
Andrew Martinez laughed. “Well, we all have our strengths and weaknesses.”
“Talking of strength,” said Faith, not giving up. “Do you think Robert Lewis Senior will have the strength to run for the senate again? After what’s happened?”
“I hope so, Faith,” he replied. He had a warm smile. Faith thought it was genuine, and she started to feel guilty for thinking of the man as slippery. “I really hope so.”
Faith was actually beginning to feel warm inside, and even safe around him. He was authentic. She could just feel it. “Me, too,” she said. “So about your wife’s birthday party?”
“She’s not sure if she wants one, but I’m very much in the mood to celebrate life. Maybe you could come up with a sample menu. She loves white chocolate, and any kind of soul food. She’s a Louisiana native, so maybe you could come up with an elegant twist on Louisiana cuisine.
Faith smiled. The way he talked about his wife was full of love and care. “I’m more of a baker, but I’ll give it my best shot.”
Andrew Martinez took his hand in hers and squeezed it. “Thank you, Faith. And always stay interested in politics. We really can make a positive difference in the world. Never forget that.”
Faith felt all warm and fuzzy. When she got up to leave, she remembered. “Oh, Nathan’s invited Robert Lewis Senior to the pre-launch drinks party we’re having. Just for us who work there, and people who have been involved, before we open to the public. You’d like to come?”
His smile lit up his eyes. “I’d love to.”
*****
Chapter 17
“I don’t think he did it,” Faith said to Nathan, flopping down next to him on the stone wall. He had been fixing up some plants, and his hands were covered with dirt. “He seems too… genuine.”
“Martinez, genuine?” Nathan laughed. “More like politically practiced. The guy oozes fake and smarmy.”
“Not when I went to see him.” Faith felt a little stung, and was surprised to feel protective about Andrew Martinez, a guy she had been so suspicious of. “He seemed genuine.”
“So many politicians do,” said Nathan. “Doesn’t mean he isn’t a liar. What did he say about the election? Any clues there?”
“He got a bit defensive when I menti
oned it.”
“See?”
“But he said that he hopes Robert Lewis Senior will still run.”
Nathan shook his head. “Of course he’s going to say that. He’s not going to come out with, Oh, I hope he loses his seat and I get it, and that’s why I’ve killed his son and tried to create so much trauma that he’ll break down and drop out.”
Faith felt annoyed. “Well, if you’re not going to trust anything I say, why didn’t you go see him?”
“My end of the bargain was to see Max. I’ve told him I want to go and get some final plants and garden decorations from the plant store, so we’re taking a trip together. He should be coming any minute now.”
Faith huffed. “Well, I’ll make sure not to trust any impressions you get about him.”
“That’s mature,” Nathan said, getting up to tend the plant again, and being unnecessarily rough with it.
“Whatever.”
The atmosphere between them was tense. Faith felt all tied up inside. “Well, I invited him to the pre-launch drinks so you can see for yourself.”
“Oh great,” Nathan said. “So we’ll have the killer standing there toasting champagne with us. Then he’ll probably go missing in the bush somewhere, and before we know it… What do you know?! Another dead body!”
“Ugh!” Faith said, her frustration making her spring to her feet. “If you’re so sure he’s the killer, why don’t you go see Tyler and tell him everything.”
“Not enough evidence.”
“Exactly,” Faith said. “Not enough evidence. So stop acting like I’m in the wrong for trying to find out the truth, instead of just making my mind up that it’s him.”
“He’s the only one with a real motive.”
“Whatever,” Faith said, pacing up and down. “We don’t know what we don’t know.”
Nathan opened his mouth, a frown on his face, obviously about to come out with something even more infuriating.
“Nathan!” a voice called out, full of joy.
They both turned to see Capability coming up the path, wearing an eye-strainingly bright yellow suit. He was beaming all over his face.
Pecan Flan Murder Plan Page 8