Margot Durand Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 4 - 6

by Danielle Collins

  “And then I let the poodle have a gun.”

  “What?” Margot’s thoughts jerked to the present with his statement.

  “Knew you weren’t listening to me.” Adam laughed, shaking his head. “Okay, spill it. What’s on your mind?”

  Margot huffed out a sigh and ran her hand through her hair. It felt good to have it out of the braid she kept it in during the day. It hung loose around her shoulders, slight kinks from the braid making it look almost curly.

  “I’m thinking about the possibility of hiring another assistant.”

  “So you’re really taking it seriously then?”

  “I am.” She looked over at him as he turned onto the street the facility was on. “Do you think it’s even possible to find someone that will fit the dynamic of my shop?”

  He pulled into a spot out front and turned the car off before looking at her. “I think whoever you hire will be lucky to make it past your rather intimidating standards.” He softened his words with a smile. “You’re a very particular person when it comes to who you’ll work with. I think, if you should start to look for someone, you’ll find the right person for the job. And if you don’t, then you keep looking or you don't, but at least you’ll have tried.”

  “I miss Dexter.” She let some of the sadness she felt over missing the young man creep into her voice.

  Adam reached over and clasped her hand gently. “I know. Me too. But he’s okay, trust me. We’ll hear from him when he can reach out to us.”

  Something in what Adam said made her think that he knew more about where Dexter was, but she didn’t press him for details. She knew that, should Dexter need her or want to reach out to her, he could do so easily.

  “All right, let’s go talk to Kellen.”

  They entered the office area and the smell of peppermint nearly overwhelmed Margot. Adam coughed, reaching up to cover his nose against the smell.

  “W-what is that?”

  “Welcome to— Oh, hi, Margot.” Kellen smiled at them from behind the desk. “Sorry about the smell. One of our residents is really excited about these oils her granddaughter is selling and she accidentally spilled a whole bottle on the floor this morning.”

  “Just one bottle?” Adam said under his breath just as he was taken by a cough.

  “Do you have a moment to talk?”

  Kellen nodded. “Charlene?” An older woman came from the back room with a smile on her face. She took over where Kellen had sat and waved at them with a kind smile. “We can talk out by the pool if you’d like.”

  “Sure,” Margot said, dragging Adam behind her. He was still coughing and she thought he was being a bit dramatic.

  The warm breeze spread fresh air around them as they stepped onto the patio. The shallow end of the pool had chairs cemented into the water and a few residents were enjoying them while in the midst of lively conversation about something Margot couldn't quite hear. She briefly wondered how Bentley was doing and resolved to visit him before they left. Maybe they’d order dinner in; he would like that.

  They sat at a secluded table, Kellen crossing her legs and leaning back. Adam and Margot sat across from her at the round, glass-topped table and he took in the surroundings before turning toward the young woman.

  “Thanks for meeting with us.”

  “Sure.” She looked at Margot then back at Adam. “Margot said it was important.”

  “It is.” Adam took a moment to look at Kellen, and Margot could almost hear his thoughts. He was assessing the young woman before them, though she’d never be able to tell. “I’m not entirely convinced that Elliot’s death was an accident.”

  Kellen’s eyebrows shot up but she didn’t say anything.

  “Things aren’t lining up and, after a conversation I had today, there’s a loose end that I’m not quite understanding.” He waited, but she still didn’t speak or move. “Drake Sylvester.”

  Now Kellen moved, adjusting her seat. She still didn’t speak, but she looked uncomfortable.

  “You’re dating Drake, aren’t you, Kellen?” Margot asked.

  “Yeah. So?” She didn’t sound belligerent, but she didn’t sound readily helpful either.

  “He was seen in a fight with Elliot the night of his death. Threats were made—”

  “Please,” Kellen said, rolling her eyes. All pretense of professionalism was gone. “So he said he was going to kill him. Big deal. People say stuff all the time. Doesn’t mean they’ll follow through with it.”

  Kellen’s attitude shocked Margot.

  “Sorry. I know that sounds harsh, but…you guys don’t know Elliot like I do—did.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “He was seriously a jerk. And, more than that, he could be violent and vindictive. Yeah, he was super mad about me and Drake, but Drake is twice the man Elliot ever was. I wasn’t going to let Elliot dictate my life forever, you know?”

  Adam crossed his legs. “So you were there that night.”

  “Yeah. It was at the bar near the docks. Drake and I go there all the time. Elliot came in and nearly flipped when he saw us. Came at us like…” She shook her head, her brow furrowing.

  “Like what?” Margot asked.

  “Like he’d been drinking.” She laughed, the sound short and bitter. “But that’s impossible so I don't know. Maybe he was on drugs. Who knows with him?”

  “I thought he didn't do drugs?”

  “Yeah, well, I thought he had money and then he started leaving me with the tab, so answer me that?”

  The bitterness that had seeped into Kellen’s tone belied her earlier sweet personality. Was this how she really was? Had she been using an act when she was interviewing with Margot? It wouldn’t be unheard of, people lied all the time to get jobs, but this was different.

  “Kellen, were you angry with Elliot?”

  Kellen shrugged. “I was over him, that’s what I was.”

  “But he wasn’t over you,” Adam asked.

  “No. He kept threatening to get Drake fired, and all this other stuff. Then he threatened me—which is why Drake stood up to him. He just couldn’t understand that we were done.”

  Was she ‘done’ with him to the point that she’d killed him? Or possibly coerced him onto the water in order to leave her and Drake alone? It seemed farfetched, but the drastic change in Kellen’s demeanor led Margot to believe that there was a whole side of Kellen they knew nothing about.

  “Can you tell us anything else about that night? Anything out of the ordinary?”

  Kellen huffed out a breath and looked skyward as if searching her memory for details. Finally, she looked back at them. “The only thing that I remember is that I drank too much and Drake had to take me home. Oh, and I saw someone by the docks when we were leaving.”

  Adam leaned forward. “Saw someone?”

  “Yeah. Honestly, it was creepy. The reason I even remember it—which is surprising—is that it freaked me out. I thought that it was Elliot watching me and Drake.”

  “Was it?” he asked.

  “I don’t know. We got in Drake’s truck and left. I think I fell asleep.”

  Margot watched Kellen for any sign of deception but she looked like she was telling the truth. So there had been someone there when they left. Had it been Elliot? Had he been there to watch her and Drake leave? And, if so, had someone found him there instead?

  Chapter 10

  After they had questioned Kellen the night before, they had ordered Chinese food and ate with Bentley while watching a rerun of Law and Order, Bentley’s favorite show. Then Adam had dropped her off at her car. He’d looked so preoccupied during dinner and had been so quiet on the car ride back that she’d merely kissed him on the cheek and said good night. She knew that when he got like this, he was working the case in his mind and needed time to think.

  She had done the same thing, though even after a bath and a cup of steaming tea, nothing had come to her.

  The morning baking done, she finally sat down at her desk and began to draw up
the advertisement for a new assistant. It was both necessary and a little painful, but she knew it was the right thing to do. Dexter had been gone long enough and, though she wished she could count on his return, she had to face the fact that he may not come back.

  When the requirements were drafted and she’d gone through a few revisions, she pulled up her address book on her computer and scrolled through a few contacts. She’d send out the request to a few local schools first before making the announcement public knowledge. The most important thing was for her to get someone she trusted and who could handle the baking required for French pastries.

  Granted, she did a lot of the specialty ones herself, but she didn’t want to have to teach someone everything if she could help it. After clicking send, she leaned back in her chair and drummed her fingers on the desktop. Now the waiting began.

  Her phone rang the next instant and she jolted forward, the sound interrupting the silence of the late morning. It was Adam.

  “Hello?”

  “Morning, beautiful.”

  She smiled, shaking her head at him though he couldn't see it. “You can’t even see me.”

  “Don’t need to see you to know it’s true.”

  She sighed. He’d been turning on the charm recently. Not that she minded it, but it was a little out of character for him.

  “And why do I get the honor of this morning call?”

  “Can’t I call you to tell you you’re beautiful?”

  She pondered this for a moment. “Yes, but I don't think you did.”

  “Guilty as charged,” he said with a chuckle. “Okay, so after our conversation with Miss Smith last night, I started thinking.”

  “Finally,” Margot teased.

  “You wound me.”

  “You’ll get over it.” She tugged on the end of her braid, a smile on her lips.

  “You’re right. I'm already back to my normal, charming self. Anyway, I had the M.E. go back over the body again. The chief won’t be happy when he finds out I did, but something was bothering me. Remember the allergic reaction, or something?”

  Margot nodded, then remembered they were on the phone. “Yep.”

  “Turns out Elliot had extremely heightened alcohol levels, but when I told Martin to look again, but more deeply, he turned up something interesting.”

  Margot smiled at the mention of Martin the M.E. He was quite the character. “What was it?”

  “Elliot was intolerant to alcohol. It looks like he had a reaction to what he drank—or was forced to drink—and Martin could see that in his lungs. It was masked by the water there, from the drowning, but with Martin’s more thorough investigation, it all lines up.”

  “So he was given alcohol—possibly forced to drink it—and then someone drowned him.”

  “Or he was unable to save himself when placed in the water.”

  Margot shivered despite the light cardigan she wore. How terrible for this poor boy. “You think it was deliberate?”

  “It’s looking that way. I’m compiling my findings and Martin’s right now. I’m about to head in to talk with the chief but, pending the outcome of that meeting, I wanted to see if you’d like to talk with Mister Henry with me.”

  “Miles Henry? You’re going to meet with him?”

  “Uh, that’s the idea. And that’s why I said pending this meeting with the chief. He’s got to see that things aren’t lining up for this to be an accident or a suicide. I’m banking on the fact that he will and he’ll understand why I have to speak with Miles.”

  “But you want to take me?”

  Adam laughed. “Les is on another assignment and I thought having you there, since you’ve been in the house before, could soften the blow of my news.”

  Margot had told Adam all about her talk with the housekeeper, so he had to know she hadn’t actually talked with Miles, but she wasn't going to argue with him. Either way, she wanted to be a part of that meeting.

  “All right then. You go talk to the chief and I’ll wait for your text. Just let me know when you’re out front.”

  “I love the confidence you have in me.”

  She laughed, knowing he wasn't looking forward to this meeting with Chief John Hartland. “Go get ‘em, tiger.”

  He hung up and Margot leaned back in her chair. It would be good to talk with Miles Henry. She had a feeling he would have a lot of helpful information about his son, but the question remained: Could Adam convince the chief to let him investigate further in Elliot’s death?

  When Adam showed up at the bakery three hours later, he looked more than a little defeated.

  “Oh no. I take it the chief wasn’t too enthusiastic about you investigating further?”

  Adam shook his head. “No. We didn’t really see eye to eye by the time I left, but I think I’m at the ask for forgiveness not permission stage.”

  Margot pulled her seatbelt taut and he maneuvered into traffic, his thumb tapping the steering wheel.

  “Are you sure about this?” Margot asked.

  “Yes. I just don’t get why he can’t see it. I mean, the M.E.’s report alone should tip him off to the reality of what’s gong on. But no…he just is too afraid that his golf buddy will get his feelings hurt.”

  Margot smirked. “You sound a little vindictive.”

  “Hardly.” He sent a sideways glance her way. “Sorry, I don’t mean to burden you with this political stuff. I need to question Miles and this is the best way to do it, even if I get chewed out when I get back.”

  “Maybe we can help him to see that it’s imperative you investigate further.”

  “Let’s hope so, or else I may be the one asking you for a job.”

  She smiled but let out a soft sigh as well. “I sent out the job posting today.”

  “You did?” He looked hopeful.

  “Yes. I sent it to a few schools first. I have friends who run them and know what I’ll be looking for. But I’m nervous. I hate the whole screening process.”

  “You’ll do fine. And we’ll hope that the perfect person is the first to show up.”

  “Wouldn’t that be nice?”

  They pulled into the long drive that led up to the Henry estate and once Adam flashed his badge at the security gate, they were given entrance to drive the rest of the way up.

  “I’m having déjà vu.”

  “Wonder if that woman will deflect for Miles again.”

  “I think she was giving me the information that she could without completely turning me away. It was a kindness, at least that’s the way I saw it.”

  He grinned and pulled up behind an expensive-looking car. Turning toward her, he grinned. “Well, partner, ready for this?”

  She rolled her eyes and opened the door without giving him a response. She knew he wasn’t really looking for one.

  When the housekeeper answered the door this time, she looked from Adam to Margot then back again. “Can I help you?”

  “Hello, I'm Detective Adam Eastwood. I’m here to speak with Mister Miles Henry.”

  “Is Mister Henry expecting you?”

  “I don’t believe so,” Adam began, then flashed his disarming smile. “But I’m sure he can make an exception for the police.”

  She was about to disagree, shooting a look at Margot as if wanting an explanation for her presence, but then the sound of footsteps on marble tile could be heard behind her.

  “Rosa, who is it?”

  A tall man with gray hair and piercing blue eyes stepped up behind the woman, who was dwarfed by his size. “Señor Henry, it’s the police.” She looked at Margot again with a little wink, as if not mentioning who Margot was gave them a secret to share.

  “The police?” He frowned, looking between Margot and Adam, then nodded. “Come in. Please.”

  They followed the man through the house and to a room down the hall and to the left. It was richly furnished with dark wood bookshelves, a large desk, and several leather chairs.

  “Please, have a seat. I’m assuming this
has something do with my son’s death.”

  “It does,” Adam said, taking one of the wing-backed chairs while Margot took a seat on the couch, leaving the additional chair for Mr. Henry. He paused at the sideboard to pour a half glass of amber-colored liquid before sitting down and crossing his legs.

  “What’s this all about? I thought John knew I wanted this wrapped up.”

  Adam leaned forward and Margot hoped he had enough sense to treat the situation delicately. Then again, she knew he was a smart man. He would say exactly what he needed to.

  “I appreciate your situation, Mister Henry. It’s tragic to lose someone you love and I can appreciate the reality that you want to be finished with this, but I’m afraid I just can’t let that happen—at least not in the way you want.”

  “And why is that?” He took a sip, his forehead creasing.

  “Because I don’t think that your son died accidentally, nor by his own hand.”

  Mr. Henry slowly set the glass down, an eyebrow raising. “What are you saying, Detective Eastwood?”

  “I think your son was murdered.”

  Mr. Henry’s face paled ever so slightly and he swallowed once, then again before he met Adam’s gaze. It was clear to Margot that he was trying to keep his calm, but she had to imagine that it wasn’t easy for him. Despite the fact that they may have had a falling out in the past, it was difficult for Margot to imagine that any father would easily accept the reality of their son’s death being called murder.

  “I…” Miles swallowed again. “Are you certain?”

  “At this point, no. But I cannot in good conscience sit by when the facts aren’t adding up. Surely you can appreciate that.”

  It took a long time of silence and a few awkward movements on Adam’s part, but finally Miles met his gaze. “I can. I won’t say I am glad for this news, but I can appreciate your position. I suppose…” He trailed off for a moment, tapping his index finger on his now-empty glass. “I suppose I was putting undo pressure on John. I want this done right. I want my son vindicated should it come to that.”