He slammed his palms on the table, rattling it. “Kimberly, please don’t do this. I love you and—”
Tears threatened to fall, but Kimberly sucked them back. “Just get it over with already.”
“I love you!”
She stared at the clock on the wall, anything to avoid her husband’s eyes as he asked, “Why did you go over to Clare’s beach house?”
Kimberly glared at him. “Oh, is that her beach house or does it belong to someone else?”
“It is as far as I know.”
“So you’re not sure then?”
“You’re getting off track here. You were about to tell me why you went there.”
“I went there hoping to smooth things over, that’s all. Even though I know that what happened at the pier so wasn’t my fault.”
“That might sound odd to the cops.”
“I don’t give a fig what they think. I went over there to convince her that I was more than willing to work with her peacefully. If only she hadn’t continued to make me angry. She was just a reminder to me of what you had shared with her before you married me.”
“Sure, Clare and I had dated, but I married you, not her, silly.”
“She told me you spent time with her the night before you married me. Was she lying?”
Jeremy stood and began pacing, sending the aroma of the bacon grease to drift toward her. “I never meant to see her at all, you have to believe me, but I thought I owed her an explanation.”
“So you met that viper the night before you married me?” Kimberly asked, dejected. “I had so hoped she was lying about that. What else happened between you that night?”
“We had a few drinks, that’s all.”
“I thought you were a recovered alcoholic—or did you lie about that, too?”
He went down on his knees, encircling his palms over Kimberly’s face. “I swear to you, nothing happened between Clare and me, even though she tried.”
“So, she put the moves on you?”
“Not in so many words, but she dressed very provocatively and it wasn’t hard to know what she wanted. Had it been months earlier, I’d have succumbed, but since I fell in love with you, I knew what I had first felt her was long over.”
“Some people would call you fickle. First you propose to one woman and then to another.”
“I only proposed to her in the beginning to keep her from trying to ruin your modeling gig. I told you that!”
“Sure you did, but why the quick turnaround?”
“I don’t see what this has to do with our recent predicament.”
“Because I need to know.”
“Fine. You basically fell apart when I told you I had proposed to her, and it was then that I knew you felt the same for me as I did for you.”
“I don’t know about the falling apart part, but it was quite a shock. Clare has never been kind to me.”
“Which the cops will use against you. At this point, they’ll be piecing together every encounter you had with Clare. You need to be extra cautious not to divulge any information that could be used to make a case.”
Kimberly slapped her head. “Oh, God. I have to call Corrine and tell her that Clare is dead. It’s the least I can do. She’s going to blow a gasket over this one. She has put so much into her perfume campaign and this is so going to be her undoing.”
“But we first need to iron out what happened when you arrived at the beach house.”
Kimberly pursed her lips. Oh, why not? “When I arrived at the beach house, Weenie began to bark up a storm. I had to chase him around back. I guess he knew something was wrong. They say dogs can be like that sometimes.”
“What happened then?”
“Well, I saw Clare crumpled on the floor inside. The patio door was open a crack and I went inside to check on her. I’m afraid I knelt in the blood when I checked her pulse and Weenie got it on his paws. He even tracked the blood across the floor. I dialed 911 promptly, but just didn’t feel comfortable about performing CPR on her. I really think she was long gone before I arrived.”
“Did they ask you to do start CPR? The 911 operator, I mean?
“Yes, but I argued with them. I didn’t want to compromise the potential crime scene. Dudley Do Right arrived soon after and he started CPR, but despite even the rescue workers efforts, I’m afraid she was a goner.”
“Dudley who?”
“Deputy Danworth. He’s never cared for me much, if you need to know. He’s tried to ticket me when Weenie ran loose on the beach a few times.”
“I see. Well, I’m sure the man is just trying to do his job. It didn’t help that you were found at the crime scene.”
“I know, but I called 911.”
“So do many killers. It’s not something they haven’t seen before. I just wish it hadn’t been you who discovered the body, but somehow I suspect either way they’d have shown up at our door.”
“Of course, since Clare called them earlier with her half-baked story.”
“Half-baked or not, it puts you in a bad light. But don’t worry, I won’t let them railroad you.”
Kimberly bit her lip. “Do you think that’s what they’re trying to do here?”
“I’m sure they wish they could get a quick closure to this case. We’ll have to do our own investigation to clear your name.”
Kimberly’s chin dropped. “How are we going to find the real killer, or figure out who might have also wanted Clare dead?”
Jeremy’s eyes searched Kimberly’s. “What do you mean also?”
“I have to admit I did think it. I wished she’d drop dead, but I never dreamed it might really happen.”
“You better keep that one to yourself, honey. I’d hate to think what would happen if the cops heard you say that, In fact, the less you say to the cops, the better. I know how they like to turn things around on suspects. Believe me, I won’t let them do that to you. Hopefully they won’t bring you in for questioning any time soon, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they ask for your blood-stained clothing. We better keep it handy. We don’t need them to be assuming that we were trying to withhold anything.”
“Then why didn’t they ask for that already?”
“Beats me, but what do we know about Sheriff Clay Barry? He sure seemed to let you off the hook easy. Can you think of a reason why that might be?”
“Like, do I know him? Nope. All I know is that he’s Mrs. Barry’s son. I was very surprised he won the election here in Redwater when his mother has been known as quite a nuisance in town.”
“Not lately, she hasn’t been. Which reminds me that I sure could use a paying client.”
Kimberly put a hand to her breast and said, “How will I ever pay you for your services?”
He winked. “How, indeed?”
Chapter Six
Kimberly awoke to the sound of the hamper clunking against the wall. The cover sailed to the floor, clothing strewn in the air by none other than her husband. Kimberly sat upright in bed and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “What on earth are you doing?”
“The sheriff’s here. He wants the clothing you wore yesterday for evidence.”
“Evidence? But I thought he was on my side,” she pouted.
“Well, I expected this earlier, if you want to know. You were at the scene of a grisly murder, after all.”
“Grisly? I had no idea they determined Clare was murdered, as of yet.”
“Things have moved along quickly since then. He informed me that Clare was struck on forehead with a blunt instrument. She was probably dead before she even hit the floor, or so they think.”
An unpleasant feeling crept into the pit of Kimberly’s stomach. She fell back against the pillows and gasped as a pain squeezed her abdomen. She circled both palms over her swelled belly and began to pant until the pain ceased. Jeremy came unglued. “Oh, my God, are you okay, Kimberly?”
Tears trickled from the corner of her eyes, slowly working down both cheeks. “I-I think so. This is just so
awful. Poor Clare. I know it sounds strange, but nobody should die like that … at the hands of some animal who has no regard for her life.”
Jeremy hugged Kimberly close, kissing her softly on the brow. “I swear I won’t let them arrest you, but I really need to get out there and give the sheriff what he wants before he wonders what’s taking so long.”
She nodded as he left. He returned moments later, telling her that the sheriff had left.
“Thank God, Jeremy, but this might be over both of our heads. What if the sheriff changes his mind and has me arrested?”
“I’m sure he’ll do a proper investigation.”
“Sure, but what about Deputy Danworth? He’s not exactly my best friend here.”
“I’m positive he’ll be objective.”
Kimberly’s eyes widened. “I don’t see that happening. You weren’t there when he questioned me. He thinks I killed Clare, and it didn’t help that I had an argument with her hours before her death. I was there, for God’s sake.”
“I sure wish you hadn’t been, but it’s too late to change that. All we can do is launch an investigation of our own.”
“But how can we do that? We’re hardly qualified.”
“Speak for yourself. Attorneys hire their own investigators for cases, and since you’re now my client, I plan to hire the best.”
Kimberly cleared her throat. “Exactly my point. I was hoping to hire those girls from East Tawas that looked after Weenie so well. They sure seemed to know their stuff.”
His brows furrowed. “You mean those old ladies?”
“Yes. I think their names are Agnes Barton and Eleanor Mason.”
“I’m not even sure they are properly licensed.”
Kimberly pounded the blankets with her balled fists. “I don’t care. I need their help. They’ve solved many cases in East Tawas and even gave Mrs. Barry a run for her money. You gotta admire them for that.”
Jeremy smiled. “Oh, believe me, I do. They sure sent Clay Barry packing, which is bothersome.”
“Why is that a cause for concern?”
“I just don’t know the particulars. What if they rubbed him the wrong way?”
Kimberly gritted her teeth. “I don’t give a shit.”
“Kimberly, such language. You’re gonna have that kid born swearing like a sailor.”
She gasped. “Call those ladies or I will. You know perfectly well it’s not the best idea for me to go to East Tawas now.”
“No, it’s not. You’d be arrested for sure, then.” He frowned as he stared at his wife.
Kimberly knew he’d cave. She was counting on it. “Please!”
He grumbled, but finally agreed. “Don’t worry. I’ll make it happen.”
***
Kimberly paced the deck, not looking forward to Corrine’s arrival. Her heart pounded against her chest as the patio door swung open and a rattled Corrine staggered out to meet her halfway, her spiked blond hair in total disarray. “I’m so sorry,” Kimberly began. “I still can’t believe it … that Clare’s dead.”
Corrine gave Kimberly a quick hug. “It’s not your fault, silly heart. Don’t even think for a minute that I believe the stories circulating in town.”
Kimberly pulled away with tears in her eyes. “Wh-What stories?”
“Seems everyone believes you killed Clare in some kind of jealous rage. But I know you’re as harmless as a baby fawn.”
“Thanks, that means so much, but I was at the scene of the crime. I still can’t believe it. It’s also scary to me … the killer might have been there at the same time as I was.”
“Or left shortly before. Lucky for you that your husband is taking you on as a client. I’m sure he’ll clear your name soon.”
“I wonder—”
“Wonder what?”
“If Jeremy really believes I’m innocent. Clare made me so angry that I sure had a murder fantasy roaming around in my head. If only she hadn’t tried to shove me off the pier. If only she hadn’t told me she was with Jeremy the night before he married me.”
Corrine gazed sympathetically at Kimberly as she said, “I understand you were angry, but murder—that’s a stretch.”
Kimberly hung her head. “Th-Thank you. It means so much to me that you believe me and I’m so sorry this happened. I can’t imagine that this is good for your perfume launch.”
Corrine smiled. “Actually, even bad press can be good. I’m sure that by now everyone knows about my perfume and lotion lines. We’ll replace Clare, of course, but in the meantime, I plan to push the lotion line launch forward, as planned.”
“But how could you do that?”
“Leave the marketing campaign to me,” she said with a wink.
Kimberly’s eyes widened as a rowdy group filed outside, including a spouting Mrs. Barry wearing a burgundy ensemble flowing about her bulky body and a beer can in hand. “Please tell me you didn’t ask… them for help,” Kimberly said.
“I hope you’re not referring to Agnes and me as the they?” Eleanor Mason spat, fanning herself. She was dressed all in pink, including pink flip flops.
Next through the door was Agnes Barton, who was dressed in aqua cropped pants with a long white billowing shirt. Her short salt and pepper hair was styled in a sophisticated manner.
“Now, Eleanor, be nice,” Agnes scolded. We’re here as Jeremy Preston’s guests,” she informed Mrs. Barry, who was bugged-eyed.
Mrs. Barry rolled her eyes as she retorted, “Don’t remind me! I’ll have to talk some sense into Jeremy.”
Kimberly interrupted Mrs. Barry. “Actually, it was my idea not—my husbands—to hire them to help with the case.”
“And why is that, dear?” Mrs. Barry asked. “There are plenty of investigators closer to home.”
Kimberly shook her blond head. “None that are as experienced as those two. They even solved a cold case murder once. I have complete confidence that they’ll be able to clear my name.”
“B-But, nobody in town believes you had anything to do with that bitch Clare’s murder,” Mrs. Barry continued.
“The sheriff isn’t convinced, and neither is that Deputy Danworth,” Kimberly said. “I’m surprised that I’m not in cuffs as we speak.”
Mrs. Barry hung her head. “I’m sorry, dear. It’s just that these two ruined my son’s election bid in East Tawas.”
Agnes rolled her eyes. “We’re so not responsible for that and you know it! Word is that he was elected sheriff here, so all’s well that ends well.”
“True, but—”
“Oh, pooh,” Eleanor said. “We can all agree that sweet Kimberly here is innocent, right?”
“Yes, that goes without saying,” Mrs. Barry choked out. “What makes you two think that you can be of much help, eh?”
Agnes whisked back a stray lock of hair. “Because, dear lady, we have yet to lose a case. We need to pull together here for Kimberly’s sake. Don’t you agree, Mrs. Barry?’
Mrs. Barry slurped back her beer and said, “Of course, you’re right. But how do you plan to find out who killed Clare?”
“We’ll just track down all the leads and see where they go,” Agnes said. “If you have any ideas, Mrs. Barry, we’d love to hear them.”
Mrs. Barry puffed up her chest. “All I know is that woman, Clare, tried to ruin the wedding reception and had her mind set on getting Jeremy back, but it’s obvious that that just wouldn’t have happened.”
Eleanor’s jaw slacked open. “She sounds like a total trollop!”
Kimberly grinned. “Sounds about right, but even if she was, I’d have no reason to want her dead—just so we’re clear.”
Agnes had a glint in her eyes as she said, “Don’t worry. I believe you’re innocent, but someone wanted her dead, all right. We just have to figure out who.”
“Aggie’s right. What makes that woman tick?” Eleanor asked. “Was she involved with anyone else in town?”
“Not that we know of,” Corrine said.
Kimberly step
ped forward. “But what about Clive Baxter? She seemed sweet on him, Corrine.”
She shrugged. “I don’t know for sure, but you could ask him yourself.”
“We plan to,” Agnes said. “Jeremy filled us in but, Kimberly, do you have anything to add?”
Kimberly fidgeted with the fabric of her yellow gauzy blouse. “I wish I did. All I know is that when I went to that beach house, I was shocked to find Clare lying in a pool of her own blood. Although I was terribly angry with her, it was just so sad that she was dead. I had knelt in the blood and the sheriff took my clothing as evidence.”
“As to be expected, dear,” Agnes said. “Anyone else have anything to say?”
Corrine balled up the fabric of her shirt. “Oh gosh, I sure wish I did. Clare was simply dreadful to Kimberly that day. Trying to shove a pregnant woman off the pier was just awful to watch. I was so shocked when Clare tried to make it look like it was all Kimberly’s fault. It was obvious what Clare had tried to do. I don’t understand why Clare thought she could win Jeremy back when he was so in love with his wife. It was sad, really. I just don’t think Clare saw it that way.”
“Anyone else we could question?”
“There’s also Antonio, the wardrobe assistant, but I’m not sure if he’ll be of much help.”
“If you can put us in touch with both Clive and Antonio, that would be helpful,” Agnes said.
Corrine called Clive with her Bluetooth and he agreed to meet them in ten minutes at the chalet. Kimberly led them back inside, bringing a pitcher of lemonade along with four glasses. They settled on the couch and loveseat with the wooden frames and plaid cushions.
Eleanor accepted a glass of lemonade, taking a sip. “How wonderful … and not spiked.” She went on to elaborate about how they had a friend back in East Tawas who always served up spiked lemonade. The story caused a giggle to escape Kimberly’s lips. “Sorry, no spiked lemonade here. So, you old folks actually drink alcohol back in East Tawas, too? I have yet to see Mrs. Barry without a beer in her hand. She’s been quite nice to me and even helped out planning my quick wedding. As I told you back in East Tawas, the baby isn’t Jeremy’s, but rather an old boyfriend’s who died in a hunting accident.”
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