Murder by Design Trilogy

by Mary Jane Forbes

  Skip chuckled. “A few. But they’re sitting on my bookshelf, gathering dust.”

  “You should send them off to a publisher.”

  “Maybe someday. Tell me how your classes are going. Fun?”

  “Like you, yes and no. The Academy is beyond my wildest imagination. I can’t sleep at night designing pieces, using new information I learn every day.”

  “And, it’s only been a couple of weeks. You’ll be ready for the loony bin by the time you finish the quarter.”

  “I’m showing a collection of three pieces the week before Thanksgiving at The Working Girl shop—same block as Nordstrom’s. The big department store, which, by the way, is hosting a spring competition for new designers in the State.”

  “I take it you’re entering.”

  “Absolutely. Skip, same as you, I have this dream. Someday I’ll be a designer with my own shop, my own label—like Coco Chanel.”

  “Oh, no. Did you name your cat after Chanel?”

  “As Agatha goes so goes Coco.”

  “When I asked you if you were having fun, you said yes and no. What’s the no part?”

  “Bad day today. My new friend, Maria Delgado—we have all three of our classes together—was ripped by the instructor. Skip, she cried and said words like maybe she wasn’t cut out to be a designer. It was awful. Hey, there’s the horn. The ferry’s coming in. I’d better run.”

  “Let me help you with that suitcase. Do you always drag this with you?”

  “Could be worse … it’s on wheels. You wouldn’t believe all the stuff I have to have for school, then there’s my lunch, and, of course, sketchpads so I can work on the ferry.”

  Skip had a hard time keeping step with her as she flew down the sidewalk to Pier 52. He gave her a quick hug and a peck on the check. She started to leave, then trotted back giving him a big hug and deposited a peck on his lips. Hustling to the entrance, Gilly turned holding the camel in the air and waved with a megawatt smile.

  Skip smiled and waved back. He raised his hand to his heart—what was the sudden twinge he felt? That redhead? Naw!

  Chapter 25

  ───

  ENGINES REVVED INTO ACTION pushing the Wenatchee slowly away from Pier 52. The air was crisp but Gilly ventured out to the stern selecting a bench with cover from the breeze as the ferry hit its cruising speed of eighteen knots. Drawing her legs up under her for warmth, she smiled down at the fuzzy camel.

  “Coco’s going to love you, too. You’re just her size.”

  Watching the ferry’s wake kick up, an idea began to jell. Gilly was very worried about Maria. Maybe if they worked together, helped each other, they would both get more out of their classes. “Maria could spend weekends with me. What do you think of that idea, O’Malley?” Her little friend was perched on the camel’s hump. Gilly’s leg tingled and she stood to wake it up causing O’Malley to tumble into her tote.

  Sitting again, Gilly called her mom to see what she thought of the idea. Immediately getting the green light, she placed a call to Maria inviting her to come to Hansville to discuss staying a few nights.

  “Bring your jammies, Maria, and all your school stuff, especially your assignments, fabrics, and … well, at least stay through Sunday. We’ll take the ferry together Monday morning. Who knows, maybe you’ll be back for more.”

  “You sure your mom doesn’t mind?”

  “The more the merrier—those were her words. Besides, we have a situation at the house so you and I will camp out in the guesthouse, actually my studio … with Agatha.”

  “What situation? Who’s Agatha?”

  “I’ll tell you when I pick you up at the ferry. Let me know what time. Make it as early as you can. Oh my, I just had another idea.”

  “What. What.”

  “You said you were really strapped for money, that the bakery didn’t pay much, right?”

  “Right.”

  “Do you want to apply for a job at the casino? We could stipulate that you have to have the same schedule as mine so you won’t have to drive your car over.”

  “Gilly, I don’t know. What do you think I could apply for?”

  “Have you ever been a waitress?”

  “A couple of summers in high school. Howard Johnsons. I was too young to serve in the bar but I took lots of drink orders. Just couldn’t serve.”

  “Well, there you go. Weekends are especially busy so there’s a chance, only a chance mind you, they’d give you a try, fill in if someone is out. But I warn you, you’ll be exhausted Monday morning after being on your feet Thursday, Friday, Saturday AND Sunday night. Sunday isn’t so bad—off at ten instead of eleven or one in the morning. Believe me the tips are worth it. Say, yes, Maria. At least come to work with me tomorrow night.”

  “Okay, I’ll come over tomorrow after my shift at the bakery. No … wait … I’ll only help with the pastries, tell them I have a school project and won’t be back until next week. Anyway, I’ll let you know what time after I look at the ferry schedule. I guess it can’t hurt to check out the possibilities. Thanks, Gilly. See you tomorrow.”

  Gilly pulled into Gramp’s driveway and was greeted by a very rambunctious Agatha, her stubby tail twitching back and forth. After giving her a pat on the head, the dog immediately rolled over and Gilly was obliged to administer a good belly rub. She was delirious when Gilly pulled out her camel, running in circles and then dashing through the patio door with the camel straddling her jaw almost knocking Gilly over.

  Conversation was lively around the Wilder dinner table. Logistics dominated the discussions—where was everyone going to sleep with Maria staying over four nights? Gilly came up with a quick proclamation.

  “Maria and I will sleep in the guesthouse. Do you still have those bunk beds, Gramps? You stored … somewhere … when I started to use the guesthouse as a studio?”

  “In the garage. Good idea. Then your mom and dad can have the spare bedroom here in the main house.”

  “Mom, okay with you?”

  “As long as you and Maria don’t mind. It’s a little musty. I’ll air out the bedroom tomorrow. Will, before I pull my car in the garage, I’ll help you get the bunk beds out. We don’t have to set them up until tomorrow.”

  “Not a problem but I’m not sure I like this idea,” Will said. “Given what’s happened, I’m concerned about your safety.”

  “Oh, I’ve already solved the safety issue.”

  “And, how is that, sweetie,” Gramps asked.

  “Why, Agatha, of course.” Aggie looked up from her spot—half in half out of the kitchen, issuing a soft bark. “She’ll bunk with us whenever Maria and I are sleeping in the guesthouse. Otherwise, she stays with Gramps.”

  “What do you think, Annie,” Will asked.

  “Well, let’s see how the next four days play out. Then we’ll decide.”

  Will looked around the table at his family. “Dad, you and Gilly may have wondered why I’ve been hanging around the house more than usual. I was laid off at the construction job.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, son. Any prospects?”

  Gilly stared at her father. His job situation was finally out in the open. She felt a sense of relief which was quickly replaced with apprehension. Why was he telling her now?

  “I’ve managed to come up with a few odd jobs, some renovations. Today I was hired on for what could be a couple of months at an apartment complex.”

  Gilly smiled at her father. This was a bit of good news. “Dad, that’s great and don’t worry about Maria—she eats like a bird.” She saw a hint of a shadow sliding over her dad’s face. “And, I’ll chip in some of my tips.”

  “You’ll do no such thing,” Anne said, looking sharply at her husband. “You keep on with your school work.”

  “Gilly, your mom’s right—for now … for six months. But then we’ll have to re-evaluate. What’s this Maria like?” Will asked draining his wine glass.

  “You’ll like her, Dad. She’s my age, dark brown
hair—long and wavy. Very friendly but not a chatterbox.”

  “Whew. That’s good to hear, one chatterbox in the family is enough,” Gramps said chuckling.

  “I say amen to that, Dad. Maybe I’ll get a chance to talk some sense into both you girls about getting a real job.”

  “Dad, don’t you dare. Maria’s having a hard enough time without you planting more doubts in her head. As for me … well, you agreed to give me some time, let me attempt to keep my plans to be a designer … a fashion designer. I love the sound of it … fashion designer. Promise you won’t say anything to Maria?”

  Gilly wrapped her arms around her dad from the back of his chair, leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Say, I promise.”

  “Alright. I promise. For now.”

  “Good.” Gilly gave him a squeeze and started to clear the table. “As for another chatterbox, if it wasn’t for Mom and I, this house would be dullsville. Let’s get these dishes going, Mom. I have a chapter I want to read tonight before I begin tweaking my designs for next week.”

  Chapter 26

  ───

  THE AFTERNOON SUNSHINE turned gray. A cloud cover cooled the early October air to sixty-five degrees. Gilly inched forward on the dock. Spotting her friend, she waved to get Maria’s attention as she dragged her rolling suitcase following the foot passengers off the ferry. The girls hugged briefly and then loaded the suitcase into the trunk of the car.

  Pulling out of the parking lot, Gilly asked if she enjoyed the ferry ride. Maria replied excitedly that she loved it and then started a barrage of questions. Her big news—she had scheduled an interview with the personnel manager.

  “It’s going to be a long night for you, Maria. I’m sorry you have to hang around until the end of my shift. At least you have your class assignment to work on. I won’t be able to get away until at least midnight. If it’s slow, I’ll ask Kirby … he’s the head bartender … if I can leave early.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll see what personnel has to say and then we can figure out our plans after that. No matter what happens, I’ll stay the weekend. If that’s alright with you and your family.”

  “You are more than welcome. Ever sleep in a bunk bed?”

  “Once. A sleep over. Forgot I was on the top, missed the rung, and fell. Thought I broke my leg, but it was just bruised.”

  “Oh, oh. I’d better take the top bunk. Mom and dad put up a set for us in the guesthouse this morning. She took the day off.”

  Maria turned to look at Gilly. “Something’s wrong. Do you think my coming over was a bad idea?”

  “Oh, no. In fact I’m glad you’re here. I need someone to talk to.”

  “What happened?—you’ve been very, well, withdrawn. I didn’t want to—

  “Gramps was shot.”

  “Gilly, why didn’t you tell me? Is he okay?”

  “I think so. It happened around midnight, Sunday. I found him when I got home from the casino. The EMTs said it was a slight shoulder wound. Mom took him to see his doctor today, change the bandage, and a couple of tests to be sure his heart is okay. I haven’t heard from her yet.”

  Maria turned to face Gilly. My coming over … maybe it’s too much for your family.”

  “No, no. We talked it over. Gramps wants to meet you, and then there’s Agatha.”

  “You mentioned her. Is she a relative?”

  Gilly laughed. “Agatha’s a dog … but she thinks she’s a person, and now she’s a heroine.”

  “A dog!” Maria laughed along with Gilly.

  “Yes, but when you meet her don’t look at her tail. She’s a bit sensitive,” Gilly looked at Maria and giggled. “The robber, or whoever he was, shot at her when she bit his leg. He hit her in the tail and the vet had to amputate a piece. But I met her master at the ferry yesterday and he gave me her fav toy—a camel. So, she’s feeling better, and—

  “Wait just a minute, girlfriend. Agatha’s a dog, but thinks she’s a person, she’s depressed because her tail’s been cut off, and now there’s a master?”

  “Skip Hunter. A Seattle Times crime reporter—a really nice guy.”

  “You said guy like there’s more. Give.”

  “Well, he is kinda cute. I’ll tell you more later. The casino is up ahead.”

  The windshield wipers slowly swept away the light rain as Gilly turned into the employee parking lot.

  “Wow. This is a big place,” Maria said leaning forward to see better.

  “Besides the casino, there’s a full resort—hotel, pools, restaurants. I’m sure they’ll have a position for you. Remember though, members of the tribe get first dibs on the jobs.”

  ───

  IT WAS A BUSY NIGHT. Seemed as if all of Seattle wanted to escape the dreary weather and crossed the sound for some action at the casino.

  “Hey, Red, I missed you last Sunday,” Kirby said. “You ducked out early. How’ve you been?”

  “Sunday was a slow night, Kirby. You said I could leave. Remember?” There was no way she was going to tell him about the scene she found that night. She wished her mom would call. Maybe the results from EKG weren’t so good. Suddenly the image of Aggie waiting with her camel brought a smile to her lips and then her lips on Skip’s.

  “Ya, I remember. Just joshing.”

  Gilly turned away with a loaded tray. Hawk watched her hustle over to a raucous group at a bank of slots. They were laughing as they tallied up their winnings. Most of the slots kept an electronic record as the button was pushed but they still had a few old fashioned machines with handles to pull and a tray to catch the winnings if those wonderful cherries came up in a row.

  “Man, she’s beautiful. I’d sure like to get my arms around her. Maybe dinner. Try Seattle again … out of my dad’s prying eyes. Just hope she doesn’t cancel,” he mumbled.

  Gilly returned to the bar and saw Hawk leaning against the back wall watching her. He signaled for her to come over.

  “How about we meet for dinner … in the city? Maybe Tuesday?” Hawk asked, reaching out, touching her hair casually, then folding his arms in front of him. “But no cancelling at the last minute.”

  “Hawk, I honestly don’t think it will work. School is crazy busy but … I’ll call you Monday.” Gilly smiled at him and noticed Maria out of the corner of her eye sitting at a café table in the corner. “There’s my friend. She’s interviewing for a job.”

  “Where? Is she at one of the slots?”

  “No. Over there at the little table. Long black hair. Come meet her.”

  Cutting through a crowd at the blackjack table, Gilly thought Maria looked like a cat that just swallowed a mouse. Good sign, she thought, smiling.

  “I can see by the grin on your face that you aced the interview. What happened?” Gilly completely forgot that Hawk was standing next to her until Maria nodded her head at him.

  “Oh, excuse me. Maria, meet Hawk Jackson. Hawk, Maria Delgado.”

  “Hello, Hawk. And please call me Maria. Just so you know you two are looking at the newest employee of this marvelous place.”

  “Maria, that’s terrific.” Gilly gave her a hug then backed up a step. “What? Hostess? Tell me. Tell me.”

  Hawk stood watching the two women, catching their excitement as the questions and answers bounced from one to the other.

  “You’ll never guess, Gilly. We, Mrs. Piper and I, were talking and she was asking me about school and wasn’t it nice I could stay with you and what jobs had I held before. I told her about the bakery and then, I don’t know why, but I told her I taught yoga and Pilates part-time at a fitness club.”

  “You never mentioned that to me.”

  “Gilly, you and I barely have time to talk about anything that isn’t school related. Anyway, the spa has an opening, or had,” she added with a smirk.

  “The spa? That’s wonderful, but—

  “Mrs. Piper suggested I hold Pilate classes for the guests especially on the weekends—how’s that for scheduling—and, in general, helpi
ng to run the amenity. Nice word—amenity.”

  “It’s perfect but that sounds more like working afternoons, and my hours are at night, and…”

  “Not to worry, my friend. After tidying up the spa at the end of the day, I come over here where things are just gearing up. From the sounds of it, I’d say it’s in full swing now. Mrs. Piper said if I work out that I’ll be a floater—use me to fill in where needed was the way she described it.”

  “Sounds to me like you two hit the jackpot, or rather the casino made out with two beautiful women lending their charms to our guests,” Hawk said joining in their excitement.

  “Oh, and one more thing. As I was leaving her office Mrs. Piper commented that I fit right in with my black hair and eyes.” Maria batted her big dark eyes at Hawk.

  “You little devil,” Gilly said giving Maria another hug.

  “Maria, I just suggested to Gilly we meet for dinner next Tuesday—Seattle side. How about we all meet and celebrate your new job?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. School is crazy busy,” Maria said.

  Both Gilly and Hawk laughed.

  “What’s funny? Did I just miss something?”

  “That’s exactly what Gilly said. But now I’ll only take a yes for dinner. When do you start work?”

  “I told Mrs. Piper that I had to coincide with Gillianne Wilder’s schedule the next four days, and then I’ll see about commuting after that.”

  “Alright,” Hawk said. “How about dinner on Wednesday, and then we can take the ferry back to Bainbridge together?”

  The girl’s nodded to each other eyebrows raised. “Sounds like a plan,” Gilly said.

  Maria couldn’t believe she started the new position the next day and with paid training. It all happened so fast—and to think her world had come to an end only the day before.

  ───

  AT MIDNIGHT, GILLY looked around for Kirby. The crowd had thinned out and she thought maybe, just maybe, she and Maria could leave. A very pretty woman, definitely a member of the tribe, stepped up to Gilly and asked if she could speak with her a moment. She introduced herself as Sarah Clifton. She worked in the Tribal Smokehouse gift shop.