by Diane Weiner
Travis said, “I don’t know what to get.”
“There’s a Yankee Candle store if I remember correctly. You can buy hand lotion. Nurses wash their hands a lot, right? Or gourmet coffee. I’ll bet they get pretty bored working alongside you all day.” She gave him a coy smile.
“Very funny. How about a gift certificate?” said Travis.
“Nah. Show some thought went into this.”
“I’m willing to try the candle store. Lotion seems too personal.” Travis followed her into Yankee Candle. Sara loved the smell of candles, though she seldom––make that never––burned them. Wait. There was that time the electric went out and she ran out of batteries for the flashlight…
Travis held a candle to his nose. “This makes me want to sneeze.”
“Try this. Smells like a pine forest. Or here’s one that reminds me of a tropical beach.”
He took the two options from her hands. “Sold. One of each. Can we go home now?”
“Very funny. I haven’t even started yet.”
Travis grabbed the package and they headed back into the mall. Sara wasn’t watching where she was going and bumped into another shopper. “I’m so sorry.”
“Sara? Sara Baron?”
“Hunter Griffith? I haven’t seen you since high school. I thought you moved overseas.”
“I did for a while. Got married and we decided this was a better place to raise a child than where we were living. How have you been?”
“Good. I live out in San Francisco and play in the orchestra.” For now, anyway.
“You kept up the music all these years.”
That might be coming to an abrupt end. She smiled. “Yes, still playing the oboe. You said you came back to raise a child. How many kids do you have?”
His eyes narrowed. “Two. I mean, one that’s still living.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. That’s awful.”
“Boating accident out on the lake. Not really an accident. A drunk went slamming into our boat. Jordan was killed instantly.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Kicker is, the killer got off with not even a hand slap. Jury found her innocent. And you know who killed him? She went to school with us. As a matter of fact, you were friends if I remember.”
Sara had a sinking feeling. “Who?”
“Ellie Rossi.”
Travis touched her arm as if to say he understood how hard it was to absorb the comment. “I’m sure it was an accident.”
“Going 70 miles an hour under the influence is hardly an accident. Do you know what it’s like to lose a child? Do you know how awful it is to suppress your own tears so you can comfort your wife who can’t stop sobbing, can’t eat, can’t sleep?”
“That’s so awful. I’m so sorry.”
“To top it off the court exonerates her.” His lips curled into a sinister grin. “She wound up paying though.”
“You mean because she was murdered?”
“What goes around comes around. I’ve gotta meet my wife at the food court. The last thing I want to do is shop, but we’re trying to make things more normal for Noah, our other son. His homecoming dance is next week and he needs a suit. Nice running into you.”
After he got on the escalator, Sara said, “Did you hear that? He had venom in his voice.”
“You would too if you thought someone got away with murdering your child.”
“He was a little off back in high school. It’s the first time I’d heard the term bi-polar. Do you think he snapped and killed her?”
“Hard to imagine. Did Ellie drink?”
“Yeah. I wondered in the past if she enjoyed it a little too much. I mean, from the few dealings I had with her. But to speed in a boat that recklessly? And what was she doing all by herself in a boat anyway? She didn’t even own a boat last I knew. I mean I never saw a boat trailer in the driveway or anything.”
“Maybe it belonged to her parents. It’s worth looking into, don’t you think?”
“I’ll ask Phil about it. I’m surprised no one brought this up.”
Travis said, “Where are we going?”
“Mom’s birthday is coming up too and she loves clothes. Let’s go in here.” She could swear he rolled his eyes when she said that. She found the petite section and browsed through the sweaters. “What do you think? Mom likes bright colors.”
“It’s fine.”
“Or look at this. It’s cashmere.” She had second thoughts looking at the price. As if he understood, Travis said, “I like the first one.”
“Done. You know, Dad could use another sweatshirt to wear around the shop. The one he’s wearing has a hole in it.”
“The one that says San Francisco Philharmonic?”
“Yeah. I sent it to him when I first got the job. He was so proud.”
“Isn’t it a little early for Christmas shopping?”
“Yeah, but I like to beat the crowds. I usually put things away all year when I find something that catches my eye.”
They found a thick sweatshirt for her father, and she couldn’t resist buying a hardcover bestseller for Mrs. Capelli. After all, she’d been putting up with Grandpa and that deserved a reward. She made Grandpa happy and he was infinitely easier to deal with when he was happy.
“I don’t know what to get Grandpa.”
“How about a replacement scent for the cologne he wears?”
“Wears? You mean bathes himself in?” They both laughed. “Great idea. Any favorites?”
“I’ve got a few ideas. Come on.”
She followed him to the counter, where they spritzed so many samples, her nose became numb. “You pick one.”
“Here. This is one I’ve always liked.” He sprayed it all over her coat sleeve.
“Sold. You’ve been so patient. How about I buy you dinner on the way home?”
“I can’t. I have plans.”
“Plans?”
“Yeah. Maybe another time.”
She was sure he was seeing someone. Maybe the mysterious Cameron of prescription bottle fame. Her heart sank a little, thinking about eating a frozen dinner with Panther in front of the TV. Stop the pity party. At least you have Panther.
She couldn’t help herself. “I thought we were becoming friends. Why don’t you open up to me? If you have a date, say so. And why are you lying about your relationship with Ellie.”
“Lying? I haven’t lied.”
“You said you barely knew her, yet you knew she didn’t have a boat and you knew your way to the master bedroom the night she was murdered.”
“Where’s this coming from? None of that is your business.”
“What are you hiding, really? I found Ellie’s earring in your sofa and a notebook in her handwriting in your coffee table next to the remotes.”
“You’re a snoop and I wish I’d never extended my hospitality to you.”
“I think you know more about her murder than you’re saying. Why wouldn’t you let the police take a mold of your tire track? And how is it that you’re always right around the corner when I get a threat?”
“I was with you at your parents’ house last time.”
“And you stepped out to take a phone call earlier—when the tires were punctured.”
“You’re a whiny, ungrateful snoop. Did I mention nosy? Think about all the threats you received and you’ll see I have an alibi for all of them.”
“An alibi? Interesting terminology.”
“Why don’t you get on a plane and go back to San Francisco. Oh, I forgot. You might not have a job there anymore.”
“That’s hitting below the belt. I hate you. I hope I never see you again.”
“Get in the truck. I know you don’t have money for a taxi.” He was silent the whole way back to Hudsonville. She was fuming and hurt all at once. How did she let herself care at all about him?
Travis dropped her off at Ellie’s. This time he didn’t even get out and make sure she was safe. He’s in a hurry to get ready for his da
te.
She opened the door to the dark house, flipped on the lights, and jacked up the temperature on the thermostat. A fire would be nice, but just for her? It didn’t seem worth the effort. After dinner I’ll try practicing, maybe fix up a few reeds. If she stayed much longer, she’d need to set up a work desk. I won’t let myself cry over Travis. No one will hurt me again like Brandon did.
She took a Lean Cuisine out of the box and was about to pop it in the oven, when her phone rang.
“Phil? Yes, I’m home.”
“I was wondering if you’d like to go out to dinner.”
She didn’t need to think about it. The loneliness here was already gnawing at her. “I’d love to.”
Sara took a hot shower, reveling in the scent of the new shower gel she just bought at the mall. Not having not discussed the venue, she pulled on stretchy black pants, stylish boots, and an off the shoulder fine-knit sweater. Not too fancy, not too casual. Phil arrived exactly on time. He opened the car door like a gentleman.
“Did you hang out at the music store today?”
“You mean the oboe shop? For a while. With three of us working, we’re beginning to make a dent in the back orders. Then we took a ride to the mall. I had to get Grandpa a birthday present. The big party’s coming up and so far, I don’t think he’s caught on that we’re planning it.”
“We? You talked your father into going to the mall?”
“No. Travis and I. He wanted to pick up some gifts for the nurses in his office.”
“I’d have gone with you, except I had to work. Must be nice to take off in the middle of the day to go shopping.”
Her first reaction would have been to jump to Travis’s defense, but not anymore. She chose not to react to the comment. “The mall was crowded. Guess who I ran into?”
“I could try guessing, but it’d be easier if you just tell me.”
“Hunter Griffith, from high school. You must know the name.”
“No, why should I know who that is?”
“His son, Jordan, was killed in a boating accident. Actually, he claims Ellie was driving drunk, 70 miles an hour on the lake, and crashed into their boat, killing their son. Last summer. You don’t remember the case?”
“Now that you bring it up I do. It was determined to be an accident.”
“Did you know Ellie was the one driving the boat?”
“I did.”
“Why didn’t you mention that?”
“She was found innocent so it was irrelevant. Why tarnish her memory? Besides, although alcohol was found in the boat, by the time they got to Ellie, her blood levels were normal. She said it was an accident—she hadn’t realized she’d harmed anyone.”
“But Jordan’s father thought differently.”
“Yes, he claims she was speeding and reckless but that was hard to prove. The one witness who came forward had been drinking himself and wasn’t credible in court.”
“But there had to have been other witnesses.”
“Like I said, no one else came forward and the evidence left reasonable doubt. Why are you bringing this up now?”
“The civil suit was recently concluded, also clearing Ellie of blame. When I spoke to Hunter, he made a comment about Ellie getting what was coming to her.”
He pulled into the Canton Palace parking lot. “I hope you like Chinese.”
The dimly lit restaurant had a mural of a red dragon on one wall and a large fish tank in front of another. They were seated in front of a brass gong.
“Phil, can you reopen the file and take another look?”
“Look at what?”
“See if there is anything that was missed. Does Hunter Griffith have an arrest record or did he threaten Ellie?”
The waiter stood, pad in hand. “I’ll have the wonton soup and Mongolian Beef. What about you, Sara?”
Hot and sour or egg drop? Heads hot and sour, tails egg drop. “I’ll have the hot and sour soup.”
“Egg roll or spring roll?”
“Ummm, Egg roll, and for the main course…”
Phil said, “We’ll both take the Mongolian Beef.”
As soon as she handed back the menu, she continued pushing Phil.
“Why don’t you see if he has an alibi for the night Ellie died?”
“I have no reason to do that.”
“I just gave you a reason. And let me ask you this. Do you think Travis Jennings could be Ellie’s killer? He may be working with a partner. He has this second phone, and I saw a man in a trench coat talking to him in his driveway. They were arguing.”
“Look, if I wanted to talk shop, I’d have stayed at the station. Can we change the subject? What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?”
“I haven’t seen a movie in ages.” Not since I broke up with Brandon, as a matter of fact.
“Who’s your favorite band?”
“It’s a toss-up between the Chicago Symphony and the Berlin Philharmonic. You?”
“Green Day.”
“Green who? Never heard of them.”
“Who are you rooting for in the Orange Bowl?”
“I hate football.”
The evening dragged on. When they’d finished their meal, the waiter brought them fortune cookies. Phil read his aloud. “Measure twice, cut once. Not sure I get it.”
“It means if you do something carefully and thoroughly the first time, you don’t go back and redo it.” Like if you’d interviewed Hunter Griffin and asked for an alibi right after Ellie died, you wouldn’t have to rule him out as Ellie’s murderer now. Or if I’d stuck to your first impression of Travis instead of getting sucked into his charm, you wouldn’t feel so hurt inside.
“Open yours.”
She reluctantly smashed the cookie. “This is your lucky year.”
“I can see that,” said Phil.
She was feeling anything but lucky and it was hard to imagine anything but darkness ahead. “I’m kinda tired. Do you mind if we go?”
“No problem, but I was hoping you might come over for a drink.”
“I’ll take a rain check.” I’d prefer to snuggle up with Panther and watch the late show.
“I’ll tell you what. Stop by the station tomorrow and I’ll go through the case file so you can see for yourself the details of the Griffith case.”
Chapter 26
The next morning, Travis’s driveway was empty. Sara pictured him eating breakfast with this Cameron woman. Why do you care? He’s a jerk with a capital J, just like you thought. You have enough on your plate anyway.
The house was too quiet. She turned on the TV for background noise, then went into the kitchen. “Panther, get down from the counter. You don’t have to try to drink from the sink. I’ll give you fresh water, and how about breakfast?”
She strained her memory. Did Ellie’s parents ever own a boat? Did Ellie ever mention boating? She didn’t think so. Surely if Ellie’s family had a boat they’d have invited her to go along with them at some point when she was growing up. She and Ellie were inseparable back then. What about Ellie’s coworker, Camaya? They seem like they were close. She’d know if Ellie had taken up boating. Think I’ll make a few stops before going to the station.
She hoped her recollection of Ellie’s parents being early risers was still correct. It was. Mrs. Rossi picked up on the first ring. Her voice sounded flat. Was she tired, or had she been taking medication to help her cope? If it helped, Sara was all in favor. She could use some herself.
“Mrs. Rossi? It’s Sara. Do you mind if I stop by the condo? I have a few questions about Ellie.”
“Do you think you found her killer?”
“Not yet, but I have a potential lead.”
“Please, come on over. I haven’t slept since Ellie’s murder and I won’t rest as long as I think of Ellie’s killer going unpunished.”
Sara stopped by the bakery to pick up donuts and take-out coffee, then headed to the condo where Ellie’s parents lived.
The sleepy neighborhoo
d was waking up when Sara pulled in. She passed a parka-clad couple walking hand in hand, a paper carrier on a bike, and a woman walking a terrier wearing a ridiculously bright doggie sweater and matching booties. Panther wouldn’t stand for that. Cats have more dignity than to be seen in public wearing silly outfits. She felt the warmth of the donuts through the bag as she rang the doorbell.
“Sara, come in. It’s freezing out there.” Mrs. Rossi wore sweats and plaid slippers. Mr. Rossi, in a flannel shirt, stood behind her and took the donuts from Sara. “Take off your coat and come inside.”
“I brought coffee, too.”
“Thanks. I was just about to make another pot. Do you know something more about Ellie’s case?”
“It’s more of a lead I want to check. I was at the mall yesterday and ran into Hunter Griffith, from high school. You must know who I’m talking about.”
Mr. Rossi said, “The one who dragged Ellie to court. He claimed she was drunk and speeding out on the lake and killed their son.”
“Yes. I’m surprised I hadn’t heard about it.”
“Pure hogwash. He was out to make money from an unfortunate accident.”
“Did Ellie own a boat? Or do you? I never heard her mention it before.”
“No. We don’t, and neither did Ellie. She said she was borrowing it from a friend.”
“Why was she alone on the lake? And speeding like that.”
“She didn’t want to divulge much. She told us she was afraid and was speeding to get away from trouble. That’s all she’d say.”
“Trouble? Like with a boyfriend?”
“I don’t know. We were in and out of the country on church business. Maybe if we’d been here… I suppose she could have been dating someone.”
“Why keep that a secret? And was she running from him? Was he abusive?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. You know she was always very private about who she was dating—ever since she was a teenager.”
“I’d forgotten, but you’re right. She’d never tell me, her best friend, who she was seeing. The only one I knew about was Kyle, and that’s because they dated her entire senior year.” Maybe not telling me she was engaged wasn’t as odd as it seemed. She was consoled by that thought.
Her mother said, “Wait! There was a time around then when I called and I heard a man’s voice in the background. It was after dinner and he sounded like he was trying to get her to hang up. Like they were going somewhere. I asked her if she was alone and she said it was just the TV. Ellie never watched TV.”