Murder and Food Porn: A Northwest Cozy Mystery (Northwest Cozy Mystery Series Book 8)

by Dianne Harman

  Ethan’s eyes glinted at her. “Sorry to have to do the same thing to you that I did to your sister, but now that you’ve seen the gun, you know too much, huh?” He smirked. “That’s a shame for you, babe. Bad timing, is all. It might have been better for you if you hadn’t come here today. At least you would have lived.”

  Hillary recognized the pistol he was holding as her mother’s antique gun. She found her voice and asked, “What are you doing here, Ethan? I thought criminals never returned to the scene of the crime.”

  “The second time is easier, especially when you know a back way to get into the house unseen. I’m just looking for a couple of letters I sent your sister. When she told me she never wanted me to contact her again, I asked her to return the letters to me. I was embarrassed at having sent them. She told me I couldn’t have them, that she’d put them somewhere safe.”

  “Is that why you killed her?” Hillary was incredulous.

  “No, don’t be ridiculous.” Ethan smiled. “Her high spirits and feistiness were two of the things I loved about Toni. She was quite something.” His face clouded over. “Shame how it happened, really. But it was her own fault.”

  “Why was that?” Hillary tried to look behind Ethan to see if there was any sign of Al, but from where she was sitting, her view into the hallway was obscured.

  “She wouldn’t see me.” He shrugged and looked away for a moment before staring back at Hillary. “You see, I wanted to marry her, but she wouldn’t give me the time of day. How could I have a chance to show her my charms when she wouldn’t even talk to me? I gave her plenty of chances. Eventually, I’d had enough, and something inside me just snapped.”

  “Marry her?” Hillary’s voice was a whisper.

  “Yeah, why not?” Ethan took a step closer to Hillary, the gun pointed at her head. “I knew your mother had given one-quarter of your father’s life insurance policy to her. I could have used that money.” He chuckled. “Since she wouldn’t see me, I decided I’d marry you when we both got back to Key West and get the money that way. I was pretty sure you’d be the sole beneficiary of Toni’s estate.”

  It was Hillary’s turn to laugh. “It’s just as well you’re about to kill me, Ethan, because I’d never marry you in a million years.”

  Ethan gave her a wounded stare. “I know I wasn’t one of your favorites, but I figured in time you’d come around, just like your mother did. Too bad it won’t happen, but there are other women out there I can meet on the dating sites, and who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky and they’ll have a couple of daughters.”

  “You’re never going to get away with this, Ethan.” Come on Al, Hillary was thinking to herself, where are you? Please, hurry up.

  “Really? I think I already did.” He pointed at her watch, a Tag Heuer encrusted with diamonds around the dial. When he spoke again, the volume of his voice was raised by several notches. “One good thing about the murder was that I was able to get a couple of nice pieces of jewelry your sister was wearing. That will help my financial position. I see you’ve got good taste in arm candy as well. At least your visit here will be worthwhile to me. Hand it over.”

  Hillary unclipped the clasp on her watch and removed it from her wrist. Wordlessly, she handed it to Ethan. His pupils were dilated, and a crazed look had come over him. Hillary had no idea if he was a drug user, but by the way he was acting, she wouldn’t have been surprised.

  She tried to look past Ethan again, and with a sinking feeling, realized her fate was sealed. Even if Al was in the house already and listening, which was probable, there was no way he could save her. Ethan was standing between her and the only escape route, the doorway. If she tried anything, Ethan would shoot her. If Al tried anything, Ethan would shoot her.

  Either way, it looks like I’m going to get shot. Weighing her options, Hillary decided she had nothing to lose. My only chance is to roll off this chair and hope Al can do something to Ethan before he kills me. If that doesn’t work, I’m dead.

  In a split second she dove off the chair and scrambled towards Ethan’s legs. At the same time, a shot rang out, and Ethan’s gun flew out of his hand and landed across the room. Red leaped towards them and knocked Ethan to the ground beside Hillary. Ethan yelled in pain. “You son-of-a…you shot my hand,” he moaned.

  Hillary tried to jump to her feet to get away from Ethan, who was grabbing at her with his good hand, but she was having trouble getting to her feet. Her head still ached from where he’d pulled out a clump of her hair.

  “Stay where ya’ are or Red’s gonna kill ya’,” Al growled to Ethan, reaching over for Hillary’s hand and helping her up. “Go outside and call the cops,” he said to her, handing her his phone.

  After Hillary left the room, Al picked up the antique pistol Ethan was going to use to kill Hillary and dropped it in his pocket. He kept his gun trained on Ethan who was still lying on the floor and said, “Ima thinkin’ Ima jes’ gonna’ shoot and kill ya’ right here and now.”

  “That’s the way these kinda’ situations always ended when I was with the Mob. Doin’ that would save Hillary and others all the hurt of havin’ to testify in court about yer’ worthless self. Save the taxpayers the cost of puttin’ on a big trial jes’ to send ya’ off to the slammer forever. I’ll jes’ tell the cops we had a little shootin’ action and ya’ lost, sucker. So get ready to meet yer maker.”

  Al levelled his gun at Ethan’s head and cocked the hammer, but just as he did so he heard the sound of approaching sirens, and he realized it was too late for him to shoot Ethan, since the police would be arriving momentarily. He lowered his gun ad said, “Well, ain’t this yer’ lucky day. Guess ya’ ain’t gonna’ have to try and lie yer’ way through them purly’ gates today after all.”

  Moments later the house was teeming with almost all the law enforcement personnel Bainbridge Island had to offer. For the second time in several days, Al and Hillary were questioned at length about the events at the house, and Al’s stomach was rumbling by the time they were finally told they could leave.

  A crowd had gathered at the end of the driveway, and as the police drove away with a handcuffed Ethan Doyle in the back seat, Al saw the woman he had been speaking to earlier, Blythe Duncan, approach Hillary. They spoke for a few moments, and he was glad that Blythe had been able to express her condolences to Hillary in person.

  He pulled his phone out of his pocket and called home to update Cassie. “Let’s celebrate,” he said, after she’d congratulated him on catching another murderer and hopefully sending Ethan to prison for a long time. “Red was the star of the show. He ain’t never done nothin’ like that before, no trainin’ at all. What a dog.”

  “He must be a natural, just like you,” Cassie suggested.

  “Yeah. What’s fer lunch? I can pick up somethin’ special.”

  “I’ve got it covered. I’ll just change dinner to lunch,” Cassie said. “I was going to marinate some fish and have some red potatoes with it. I’ll add some garlic bread and a green salad with a chilled rosé and it will be lovely on the patio. Briana’s already here, so why don’t you invite Luke and Rob as well, and as a reward for Red, I’ll defrost a steak for him.”

  “Perfect, I’ll call the guys now. Oh, and Cassie?”

  “Yes, Al?”

  “What’s, um, Pawsalates?”

  Cassie laughed. “You’ve got to keep up with things, honey. It’s pilates, you know for dogs.”

  CHAPTER 18

  When they arrived back at the house, Cassie greeted Hillary with a warm hug before raising herself on tiptoe to kiss Al. “Well done, both of you,” she said, steering Hillary through the kitchen doors and out onto the patio. Al and Red followed them outside. “That must have been a traumatic experience for you, Hillary.”

  Hillary nodded. “I think I’m still a little dazed. It was weird being held at gunpoint by the man who’d killed my sister. I knew Ethan was ready to pull the trigger on me as well. He had murder in his eyes.” She smiled at Briana, who
was setting the table. “Hi, I’m Hillary. You must be Cassie’s daughter?”

  Briana beamed at her. “That’s me. Briana.” She extended her hand to Hillary. “It’s so nice to meet you, Hillary, despite the sad circumstances. I’ve heard all about you from my mom and Luke. You’ve been through a terrible time. I’m really sorry about what happened to your sister.”

  Red, his head held high and trotted over to stand next to Hillary. She petted him before replying, and he promptly flopped onto the patio tile floor at her feet. “Thanks, Briana. It’s been tough, but after what happened this morning I feel like I can put the worst behind me. I’m lucky to be alive, which is a life-changing feeling. I guess it puts everything into perspective. Your mom and Al have been amazing, and Red’s been my rock.”

  Briana lifted a bottle of chilled rosé from the wine bucket sitting in the center of the table. “In that case, can I tempt you with some wine?”

  Hillary gave her a grateful smile. “Definitely.”

  Briana began to pour.

  By the time Luke and Rob arrived, the three women and Al had already polished off a bottle of Provence’s finest.

  “Glad yer’ here, guys,” Al said, looking up. “I was outnumbered.”

  “Come and help me,” Cassie said, pulling on Al’s sleeve. “You’re on wine duty. I’ll serve lunch.”

  The meal turned into a leisurely afternoon of delicious food in laid-back surroundings, good wine, and friendly conversation. Enjoying the opportunity to play up to an audience, Al regaled them with his version of the showdown with Ethan, right down to rolling off his chair in an imitation of Hillary’s diversion tactics that allowed Al the chance to shoot the gun out of Ethan’s hand. He decided not to tell them about his aborted plan to simply shoot and kill Ethan. Some things are better left unsaid, he thought to himself.

  “Ima tellin’ ya’,” Al said, sprawled out on the tile patio floor, “If Hillary hadn’t taken that nosedive when she did, I’m not sure what woulda’ happened. We might not be havin’ this celebration lunch.” It was a sobering moment.

  Al climbed up onto his feet and dusted himself off, and Hillary spoke up. “Al, you were wonderful. For a moment I thought I was done for, but I knew if anyone could get me out of there alive it was you. For that, I will be eternally grateful.” Her eyes welled up as she looked at Al, before turning to Cassie. “And Cassie, thank you for making me so welcome in your home and for everything you’ve done for me. I can never repay you.”

  “You don’t have to,” Cassie said, reaching out across the table to squeeze her hand. “That’s what friends are for. You’re always welcome here, please remember that.”

  Hillary nodded, and paused. “And I’m not forgetting Luke and Rob, of course. What you guys do is beyond awesome. You’re the best.” She looked across the table, smiling at both of them. “Last, but not least...”

  Everyone followed her gaze to where Red’s head was in his dog dish which was filled with tender chunks of steak lovingly cooked on the grill by Al.

  “Red,” she continued. “My hero.”

  Al cleared his throat. “Mine too.”

  “Mine three,” Briana, said, and everyone laughed.

  After lunch, the group lingered over a cheese board and crackers. “Have you decided what you’re going to do next?” Cassie asked Hillary. “Please, know the invitation to stay here as long as you like still stands.”

  “Thanks, Cassie. I’d certainly like to stay for a few days to give me the chance to meet with Jace and finalize the funeral arrangements. There’s Toni’s house to think about, as well.”

  “Next time you go there, the great room will have been stripped and cleaned,” Rob said. “I made the arrangements myself. The mess in the office will be dealt with too, so don’t give that another thought. Are you planning on selling the house? It’s a beautiful piece of property, and I’m sure it will get snapped up immediately.”

  “I might be interested,” Briana said, nodding.

  Hillary shook her head. “I’m not listing it for now. Toni loved that place, and I know why. It’s like the vacation cottage we stayed in every summer with our parents when we were little. Right down to the narrow staircase leading to the attic rooms and the wildflowers growing by the water’s edge. For Toni, that home evoked happy memories. I’m considering moving in myself.”

  “Really? What about your business back in Florida?” Cassie asked.

  “I’m ready for a change from real estate,” Hillary explained. “I’d already been thinking of alternative careers for a while before any of this happened. There’s nothing keeping me in Florida now that my mother’s not there. Toni had asked me if I’d be interested in joining her in her Food Porn Photography business, and I was considering it.” She looked around the table. “Something in my gut is telling me to give it a try. I think Toni would approve.”

  “Ima thinkin’ she would too,” Al said. He made a sign of the cross and raised his eyes to the sky, while whispering under his breath. “I know a few people up there,” he said to Hillary when he’d finished mumbling. “Jes’ havin’ a word, askin’ them to look out fer Toni fer ya’.” Cassie tenderly patted his arm, nodding her approval.

  “I appreciate that, Al. Do you know any decorators, by any chance?” Hillary went on. “I’ll have to get the house repainted and change some of the furniture. I know what I like, but I’m pretty clueless when it comes to doing anything like that myself.”

  Al’s eyes settled on Briana, whose face flushed. He raised his eyebrows and chuckled. “Ain’t like ya’ to be shy, Briana.”

  Hillary frowned. “Have I missed something?”

  “I’m an interior designer,” Briana explained. “I’d be happy to show you my portfolio to give you an idea of what I can do. Special rates for friends, of course.”

  “I’d like that a lot,” Hillary said, beaming. “And now, I’d like to propose a toast.” She raised her glass. “To new beginnings.”

  They all clinked glasses. “New beginnings.”

  Red woofed.

  EPILOGUE

  “Them twins are somethin’ special,” Al said to Cassie as she stood by the kitchen stove. He handed her his phone. “Look at this picture of me with little Vinny and Em. Four weeks old, and they’re smart as a whip. Runs in the family, I guess.”

  Cassie smiled at the screen. “You can tell that already? They’re cute as a button, that’s for sure. A little birdie told me Roz and Clark had something to ask you, did they say anything when you were there?”

  Al gulped. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket, his eyes welling up. “You been speakin’ to DeeDee?”

  Cassie nodded, and grinned. “Don’t go getting all emotional. Tell me what they said.”

  “Ima gonna’ be the godfather to baby Vinny,” Al said, raising the handkerchief to his eyes. “In the religious sense, not the other, if ya know whadda mean. Look at me, blubberin’ like a wimp. Ima turnin’ into an old softie.”

  Cassie opened her arms to him. “Come here. You’ll always be my favorite softie, if that’s any consolation.” She wrapped him in a hug, her head only reaching to his chest.

  A fluffy gray ball of fur raced across the kitchen floor and snapped at Al’s heels. He looked down. “Ow. This ankle biter is another wise guy. He’s just as smart as Balto and Red, ain’t that right, Spike?”

  Spike, a husky puppy with a black studded collar and eyes the color of coal, barked.

  “That’s a high bar to set,” Cassie said.

  Al lowered his voice. “I know. In fact, no disrespect to either Balto or Red, but this little fella might just beat ‘em both in terms of doggie IQ.” He leaned down and placed a kiss on Cassie’s lips. “Best surprise ever, the day you brought Spike home for me.”

  Cassie smiled, and pulled away to stir the pan of sauce she had cooking on the stove. “That’s because you thought the surprise was going to be a gym pass, or something healthy.”

  Al shrugged. “Another dog to walk and pla
y with sounds pretty healthy to me. Ima glad Red and Spike get along. And they love it when Hillary comes over and takes them both down to the beach. She seems to like Bainbridge Island, don’tcha think?”

  “She told me the best thing she ever did was to quit work and list her home in Key West. Ever since she came back from Florida, she’s thrown herself into remodeling Toni’s old place. Rob’s been helping her find her way around the area and showing her the sights of Seattle. The two of them are coming over for dinner later, along with Briana and Luke, so we’ve got a full house. I got the recipes for tonight’s dinner from DeeDee.”

  Al peered into the saucepan. “Can’t say as I know what that is, but I’m sure it’s good, if you’ve used this half-empty bottle of wine on the counter. Just as well I wasn’t savin’ it,” he sniffed.

  “It’s for a good cause,” Cassie chided him. “You know how we both love having the young people over. Briana and Luke seem to be getting serious, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s another budding romance in the offing between Hillary and Rob. Oh, and I forgot to tell you. When I was talking to Hillary earlier she told me she’d gone into Seattle and met with Jace. She gave him the piece of paper Toni had on her nightstand.”

  “Ya’ mean the one where she says she’s gonna’ tell him yes?”

  “That’s the one,” Cassie said. “She said it was one of the hardest things she’d ever done. He was so emotional he couldn’t speak for a long time. She also said she was glad she’d done it, because she felt it gave him closure knowing that Toni was ready to commit to him, even if it couldn’t be. She said she hoped he’d find someone else, and if she hadn’t done that, it might have held him back from ever having another serious relationship.”

  “Hmph.” Al gave an eye roll. “Feel like Ima runnin’ a datin’ agency sometimes, instead of a PI firm. So, jes’ what is it you’re cookin’ up?”