Leo laughed, and not in a funny ha-ha kind of way. His laugh was sinister, and if Kelly wasn’t already shaking between being held at gunpoint and being outside in a wind storm without a coat, she would’ve been trembling right down to her core by the pure evilness of Leo’s laugh.
“Is that a fact?” He lifted his gun just a little bit higher. “I heard you say you were heading to Mexico tonight with the wife. And all that insurance money she collected. Not to worry. I have it now.” His thin lips stretched into a grim smile.
“What? What did you do to Irene?” Eddie let go of Kelly and raised his gun higher, aiming right at Leo’s head.
“What do you think?” Leo challenged just before a flash of light coming from behind Leo caught Kelly’s attention.
Kelly cocked her head sideways. What was the light? It was coming closer to them at a really fast speed.
Her eyes widened as Ariel and her motorized wheelchair came into view. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Ariel’s hair was blowing in the wind, and she was aiming right for Leo, who turned in Ariel’s direction too late. Her chair banged into his body, plunging him forward and, as he went down, he dropped his gun. Kelly’s eyes squeezed shut for a second, preparing for the weapon to discharge, but it didn’t. When she opened her eyes, she saw Eddie was momentarily stunned, giving her the chance to take the bold, risky move, and lunged for the gun. Scrambling, she reached the weapon and grabbed it. Her hands shook uncontrollably, but she managed to clamp a firm grip on the gun, which she pointed at Eddie.
“It’s over, Eddie. Put down your gun.” Kelly glanced over at Ariel, who was on her cell phone telling the 9-1-1 dispatcher where she was. “The police are on their way. Don’t make this any worse.”
Eddie grinned. “Be careful, or you’ll hurt yourself, little girl. You don’t even know how to use a gun.”
Kelly had an urge to wipe the cocky grin off of Eddie’s face. He’d killed three innocent people and planned on making her his fourth victim. No way in hell was he leaving before the cops arrived to slap handcuffs on him.
She raised the gun higher and steadied her hand. “I’m a fast learner.” Her gaze darted to the weapon. “The safety is off.” She looked back to Eddie. “And my finger just needs to pull back the trigger. Then it goes bang, right? Should I give it a try since you’ve threatened my life?”
“Do what she says. The police will be here any minute.” Ariel navigated her wheelchair over to Kelly.
Sirens approached, and police vehicles came racing into the parking lot. Their strobe lights lit up the darkness. The three cruisers came to a hard stop.
“Ah, hell.” Eddie carefully squatted down and set his gun on the ground and then stood with his hands in the air.
“That was pretty impressive with the wheelchair move.” Kelly looked at Ariel. The light was coming from Ariel’s head. “Is that a flashlight on your head?”
“Yeah.” Ariel nodded. “A flashlight headband. Neat, huh? I got it last year for Christmas.”
“Best gift ever!”
“Right?” Ariel’s face turned somber. “What’s Leo Manning doing here? Who’s the other guy?”
“Eddie Singer.” Kelly indicated the man she was pointing a gun at.
Now Ariel looked confused. “Eddie Singer is dead.”
“Long story.” Kelly’s head whipped around as the police officers rushed in her direction.
“Kelly, put down the gun!” Gabe called out as he approached the scene.
“Right.” Kelly released the gun onto the ground and then stepped far back as Gabe and two other officers came rushing toward them and arrested Eddie and Leo Manning.
Flashing strobe lights continued to light up the parking lot, and the muffled sounds of radio squawk filled the air as Kelly stood, leaning against Gabe’s police car with his jacket wrapped around her. Ariel was beside her and watched the police arrest Leo and Eddie and took copious notes.
“I meant to ask, but with the police and criminals…how did you know something was wrong?” Even though Kelly had Gabe’s jacket draped over her shoulders, she was still shaking.
“Well, to be honest, I didn’t know anything was wrong. I came to see if you wanted to get dinner. Then I saw him.” She pointed to Leo. “Making his way around back here, so I followed him.”
“That could have been dangerous.”
“I know. But I could easily outrun him in this chair.” She smiled brightly as she patted her chair. “The speed on this baby is awesome. As you saw.”
“I most certainly did.” Kelly’s smile faded as the reality of the night continued to sink in. “You saved my life.”
Ariel nodded. “I did, didn’t I? And you caught a killer.”
“Well, I wouldn’t exactly say I caught him. He broke into my home and held me at gunpoint.”
“Yeah, but when you had the chance to turn the tables on him, you did. You’re a real badass.”
Kelly dipped her head. She wasn’t used to praise and found it a little unsettling accepting it. “We now know the truth.” She lifted her head and took in a deep breath. “It looks like Bernadette’s vision was correct.”
Ariel shrugged. “She might be legit. I’m still skeptical, but I’m willing to keep an open mind about her when I finish my article.”
“Sounds fair.”
“I hate to break up this moment, but Detective Wolman wants both of you gals down at the department now.”
Kelly straightened her arms and lifted them forward. “You gonna handcuff me again?”
“No. Neither of you are under arrest. You’ll come with me. Ariel, Officer Parker will drive you.”
“Meet you there.” Ariel began to turn her wheelchair but stopped. “Kelly, I’m glad I was here for you tonight.”
“Me too.” Kelly swooped forward and hugged Ariel tightly. “It’s good to be home.”
“I’m happy you came back. Welcome home,” Ariel whispered before Kelly let go of her.
Chapter 24
Kelly checked her phone. No text from Gabe. She fired off a text reminding him to text her when he left then shifted her attention to the boutique. Liv had arrived just after eight to help set everything up for the grand reopening of the boutique. Liv had gone above and beyond the past three weeks to help Kelly realize her vision.
Like the new accessory department.
Once the home accents department of the Lucky Cove Consignment Shop, it now housed fashion jewelry, shoes, handbags, and scarves. Kelly had dusted off her merchandising display skills and kicked up her bargain hunting skills to find budget-friendly fixtures.
In the past few weeks, since Eddie and Irene Singer were arrested for three murders, insurance fraud, and attempted murder, Kelly had been able to focus on the boutique. Business had picked up, which included consignments, which gave her ample inventory for the newly revamped space. The old, cluttered addition was now bright and cheery, thanks to a coat of soft white paint, cleaned lighting fixtures, inexpensive shelving put up by Frankie, and two floor leaning mirrors she snagged at a ridiculously low price at the flea market where she sold the remaining home accents inventory she had.
The mirrors were in bad shape, but, after a Sunday morning of covering the frames with batting and faux black leather and then tufting them with crystal buttons, they were a fun addition to the space. She came across a coordinating ottoman perfect for trying on shoes. An addition of a graphic art print on canvas in silver tone with intertwining initials reminiscent of her favorite designer, Coco Chanel, hung beside one of the leaning mirrors. The room still took her breath away. It was perfect.
“Has he texted yet?” Liv popped her head into the room.
“No. I texted to remind him to text.” Kelly spun around and walked toward Liv. “They should be leaving any minute. Right?”
“People are gathering outside. Come on.” Liv waved
for Kelly to follow her. “This is so exciting. It’s official now.” She stopped at the sales counter. “This day has been long coming.”
“It most certainly has. There were times I didn’t think I’d get here.”
“You’re happy you didn’t sell to your uncle?”
Kelly nodded. “Definitely.”
“Hey, I’m not late, am I?” Frankie dashed in from the staff room and gave Kelly a quick hug. “I got the champagne and orange juice. I’ll make the mimosas when you open up.”
“Thanks, Frankie. The mimosas will be a nice touch.” Kelly wanted to have drinks available throughout the day, and Frankie had offered to take care of the task. He had not only planned three cocktails, but he also created a menu for appetizers he’d serve throughout the day.
“Oh, heads up. I didn’t come alone,” Frankie said in a dry tone.
Kelly heard footsteps coming from the staff room and then heard voices. “Why did you bring them?”
“I didn’t. They arrived when I did.” Frankie scooted over next to Liv.
“Kelly, looks like you made some headway with this old place,” Ralph boomed as he entered the front of the boutique.
“Everyone is gathering outside for the opening.” Kelly hoped to get her uncle and his wife to turn around and leave.
“We know. We saw the little group as we pulled into the parking lot.” Summer held Juniper, and the baby cooed, melting Kelly’s heart.
“She’s adorable.” Kelly walked over to Summer and Juniper and gently stroked the baby’s small, chubby hand. “Good morning, Juniper. You were adorable on Halloween. You were the cutest little pumpkin ever. Yes, you were.”
“I love this baby.” Liv rushed over to join Kelly in swooning over Juniper. “Hi there, pretty girl.”
Juniper smiled, and her face lit up. Her blue eyes twinkled.
Kelly wanted to scoop her up and snuggle with her, but she had a grand opening to attend to. “I’m glad you brought her today. I love seeing her.”
“Everyone does. Looks like you made some changes. It’s nice you’re trying.” Summer drifted away from Kelly and Liv, who looked at each other and rolled their eyes.
“I hope you didn’t sink too much money into this grand opening or paid too much for that roof repair, because the likelihood of you staying in business is doubtful. Tourists don’t want to shop in thrift shops.” Ralph shoved his thick hands into his pants pockets, brushing back his navy blazer.
Kelly was about to reply but caught Summer eyeing a nutmeg-colored sleeveless suede dress with a drawstring waist. She smiled and looked at her uncle. “You don’t have to worry. I’ve got this.” She breezed past him and joined Liv and Frankie at the counter. “Any word from Gabe?”
Liv and Frankie shook their heads.
“We have to open in a few minutes.” Kelly tapped her fingers on the counter.
“Frankie, I set up the glasses on the tray for you.” Breena joined them at the counter from the staff room. She’d arrived just after Liv and got to work finalizing the boutique for the opening.
The day after Eddie was arrested, Breena came back to the boutique and apologized to Kelly for her behavior. They hugged it out and, over coffee, she offered Breena a part-time position at the boutique. Kelly didn’t want her former French classmate waiting tables at the Thirsty Turtle any longer, though she wasn’t sure if she could match the salary the bar paid. Breena accepted the job and said she was going to pick up some hours at Doug’s Variety Store so she’d be able to quit waitressing at the bar.
Liv let out a little happy scream that had all heads turning.
“What?” they all said in unison.
Liv looked up from her phone. “Lulu Loves Long Island posted about today’s re-grand opening.”
“Really? What does she say?” Frankie asked.
“Today Lucky Cove’s consignment shop on Main Street reopens under the new management of Kelly Quinn, former assistant women’s fashion buyer at Bishop’s Department Store and most recently a named suspect in two murders.” Liv’s smile faded.
A collective letdown was heard in the boutique.
“Sorry. I thought it was going to be good.” Liv set down her phone.
“Today is good. I don’t care what Lulu writes.” Kelly’s phone buzzed, and she looked at the message. “Okay. Gabe just texted. He’s a couple minutes away. Let’s go outside and wait for them.” Kelly ushered everyone out the front door.
It’d been three weeks since Eddie Singer broke into the boutique and held a gun on her. The thought of the incident still sent shivers down her spine and had her double-checking her locks at night. The following morning after Eddie was arrested, Pepper came by to see Kelly. They’d had a long talk and both of them apologized and decided to start fresh. Since then they’d worked side by side in revamping the shop into Kelly’s vision. And as a reward for her hard work, Kelly gave Pepper yesterday off with pay. She instructed Pepper to stay away from the boutique and to relax. Reports from Gabe since yesterday reassured Kelly her employee was doing just that—relaxing by the fire, curled up with a good book. Kelly even arranged for Frankie to deliver a gourmet lunch to make sure Pepper didn’t venture out and ruin the surprise.
A loud round of applause greeted Kelly once outside. Familiar faces were in the crowd, including Ariel.
“I’m happy you’re here today to celebrate with me.” Kelly hugged Ariel.
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Is that your uncle and Summer?” Ariel asked.
Kelly nodded as she let go of the embrace. “They snuck in the back.”
“You need a better lock.” Ariel laughed.
“Gabe’s here!” Liv rushed to Kelly’s side.
Frankie and Breena joined them while Ralph and Summer faded into the crowd.
They all watched as Gabe parked his truck in the reserved parking space right outside of the boutique and dashed around the passenger side to open his mom’s door. Together they stepped up to the curb, and Pepper beamed. She’d first scanned the crowd and then followed Kelly’s gesture to look up at the new sign.
Pepper looked confused. “Lucky Cove Resale Boutique? But…the shop’s name is Curated by Kelly.”
Kelly had canceled the Curated by Kelly sign and ordered another sign with the business’s new name. “You were right. It’s always been Lucky Cove. I just tweaked it a little bit.”
Pepper teared up. “It’s perfect. It really is, Kelly. Martha would be so proud of you.” She threw her arms around Kelly and hugged her tightly, and the crowd erupted with more applause and cheers. “I couldn’t be prouder of you if you were my own daughter.”
It was Kelly’s turn to tear up. Overwhelmed by emotion, she held on to Pepper tightly. Until she was tapped on the shoulder.
Liv cleared her throat. “We should go inside. It’s cold.”
Kelly loosened her hold on Pepper. She swung around to face everyone. “Welcome to the new Lucky Cove Resale Boutique! Come on inside and have a look and have a mimosa! Welcome!”
She gestured for everyone to start filing into the shop. Once everyone was inside, she followed and found they’d dispersed throughout the boutique.
“Great turnout.” Liv approached Kelly, carrying two flutes of mimosa. She handed one to Kelly.
“Exactly what I’d hope for. They seem to like the changes?”
“They do. You’ve done a great job curating merchandise and displaying it. You’re pretty good at this stuff.” Liv gently bumped Kelly with her shoulder.
“I am.” Kelly took a satisfying drink of the mimosa. Drinking champagne in the morning felt decadent. She took another sip and savored it.
“Congratulations, Miss Quinn.” Detective Wolman entered the boutique and stopped next to Kelly. “Nice turnout.”
“Thank you, Detective Wolman. I’m glad you’ve stopped by.”
“Are you?”
“No hard feelings. You were just doing your job when you questioned me as if I were the killer and when you had me arrested for harboring a suspect, who actually wasn’t the killer.” Kelly lifted her half-empty glass and tipped it slightly before taking another sip.
“Very generous of you, Miss Quinn.”
“I just can’t believe the Singers thought they’d get away with faking Eddie’s death.”
“It’s not an easy thing to accomplish. Mistakes are bound to happen, and that’s how they got caught.”
“If there’s anything else I can do to help, please let me know.”
“You’ve done quite a bit, Miss Quinn.”
It seemed unlikely Kelly would receive a thank-you from the detective for helping bring two murderers to justice. “Well, then, if you’re off duty, please help yourself to a mimosa. They’re delicious.”
“I am off duty. I thought I’d browse.”
Kelly arched an eyebrow. Off duty and the detective was still wearing her bland uniform of a pantsuit and button-down shirt. The woman desperately needed a fashion intervention.
“Please do.” Kelly swept her hand in the direction of the sales floor. “Let me know if you need any assistance.”
Detective Wolman nodded and then continued into the boutique and disappeared into the crowd.
“She could’ve at least said ‘I’m sorry.’” Liv took a drink of her mimosa.
“In her own way, she did.” While hearing the words would have been nice, Kelly realized the detective showing up at the grand reopening was her way of apologizing. “Besides, it was her job to investigate everyone.”
“Kel, this is fabulous.” Frankie rushed to his cousin’s side with a mimosa in hand. “Breena could use some help at the changing rooms.”
“I’m on it.” Liv dashed away in the direction of the changing rooms.
“You’re going to need more of them, you know,” Frankie said.
“I do. Eventually. I think today is the exception. There probably won’t be this many people here again at once until I do a Black Friday sale.”
Murder Wears a Little Black Dress Page 23