by J A Whiting
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Claire told him. Robby had no idea that when he ran out of money to pay his college tuition, Claire reached out to the music school to pay the young man’s expenses and she made sure she would remain anonymous. Robby thought the school had found a wealthy benefactor to help him out. They sort of did.
The driveway led to what looked like a palace set on acres and acres of lawns. Flowers were planted everywhere and spilled out of urns and pots. A huge white tent could be seen at the rear of the property and arbors covered in ribbons and flowers led the way from the parking area to the white chairs set up for the ceremony.
“Sheesh.” Nicole parked the van to the side of the mansion according to the directions that were given to her. “Are we at Versailles, or something?”
A man in a white shirt and black slacks hurried over, checked their names against a master list, and explained where to bring the desserts. Two other men came out pushing wheeled carts and headed to the rear of the van so the sweets could be taken into the house.
Nicole gave the men orders and clucked about being careful with the desserts, and the three bakers followed the carts as they were rolled inside to a huge kitchen at the rear of the mansion.
After looking over the facility, Claire, Nicole, and Robby began to work. They unpacked the items, stored some in the walk-in refrigerators, warmed some pies in the ovens, placed things on platters, and frosted the cakes and cupcakes.
Hearing footsteps out in the hallway, Claire looked up to see Maggie Burns walking past the door carrying a large, caramel-colored briefcase. Maggie and Claire caught one another’s eyes, and Maggie entered the kitchen.
The young woman greeted them with a warm smile. “I forgot you were doing the desserts for the wedding.”
“What are you doing here?” Nicole asked. “Are you a guest?”
“Gosh, no.” Maggie shook her head. “I did the bride’s and the maid-of-honor’s hair. The bride’s usual stylist got sick and someone recommended me so she called me this morning in a panic.” She lifted her case. “I should lock this to my wrist. If it ever disappears, I’m done for. It has all of my hair tools in it.”
“I understand,” Nicole said. “We brought a lot of our own tools, too. Whisks, spatulas, blenders, and two of our professional stand mixers.”
After more conversation about their duties at the wedding, the talk turned to Jade.
“It seems the police have found Jade,” Maggie said placing her briefcase on the floor and moving her hand to her chest. “There’s been no official announcement that it’s her, but everyone thinks it has to be. I can’t believe it. I expected it, I guess, but to have it a reality is just a shock. I nearly fainted when I heard the news.”
Nicole said in a firm voice, “Now it’s time to find the person responsible.”
“It’s not going to be an easy task,” Robby said.
A cloud descended over Claire’s face. “You’re right. It won’t be easy. But, he’ll be found eventually.” I know it.
“I should get going,” Maggie said and then looked at Claire and gestured to the hallway. “Do you have a second?”
With a nod, Claire stepped into the hall with the hair stylist.
“My dreams about Jade stopped right after the police found the body,” Maggie said. “Isn’t that weird? I guess it makes sense.”
The young woman seemed fidgety and nervous.
“Are you okay?” Claire asked.
Maggie blew out a breath. “You know how I told you Kyle came by the salon right after Jade went missing?”
Claire gave a nod.
“I told you he was babbling. Saying things like I didn’t want to break up with you … Why did this have to happen? Things like that. Over and over.”
“I remember,” Claire said.
“Well. Everything keeps going through my head. That evening in the salon. Kyle drunk. Me getting buzzed on the beer.” Maggie pressed her hand against her forehead. “I remembered something. At least, I think I remember it.”
“What was it?”
“I think Kyle kept saying I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I never meant for this to happen.” Maggie stared at Claire. “I had too much to drink. Maybe I imagined he said that. But, if he did keep repeating that, it sounds bad, doesn’t it? Do you think Kyle could have done something bad?”
Claire’s heart began to pound. “You’re not sure he said those words?”
“I’m not sure. I think he did.”
“Have you told the police about this?”
Maggie seemed to shrink. “You think I should? What if I’m wrong? I don’t want to get Kyle into trouble.”
“I think it would be good for you to tell the police. Tell them what you just told me,” Claire said. “Let them decide if it’s important or not.”
“Okay.” Maggie looked down at her briefcase. “I guess so.”
“Has Kyle come back to see you?” Claire asked. “He came the evening I was in your shop, but drove away without coming in. Did he stop by again?”
“No, he hasn’t. I texted him. He never answered. He must have changed his mind about coming by or maybe he just got busy at work.” Maggie let out a sigh. “I’m fine with that. I really don’t want to talk to him. He made me uncomfortable. Maybe after some time has passed….”
Claire asked, “That night he visited you at the shop, how did the evening end?”
“Um. We’d finished off the beer. I think I said I needed to lock up and get home. Kyle could barely walk. I told him I was going to call him a cab … he shouldn’t drive home being so drunk.” Maggie shrugged. “He refused the cab.”
“He drove back to Boston in that condition?” Claire was shocked.
“No, he told me he didn’t want a cab. He said he’d sleep it off in his car.”
“Did he? Did he go to his car?” Claire asked.
“Yeah. It was parked right at the curb. He got inside, went in the backseat. I assumed he was going to sleep for a while,” Maggie said. “I know I’m a terrible friend. I should have invited him to my apartment to sleep on the sofa.”
“Why did you decide not to do that?” Claire asked.
Maggie shifted from foot to foot. “I didn’t want Kyle coming home with me.”
“Because he was so drunk?”
“Because … I don’t know. I didn’t like the vibe I was getting from him.”
“I don’t understand,” Claire said.
“I didn’t feel comfortable with him,” Maggie said. “He was kind of scaring me.”
A shiver of anxiety played over Claire’s skin. “Why? What scared you?”
Maggie blinked fast several times. “I can’t describe it. I didn’t want to be alone with him at my apartment.”
“It makes sense,” Claire agreed. “He was drunk … you were under the influence. Not a good situation. It wouldn’t look good. You were smart not to bring him to your home. You made the right decision.”
“I’m glad you think so,” Maggie said. “My mind has been a jumble. There’s too much going on. Jade. Opening the business. I’m tired. I’m sad. I haven’t been able to sleep for days. I feel like I can barely think straight.”
“Maybe a day off would do you good,” Claire suggested. “Or maybe a half day, if a whole day off from the shop isn’t an option. Take some time to relax, rest.”
“I should. I’ll try. I’d better get going.”
“Tell the police what you told me. Tell them what Kyle said to you,” Claire encouraged.
Maggie nodded and gave a half-smile. “I’d better get back. I have three clients coming in later today for me to do their hair for a special function.”
“I hope everything continues to go well with the salon,” Claire said as she turned to go back into the kitchen. “Maggie?”
Maggie looked back.
“You said Kyle was parked at the curb that night he visited you. He parked his car right outside your shop.”
The young woman nodded. “He did, yeah.�
�
“What kind of a car was it?” Claire asked.
“Um.” Maggie thought about it. “Oh, it was a van. I remember thinking at least Kyle wasn’t in some small car. He’d be able to stretch out in the van and sleep.”
Claire’s head began to spin. “What color was it?”
“Um. I’m not sure. I wasn’t paying attention. A dark color? Dark gray, maybe?”
Claire had to keep breathing deeply to keep her head from spinning. As soon as she returned to the kitchen, she reached for her bag, took out her phone, and called Ian.
25
Claire, Nicole, and Robby got everything done in the kitchen, plated the desserts, and set them out for the servers to deliver to the huge, white guest tent. Music from the ceremony and reception floated into the work space causing Robby to sing as he worked.
“A free concert,” Nicole kidded the young employee. “I’m glad I brought you along.”
“When the spirit moves me, I can’t say no.” Robby added a little bit of frosting to one of the cupcakes. “Those wedding guests better enjoy these desserts. They’ll never have anything finer.”
“Be sure to leave the chocolate shop a glowing review,” Nicole gave Robby a playful poke and then looked over to her friend. “Are you okay? You’ve been very quiet.”
Claire washed some spatulas in the sink. “I didn’t want to talk about what Maggie had to say until we were finished in here.” After giving the details of her conversation, Nicole and Robby stood for a moment without saying anything.
“Kyle? Kyle killed Jade?” Nicole’s mouth hung open.
“Kyle didn’t really confess,” Robby pointed out. “He may have been talking about how their relationship was coming to a natural close. How they were about to break up and now with Jade gone missing, the finality of it all hit him hard. He didn’t say he hurt her.”
Claire leaned against the counter listening. “Good point. I may have jumped to the wrong conclusion. I think Ian should still pass the information on to his police pal.”
“Sure,” Robby said. “Have him check it out. It can’t hurt and it might lead to a new clue of some kind.”
The three bakers finished cleaning up and packed their supplies away. Checking around the kitchen to be sure nothing had been left behind, they filed out of the mansion and headed for the van.
“I would have liked to snoop around. Find AJ Phelps and have another chat with him,” Claire said. “But I don’t think I’d get very far dressed like this.”
Robby glanced at her and agreed. “You wouldn’t get anywhere in that outfit. You look like a baker, not a high society guest.” The young man went on with his teasing. “You aren’t wanted here, Claire. Best crawl back into the van and go home where you belong.”
“I don’t mind,” Claire smiled. “I love home.” Settling in the backseat of the vehicle, she checked her phone for a reply from Ian and was disappointed that there wasn’t one. She got the idea to send a text to Maggie Burns. I’m a little worried about what Kyle said to you. It might be best not to let him in if he comes by.
After waiting several minutes without an answer from Maggie, Claire put her phone back in her bag and watched the scenery as the van made its way down the hills through the fancy neighborhoods. Feeling antsy and concerned, she took her phone from her bag again, but this time placed a call to Maggie. No one picked up.
With a sigh, Claire asked, “Would you drop me off at the beach? I want to walk over to Maggie’s. I want to talk to her. She isn’t answering. She must be busy with a client.”
Nicole glanced up at the rearview mirror so she could see her friend in the backseat. “So you want to interrupt her in the middle of her work?”
Claire shook her head. “I won’t keep her.”
The sun was setting and long shadows stretched over the streets and sidewalks.
“We can go over to Maggie’s salon with you,” Nicole suggested.
“It’s okay. Take Robby home so you can get back and relax,” Claire said. “I’ll take a ride service home when I’m done. No need for the two of you to hang around. I don’t know how long we’ll talk.”
Nicole reluctantly pulled to the curb near the beach. “You sure you don’t want us to come?”
Claire opened the door of the van to get out. “No need. Everyone’s tired. Head back to the city. I’ll text you later.”
Before walking one block inland to Bayside’s Main Street, Claire glanced at the beach and ocean, and a wave of sadness washed over her remembering the details of the night Jade was found in the water under the pier. She turned quickly away, and strode down the street.
As she made her way along Main Street, Claire admired the shops’ fall decorations of mums and pumpkins, and as she passed the lights of the stores and restaurants a golden glow spilled out of the windows onto the sidewalk.
Spotting the newly-carved sign for the salon hanging above Maggie’s shop, Claire crossed the street and approached the front of the place, when a feeling of foreboding came over her and her pace slowed. She took a look in the picture window. Only one light was on in the backroom of the store.
Claire recalled that Maggie had three appointments to do women’s hair for a gala. Where are they? Why is it dark inside? She couldn’t have done all three women’s hair so quickly.
Claire knocked on the door, but no one came to open it.
She tried the knob, and to her surprise it turned. She pushed the door open. “Maggie? Are you here?”
The salon was quiet.
“Maggie?” Claire called again.
Nothing.
She stepped in. “Is anyone here?”
Not a sound.
Claire took a deep breath and moved her feet using small steps to cross the space. No one in the waiting area. She came to the door to the workroom, paused, and then walked in to check for Maggie. There was a storeroom to the right and Claire headed in that direction. She put her hand on the knob and turned it.
Except for the supplies, it was empty.
Taking her phone from her bag, she called Ian, but no one picked up. Claire walked back to the front of the store. Was Maggie mistaken about the three appointments? Did she mix up the days?
But why is the front door unlocked?
Claire pressed the screen of her phone to place a call to Maggie.
The sudden ringing of a phone on the checkout desk in the shop made Claire jump. Maggie’s phone is here. But where is she?
Claire’s eyes fell on the door on the far wall of the space. The bathroom.
Hurrying towards it, she flung open the door and stepped into the large space.
She stopped and gasped.
Slumped in the corner, sat Maggie, unconscious, her hair falling over her face, her hands clutched against her stomach. Blood soaking her clothes.
“Maggie.” Claire choked on the words. Rushing to the young woman’s side and kneeling, Claire lifted her phone to call for help when a sound caused her head to spin towards the door.
Someone took a step into the bathroom.
“Hello, Claire.” The person in the doorway held a knife.
26
Claire jumped to her feet, her heart banging against her chest wall like a jackhammer. Her vision started to swim. Clenching her fists, she stood straight refusing to panic or pass out.
“You.” Claire’s eyes narrowed and her jaw set. “Back out of this room,” she ordered.
Fifteen feet away from her, the man stared, his eyes wide and his expression blank. A nearly overpowering smell of alcohol poured off of him.
Claire still held her phone in her hand. She didn’t think she could hit the numbers for emergency without looking down, and if she did succeed in sending the call, what would happen when the dispatcher spoke over the phone and the man heard it.
“Maggie’s hurt,” Claire said softly. “She needs help.”
The man took a look at the unconscious woman on the floor. “I did it. I hurt her.”
“She need
s help,” Claire tried again. “Kyle. Maggie needs help.”
Kyle Vallins looked at Claire with cold eyes. “No.”
“She didn’t do anything. She doesn’t deserve this.”
“She knows.” Kyle’s syllables ran together in a slur.
“Knows what?” Claire wanted to stall for time hoping that Ian had spoken to his friend and the detective would come to the salon to ask Maggie some questions.
“She knows.” Kyle’s voice got loud. “Maggie knows what I did.”
Claire’s throat was so dry that she had to force her words out. “What did you do?”
“I hurt Jade.”
“How did you hurt her?” Claire asked.
“I was on my way home after seeing my friends at Whittemore. I stopped at the convenience store. I wanted to get some water and a bag of chips before going home.”
“Did you go into the store?” Claire moved her eyes slowly around the bathroom trying to spot something she could use as a weapon.
“No.” Kyle looked and spoke like a zombie. He swayed a little.
“Why not?”
“I saw Jade there. She was standing outside near the back of the store.”
“What happened?” Claire took in slow, deep breaths trying to calm herself.
“I called to her. She didn’t recognize the van. My car was in for service.”
“Whose van was it?” Claire asked, trying to keep Kyle talking.
“My friend’s. He went out of town. He told me I could borrow it.”
“What color was it?”
Kyle blinked fast a couple of times and looked at Claire with an expression full of hate. “What? What does that matter?”
“It doesn’t,” Claire said in a calm tone of voice. “What happened when Jade saw you?”
“Jade came over to the van. She told me she needed a ride home. She got in. I was going to drive her back to her mom’s house.”
“What happened on the way home?”
“We talked about the night. I told her what my friends and I did. She talked about the bonfire.” Kyle’s breathing rate increased. “Then she told me how she ended up at the convenience store.” Kyle’s face contorted with rage. “It was AJ,” he whispered. “It was AJ Phelps. Jade is going out with me, but she drove around with AJ.” A low guttural sound escaped from Kyle’s throat and it sent a cold shiver down Claire’s back.