by Rosie Sams
“So you’re not sure?” Alvin drew closer and perched on the edge of the desk.
“Go on, Dr. Mitchum tell us what happened,” Melody encouraged.
Ambrose scrubbed a hand over his face. “I found Dorinda over Robin’s body and fearing that she killed him, I went in search of the weapon, hoping to get rid of it before the police arrived. I mean, she appeared grief-stricken but the thought that she had killed him and was experiencing remorse crossed my mind. My first instinct was to protect my daughter. I found the cake knife. There was no blood on it, but I thought she could have wiped it clean. So, I took it and wiped it down. I ensured that only my prints were on that knife.”
Alvin and Melody gawked at Ambrose. Alvin sighed and began to rub his temple. “And the plot thickens,” he muttered. “Ambrose, did your daughter kill Robin or not?”
“I don’t know.” Ambrose threw his hands up. “I honestly don’t know, but when I walked in on her kneeling over his body that was my first fear.” Hope flickered in the man’s eyes. “But now that there’s no murder weapon, there’s nothing linking my daughter to the crime except suspicion. She’s free.”
“If Dorinda is guilty, evidence could turn up,” Melody voiced.
“Well, prosecute me! I confessed. Leave Dorinda out of this.”
Alvin stifled a groan. “I’m afraid that isn’t how the justice system works, Ambrose. “All right, I’ll have to take you in. Let’s go,” he sighed.
Melody could hear Alvin’s reluctance. She watched, feeling horrible as the doctor was marched out of the office and placed in the back of the police cruiser. Fortunately, there was no one around to see the doctor in such a compromising and undignified spot. Although, it wouldn’t be long before word spread like wildfire when someone spotted him at the station.
“Oh, Alvin, what a mess,” Melody sighed. “Thanks for not cuffing him. He really is a good man.”
“I know. Ambrose is harmless. Unfortunately, I have to do my job and charge him with obstruction of justice.”
Melody nodded her understanding. “What now?”
“Now, you go home and get some rest. Detective,” Alvin teased. “You’ve been working this case more than my officers.
Melody stood by her car and watched Alvin drive off. For a while, she just stood there, going over everything she knew about the case in her mind. It was even harder to picture Dorinda as a killer than it was to picture her father as one. Something was definitely amiss, and she intended on finding out what.
Resolute that she would stay on the case regardless of it not being her job, she got into her car and headed back to the shop.
Chapter Thirty-Four
The next day, as soon as she got the chance, Melody went to the police station. Of course, it was almost dusk because she’d had to make a few deliveries for scheduled events, and then she decided to walk to the station so both she and Smudge could get a good workout.
The instant she walked through the door, she was greeted by a few officers.
“Hey, Melody, you sure have become a frequent visitor at this place,” Rick Myers said. “Not that I’m complaining. You’re easy on the eyes,” he added with a wink.
“Watch it, Myers, That’s the sheriff’s woman,” Jane, the secretary, declared.
Melody felt heat creep up her neck and spread to her face. She was sure she resembled a fire engine by the time the teasing was over.
“Hi, Melody, how’s it going?” That was Abe Sinclair, a burly, sweet-natured man. “Why don’t I see a box in your hand? Each time you visit, you should bring treats. I thought we’d established that.” He smiled to let her know he was only teasing, but hopeful.
“You’re the last person who should be demanding treats, Abe,” Jane said, eyeing the man’s round, protruding belly.
Melody smothered her laughter. “I’m here to see Alvin. Is he in?”
“He sure is. Go on around back,” Jane permitted.
Melody found Alvin leaned over his desk, pouring over documents. “Knock knock.”
He swung around and realizing who it was smiled. “Hi.”
“Hi, Al.”
Smudge sprang toward Alvin, tongue lolling as she was treated with a nice rub between the ears. “Hey there, Smudge. Good to see you too.”
Melody watched man and dog interact with satisfaction. She loved that Smudge adored the man she hoped to get more involved with.
Alvin straightened. “I knew you wouldn’t stay away for long. Come for an update on the case, detective?”
“Maybe I just came to see you,” Melody challenged.
“Uh-huh.”
Alvin laughed when she huffed and admitted, “All right, I was curious about the Mitchums’ fate, and I did want to see you as well.” She’d spent another sleepless night thinking about Dorinda and Ambrose.
“Well, the good doctor is still in custody… but we’ve got nothing on the daughter yet.” Alvin shrugged. “I wish I had more than that to tell you. I’d really love to solve this case.”
Leaning against the door, Melody harrumphed. “You know what I’ve been thinking?”
Giving her his full attention, Alvin perched on his desk and folded his arms. “That we should have dinner soon?”
Taken aback but pleasantly surprised, Melody flushed. “Sounds to me like you’re asking me out.”
“I am. Unfortunately, I’m bogged down with a murder case. I just thought I’d put it out there for you to consider.”
Melody tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and smiled timidly. “I’ll most certainly consider it.” She didn’t bother verbalizing that there was nothing to consider. She’d like nothing more than to have an official first date, since their original first date, the wedding, had ended with a murder.
Alvin’s lips kicked up into a small smile. “So, what were you really thinking?”
“Well, I was thinking about Dorinda and how happy she was before her wedding. I honestly don’t think she’s guilty, Al. I think everyone was right, Dorinda was completely blinded by love, and whenever she talked about Robin, she made him sound like her white knight in shining armor, for goodness sake. And I was thinking about the knife that disappeared from my shop. I’ve had so many people come in, it’s impossible to pinpoint…”
She paused when two big hands came down on each of her shoulders.
“Mel, I think you’re way too stressed over this entire thing. Let me worry about it.”
She sighed. “It’s just that…”
“You care about the parties involved, and you’re the sweetest woman I’ve ever met.” Alvin finished with a smile.
Melody smiled back and staring up at him, she said, “Thank you for understanding and thanks for the compliment.”
“We’ll get to the bottom of this, Melody. I promise.”
“All right. I should get going. Smudge and I walked here to get some exercise. I want to get home before it gets too late.”
“I can give you a lift.”
“No, I’d hate to take you away from work. You were obviously in the middle of something when I arrived.” She nodded to the files spread across his desk. “Besides, Smudge and I didn’t burn nearly enough calories. The walk back will do us good. Come on, girl, we’re heading home.”
Peeking out from the spot she’d found under Alvin’s desk, Smudge stretched and sauntered to her owner.
“See you two later,” Alvin said.
Melody enjoyed the cool night breeze as she and her dog slowly made their way home. It was one of those nights when the temperature was just right, and the streets were quiet. They only passed a few other pedestrians who offered quick greetings and smiles.
The only sounds were the soft whisper of the wind and the jiggling of the tiny bell around smudge’s collar. “It’s a lovely night for a walk, isn’t it, girl?”
Smudge woofed and continued her trotting ahead of Melody.
When they neared the site that Dorinda’s wedding was supposed to take place, a wave of sadness rolled thr
ough Melody. She stopped to stare at the building, lamenting on how what was supposed to be a joyful day ended in tragedy. If Dorinda and Robin had made it down the aisle, they’d be on their honeymoon now.
Melody’s frown deepened as she contemplated what Dorinda’s life would have been like being married to Robin. If he was capable of sleeping with her friend while they were engaged, Dorinda would have been in for a world of heartache. Still, as callous and unfaithful as Robin was, the man didn’t deserve to die… and certainly not so horribly.
Just as she was about to continue walking, the sound of a bottle shattering on the pavement echoed. Melody’s heart leaped as she surveyed her surroundings. Other than the gruesome stabbing that occurred days before, the town was fairly safe. Peering into several dark alleys was daunting, however.
Smudge’s low growl was even more cause for alarm. Melody followed the dog’s gaze as she continued to growl. A figure, shrouded in darkness emerged from around a corner, and Melody’s breath hitched in her throat. The figure advanced toward the streetlight until Melody could make out who it was. She let out a breath, relieved that she wasn’t about to get mugged. It was Laurel Bauer, the woman who had acted as Dorinda’s unenthusiastic maid of honor.
“Laurel?”
The woman glanced up and squinted. “Yeah. Who’s there?” She swayed, causing Melody to approach her.
“It’s Melody Marshall. I made the cake for Dorinda’s wedding.”
“Oh, right. You’re that nice baker lady. How’s it going?” Laurel’s words were slurred, and the closer Melody got, the stronger the scent of alcohol became. Clearly, Laurel was wasted.
“Are you all right, Laurel? What are you doing out here alone?”
“Just out for a walk like you and your four-legged friend there.”
Smudge sat on her haunches, her eyes trained on Laurel, following her every move. It wasn’t the fact that Laurel was heavily intoxicated that interested Melody. It was the fact that the woman’s eyes kept darting to the street gutter parallel to where they stood.
When Melody stepped around the woman to see what she kept looking at, Laurel hurriedly blocked her path, raising further suspicion. Melody couldn’t imagine what was so interesting about a gutter. She moved again, trying to get around Laurel, but she got the same reaction.
Laurel giggled nervously. “So, uh, Melody, what’s been going on? I haven’t seen you since the wedding... that didn’t happen,” she added with a snicker.
Melody’s brows elevated. Laurel spoke as if they’d been well acquainted before she stepped into her bakery. She’d never met the woman before Dorinda introduced them, and she wanted to know what she’d been up to? With a lift of one shoulder, she replied, “I’ve been... baking.”
For some reason, Laurel found that hilarious. The woman cackled. “Of course, because that’s what you do. You bake beautiful cakes, by the way.”
“Thanks,” Melody said dryly. She was about to try again to maneuver around Laurel to see what she was hiding when Smudge began to bark excitedly. Only then did Melody realize that her dog had dashed behind Laurel and was peering into the gutter.
“What is it, girl?” Melody managed to get around Laurel because, in her drunken state, she staggered when she tried to stop Melody.
“No, wait!” Laurel protested.
Melody was already inspecting whatever caught Smudge’s interest. The street light gave her a glimpse of something shiny resting in the gutter. Whipping out her phone for added light, Melody was shocked to see what Laurel had so desperately wanted to hide. It was a knife! One eerily similar to the one that had gone missing from her shop! There it was laid in the gutter. The blade was stained with blood. Melody’s stomach lurched as she slowly turned around.
“Laurel, is that…”
Melody only realized that Laurel had pushed her when she hit the ground hard. In her inebriated state, Laurel moved with surprising speed to grab the knife from the gutter while Smudge’s barks pierced the night as she circled her owner with concern.
Melody’s eyes widened, and her dread mounted when Laurel pointed the knife at her. “Why couldn’t you just mind your own business?”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Swallowing hard and annoyed that she found herself staring down a knife yet again, Melody slowly lifted herself from the ground. She held both palms out. “You don’t want to do anything crazy, now do you, Laurel?”
Smudge snarled, keeping herself between the two women.
“Tell that dog to shut up,” Laurel hissed. She glanced around to see if anyone was watching. “All of that barking will draw attention.”
Good, Melody thought. She could use a rescue right now. But, since Laurel’s agitation increased and she held the knife higher, Melody reluctantly tried to calm Smudge down. “It’s all right, girl. It’s all right. Easy.”
Smudge’s barks gradually decreased to low menacing growls.
“You take it easy as well, Laurel. There’s no need to point that knife at me.”
To Melody’s surprise, Laurel’s shoulders began to tremble, and she dropped her hand with a loud sob. “Oh, please. I don’t want to hurt you. As if I’d want to add to my body count,” she wailed.
A chill ran down Melody’s spine.
Add to?
“What are you implying, Laurel?” Though the woman no longer pointed the knife threateningly at her, Melody still kept her distance.
Laurel sobbed harder, her shoulders drooping. Dashing away a tear, she said, “I thought getting revenge would make me feel better.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” Melony said, but she was beginning to have an idea.
“Oh, what the hell, I might as well come clean. Robin was mine.”
Melody’s jaw slackened. Robin was with Laurel too? The man just kept getting more despicable in her eyes.
“He wasn’t seeing Dorinda long before I met him. I knew it was low to pursue my friend’s boyfriend, but he seduced me. I was sure he was serious about me because we clicked, you know? I made him happier than Dorinda ever could. I know I did. He told me he loved me, and he promised that once he secured his spot at Dr, Mitchum’s practice, he’d dump Dorinda and marry me. The things he said and did were so romantic… I was head over heels in love with Robin. He was so charming and handsome. I fell hard and fast.”
“But didn’t you feel sorry for your friend?”
“It was hard seeing him with Dorinda.”
Melody nodded. The woman had at least felt some guilt.
Laurel shrugged. “I took comfort in the fact that he loved me. He was just using her, and when he got what he wanted, he’d get rid of her, and we’d start our life together.” Laurel’s expression darkened, and she all but snarled. “Then, I found out that he had proposed to Dorinda.”
Or perhaps not, Melody felt her skin prickle at such selfish words
“I wanted to rip that ring from her bony finger when she showed up at my place so excited. Taunting me, she was! She kept waving it in my face. I nearly gagged when she demanded I be her maid of honor.”
Melody threw her arms up. “Well, why didn’t you say something then?”
The woman let out another sob. “I thought Robin was still stringing her along. I never thought he’d actually go through with the wedding. I figured he went that far to get in good with Ambrose Mitchum, and I didn’t want to ruin his plans, so I played along. I mean, he kept coming to see me after he proposed to Dorinda, and he constantly told me I was the one he loved. I’m such a fool.”
Melody swallowed. “So you...killed him?”
“Yes.” The word was spoken so softly, Melody nearly missed it, but there it was — a confession from Robin’s killer. “I stole that knife from your shop the day Dorinda dragged me along to see her precious dream wedding cake. I got so angry, I grabbed the knife and hid it in my handbag, intent on stabbing her with it when we got back to her car.”
Melody gasped, and Laurel shrugged. “You have no idea how difficult it was t
o help Dorinda plan her wedding with my man. It made me physically ill sometimes.”
“What happened on the day of the wedding?” Melody asked.
“Well, I kept that knife I stole, obviously. It just so happened that it ended up in Robin’s chest instead of Dorinda’s. I confronted the scoundrel in his dressing room. When I asked him if he was really going to marry Dorinda, he said he was. She’s rich and well connected, he’d said. And he had to honor his promise to Dorinda’s father to make his daughter happy. I asked him about honoring his promise to me, and he laughed in my face. I was so angry… I guess I just lost it.”
Laurel seemed far away, lost in thought. “Next thing I knew, Robin was on the floor in a pool of blood. Realizing he was dead, I felt this sick sliver of satisfaction. he broke my heart, so I broke his — literally.”
Oh my God.
Melody couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Well, she could, but it was so surreal, like something out of a movie. “There wasn’t a trace of blood on your dress,” Melody mused aloud.
“I wasn’t wearing my dress when I offed Robin. In a panic, I stashed the knife in my bag along with my bloody clothes. My clothes are still in my bag,” Laurel laughed. “All of the evidence kept right there in my apartment under my bed. Foolish, right?”
Melody just continued to gawk at the woman. It wasn’t often that she was struck speechless, but she had no idea how to respond to Laurel.
“It wasn’t my intention to cause suspicion on Dorinda, but when it happened — when everyone started speculating that she did it — I was happy. She’d pay for stealing Robin from me by rotting in jail. I thought I’d be happy. I’d got my revenge.” Laurel shrugged. “But I feel worse every day. I especially felt bad when poor Dr. Mitchum confessed. I had nothing against him,” Laurel explained. “He’s a nice man. God, that Dorinda just gets the easy way out every time, doesn’t she?”
Melody glanced at Smudge, taking comfort in her companion’s proximity. “If you go to the police and confess, maybe they’ll be lenient. I can go with you, maybe…”