by Cindy Bell
Nikki allowed the dogs to tug her along. The farther she got from the park the more upset she felt. The thought of never seeing Chelsea again made tears surge once more. She felt a little numb still, as if she was frozen, while the whole world continued to move around her. Had she missed something? Was there something going on in Chelsea’s life that she didn’t know about? She fought back another surge of tears as she wondered if she would have been able to do something to help if she hadn’t been running late. She went through the motions of returning the dogs to their homes, then returned to her own apartment. It was small, but she’d created a cozy environment for herself with plush furniture and minimal decorations. However, it was quite diverse. Everything was a bit of a mish-mash, but it still went together.
Nikki sank down onto the couch and closed her eyes. She would give anything to restart her day, to never have found Chelsea the way she did. In the distance she could hear more sirens.
Chapter 3
Nikki spent the afternoon pacing. A few times she attempted to sit down, to slow down her thoughts, to catch her breath. However, each time she did it only lasted a few minutes before she had to be up on her feet again. The anxiety that traveled through her was enough to make her head spin, whether she was in motion, or still. But it was more disconcerting when she was still. She couldn’t believe that Chelsea was gone.
As her head slowly began to clear she remembered that she had a job that night. It was just an overnight with a Chihuahua, but it was for one of her best clients. She knew she could cancel if she really had to. But it would be better if she didn’t, as it would help take her mind off things. She began another round of pacing just as there was a knock on the door. The sound made her jump. She stared at the door for a moment, unnerved. When she finally walked towards it, the person on the other side knocked again. She had no reason to be afraid, and yet her heart was in her throat when she opened the door.
“Hi there.” Quinn met her eyes and smiled some. “I’m sorry to bother you at home.”
“It’s all right.” Nikki glanced away. “Why are you here?”
“I have a few more questions for you. Can I come in, please?” He moved a little closer to her.
Nikki wondered what would happen if she refused. Her apartment wasn’t exactly tidy. It wasn’t exactly dirty either. But the thought of his inquisitive eyes looking through all of her personal things made her a little uneasy.
“Why don’t we just talk out here?” She stepped out onto the sidewalk and pulled her door shut.
“If that works for you.” He nodded, and gazed at her for a moment, then pulled out his tablet. “You said this morning that you hadn’t seen anyone else. Is that true?”
“Yes, I didn’t see anyone.” Nikki noticed the way he looked up at her, as if he didn’t believe her.
“Not even Calvin?” The detective met her eyes with a tight smile.
“Oh yes, I saw Calvin. But he’s always there. He’s a security guard at the Barrandoahs’ mansion.” Nikki frowned. “This morning was the first time I met him, but I usually wave to him and some of the other guards when I walk the dogs past in the morning.”
“Speaking of the dogs that you walk, do all of them live in that neighborhood?” He skimmed over the tablet in his hand again.
“No. Why?”
“I’m just trying to be thorough here. Trying to piece together who was in the area, and why.”
“No, none of the dogs that I usually walk live in that area, but I do pet sit for a few people in that area and occasionally walk some of their dogs. The streets are usually quieter in that area, and the dogs love to go into the park. It’s just our usual route.” Nikki noticed again that when he looked up at her, the intensity in his gaze was more than just curiosity. Did he suspect her?
“So, you didn’t go out of your way to be in that area this morning?” Quinn tapped something into his tablet.
“No.” She crossed her arms. “I was hoping to see Chelsea, though.”
“Of course.” He glanced up at her again. “I would like to know whether Chelsea had any issues with the family that hired her. The Middlesons. Were they happy with her work? Was she happy with the pay?”
“Well, she hadn’t actually completed the painting yet, as far as I know. She was very focused on capturing the mansion at the exact right time of day, so she kept going back to take pictures of it in different light. Cloudy mornings, sunny mornings. You know, that type of thing.” She let her hands fall back to her sides. “Honestly, I can’t think of anyone that would want to hurt her.”
“That’s the problem I’m running into as well. In fact, it seems to me that she was fairly well-liked by everyone she knew. But someone did this, and I would guess it was someone that knew she would be there at that exact time of day.” He lowered his tablet. “Someone that knew her well enough to know her habits.”
“That makes sense.” Nikki pursed her lips as she considered the options. “I’m not even sure how many people knew that she was working on this project. From what I understand, the Middlesons requested that she be discreet about it, as they didn’t want anyone trying to get a look at the painting before it was completed. It was going to be displayed at the local historical museum, and they planned a big reveal event with a dinner and an art auction to support the museum.”
“I see. That’s good information to know. So, perhaps she kept her daily activities to herself, and a few close friends.” The detective looked into her eyes. “You knew about it, did anyone else?”
“Yes, I knew. I’m not really sure about anyone else. Other people would have seen her there, though.” Nikki considered it for a moment, then shrugged. “Chelsea and I were friends, but I didn’t really know too many of her friends. If she told anyone else, she didn’t mention it to me.” She noticed that his eyes narrowed as he looked at her. Again, she could see the spark of interest in them. He really did suspect her. “Wait a minute, you’re not seriously suggesting that—”
“As you just said, as far as you knew, you were the only one that knew she would be there. You also said that there was no one else around when you found her. So, what am I supposed to think, Nikki?” He slid his tablet into his pocket. “Maybe Chelsea said something to you that you didn’t like? Maybe she wasn’t as good of a friend as you thought she was? What was it that got you so angry?”
“Are you kidding me?” Nikki’s eyes widened as she stared at him. “I had absolutely nothing to do with Chelsea’s death. She was my friend. Why would I ever want to hurt her?” She shook her head. “I’ve had enough of this conversation. You should go.”
“Listen, we all have our moments of jealousy. Maybe you were envious that she was working for such a wealthy family. You live in a small place, tiny compared to the place she was painting. Maybe you just got frustrated that things aren’t moving forward as fast as you would like. No career, no—”
“Excuse me?” Nikki balled her hands into fists at her sides as hot anger rushed through her. “Are you implying that I am a loser who is jealous of rich people?”
“Uh, no.” Quinn took a slight step back. “That came across wrong. I just meant, it could be disheartening to see that someone else is having success while you’re still on your journey.”
“My journey.” Nikki rolled her eyes. “My journey is going just fine. In fact, I’d say that I’m happier with my choices than most people. As far as being jealous is concerned, I happen to think that the mansions are ugly monstrosities. I wouldn’t live in one even if someone gave it to me for free. And if Chelsea were alive she’d tell you the same thing. She took the job because it paid well, and because she loves to paint. But she didn’t have any special admiration for the mansions either. She just loved to paint, and create beauty.” A sudden rush of tears silenced her. She reached up to wipe them away from her cheeks, and he thrust a tissue towards her.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.” His cheeks were bright red as he stared at her.
“
Look, I didn’t do it. If you want to waste your time investigating me then that is your choice, but you’re wasting your time.” Nikki dabbed at her eyes, then looked back at him. “Chelsea deserves justice.”
“I agree.” The detective’s jaw clenched as he studied her, then turned away. “I’m going to find out who did this to her.” He started to walk away, then paused and looked back at her. “No matter what it takes.”
Chapter 4
As Nikki closed her apartment door, her mind still reeled from the knowledge that Quinn suspected her. She couldn’t be sure if she was more offended or embarrassed. Not only did he not remember her, but he thought of her as a murderer? She walked over to a cabinet near her television. She popped it open and pulled out a slim, tall book. Her fingertips trailed over the name of the high school emblazoned across the front. When she opened the book, her eyes automatically went to the same signature they did every time. Quinn Grant.
Nikki had begged her mother to buy her a year book, even though she was only a junior at the time. It was Quinn’s last year, and she knew it would be her last chance to get him to sign it. Back then, she thought for sure he was the most perfect person to walk the face of the earth. What he’d done for her left an impression on her young mind, and she was convinced she was in love. Looking back now, it was quite embarrassing. But in some ways understandable.
“And he doesn’t even know my name.” Nikki laughed to herself as she snapped the book shut. “Well, at least I have my closure.” She tucked the book back into the cabinet. Now she could see that Quinn had plenty of flaws. So many in fact that she wasn’t even sure that he was a good person. How could he accuse her of murder?
“If he doesn’t remember who I am, and is not capable of knowing innocence when he sees it, then he’s never going to solve this murder.” Nikki stood up again and walked back to the door, this time with her purse and her cell phone in hand. She couldn’t just sit around, she had to try and find out who killed Chelsea.
Nikki was certain that the news had spread through Dahlia already. Nothing was ever a secret in Dahlia. She knew the best spot to go to find out the latest gossip. Her friend Gina ran a café in town and it was the hangout spot for most locals. She always put out special water bowls and treats for the dogs that Nikki walked.
When Nikki arrived, she found that the café was filled with people. She guessed they were there to discuss the murder that had taken place. She reminded herself that she might hear some things that she didn’t like.
“Hey, Nikki!” Gina waved to her from behind the front counter. “How are you doing?” She gazed into her eyes with concern etched across her features. So, she had heard.
“Not great.” Nikki sighed. “I just needed to get out of my apartment. I needed some fresh air.”
“I understand. Let me get you something to eat.”
“No food, thanks. I will take some tea, though.” Nikki glanced around the café. “Busy in here.”
“Yes, very. You can sit up here at the counter, though. Or, oh Macy is over there.” Gina pointed to a table for two with only one person seated at it. “She’s not taking the news well at all. I’m sure she could use the company.”
“Of course.” Nikki’s gaze lingered on Macy. She’d seen her and Chelsea together so often that at first she thought they were related. Macy was a local, but a few years older than her, and she assumed that perhaps Chelsea was a cousin. It turned out they were just good friends. As she accepted her cup of tea she decided that she would go and sit with her. The worst she could do was turn her away. Clearly, she didn’t want to be alone if she was seated in the middle of a busy café.
“Hi, Macy.” Nikki paused beside her table. “How are you doing?”
“Not well.” Macy sighed as she looked up at her.
“I just wanted to check on you. I know how close you and Chelsea were.” Nikki eased down into the chair across from her. “Do you mind if I join you?”
“No, it’s fine.” She closed her eyes, then nodded. “It’s a hard day, I can tell you that.”
“Very.” Nikki took a sip of her tea and hoped the warm liquid would soothe her nerves.
“It must have been so terrible for you.” Macy patted the back of her hand. “To find her that way.”
“It was.” Nikki swallowed another mouthful of tea. “I just can’t imagine who would want to hurt her.”
“That no good husband of hers, that’s who.” Macy scrunched up her nose. “A foul fellow, that one.”
“Husband?” Nikki looked up at her with wide eyes. “Chelsea was married?”
“Legally, yes.” Macy cleared her throat. “Not that it did her any good. They didn’t have a happy marriage. We talked about that a lot. She moved here when they separated.”
“Did he hurt her?” Nikki forced down the disappointment she felt for not knowing such a personal detail about her friend.
“No. But he wasn’t good to her. She wanted to get away from him. I think she thought finding her father would help with that.” Macy shook her head as she stared down into her cup of tea. “Honestly, I never thought he would hurt her this way. She didn’t indicate that she was frightened of him harming her.”
“But you think it was him?” Nikki rolled her tea cup slowly between her palms. “It would make sense. Maybe he was upset she was gone so long, or maybe he was jealous.”
“Maybe. It could have been him. Who knows?” Macy pursed her lips.
“But there was no one else that she had issues with, was there?”
“Well, there was always Betty.” Macy rolled her eyes.
“Betty?” Nikki took another sip of her tea. “Who is that?”
“Betty Middleson is the long-lost niece of Bill and Linda Middleson.”
“Oh, yes of course, I’ve never met her, but I’ve seen her a few times. Chelsea pointed her out to me once when she was walking out of the Middleson mansion. I don’t really know anything about her, though.”
“Well, Betty showed up a year or so ago and tried to blend into the family. The problem is, no one really knew much about her. Her father was removed from the family and they weren’t that interested in bringing her into the fold. But she wouldn’t take no for an answer. She just kept coming back. It drove Linda crazy, I can tell you that. Finally, they decided it would be easier if they just accepted her, and began inviting her to some of the family functions. Even though she was not invited to the more personal occasions, her name did begin circulating through the area as someone who belonged to the family.” She tapped her fingertip on the table. “I’m sure she got a good bit of handouts as a result of being a member of the family. Apparently, she is even living at the mansion at the moment while she looks for a place to live in town. Isn’t that ridiculous?”
“It’s not like they don’t have the room. If she is family, shouldn’t she be able to stay with them?”
“I wouldn’t necessarily say that. I’m sure they checked to be sure that she was actually who she said she was, but that doesn’t mean that she needed to be close to the family. She is a distant relative and doesn’t have much attachment to them. Anyway, my point is that she weaseled her way in.”
“Right, I get that.” Nikki winced. It was never easy for her to gossip. She preferred to think the best of people if at all possible. However, she also wanted to know what information Macy had to share. “But what does that have to do with Chelsea’s death?”
“Jealousy, I suppose. Or vengeance. I’m not sure which. Betty wanted to be hired to paint the picture of the mansion. She’d made it clear that she expected the job to be hers. So, when Chelsea was chosen instead, I imagine there was quite a bit of animosity between the two.”
“Did you ever see them argue?” Nikki made a mental note to mention Betty to Quinn when she spoke with him again.
“No, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t. I know that Chelsea was nervous about Betty trying to upstage her or swindle the gig out from under her. She needed the money.” She licked a dr
op of tea from her lips. “Poor girl.”
“I had no idea she was caught up in so much local tension.”
“Oh, that wasn’t the only scandal in this town that she was involved in.” Macy’s eyes sparkled as she lifted up her cup of tea. “Would you like to hear more?”
Nikki stared at Macy for a moment, stunned by the fact that there might be more that she didn’t know about her friend. Perhaps they weren’t as close as she had first imagined. Chelsea was quite new to town and they weren’t exactly best friends, but she did care about her, and had assumed their conversations went deeper than just the surface.
“Yes, I want to hear anything you know about her.” Nikki knew the more information she had the more chance she had of helping to solve her friend’s murder.
“Well.” Macy lowered her voice and leaned across the table. “You didn’t hear this from me, but Chelsea had recently discovered who her father was.”
“What?” Nikki’s eyes widened. “As far as I knew she was still looking.”
“She only told a few people, actually it might have just been me. But she found him, and boy was it a surprise.” Macy’s eyes seemed to glow as she spoke.
“It must have been so wonderful for her to finally have an answer to that mystery.” Nikki tried to fight the desire that burned within her, but she just had to know. “Who is it?”
“None other than our great and wise Rick Parker.” Macy smiled as she set her tea cup down.
Chapter 5
The name echoed in Nikki’s mind. That was impossible. Wasn’t it?
“Rick Parker, the district attorney?” She sat back in her chair as her breath grew short. “I had no idea. Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.” Macy smiled some. “It was all going to be such a scandal. I wonder if anyone will ever know now.” She shook her head. “They’re not going to hear it from me, that’s for sure. I know better than to mess with someone in power.”
