“Who did you say you were?”
Marla let out a frustrated breath. This would go better in person. Otherwise, he might hang up on her. Plus, she couldn’t gauge his nonverbal cues over the phone.
“I’m a recent acquaintance of your ex-wife. Is it possible for us to meet today? I won’t take up much of your time, and it’s really important that I talk to you.”
She did a quick mental calculation. If she left immediately, she’d cross Alligator Alley in an hour and a half. That meant three hours for travel and one to interview the guy. She should make it back in time to pick up Ryder at daycare. The trip wouldn’t be practical unless she thought it worthwhile, but this guy might have the answers she needed to help clear Reed’s name.
“I don’t have much to say about Brad,” the ex-husband remarked.
Marla hesitated, unwilling to provide too much information. “There’s a murder involved, and I’m married to the police detective who’s on the case.”
“Good God. Is the cop coming with you?”
She heard a note of panic in his voice. “No, it’s just me. I want to chat about Brad, that’s all. My mother is... well, I’ll explain things when I’m there.”
“All right. I’ll talk to you for Davinia’s sake. But I’m working, so you’ll have to be quick.”
Marla rang off, a triumphant smile on her face. Then her expression sobered. She’d have to make good time heading west but hated to go alone. Who could she get to accompany her? Dalton was busy processing Brad’s murder. Tally was stuck at work in her dress shop. What about Robyn? The salon receptionist was off today and always game for an adventure.
“I’d love to come,” Robyn said in response. “Give me fifteen minutes to get ready. You’ll have to fill me in on everything. Is this guy single, by any chance?”
“He’s divorced. I don’t know anything about his current social life. He used to be married to Davinia Quincy, the actress.”
“Oh, really? Then he must be good-looking. See you in a few!”
Marla stopped off at home to change into more comfortable clothes. She gave the dogs a brief run in the backyard before she picked up Robyn in the same neighborhood.
“I can’t wait to see how this fellow makes edible gold,” Robyn said in an eager tone. “If he has a factory, you’ll have to promise me that we can take a quick tour.”
“Okay, but I’ll need to be back in time to get Ryder from daycare.”
As they headed toward the highway, Marla brought Robyn up to date on recent events, relating as much as Dalton would allow her to tell.
“Who’s your main suspect?” Robyn asked, adjusting her designer-brand sunglasses. She wore a spring green top with white Capri pants, perfect for an excursion on a warm Florida day.
Marla turned onto Alligator Alley. Clouds scudded overhead in an azure sky. On either side of the road, plains of sawgrass stretched to infinity as they sped west toward Naples at the other end. A white egret took flight, soaring gracefully into the air.
“Dalton is still placing his bet on George Eustice,” she replied. “George was furious with Jack over his daughter. He was mad at Brad for not paying him. But Tobias? I can’t figure out a motive for that one. George and Tobias may never have met, unless permit inspectors do granite countertops. I wouldn’t think that’s within their range of duties.”
“So who’s on the top of your list?”
“My guess was on Pete Ferdinand, one of the contractors,” Marla said. “However, Pete was in custody when Brad died, so he’s off the hook for that one... assuming it’s a murder case. I’d say a garlic garland wrapped around the man’s neck makes it a valid theory until we get confirmation from the medical examiner.”
“Tell me again why we’re traveling across the state to interview Davinia’s ex-husband.”
Marla shrugged. “I think Brad’s sister fits into the picture somehow, and Craig might be able to tell me more about her.”
Robyn glanced at her with a grin. “I’m glad you asked me to come along. I had laundry and food shopping on my agenda for today. This is much more fun.”
“How was your date the other night with what’s-his-name?” Marla asked, unable to keep the men straight in Robyn’s life.
“Bor-ing. Anthony is a computer analyst, and all he talked about were scams and cybercrime,” Robyn replied with a grimace.
“Lots of people fall victim to those scams or the crooks wouldn’t keep doing it.” Marla scrunched her forehead. Something niggled at her brain, but she couldn’t grasp it.
“I know, but it wasn’t what I wanted to hear all night.” Robyn heaved a deep sigh. “It’s impossible to meet anybody decent these days.”
“Maybe you need to stop looking for Mr. Perfect.”
Glad she wasn’t single anymore, Marla focused on driving. They entered the cypress preserve where sturdy trees with bleached trunks lined the roadsides.
After taking the exit at Naples, Marla followed her GPS to the address Craig Vernon had supplied. She made a moue of disappointment as they passed Fifth Avenue with its boutique shops and restaurants.
“I wish we had time to go shopping, but I’m on a tight schedule. We’ll have to grab fast food later on the way home,” she told Robyn, who seemed content to be along for the ride.
The strip of warehouses where they ended up seemed to have full occupancy judging from the number of vehicles in the asphalt parking lot. Marla found a space, pulled in, and shut off the ignition.
A tall fellow answered her knock at the office door that led to Craig’s factory. He wore a tee shirt over taut jeans, along with a pair of worn loafers. With his blond hair tousled on his brow, even features and a healthy tan, he appeared rakishly handsome. The scent of his spice cologne trailed them inside after they completed introductions.
Marla and Robyn took seats as indicated across from a scuffed wooden desk littered with papers. Peeling paint and dents along the baseboards cried out for refurbishment. A chemical smell added to the unsavory atmosphere. Marla resisted the urge to fan the air as dust motes sparkled in the sunlight trickling in from a single grimy window.
Unimpressed by the shabby surroundings, she wondered how well Craig’s business was doing. Did he choose to remain here due to the cheap rent? Or was it all he could afford?
Robyn, on the other hand, couldn’t get past Craig’s striking good looks, judging from her blatant stare. Marla could imagine her assessment. If his company failed, this guy could get a job as a male model. Not only was his face straight off a billboard poster, but his broad shoulders and muscled arms fit the image as well. He didn’t just sit in an office all day. Either his production process required strength, or he worked out.
“As I’d mentioned on the phone,” she began, “I’m a recent friend of Davinia’s. We met at the garlic festival. She was a judge for the pageant and I’m a hairstylist.” She handed over a business card. “My staff did the contestants’ hair for the grand finale. Davinia and I got to chat afterwards, and I paid her a visit this morning.”
“Davvy always was fond of that festival. It’s what gave her a start in show business.”
“Yes, so I understand. How did you two meet each other?” Marla wondered if they’d hooked up when the actress lived out west.
His gaze took on a distant look. “We were at a party. She caught my attention right away. This woman with hair like gold cotton candy and eyes as blue as the sky walked into the room and the whole place lit up. I couldn’t believe she’d look twice at me, but it happened.”
“Were you in show business also?”
“Heck, no. I was the bartender. I’d just gotten out of the service and was living with a friend until I saved up enough money to rent my own place.”
“Was this in Fort Lauderdale?”
He nodded, his fingers playing with a paper clip. “My dad sold insurance. I didn’t want to go down that road, nor did I have a passion for anything in particular. My friends were all going to college. I didn’t want
to burden my folks with debt. Nor were my grades good enough for a scholarship. So I enlisted, figuring I could learn new skills in the army. I did, but not in the manner I’d expected.”
“Davinia said you’d heard about edible gold while stationed overseas.”
“That’s right.” His face broke into a lopsided smile that most women would find charming. Marla cast a side glance at her friend. Robyn appeared dazzled, her lips parted and her eyes fixed on the man. “The first time I saw people eating food coated with real gold,” Craig said, “you could have bowled me over with a feather. My mouth must have opened so wide, a crow could have flown in.”
“Where did you see this gold-decorated food?”
“Believe it or not, it was in India. After a tour in Afghanistan, I planned to quit. But then they offered me an assignment as an officer’s aide because I’m good with languages. I could have made a career of it, but I can’t stand bureaucracy.” The brackets deepened beside his mouth. “One evening, I had guard duty at a dinner party my officer attended, and that’s where I noticed the sparkling garnishes. The potential for manufacturing the stuff in the U.S. hit me right away. I could sell it to caterers who cooked for the rich and famous.”
“So you didn’t re-enlist when your tour of duty ended?”
“Nope. I went to live with a friend while figuring out how I could launch my new business. That’s when I met Davvy. She was excited by the idea and offered to invest. I’ve already paid her back with interest.”
Marla swept her arm at the surroundings. “I assume that means you’ve done well?”
He chuckled. “You can’t tell from this place, right? In general, business has been good. I’ve been thinking of expanding and then I’d move to better quarters.” His brow furrowed. “You’re asking a lot of questions that have nothing to do with Davvy or Brad. I thought that’s why you came to talk to me.”
“True. Let’s discuss their relationship. Brad’s death happened at the festival. I visited Davinia the day afterward. She didn’t appear to be overly upset by her loss.”
“I’m not surprised. Brad always had one scheme or another in mind that would make him rich, and he enacted them at other people’s expenses. I warned Davvy to disconnect herself from him, and Oscar backed me. But she had a soft heart where Brad was concerned.”
“Do you know what Brad did before he started Amaze Design Center?”
“He had other firms that I always felt were shady. He promised Davvy that he was going straight with this company.” Craig noted her questioning glance. “Yes, we’ve kept in touch. She still calls me sometimes.”
“May I ask why you broke up? Did Brad cause a rift between the two of you?”
Craig dropped the paperclip and leaned forward. “We split up because of Oscar. I couldn’t stand the guy. He was always around, and Davvy acted as though she wouldn’t have a career without him. He’d only gotten involved after she moved back home from California. I do have to give him credit for looking out for her interests, though. Plus, he fended off that other guy who threatened her.”
“What’s this?” Marla asked, her breaths shallow. She exchanged a glance with Robyn, who sat listening intently.
“A man who worked for Brad recently approached Davvy and said he’d go public with things he knew about her that could cause a scandal unless she paid him. Oscar took charge and had a chat with Jack.”
“Jack Laredo?” Marla sat up so straight that she dislodged her purse. She grabbed it by the strap and slung it back over her chair.
Craig’s eyes narrowed. “Yup, that’s his name. Oscar must have told Brad, because he was furious when he found out Jack had approached his sister. I’m surprised he didn’t fire the guy, but who knows what they were covering up for each other? Anyway, Jack backed off. I don’t know whether Brad or Oscar made the difference, but Davvy didn’t care as long as that man kept his mouth shut.”
Marla assumed Jack meant to expose Brad’s unsavory history and his connection to the actress. “I appreciate you sharing this information with us. As I said earlier, my husband is the police detective investigating Brad’s death. Two other men who Brad knew are dead, too. Jack Laredo was one of them. The other was Tobias Banyan, the permit inspector who’d worked with Amaze Design Center.”
“No kidding? Is Davvy safe?”
Was that real concern in his eyes? If Marla wasn’t mistaken, her senses told her that Craig still harbored affection for his ex-wife.
“She has Oscar there. He’ll watch over her.” The man wouldn’t let anything bad happen to his cash cow, that was certain. Not to mention that he practically drooled over her. If he cared about Davinia on a personal level, he’d have even more of an incentive to protect her.
Right now, Oscar topped her list of suspects. She could understand why he might want to get rid of Jack and Brad, but Tobias’s death didn’t fit into that picture. What was she missing?
Chapter Twenty-Three
“Has Davvy mentioned me at all?” Craig asked with a hopeful note.
“She recommended your business,” Marla replied. “Davinia had served gold-decorated foods at a party Saturday night, and I tasted samples at her house this morning. I’d like to learn more about the product.”
Craig whipped out a couple of brochures from a drawer. “These will tell you about our company. It gives the website URL along with the online store. Or you can call us direct to place an order.”
Robyn stuffed a brochure into her purse. “Is it possible for us to get a peek at your factory? I’d love to see how you make gold flakes.” She fluttered her lashes at him, clearly not getting the hint that he still had a flame for Davinia.
He gave her a kilowatt smile. “I’d be happy to show you around.”
“Marla, we could sprinkle the food with gold at our next charity event,” Robyn suggested. “Think what a sensation it would make. I can imagine the ad copy already.” A dreamy look spread across her face, and she swept her hands in the air like a rainbow. “Our cause is pure gold and so are our desserts! Come try one and share the wealth.”
“Let’s not get carried away,” Marla said as they both stood. Was Robyn serious, or was she suggesting a tour as a ploy to draw Craig out? If it were her choice, she’d leave for home, but she had promised Robyn a glimpse at the production process.
Craig stood, grabbed a toothpick from a box on his desk, and stuck it between his teeth. He chewed on it as he led them next door to a cavernous bay full of machinery.
“We start the process with the raw material,” Craig explained as he began their tour. “This would be highly pure gold bars or gold grain mined in compliance with federal laws.”
“What’s gold grain?” Robyn asked, while Marla hoped the guy wouldn’t be too long-winded. She had to get back in time to pick up Ryder at daycare.
“It’s a small, round form similar to pellets.”
“Do you store these materials on the premises?” Marla asked, glancing around for a safe. She hadn’t noticed one in his front office.
“It’s kept in a secure location,” Craig said without further explanation. He tossed his toothpick into a trash can then indicated a furnace. A pair of tongs hung nearby. “Over here, we melt down the gold along with silver and copper. This compound makes it easier to produce gold leaf. Next we pour the molten alloy into a square mold.”
Marla’s ears perked up. Copper? Interesting that he used that particular metal in his production process.
Craig sauntered toward a big machine. “The squares go through these rollers where they’re pressed into thin sheets. I’ll sandwich these sheets between layers of special plastic to be compressed into thinner widths and longer strips until they’re each point-zero-five millimeters thick.”
“So gold leaf is essentially gold that has been stretched thin?” Robyn asked, holding her chin as she regarded the huge rollers.
Craig nodded. “It’s a malleable metal. One gram can be stretched to three kilometers.” He picked up a piece lying
around and demonstrated its flexibility. “Over at this next table, we cut a long strip into six-centimeter squares. Each square goes between two sheets of specialty paper. This helps to keep the gold leaf at an even thickness. The next stage is to pound it repeatedly until it reaches a certain measurement. Finally, I’ll trim the edges and it’s done.”
Robyn pointed to shelves holding labeled jars of gold flakes, shakers of gold crumbs, jars of gold powder, and boxes of gold sheets.
“You turn the gold into all of these products?” she asked while Marla noted another section with machinery for bottling and labeling.
“That’s right. Gold doesn’t only have edible properties, you know. It’s also used in cosmetics as an anti-aging factor. But there aren’t any true health benefits. Nonetheless, cosmetic companies are among my best customers, although the mainstay of my business comes from people in the food industry. For me, it’s a win-win either way. Here’s a shaker of gold crumbs for each of you.”
“Thanks so much,” Robyn said with a simpering look. “I can’t wait to try this sample at home, although it would be more fun if I had company.” Her glance dropped to his ringless left hand. “By the way, if you’re ever on the east coast, look us up. We do men’s haircuts in the salon and Marla offers a discount to new customers.”
Marla snagged her elbow. “I’m sure Craig has his own barber, Robyn. Come on, we’ve taken up too much of his time, and I have to get back.”
After they parted ways, Marla poked Robyn in the parking lot. “What were you doing in there? It’s clear the man still has feelings for Davinia.”
Robyn shot her a querulous glance. “Everyone is fair game if they’re single. I hope you gained something useful from this visit.”
“I did.” Marla waited to discuss the murder cases until they were in the car. They stopped along the way to grab lunch at a fast-food place before heading east on Alligator Alley.
“I was interested in what Craig said about Jack and Brad,” Marla stated, focused on the road as they passed through the cypress preserve.
Styled for Murder Page 23
