“Why is that?” Jason asked.
Saul wiped his forehead and blinked, obviously nervous. “Ivanna said she was creating costumes for fancy parties. The models might have told her who they were partying with.”
“Does this have anything to do with that book I found?” Jason lasered Ivanna with his piercing eyes. “The one with names and numbers?”
“You were the one who ransacked my place?” Ivanna sputtered. “I did nothing wrong. All I did was keep track of who wore what. You have to give my notebook back.”
“It’s evidence for an ongoing investigation,” Jason said. “I also found interesting things in that garbage bag you were taking out. Have them all catalogued. Loose pieces of fur, feathers, and long, barbed porcupine quills. Leather, and slips of paper, but what I found most interesting was a receipt from an upscale chocolate store.”
“Nothing interesting,” Ivanna said. “I was working on the animal effects for Avery, and I like to snack on chocolate.”
“Expensive, handmade chocolate?” Jason raised his eyebrow in a snotty way.
“I’m not poor as a church mouse,” Ivanna said. “It was a gift.”
“From who?”
“I don’t have to answer that question.” She crossed her arms and huffed. “Saul, they don’t believe us. Let’s go.”
“Please, it’s okay.” Avery held out her hand in a mollifying manner. “You need to help us. Remember that day you came to my apartment to look through my sketchbook? You were here that day when my brother saw you? Did you see who left me the chocolate?”
Ivanna breathed hard for several seconds. It was obvious she didn’t want to answer.
“I appreciate you for helping me with the animal effects,” Avery continued. “Really. No one is blaming you. I was so worried about you after I heard you were assaulted. We just need to know if you saw anyone.”
“It was a chauffeur,” Ivanna said. “He was coming toward your apartment as I was leaving.”
“Was he wearing gloves?” Jason asked.
“Driving gloves, and he was carrying a box of fancy chocolates.”
“Did he recognize you?” Jason asked.
“How would I know?” Ivanna shrugged. “I had a lot of accessories to do. I came over to take pictures of your sketches so I could work on them.”
“Thanks, it’s within the scope of your job.” Avery shot a glare at Jason in case he would accuse Ivanna further and she’d clam up. She made her voice as gentle as she could. “Ivanna, I’m worried about all of our safety. Which one of my designs caused Saul to realize you were in danger?”
“He saw the porcupine crest picture.” She pointed at Jason. “He said his brother was wearing pierced quills when he died, and he pulled out the quills before the police got there.”
“I asked Ivanna if she were the one who dressed Garm for the party,” Saul added. “She said Harvey Leach told her to thread the quills into his skin.”
“Harvey Leach stole my designs?” Avery sat upright, slapping the cushion behind her. “Or did you show them to him when you were painting him?”
“He was a friend,” Ivanna said, blushing. “I didn’t know he would request your design.”
“Did you do Joselito’s bearded dragon collar?” Jason asked.
Ivanna nodded and put her hands over her face. “I didn’t know what kind of fetish the partygoers had with these guys. I was happy with the artistic side of it. I didn’t know they’d die.”
“I won’t go so far to say it’s your fault they overdosed,” Jason conceded. “But I can see why you’d be in danger if the Leaches got wind you suspect them. You could be a material witness in connecting them if their deaths were murders.”
“That’s why I hit Ivanna on the head, not hard enough to put her in a coma, but enough so she could get in an ambulance and get checked out,” Saul said. “I didn’t want her backstage with any of the models, especially since she says Avery wanted her to do the animalistic effects on Matt Swanson. She was supposed to make him a falcon or hawk.”
“Is that why my hawk feathers went missing?” Avery asked.
“I threw them away.”
“In the trash,” Jason said. “I went through the dumpster and found them. They’re in the evidence room at the precinct.”
“I’m sorry I chickened out,” Ivanna said. “But I redid them. I can help you at the show.”
“What made you change your mind and do them again?” Jason’s eyes narrowed. “You two went into hiding, and now, the day of the show, you turn up?”
Avery gaped at Jason and then Ivanna and Saul. Should she believe them or stay suspicious? Jason wasn’t going to buy their story hook, line, and sinker.
“Your partner, Blade, assured us we would be safe,” Saul answered for Ivanna. “He said he would be backing you up. He also said the Secret Service were briefed and are ready. Ivanna knew how important it is to Avery and Cocky Heroes.”
“It’s true,” Ivanna said. “I felt so bad running off.”
“It’s okay, but it’s kind of late. Kerry and I redid Matt’s feathers and Svetlana’s butterfly wings, but we didn’t get to the porcupine Mohawk and the snakeskin arms.”
“I already got those done,” Ivanna said. “I hope I’m not in trouble.”
“Both of you are in a heap of trouble,” Jason said, clearly impatient with the fashion talk. “Unless you can help us land bigger fish. We need you to land Brando’s real killer. If what you said about Ernesto were true, that he had a toy gun, then someone switched it in the aftermath of the shooting.”
Avery sat up as a thought hit her. “Jason, did you check all the photos and videos taken at the scene? Someone might have captured Ernesto and his toy gun.”
“I don’t recall seeing anything like that,” Jason replied. “Blade was the officer in charge of the investigation. I’ll ask him to let me into the system to look at them again.”
Finn, who had been sitting quietly observing, cleared his throat. His attention was on Saul. “Since I’m going to be security this evening, is there anything specific I should be looking for?”
Saul shook his head, looking toward Ivanna who also shrugged.
“The bomb threat changed out the venue,” Jason observed. “We also eliminated a model who walked last year. Tatiana Renzi. Do you two know anything about her?”
Saul answered, “Tatiana used to date Joselito, and now she’s dating Larry Leach. I don’t know much about her because she doesn’t talk about herself. She’s always observing.”
“Yes, she’s creepy,” Ivanna added. “She seems to turn up at all the strangest places.”
“Like where?” Jason asked.
“I saw her waiting for a limo outside of that Broadway show on opening night.”
“Who was she with?” Jason did the questioning, but all eyes were on her.
Ivanna darted a guilty glance at Avery. “I think it’s that guy you used to date. Before Brando. The congressman’s son.”
“Richie Overton.” Avery’s ears buzzed, and it made her shiver. “That’s strange, because he’s been asking me to go to The Schitts of Fifth Avenue with him.”
“Maybe that’s why he gave his tickets to me,” Jason said. “I don’t think we have to worry about him since I’m taking you.”
“How very generous of him,” Avery said, wondering what was in it for Richie.
Chapter Forty-Six
Jason stood at the window and glared down at the sidewalk where Avery was chatting with Saul and Ivanna. Why had she volunteered to walk them out of the apartment? He’d tried to tag along, but Avery gave him the “back off” stare and said she wanted to stay friends with the two of them.
While she appeared to believe every word they said, Jason wasn’t so sure. In his experience, any suspect who volunteers a “tell-all” is up to no good. Saul already admitted to spying on Avery for Larry Leach. What if Larry was directing him to deliver misinformation and cause Avery to let down her guard.
As f
or Ivanna, she had that sly look of a woman who kept secrets—for a price. She worked on the masks and accoutrements for Garm and Hugh. What had made her decide to come back at the last hour to help Avery with the accessories?
Jason wasn’t going to be fooled. He’d take the necessary precautions without letting Avery know, in case she slipped up and let them know he was onto them.
“I don’t trust them,” Jason told Avery after she returned to the apartment. “But I don’t think we have to worry about them tonight.”
“That’s right,” Finn said. “Everything’s set. Blade contacted me, and we have a plan. He’ll keep watch backstage while I will observe the guests.”
“Don’t tell him, but I want you two to switch roles,” Jason said.
“You don’t trust him?” Finn raised an eyebrow while Avery gasped.
“I don’t trust anyone.” Jason’s gut twisted at how obsequious Blade was with Chief Grimes.
“But Blade is your partner,” Avery said. “Since you’re on leave of absence, he’s your eyes and ears.”
“He’s also chummy with the chief, but let’s not talk about this. We have to prepare for the show. Let’s go over the order of the walk and change things around.”
“You’ll confuse the models and the photographers,” Avery said.
“Are you saying the photographers know the order?” Jason was shocked he didn’t know this detail.
“Why, yes. And so do the fashion press. Some are looking for a particular face or style. There’s a program we hand out.”
“Has it been printed?” Jason asked. “It’s important to change things up so if someone is planning mischief, they get tripped up.”
“We can’t,” Avery protested. “Not with Diamante Steele in the show. Secret Service already has the order. I don’t think anyone will try anything. We switched the venue. None of the models, guests, press, or photographers know we’re at The Edge. They won’t get any guns through security.”
Jason clenched his fist so hard his knuckles hurt. “The easiest way to hurt Avery is backstage when she’s with the models. However, this killer likes the big splash and attention. He’s trying to make a statement. It’s like terrorism. Unexpected. Lethal. On camera and center stage.”
“Are you saying they’ll take a shot in front of Secret Service?” Kerry asked. Her cheeks were flushed, her blue eyes wide and bloodshot. “Is that why Avery’s parents are backing out?”
“Did you ask them why?” Finn asked Avery.
“Mom came down with a stomach bug,” she replied. “They’re very sorry, but Dad ate the same salad and doesn’t want to come down with it at the show. Chase and Damon are coming in their place.”
“They cleared Secret Service that quickly?” Jason narrowed his eyes. Guess position and privilege greased the skids, but at the same time, caused security breaches. Not that he should be suspicious of her brothers, but she might not be the target.
“Chase holds a high-level security clearance,” Avery explained. “And Damon has done diplomatic work. They’re known entities.”
“We can ask them to back us up,” Finn said.
“Don’t worry. They’ll be watching out for anything unusual,” Avery said. “Chase doesn’t need weapons to kill.”
“Neither do I,” Jason and Finn said at the same time.
“Gee, I feel real safe.” Avery smiled and hugged Jason. “What’s with the grim face? Let’s go out there and have fun. It’s going to be an awesome show.”
“That’s the spirit!” Kerry clapped her hands and bounced up and down. “We’re overprepared. I can’t wait for the after-party.”
Jason wasn’t so confident, but then again, he’d covered every base. He picked up the printout of the model order. It listed names, outfit, and accessories, including the animal masks and crowns.
Beside his name was porcupine quill Mohawk.
“I hope you told Ivanna her help isn’t needed,” Jason said. “There’s no way we can allow her to bring those accessories backstage, especially since we haven’t had time to check them out.”
“But Jason, Ivanna came through,” Avery protested. “There’s no way I’m going to miss out on the big splash.”
“I thought I told you not to use the animal masks and crowns,” Jason yelled. “I’m not wearing a porcupine Mohawk.”
“Jason, please understand. It’s my show, and I have artistic discretion. Everything is all ready to go. Ivanna will be applying the feathers to Matt’s face.”
“No.” Jason felt like he was going to explode. “Didn’t they explain that Ivanna was in danger if the Leaches think she suspects them of the male models’ deaths? Their story of Blade being there to safeguard them doesn’t ring true.”
“My parents say the Leaches left town. They’re not going to the show after they heard about the bomb threat at The Garden.” Avery showed Jason a text message. “I don’t see any reason to worry since Secret Service will be there and the Leaches won’t.”
“The Leaches might not be the ones who ordered the hit,” Jason said. “And if they did, they’d be stupid to be there.”
“Everyone expects me to do the Shapeshifting Heroes. Some of my designs got leaked. Ivanna says she has it covered.”
“No,” Jason roared. “You told me last night it was overkill. You agreed to honor Brando as a classic hero.”
“No one put you in charge.” She pushed away from him. “I know we’re all on edge, but you’re going to have to trust me when it comes to fashion. I can’t be so white bread and bland. No one cares about old-fashioned retro classic. If I’m starting the shapeshifting trend, I have to do it now before everyone’s doing it.”
“Fine, then everyone’s doing it, but me.” He ran his hand over the crest of his hair. “No porcupine quills. You know how hard it is to get those suckers out? They’re barbed and can easily pierce muscles.”
“Oh, stop it. We’ll cut the tips so they won’t hurt as much,” Avery said. “They’re not poisonous.”
“I’ve heard barbed hypodermic needles penetrate easier.”
“No one is injecting you with anything.” Avery rolled her eyes, and the image clanged like warning bells in Jason’s mind.
Could the meth have been injected by porcupine quills? Did Larry Leach use a hypodermic needle or a quill? That might explain the quills stuck in Garm that Saul claimed to have removed.
“You look like you swallowed a porcupine.” Avery giggled, poking his belly, which he immediately tensed. “You’ll change your mind when you see everyone else made up.”
“Maybe you should sub me out.”
“You’re the one who wanted to push Trent out of the picture,” Avery said. “I can have Damon do it.”
“No, I’ll wear the quills,” Jason conceded. “I don’t trust Trent either.”
“You don’t trust anyone,” she declared.
“Except you,” he whispered. “Where do I go to get made up?”
She looked at her phone and yelped. “Actually, you’re late. Go with Kerry to the art studio we rented. The limo will pick up all the models there. I have to get ready for my Alida chore.”
“Lucky you,” he said in a droll voice. “Is it dinner with Matt?”
“Matt and Joan.” She giggled. “Oh, I almost forgot. Joan texted me just now and said she saw Tatiana throwing trash in the chute.”
Jason knew exactly where he was going and what he had to do. Avery would have to go without the feathers, fur, and scales. Good riddance, but a hard pill to swallow if the shapeshifting trend took off like hot rockets.
Mrs. Bonet was only too happy to buzz Jason up to her apartment. He brought her a box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers. He noticed she’d put on a bit of makeup and was dressed in a comfortable linen dress with a colorful scarf around her neck.
“I wanted to let you know Avery and I are thinking about you. Tonight is a big night for you and for your son’s memory.” He handed her the flowers and chocolate.
S
he brought the tulips to her face and smiled, tucking the chocolate under her arm. “It’s both bitter and sweet. There isn’t a day that I don’t miss my son, but I have to get used to it.”
“I understand. The more we loved, the more we lost.” There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t miss his mom, but it only underscored how close they’d been when she was alive.
“The more we also gained,” she said, touching his elbow. “It’s the magnitude of the love we had that makes life meaningful.”
“Avery loved Brando very much. She’s worked her heart out to honor him. I’m sure she pictures him wearing those clothes. She says everything is done in his style.”
“I’m very honored,” Mrs. Bonet said. “Please, will you come in?”
“Another time when Avery’s with me,” Jason said. “I still have to get made up.”
“Are you one of the models?”
Jason nodded. “I’m doing the outdoors look.”
“I can’t wait.” She beamed at him. “I’m curious where they’re taking us. It’s a secret location.”
“It’ll be perfect,” Jason assured her. “Have a wonderful dinner with Avery.”
“And Matt Swanson.” Mrs. Bonet stepped back into her apartment. “I’m such a fangirl.”
He had a smile on his face after taking leave of her. She was exactly the kind of mother who’d raise a good and decent person like Brando. Her heart was also big enough to include Avery, and he hoped they would always be close.
He stepped down the hall and knocked on Tatiana’s door. He could picture her lurking behind the peephole and trying to decide whether to open it or not.
He knocked again and announced, “Detective Burnett, NYPD. You can either speak to me or I’m returning with a warrant.”
The door whipped open, and she hissed, “You lie.”
She was devoid of makeup. Her lower lip was cut and puffed up, and one eye was swollen.
“What happened to you?”
“Get in before anyone sees you.” She grabbed his sleeve and pulled him inside. She shut the door and crossed her arms underneath her braless breasts. “How dare you show your face after that fiasco at the professor’s? You terrorized them.”
Triggered by Love Page 34
