Wicked Decisions

by Lily Harper Hart

  “The line led to the library,” she explained. “Maisie was coming out when I arrived. We exchanged our usual pleasantries. Quite frankly, I thought she was going to pull an Ava and I was about to dismiss her, but she acted really weird when I told her I had an alibi.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Just that she seemed surprised. Apparently the fact that Amy was with me didn’t make it down the gossip pipeline. She thought I was in the store alone and was giving me grief until I explained why I wasn’t worried about getting arrested for murder.”

  Jack leaned back on the bench and extended his long legs in front of him. “I wonder why she was so interested in the fact that you have an alibi. That seems weird to me.”

  “That’s not all that happened.”

  Speculatively, he shifted his eyes to her. “What else happened?”

  “She was acting squirrelly — enough so that I thought something suspicious was going on — and after she left I talked to Shirley Appleby.”

  “Who is Shirley Appleby?”

  “She’s a volunteer for the library. When I was a kid, she had her own kids and still worked as a volunteer. She loves books and she always helped me pick out stuff because she could tell I preferred books to people. She even let me take out more books than I was technically allowed to check out at one time because she knew it wasn’t always easy for me to get into town and exchange them.”

  “She sounds like a nice lady.”

  “She is. She also likes to gossip.”

  Jack’s lips curved. “I think that goes with the territory in Shadow Lake. I haven’t met a woman — or man, for that matter — in this town who doesn’t enjoy a good whispered tidbit about a neighbor. What did she say?”

  “I asked her who Maisie was dating because I realized I hadn’t heard an update on that recently.”

  “And why do you care about that?”

  “Because she’s after my man and I like knowing she’s otherwise engaged.”

  Jack poked her side, amused. “She can’t have your man. He only has eyes for you.”

  “I know that, but she gets off on causing trouble. That’s simply who she is. Shirley said she had no idea who Maisie was dating, but she heard it was someone old. For some reason, Maisie was keeping it a secret.”

  “So?” Jack failed to see how any of this had any bearing on the case. “Why do we care who Maisie is seeing? I don’t understand.”

  “Maisie was interested in the fact that I had an alibi. She assumed I didn’t and actually looked shocked when I set her straight. Shirley also told me that before Zelda died, Maisie was complaining about her nonstop. Since Maisie had no reason to dislike Zelda, it seemed odd.”

  “I’m still behind,” Jack prodded.

  “Maisie is also dating an older man who she wants to keep secret,” Ivy added. “I think we both know an older man who would date Maisie and isn’t exactly considered a catch.”

  Finally, realization washed over Jack’s handsome features. “Oh, geez.”

  “Yup.” Ivy bobbed her head. “I think it’s possible that Maisie’s boyfriend is Henry.”

  “But ... why wouldn’t he share that information with us from the start? He wasn’t exactly shy about listing his girlfriends.”

  “I don’t know. I think you should ask him that question. I’m just telling you what I know.”

  “You don’t technically know anything,” he argued. “You assume that Maisie is dating Henry even though you have no proof.”

  “What about the line?”

  “The line only you can see?”

  Her gaze darkened. “You know what? I don’t need this. I’m going to solve this case on my own, and when I’m finished, you’re going to be on your knees exalting me as a queen because I’m so smart and awesome.”

  Jack snagged the back of her shirt before she could stalk off, groaning as he stood and cracked his back. “I exalt you as a queen every single day of my life. That doesn’t mean you have proof.”

  Ivy’s agitation was on full display. “I feel it here.” She tapped her chest. “Ask Henry. That’s the easiest way to clear this up. If I’m right, you have to add me to the team. Those are my terms.”

  Jack didn’t look convinced. “I don’t know that Brian is going to agree to those terms.”

  “Make him.”

  “I’m not a dictator.”

  Ivy folded her arms across her chest. “It’s worth a shot, right? Why can’t you at least try?”

  The firm tilt of her head was what ultimately did Jack in. “Fine. I’ll ask him. If you’re wrong, though, I need you to promise you’re going to let this go. That has to be part of the agreement.”

  For the first time since her conversation with Shirley, Ivy felt a lance of niggling doubt at the back of her brain. Still, she doubled down. She had faith in herself. She didn’t want that to change. “Deal.” She extended her hand for Jack to shake.

  He eyed it for a long beat and then grinned, tugging her to him so he could kiss her senseless. “The big kids seal it with a kiss.”

  “I THINK THIS IS AN ABSOLUTELY terrible idea.”

  Brian was still complaining about the newest member of their investigative team when they landed at Henry’s house thirty minutes later. He’d listened to Jack plead his case with mild amusement. Then he’d shot down his partner. When Jack refused to let it go, Brian reluctantly agreed to the terms he’d set out with Ivy. Henry being involved with Maisie and not bragging about it seemed like a long shot.

  Apparently now they were about to find out.

  “I’ll ask the questions,” Jack supplied calmly. “I don’t want you leading him into the answer you want.”

  Brian’s glare was withering. “I’m a professional. I know how to do my job.”

  “I’ll do the talking.” Jack was firm as he rapped on the door.

  It took Henry a full two minutes to answer, and when he did, he was wearing a robe that was open to the waist. His gut hung over the waistband of his satin boxer shorts, creating a distressing visual that Ivy had to look away from.

  “Good morning,” Henry drawled, his expression blank. “Did we have an appointment that I missed?”

  “No.” Jack shook his head, doing his best to keep from staring at the ridiculous ensemble. “We have a few more questions, though. I’m sorry if we woke you ... although it’s the middle of the afternoon.”

  “I like a good afternoon siesta,” Henry explained, his eyes moving to Ivy. He offered her a playful wink. “You would be surprised how rejuvenated a man of a certain age can feel after he’s had a few hours down in the afternoon.”

  Ivy blinked several times in rapid succession, unsure what to say. “So ... you’re basically saying men over the age of sixty are like toddlers, huh? Naps are important.”

  Henry chuckled. If he was insulted by the comment, he didn’t show it. “You’re a spitfire. You always have been. I think that’s why I like you so much. You remind me of your aunt.”

  Ivy made a face. “I would appreciate it if you didn’t say things like that right now. It grosses me out.”

  Jack shot her a warning look before taking control of the conversation. “Henry, we have a few more questions for you. Is now a good time to ask them? I mean ... you’re alone, right?” He craned his neck to look over Henry’s shoulder. “You don’t have a guest, do you?”

  Ivy was horrified at the thought. “Oh, please tell me you’re alone.”

  “I’m always alone for my afternoon nap,” Henry replied, holding open the door and gesturing them inside. “That’s why it’s rejuvenating. If I had visitors for that portion of my day, I would walk around looking like an old man. There’s a reason all the women want to be around me. I act like a young man.”

  “That’s a good tip.” Jack pressed his hand to the small of Ivy’s back and prodded her through the house. “I’ll keep it in mind for when I’m your age.”

  “You should start exuding that sort of confidence now,” Henry countere
d. “It will benefit you down the road. Trust me.”

  “I’ll think about it. That’s not really why we’re here, though.” Jack settled on the couch, Ivy between him and Brian, and focused on Henry. “We’ve interviewed all of the women you told us about. We would like to confirm a few things with you.”

  “Sure.” Henry was the amiable sort and he bobbed his head. “Lay it on me.”

  “First off, Lucy and Felicity seemed to indicate that they weren’t jealous regarding your involvement with your other ... girlfriends. Do you agree with that assertion?”

  Henry’s eyes glinted with amusement as Ivy shifted uncomfortably on the couch at mention of her aunt. “I would agree. That’s why Lucy and Felicity will last longer than the others. I don’t like jealous women. They suck all the fun out of life.

  “I mean, it’s not as if these women don’t know what they’re getting in return when they accept a date invitation from me,” he continued. “I prefer my ladies get along, act as a group.”

  Ivy was horrified. “Wait ... you’re not saying you participate in group activities, are you?”

  Jack had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at her reaction. Sadly, though, he’d been wondering the same thing.

  “I’m not an animal,” Henry groused. “Why do people always assume I’m into kinky stuff? Just because I like various flavors when it comes to dating, that doesn’t mean I want to make anybody uncomfortable. All my sexual encounters are of the private and peaceful variety.”

  Mortified, Ivy focused all of her attention on her shoes and mumbled something unintelligible under her breath.

  “That’s a relief,” Jack said blankly. “It’s good that Lucy and Felicity aren’t the jealous types. What about Zelda and Fanny?”

  Henry shrugged, noncommittal. “They were less thrilled with how things were going. Zelda especially was getting a bit whiny. She kept trying to force me to make a choice. I told her that’s not how it worked — I never choose because that’s just a bummer — but she wouldn’t listen.

  “I mean, I really liked her, but I’m a wild stallion,” he continued. “One rider can’t break and saddle me.”

  “Oh, geez,” Ivy muttered, pressing her hand over her eyes.

  Jack exchanged a quick look with Brian, who looked more amused than upset, and then pushed forward. “Are you the one who breaks up with your girlfriends or do they eventually dump you?”

  “It’s usually a mutual thing. I prefer when the woman makes the decision because I hate being the bad guy, but I would be lying if I said it’s never happened. Things were pretty quiet in the run-up to Zelda’s death, though.”

  “Even with Fanny?”

  “Fanny is kind of a whiner, but she’s a heckuva cook. She’s not all that bad. I mean ... she’s not on her way out or anything. At least not yet. I wasn’t going to force the issue in the immediate future.”

  “Okay.” Jack paused and licked his lips. “Did you tell us about all the women you were dating?”

  “Dating? No. Sleeping with? Yes. Seeing more than once a week? Yes. I thought that’s what you were interested in.”

  “Actually, we’re interested in the whole shebang,” Jack countered. “Have you by any chance been dating Maisie Washington?”

  Henry nodded without hesitation. “Yup. She’s kind of recent, but it’s moving along nicely.”

  Brian stirred, his eyes dark. “Why didn’t you tell us that? No, seriously. Why would you keep that a secret? Maisie strikes me as the sort of woman you would want to brag about.”

  “I want to brag about all of them,” Henry countered. “As for Maisie, I don’t really consider her a girlfriend. I haven’t sealed the deal yet, if you know what I mean.” He winked at Ivy for good measure. “It’s only an actual relationship when sex and cooking is involved and I haven’t gotten to that level with Maisie. Some women only want to deal with the cooking and I’m fine with that. Others only want the sex. I’m also fine with that. Maisie wasn’t into either as of yet … but it’s coming. We’re still in the flirting-and-expensive-dinners faze.”

  Ivy had to choke back a particularly vile comment. She would be kicked off the team for sure if she said what she was really feeling.

  Brian didn’t have that problem. “What is wrong with you?” His temper was close to the surface, raw and angry. “Seriously. Why can’t you just date like a normal person? You’re old enough to be Maisie’s father.”

  “Which is why she’s a good gem for my crown,” Henry explained simply. “I don’t think you can understand my lifestyle. You’re one of those rare humans who is meant to mate for life. You’re like these two.” He gestured toward Ivy and Jack. “It’s obvious they’re going to be together forever.

  “As for me, I don’t happen to believe that humans are meant to mate for life,” he continued. “I think that’s unnatural. Men are meant to spread it around, sample every flavor on the menu. That’s how I want to live my life and I’m not sorry for it.”

  “But ... you could’ve saved us time,” Brian pressed. “If you’d told us about Maisie, we would’ve had another angle.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was such a big deal. Maisie has barely worked her way into the rotation.”

  “But ... .” Jack shook his head. This conversation was getting them nowhere. “You’re not leaving anyone else off the list, are you?”

  “Nope. My slate is pretty full right now ... although I’m going to have to add someone to take Zelda’s place once the proper mourning period has passed. I don’t want to look like a cad.”

  “You’re all heart,” Ivy snapped, disdain practically rolling off her in waves. “I mean ... what a catch you are.”

  “I happen to agree. Now, if there’s nothing else, I need to get back to my nap. I’m still not fully recharged.”

  And, with that, they were dismissed and they had an entirely new angle to chase.

  Fourteen

  “He’s absolutely disgusting.”

  Ivy ranted in the backseat of the cruiser for five straight minutes when they left Henry’s house.

  “He’s definitely gross,” Brian agreed, his eyes on the road. “Someone should neuter him.”

  “Oh, I don’t know,” Jack teased, glancing over his shoulder so he could meet Ivy’s hateful glare. “I think there’s something pure about his philosophy ... not that I would ever want to live that particular life, mind you. I’m proud to be a member of the mate-for-life club.”

  Ivy leaned forward and pinched Jack’s shoulder. “He’s gross and he gives your entire gender a bad name.”

  “Ow!” Jack ruefully rubbed the spot where she’d grabbed him. “There’s no need to be so vicious. I’m not the one sleeping with half the town.”

  “And you’d better not ever consider it,” Ivy muttered, frustrated. “It’s disgusting.”

  Brian raised his eyes so he could meet Ivy’s gaze in the rearview mirror. “You’re thinking about Felicity, aren’t you?”

  “Of course.” Ivy saw no reason to lie. “I don’t understand how she can spend time with that man.”

  “I think she’s lonely.” Jack’s tone was gentle. “That’s basically what she said.”

  “Well, I’m going to find a more acceptable man for her to date and that’s all there is to it. I want you to help me track down that Dorian guy when this is all over.”

  “And what?” Jack challenged. “Are you going to call him and demand he come back to your aunt more than twenty years after they broke up? I don’t think that’s going to go over well.”

  “I just want to know where he’s at. I don’t remember him.”

  “That’s too bad,” Brian commented as he navigated toward the street where Maisie resided. They’d already called the library and found that she hadn’t returned. The woman who answered the phone said it wasn’t unusual for Maisie to leave at lunch and not return. “Dorian spent a lot of time with you and Max when you were little.”

  Ivy’s face pinched in
concentration. “Why can’t I remember him?”

  “You were a little girl.”

  “I know but ... it’s weird. My father thinks Aunt Felicity never got over him. Do you think that’s true?”

  Brian shrugged. “I can’t say. I’m friendly with your aunt, but I’m not close with her like I am with your parents. Honestly, Felicity has always been something of an enigma to me. She’s got that Bohemian thing going for her and I think she was a fabulous aunt to you guys — she always took you on trips and adventures — but she’s also something of a loner.”

  “Well, I’m going to fix that.” Ivy was determined. “I’m being serious. I’m going to find an appropriate man for her. Henry Spencer is just ... gross.”

  Jack chewed on his bottom lip and spared a glance for Brian, who looked as amused as he felt. “I look forward to watching you play matchmaker. I don’t think this is going to blow up in your pretty face in the least.”

  “Oh, stuff it.” Ivy leaned forward as they pulled into Maisie’s driveway. “Her car isn’t here. Are we sure she came home?”

  “No,” Brian replied. “It’s simply the first place to start looking. Technically, I’m not sure you should be with us in the first place.”

  “Oh, no.” Ivy was firm as she shook her head. “We had an agreement. You can’t back out now.”

  “You had an agreement with Jack. I didn’t agree to anything.”

  “I’ll cry if you don’t let me play with you.”

  Jack’s chuckle was warm as Brian glowered at her in the mirror.

  “Don’t look at me,” Jack said hurriedly when Brian slid his gaze toward his partner. “If you want to break her heart, you’re going to have to do it solo. I want her with us.”

  “Why?” Brian asked, sincerely baffled. “She’d be safer if she stayed out of this. You’re usually the one who melts down when it comes to her safety.”

  “I am,” Jack agreed. “We need her, though. She was right about Maisie. You have to give her that. Also, she’s been involved in this one from the start. She can’t just ignore the fact that she was the one to find Zelda. She feels guilty because she was in the other room when it happened. It’s not just that she wants to be involved. She needs it.”