Wicked Decisions

by Lily Harper Hart

  Ivy obediently followed, her curiosity getting the better of her. Jack perched the fragile binder on his lap and opened to the first page. Right away, he knew they’d found what they were looking for.

  “That’s a wedding cake, right?”

  Ivy nodded. “Yeah. Zelda didn’t bake them herself or anything, but she knew a good baker in Bellaire. She was going to set up a tasting for us.”

  “Oh, yeah?” Jack was intrigued. “Is a cake tasting what it sounds like? I mean ... will I get to sit in a room with you and try fifty different cakes?”

  Ivy chuckled at his enthusiasm. “Pretty much.”

  “We should do that for our honeymoon.”

  “Actually, I was kind of thinking that we might want to go to New Orleans for our honeymoon. Or ... well ... if you’re okay with that, I mean.”

  It was a conversational swerve, but Jack was happy to oblige her as he carefully flipped through the binder. As far as he could tell, everything inside appeared to be standard wedding stuff. Nothing looked different from the copied pages Patsy had supplied them with.

  “I’ve never been to New Orleans.”

  “I haven’t either, but I’ve always really wanted to go. Although ... you might have different ideas.”

  “I’m fine with New Orleans.”

  “Are you sure?” Ivy looked dubious. “I mean ... if our dream walks are any indication, you prefer a tropical setting.”

  “I just like seeing you in coconut bras.”

  She elbowed him. “I’m being serious. I want you to get the honeymoon of your dreams.”

  “I’m going to be with you. That’s all I dream about. New Orleans sounds fun. I’ve always wanted to visit.”

  Ivy found she was relieved he so readily agreed. “Did we just decide something for our wedding without arguing?”

  “I believe we did.”

  “It’s a miracle.”

  He laughed and closed the binder. “I can’t tell if there’s anything different about this binder until we get it back to the office and compare it to the pages Patsy provided us with. I want to know what it’s doing here ... and why Fanny was burning it.”

  “I’m more curious how she got her hands on it in the first place,” Ivy countered. “I mean ... how did she get into Zelda’s locked shop? It’s not as if Zelda would’ve given her a key.”

  “No, I hardly think they were friendly like that,” Jack agreed, cocking his neck. “Isn’t there a candlelight vigil happening in the town square tonight? I was going to suggest we go at one point and then kind of forgot about it.”

  “There is.” Ivy bobbed her head. “I don’t think it will be a big thing but there’s definitely a vigil.”

  “So we should head in that direction.” Jack’s mind was working a mile a minute. “Something tells me Fanny is going to be there and I have a few questions to ask her.”

  “Do you want to call Brian?”

  “I’m betting he’s going to be there, too, although we’ll call just in case. We’ll stop at the office long enough to drop off the binder and then head out.”

  “Okay.” Ivy wasn’t usually so agreeable, but she was anxious to put this case behind them.

  THE MEMORIAL WAS PACKED. Ivy and Jack took the offered candles as they joined the group and kept to the outskirts so they could study the faces of those assembled.

  “Do you see Fanny?” Jack queried.

  “I think she’s over there.” Ivy gestured with her chin so she wouldn’t draw attention. “That’s her in the black coat, right?”

  Jack narrowed his eyes and looked in that direction. “That’s her,” he confirmed after a beat. “We need to try and get her away from the crowd. I don’t want to question her in front of people because it could go badly.”

  “Because you think she’ll cause a scene?”

  “Or others will cause a scene. Let’s see if we can draw her away from the rest of the group.”

  Ivy fell into step with him, allowing him to lead the way. Once they made it to the other side of the square, Jack opted to sit on an open bench and watch Fanny interact with those surrounding her. He was bothered by the way the woman smiled, even though there was something off about her eyes.

  “She doesn’t exactly look broken up, does she?” Ivy noted as she sat next to Jack.

  “No,” Jack agreed. “She’s definitely not about to burst into uncontrollable tears and start screaming at the heavens to explain a senseless death to her.”

  Ivy pursed her lips, amused despite herself. “That was kind of a dramatic way to phrase it.”

  He winked at her. “I’m a dramatic sort of guy.”

  “What about Brian? Do you see him?”

  “No. He said he was coming. He also instructed that I didn’t have to wait for him. He wasn’t sure how long it would take him to get here. He said something about his wife making her world-famous pineapple upside down cake.”

  Ivy’s grin only widened. “That is a really good cake. I’ve been trying to get her to give me the recipe for years. It’s one of those family secrets she refuses to share.”

  “We’ll work on her.” He squeezed her hand and then blew out a sigh. “Do you have any idea how to get her over here?”

  “Just one.”

  He arched a speculative eyebrow. “Do you want to share with the class?”

  “Sure.” She amiably bobbed her head and then called out. “Hey, Fanny, can you come over here a second?”

  Jack was taken aback by her straightforward approach. “What are you doing?”

  “Moving this along,” she replied simply, plastering what she hoped was a friendly smile on her face as Fanny moved toward them.

  “Hey, Ivy.” Fanny’s expression was hard to read as she glanced between the two of them. “What’s going on?”

  “We’re just paying our respects,” Ivy replied simply. “The same as everybody else. I’m assuming that’s why you’re here, too.”

  “It is why I’m here,” Fanny agreed. “Zelda and I didn’t always get along. Still ... I respected her. After her husband left her for that woman, she had to raise Patsy completely on her own. She did a good job.”

  “She did,” Ivy agreed, her eyes never moving from Fanny’s face. She’d known the woman practically her entire life, and while she wouldn’t ever call her a good friend — or even use the word “pleasant” when referring to her — she still had a hard time imagining her as a murderer. “Patsy is really broken up about what happened to her mother.”

  “Really?” Fanny was blasé. “I never thought they were that close.”

  “No? Patsy was an only child. Zelda went to every school function for her and made sure she never wanted for anything. While all mothers and daughters fight, I always considered them closer than most.”

  “They fought all the time.” Fanny leaned close, as if she was imparting some great insight to them. “You probably didn’t realize that because you’re not downtown all that often, but they didn’t get along at all. I heard them yelling from the alley all the time.”

  Jack stirred. Up until now he’d been comfortable allowing Ivy to question Fanny. It was less intense that way. Now, though, he was intrigued enough to interrupt. “How did you hear them from the alley? If they were in the store, that should’ve been impossible.”

  “She always left the loading door open,” Fanny explained. “She said she liked getting some air in that back storage room — and Lord knows that’s probably true because those buildings are so old I’m convinced they don’t have proper ventilation — and they didn’t bother hiding their fights when they were back there.”

  “And you were back there often?” Jack queried.

  “Often enough.” Fanny didn’t appear bothered by the line of questioning. Either she didn’t realize she was making a mess for herself or she didn’t care. Ivy couldn’t decide which was more likely. “I took breaks back there and could hear them spitting at each other all the time. You might think that’s normal, but I never would’
ve talked to my mother the way Patsy talked to hers.”

  Considering the way she and her mother had just gone at each other, Ivy knew better. “Mothers and daughters fight. That’s simply what they do. It’s normal.”

  “If you say so.” Fanny looked dubious. “Are you looking at Patsy as a suspect?”

  Jack was taken aback. “Why would we be looking at her?”

  “Because she stands to inherit everything and Zelda was well off. She always bragged about it.”

  Ivy didn’t remember anything of the sort. “She bragged about it?”

  “Um ... yeah. She always made fun of me because she had more business.”

  Slowly, Ivy slid her eyes to Jack. She was curious how he would react. “I didn’t realize she did that.”

  “Were you jealous of her?” Jack asked, going for it. He didn’t want to push Fanny too fast, but he also wasn’t keen on aimlessly circling for an extended period of time. “I mean ... you said her business was doing better than yours. That’s on top of the fact that you were dating the same man. It would be natural for your nose to be out of joint.”

  Fanny made a face. “Jealous? Why would I possibly be jealous? That is ... ridiculous.” Her eyes sharpened to the point where they reminded Jack of green knives. “What is this about?”

  “It’s just a question,” Jack replied calmly. “The relationship you all share with Henry has been bothering me. I can’t help but feel it’s impossible for people to share a man without having certain issues.”

  “Well ... I don’t know what to tell you.” Fanny’s tone turned breezy, but it was obviously forced. “It’s a relationship that works well for all those involved. I don’t know why you have such a hard time accepting it.”

  “Word is that you’re the one who had the hardest time accepting it,” Jack countered. “In fact, from what I’ve been able to ascertain, you’re the one most attached to Henry.”

  “We’ve bonded,” she replied simply. “Henry and I are close in a way the others can’t understand. We’re in love ... although he’s not ready to let his old lifestyle go yet. Since I believe that we’re destined to be together forever, I can be patient.”

  “You’re in love?” Jack wasn’t purposely trying to be abrasive, but he couldn’t help believing that Fanny was living in La-La Land. She clearly didn’t understand the world she was living in. “Henry didn’t mention that when we sat down with him. In fact, he pretty much said the exact opposite. He said that he keeps a harem in place until he gets bored or antsy and then cuts them loose.”

  “He said that because he’s trying to impress you,” Fanny countered. “He has a certain reputation and he’s not quite ready to break from it. He knows settling down with me is best for him — he’s told me as much — but he’s ruled by fear. He’ll get over it.”

  “And when he gets over it, he’s going to marry you?” Ivy queried.

  Fanny nodded without hesitation. “We’ve already talked about it. I’m looking around for a ring right now so I can point it out to him and everything.”

  Ivy couldn’t decide if Fanny was delusional or Henry was the ultimate liar. It honestly could go either way. She was just about to say that to Jack when an unearthly screech emanated from the spot to her right. When she glanced in that direction, she found Lucy coming out of nowhere — seriously, it was like a scene from Game of Thrones — and launching herself at Fanny.

  “Holy ... .” Ivy was on her feet.

  Jack reacted out of instinct and grabbed Ivy around the waist, shifting her away from the action as Fanny and Lucy started pulling hair and slapping at one another.

  “You’re a liar!” Lucy bellowed, her voice raspy. “Henry isn’t making plans with you. He’s making them with me. We’re going to run away together. He’s already promised me that.”

  “Oh, you’re making that up,” Fanny snapped. “We’re destined to be together forever. He only said that because he feels sorry for you. He told me.”

  “No, he told me he feels sorry for you!”

  The women set upon each other again, leaving Jack bewildered.

  “I think we need to call Henry and make him come up here,” Ivy announced.

  “I was thinking the exact same thing,” Jack acknowledged. “We have to break up this fight first, though.”

  “I think I’m going to leave that to you. You’re the professional, after all.”

  “Coward.”

  “I’m not in the mood for a slap fight. Sue me.”

  “Stay right there. I like your face and hair the way it is. I don’t want it all pulled out or anything. Call Brian and get him moving, though. We need to sort this out.”

  “I’m on it.”

  Seventeen

  Jack was a big man but splitting apart two warring women – both of whom were relatively small – was more trouble than he anticipated.

  “Knock that off!” he grunted when Fanny’s elbow caught the bottom of his chin, causing him to momentarily see stars.

  Even though she knew he wouldn’t appreciate it, Ivy intercepted Lucy before she could add to the madness and wrapped her fingers around the woman’s wrist. “Don’t even think about it,” she warned.

  “I have no intention of hurting Jack.” Suddenly, Lucy was the picture of innocence. “I would never attack a police officer. That’s not who I am.”

  “You were raising your hand.”

  “Because Fanny is an idiot. I was simply trying to protect your husband-to-be. She’s crazy.”

  Oddly enough, even though Ivy had always believed Lucy to be level-headed and easygoing, there was something in the depths of her eyes that she couldn’t quite identify. “Why do you think she’s crazy?”

  “Um … look at her.”

  Slowly, Ivy tracked her eyes back to Fanny. Jack continued to grapple with her even though his eyes were watering and he looked beyond frustrated. It was hard to argue with Lucy’s assessment. When Fanny tried to elbow Jack again, Ivy decided to get involved. She dropped Lucy’s wrist and quickly positioned herself in front of Fanny. “Knock that off!” She used her most commanding tone.

  It worked.

  Fanny stopped struggling and met Ivy’s steady gaze with something akin to regret. “I … um … .”

  “You’re sorry?” Ivy challenged. “That’s a good place to start.”

  Fanny let loose an exaggerated sigh. “I am sorry. No, I really am. You don’t have to make that face.” She was rueful. “If you think I’m proud of the way I’ve been acting … well … you’re wrong.”

  “There’s an easy way to fix that. Stop acting like a moron. I mean … is Henry Spencer really worth it?”

  “Yes,” Fanny answered without hesitation. “He’s fun … and handsome … and he says the most romantic things. We’re going to be happy together.”

  “Shut up!” Lucy, who Ivy was convinced had stopped listening, was right back in the middle of the argument. “You’re full of crap. He never told you that. You’re making it up.”

  “I am not.” Fanny’s hands landed on her hips. “He told me we were going to end up together and to be patient. I believe him.”

  “Well, he told me the same thing,” Lucy shot back. “Who do you think he would rather be with? I’m guessing it’s not you because you sell yarn for a living.”

  “I sell other things, too.”

  “Yes,” Lucy solemnly nodded. “You sell huge piles of crap as well, like when you said that Henry promised to be with you. I know that’s nonsense and no one is buying it.”

  Jack rubbed his forehead, frustration evident. “I can’t even … .” He looked to Ivy for help. “I don’t know how to handle this.”

  Ivy was equally at a loss. Thankfully, movement caught her attention and she was relieved to find Brian and Henry heading in their direction. Apparently Brian wasn’t as delayed as he initially anticipated. “Here comes Mr. Personality himself,” she drawled. “Perhaps he can shed some light on this argument once and for all.”

  Fanny and
Lucy both snapped to attention when they recognized their mutual boyfriend, hands flying to hair to smooth it as they pasted bright – and fake – smiles on their faces.

  “It’s so good of you to come out for Zelda,” Fanny enthused as she batted her eyelashes. “It must be difficult for you, though.”

  “Oh, it is.” Henry looked to be genuinely mourning. “I’m going to really miss her.”

  “Of course you are,” Lucy clucked. “She was a good woman … who Fanny talked about behind her back all the time.”

  “I did not!” Fanny’s eyes were as wide as saucers. “I happened to like Zelda a great deal.”

  “Which is why you were burning her binder in the alley behind your shop.”

  Jack cleared his throat as Fanny immediately started shaking her head. “Speaking of that … .”

  “What are you even talking about?” Fanny challenged. “What binder?”

  Brian arched an eyebrow. “You haven’t asked about the binder yet?”

  “I’ve been a little busy,” Jack groused. “These two have been pulling more hair than reality television stars.”

  “I guess I arrived at the right time then.” Brian’s smile was small and grim. “Fanny, we have a few questions for you.”

  “Yeah, Fanny, they have a few questions for you,” Lucy sneered. “I guess that means Henry and I can join the vigil and pay our respects to Zelda.”

  “That sounds like a fine idea,” Henry agreed, bobbing his head.

  “Not so fast.” Brian grabbed the back of Henry’s colorful Hawaiian shirt before the man could slink off. “We’re all going to have a conversation. Fanny is first, though.” He was calm as he stared down the confused-looking woman. “We received a tip that you were burning items in the barrel behind your store today. Is that true?”

  Fanny worked her jaw. “What does it matter? There’s no law against burning things. We have bonfires right in this square once a week during the summer months.”

  “Technically you’re not supposed to burn anything in the township limits without a permit but that’s neither here nor there right now. I want to know specifically about what you were burning today.”