Faux Pas

by Shannon Esposito

  Devon looked to me to answer that.

  I leaned forward so I didn’t have to speak too loudly. ‘When we took Princess’s things over to Billie, we had a chance to talk with her. She admitted she’d been in love with Celeste and had confessed this to her a short time before her death.’

  Robert’s eyebrows twitched and his gaze shifted to the calm Gulf waters. I watched as he seemed to be putting some pieces of a mental puzzle together and then he looked back at me. ‘Did she say whether Celeste returned her feelings?’

  ‘She said Celeste had stopped speaking to her.’ I watched as this seemed to bring him some relief. ‘Something else, Robert. I don’t know if the police told you this detail, but Celeste had started to write in the mud when she lay there in the spa mudroom dying. She wrote the letters “BO”. So, do you think Billie Olsen is capable of killing Celeste over being rejected?’

  ‘I … honestly don’t know.’ He suddenly seemed deflated. ‘Being a criminal defense attorney for over thirty years, I’ve learned people can surprise you … and not in a good way. But, Billie was always so kind and thoughtful. Even offering to take Princess. That was just typical of her thoughtfulness.’ The frown lines around his mouth deepened. ‘Of course, now I know why.’

  ‘Is there anyone else you can think of who may’ve wanted to harm your ex-wife? Anything else Celeste was involved in that may help us?’ Devon was leaning on the table now, staring hard at Robert.

  ‘Robert, we really need your help,’ I pleaded.

  Straightening his back and regaining his confidence, he nodded. ‘Of course. The truth about Celeste’s death should be known. Sure we were divorced, but I’ll always care about her. And I wouldn’t want Ira to pay for something he didn’t do. All right, listen, I’ll go through Celeste’s things and see if I can come up with anything that might help.’

  ‘Thank you,’ I said, feeling good about his offer to help. He was the closest person to her, besides Billie. ‘You have my number if you find anything.’

  Devon nodded. ‘Shall we order then? I’m starvin’.’

  ‘What do you think?’ I asked as Devon drove me back for my afternoon class. Laying a hand on my full belly, I realized I’d have to take it easy after the two huge fish tacos I just scarfed down. One of the perks of this island was the fresh seafood and top chefs. A girl could get spoiled here.

  ‘We’ll see if he comes up with anything. I don’t like the fact he and Zebina are each other’s alibi. They could’ve decided together to get Celeste out of the picture. I’m sure Robert was paying Celeste a hefty alimony check. Money and jealousy? Pretty good motives.’

  I sighed, feeling frustrated suddenly. This investigating business was taking too long. ‘You know Celeste could’ve tried to write “Bob” in the mud, too. That’s what she called him.’

  Devon stopped at a red light and removed his sunglasses. ‘Look, Elle, there’s something else you need to realize. We’re going as fast as we can here, but sometimes murders take months, even years to solve. If they even do in fact get solved. You understand?’

  I thought about how long he’d been working on his parents’ deaths. ‘Yes.’ I tried to give him a reassuring smile but it fell flat. We didn’t have months and definitely not years. An innocent man, my best friend’s husband, could be tried for murder. It was inconceivable. Unjust. The world just couldn’t work like that. I refused to accept it.

  Devon pulled around the fountain and stopped in front of the Pampered Pup. ‘Here, I picked this up for you this morning.’ Reaching over, he popped open the glove box and pulled out my gun. He showed me it wasn’t loaded. ‘Safety’s on. For now keep it in your glove box, bullets in the trunk. I’ve got the paperwork ordered for your concealed carry permit and got you set up for another lesson at the range this Sunday.’ He suddenly looked sheepish. ‘If that’s OK with you?’

  ‘Yeah, I can do that. Thank you for picking it up.’ Shaking my head, I placed the gun and bullets in my bag for now. ‘I’m probably the only yogini in the world packing heat, you know,’ I teased him.

  ‘I doubt it.’ He shot me that sexy smile I was growing so fond of. ‘But, you are one of a kind, Elle.’

  EIGHTEEN

  ‘Start to wiggle your toes, your fingers. Bring your awareness back into your body.’ Tuesday morning’s class seemed especially scattered and high energy so I kept them in savasana for an extra five minutes. From the look of the relaxed bodies – both human and canine – strewn about the studio floor, it had the desired effect. ‘Give yourself a full body stretch and then roll gently to one side. Push yourself up slowly to a seated position.’ Leaving the lights dim, I moved back to sit in front of the mirrors as everyone began to stir. Seeing their content, relaxed faces as they sat up was my favorite part of teaching.

  Shakespeare shook himself off and came up front to say hi to Buddha. I gave him an ear scratch. ‘Let’s share the sound of om three times.’ I closed my eyes and began the chant. ‘Aaaauuuumm …’

  Everyone joined in and I stifled a smile when Ghost began to howl along. When we were finished, I pressed my palms together and held them in front of my heart. ‘Namaste.’

  The ladies followed suit and then slowly began to gather their things. I smiled with contentment seeing that the frantic energy they had upon arrival was now a serene, calm one. I decided against breaking out the dog toy box today since they were all in a calm state.

  Beth Anne came up front to gather Shakespeare. ‘Thanks, Elle. Great class. I feel so refreshed.’ She scooped up the shih-tzu and adjusted the blue-checkered bandanna around his neck, which matched the one in her own hair.

  Whitley approached us. ‘Hey, Beth Anne, is Shakespeare going to be in the fashion show this year?’

  ‘Of course he is!’ Beth Anne cupped Shakespeare’s face and gave him a kiss on the nose. ‘Brandy’s designing him a tux as we speak.’

  ‘Great. I’ll see you at rehearsal tonight then.’ She adjusted her glasses, looking uncharacte‌ristically excited. ‘I think everyone is going all out this year.’

  ‘Moon Key has a pet fashion show? And designers?’ I asked, amused.

  ‘Are you talking about the fashion show?’ Zebina practically squealed. ‘This year is going to be amazing. Elle, you have to experience it to understand. The theme this year is royalty so Max is going to model a white tailcoat with real gold buttons. He’s going to look so handsome! Won’t you, Maxie.’ Zebina scratched lovingly under Max’s chin. ‘My prince in a tux.’

  More like a sausage roll in a tux. A dog fashion show? Oh, I had to see this. ‘So, how do you get tickets for this shindig?’

  ‘I can get you one. Not a problem,’ Violet interjected. ‘Or should I say two?’ She grinned at me.

  I felt myself blushing. I knew they couldn’t resist giving me a hard time about Devon eventually. ‘Two would be great. Thanks.’

  ‘That man sure is a handsome devil,’ Violet said. ‘How is he in the sack?’

  ‘Violet!’ Beth Anne interjected. ‘That’s none of our business.’

  Everyone stared at Beth Anne. We were all thinking the same thing. We loved her, but she was one of the biggest busybodies on Moon Key. She thought everything was everyone’s business.

  ‘You feeling all right?’ Violet smirked.

  ‘I’m fine.’ She winked at me as I blushed furiously. ‘I’m just starving. Who wants to join me in the café?’

  ‘We’ll go,’ Violet said, checking her watch. ‘I’ve got an hour before tee time.’

  ‘I’m in,’ Zebina said, putting Max down and clipping on his leash.

  ‘Maddox and I will come.’ Whitley also clipped a leash on her dog.

  ‘Elle, you should come with us,’ Violet said.

  ‘Me?’ I’d never been invited into their circle outside class before, which was fine with me. In the studio I was comfortable, but outside, in their world of money and prestige? That made me nervous. I stood frozen for a moment. Then the seed of bravery Devon had planted in me t
ook root. What the heck. If I could shoot a gun, surely I could handle lunch with the Moon Key elite. ‘Sure, why not?’

  Café Belle, named after one of Priscilla Moon’s Yorkies, was not as simple as its name suggested. Whitley, who owns a design business specializing in hotels, actually helped them revamp the restaurant two years ago, including making it more ‘environmentally sustainable’.

  I glanced over at her as we approached the hostess. Her normally calm gray eyes were shining with approval behind thin designer glasses as she took in her creation. I smiled and joined her in appreciating the view.

  Even without the decor, the cavernous room was a beautiful space. Being situated at the back of the hotel, the wall of glass windows afforded diners a spectacular view of the Gulf and the city of Clearwater. It was especially breathtaking after dark, when the city came alive, outlined with sparkling lights beyond the black waters. I’d only eaten here once at night, with Hope and Ira to celebrate when I first got the job, but it was a memorable night – for Buddha, too, I suspected. They sure didn’t leave out their patrons’ pets when it came to pampering.

  Handblown glass balls from a local artist hung above our heads in various sizes and lengths as we were led to a table by the window. Both the ceiling and floor were a dark bamboo, a stunning contrast to the light decor. The café was relatively empty today, but that would change soon when season started.

  The five of us took seats around an oversized, round table while our pooches settled on to the pillows placed next to each chair. They knew the drill. Find a comfortable spot, sit back and wait for the magic to happen … usually in the form of gourmet beef or lamb kibbles. Buddha settled on his pillow after a few turns with a content sigh.

  A waiter came by promptly with an organic chew for each dog. Luckily they were complimentary because just having a small salad in this place was going to be a splurge for me. He poured water for us and then recited the menu of the day. Because the café serves mostly local and seasonal foods, their menu was constantly changing. By the time he finished, my stomach gurgled in anticipation. That’s it, I was having soup, too. I just wouldn’t eat dinner tonight.

  ‘That baked goat cheese salad sounds delicious,’ Whitley purred.

  ‘No salad for me today. I’m starving,’ Violet said.

  ‘Yes, I suppose you have to keep up your energy for your nightly activities.’ Whitley grinned at her over the top of her glasses.

  One glance at Violet’s smirk told me she took the comment as it was intended – good-humored ribbing between friends.

  ‘Why do you think she moved to the privacy of Moon Key?’ Beth Anne interjected. ‘So one of her men can’t come knocking while she’s entertaining another.’

  Violet raised her water glass with a salute. ‘The girl does not lie.’

  This caused a round of laughter and clicking glasses at the table. I noticed the waiter was waiting patiently, professionally ignoring our conversation.

  ‘Oh.’ Beth Anne sat up straighter, her gossip radar going off as she pointed to the hostess station. ‘Look who it is with Bonnie.’

  We all turned to stare at the large, well-dressed man at Bonnie’s side. ‘Who is it?’ I asked. A celebrity? Actor? Producer? Had to be somebody famous the way they were all staring.

  ‘Jamie Boccelli,’ Zebina cooed. ‘Only the premier jewelry designer for pets.’

  My brow rose. ‘You’re kidding?’ You would think things like this would stop surprising me by now.

  They all ignored me as Bonnie and the pet jewelry royalty approached our table.

  ‘Bonnie! Jamie!’ Zebina waved. Her excitement seemed a bit over the top, but what did I know. Maybe this guy was worthy of such adoration.

  ‘Ladies.’ Bonnie smiled down at us, in better spirits than I’d seen her lately.

  Jamie chose to check his phone rather than consort with us peasants. Nope. Just as I thought, not worthy.

  Zebina was scooting her chair closer to me and motioning for them to sit down. ‘Join us, please.’

  ‘Oh, I don’t know. Jamie and I have some business to discuss. We were just going to get something to go,’ Bonnie said, looking a bit distracted.

  ‘Business will wait,’ Zebina said, not taking no for an answer. ‘You have to eat, and your digestion will thank you for not talking business over lunch.’

  ‘You know you’re a pain in my rear, Zebina,’ Bonnie chuckled. ‘But you’re right. Take a seat, Jamie,’ she said, motioning to the empty chair next to me. ‘Chef Raul made the best clam chowder last week. I wonder if they’ve got any left.’ She waved her hand between me and Jamie. ‘Jamie, that’s Elle, she’s the doga instructor here. I think you’ve met everyone else.’

  ‘Nice to meet you, Elle,’ Jamie said half-heartedly and then went back to his cell phone.

  Being ignored in lieu of a cell phone rubbed me the wrong way and threatened my confidence, which stood on shaky, newborn colt legs as it was. I wanted to poke him with a fork. Instead I said, ‘So, the ladies tell me you’re a jewelry designer for pets. Are you designing anything for the big fashion show coming up?’

  ‘Of course.’ Not even eye contact. What a rude man. I picked up my fork.

  Bonnie jumped into the conversation. ‘We’ve just added some beautiful pieces to the shop collection. Including a new, breathtaking ruby and diamond tiara. God, your creations make me want to get a dog. Wish I had time for one right now.’

  ‘Real rubies and diamonds? Whoa, how much does something like that go for?’ It dropped out of my mouth before I remembered where I was and who I was sitting with.

  ‘Honey, if you have to ask, you can’t afford it,’ Violet said good-naturedly.

  That was the truth. Who would even buy … oh wait! ‘I noticed a tiara in Princess’s things when I took them over to Billie Olsen. Was that one of your designs, Jamie?’

  ‘The one Celeste Green bought? Yes,’ Jamie answered. ‘That was one of my best work. The delicate scrollwork, the diamond teardrops fastened so they appeared to be floating.’ He made a disgusted noise in his throat. ‘A shame it won’t be worn in the show now.’

  ‘A shame about Celeste’s death, too,’ I said with narrowed eyes. I did not like this man.

  Jamie glanced up at me, making eye contact for the first time. His dark brown eyes seemed to be void of light. I shivered. ‘Of course.’ He went back to his phone.

  ‘She bought that a few months ago. She was very excited about this year’s show.’ Bonnie’s mood had noticeably fallen.

  Luckily at that moment, the waiter came back to take our order.

  After we ordered for ourselves and the dogs, Bonnie said, ‘Speaking of jewelry, that’s a lovely necklace, Elle. Is that new?’

  ‘Oh.’ I reached up and caressed the diamond yin-yang symbol. ‘Thank you. Yes, it is.’

  Zebina leaned over and nodded. ‘Did you get that from the auction? I think I bid on that one.’ Smiling, she tugged on a silver chain and a diamond and sapphire pendant the size of a robin’s egg popped out of her shirt. My eyes widened. Holy crap, she wore that to doga? ‘Robert won me this one, though. Diamonds are definitely a girl’s best friend.’ Giggling, she leaned over and scratched the top of Max’s head. ‘Sorry, Maxie.’

  ‘That’s real pretty, Zebina,’ Beth Anne cooed. ‘I just love sapphires.’

  ‘Did your sexy Irishman win that for you, Elle?’ Zebina teased.

  Blushing, I wasn’t sure if I should be offended. Did she mean because I could never afford it? I just nodded.

  ‘See that look, ladies?’ Violet pointed at me. ‘Our little Elle is a goner.’

  Everyone laughed, as they agreed. I couldn’t argue and thank heavens my phone chose that moment to ring.

  ‘Excuse me,’ I said, checking the number. I didn’t recognize it. Turning slightly from the table, I said, ‘Hello?’

  ‘Elle, it’s me, Robert.’

  ‘Oh … I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon. Did you find something?’

 
‘I did. But I prefer to show you in person. Can you meet me at my office tonight around seven? It’s in the Lake Building, suite 207.’

  The hairs went up on the back of my neck. I didn’t like the idea of meeting one of our suspects alone. Then again, I didn’t get any murder vibes off Robert. Still, I’d better ask Devon to go with me. I did promise him I wouldn’t do any investigating alone. ‘Sure. Your office, seven o’clock. Got it. Thank you, Robert.’

  NINETEEN

  It should’ve still been light out around seven, but a wicked storm had sprung up, as they had a tendency to do in the summer evenings. Angry black clouds had rolled in and the pounding rain made the visibility nearly zero as I pushed my Beetle towards Robert’s office. Amazing how quickly the roads flood when you’re at sea level. At some point I believed I was actually floating not driving. But I made it, just a few minutes late. Pulling into the parking lot on the side of the building, I readjusted the beach towels draped over the passenger seat. They were already soaked from the leak in my canvas top. I really needed to get that fixed but its priority level right now was way below not being homeless.

  One. Two. Three. I pushed open the door, shoved the umbrella into the downpour and popped it open. My clothes were immediately soaked but at least the top of my head stayed dry. I was about to make a run for the front door when I recognized Robert’s red BMW a few spots away. The driver’s side door sat ajar and the inside light was on. Was he waiting for me in the car? Probably because I was late. I splashed through the deluge of water in the parking lot as the storm assaulted my umbrella, threatening to rip it from my hand.

  ‘Robert?’ I called over the cracking thunder. Through the window, I could see his head down. ‘Robert?’ Grabbing the handle, I pulled open the door. My heart stopped. His face was purple and a needle was sticking out of the front of his throat. ‘Oh my god, Robert!’ Grabbing his wrist I checked for a pulse. His hand was still warm but there was no pulse. My chest squeezed the breath out of me. Panic was quickly setting in. Someone just did this to him. Killed him! Was it Botox again? Oh god! Who should I call? Devon hadn’t answered his phone when I tried to reach him to come here with me. The police would take at least twenty minutes to get on the island. Moon Key Security it was. I reached over Robert’s body to grab his cell phone out of the console, exposing my backside to the rain. Shivering and trying to suck in enough air to speak, I dialed security. ‘Lake … Building … hurry!’ The sky lit up bright blue and thunder rumbled angrily around us.