Kal edged forward on the sofa, carefully jiggling his shoelace free from Puff’s teething. His expression softened. “It’s late. I’m keeping you from your bubble bath. Stay in touch. Put my number in your speed dial.” He grimaced. “I’m sorry about your grandmother. It seems like ages ago since I caught you on the beach—and yet it was only this morning.”
I nodded but didn’t speak.
“FYI, I’m going to interview Dingler tomorrow,” he said. “I wanted you to be aware of the history behind these two men. If you see or hear anything that might implicate Lizzy’s father, no matter how minor, call me.”
Puff scampered from Kal’s shoelaces to my bare toes.
He leaned further forward in his seat, while I enjoyed the kitten toe-nibbling. “You can be a great help to me by being my inside man—woman.”
“I’m not comfortable with spying. Lizzy and I are going into business together. I don’t want to do anything behind her back.”
“I’m not asking you to do anything truly sneaky. Just keep your psychologist’s antennas out. You might save a life, perhaps Lizzy’s. Also keep your eyes open for Nott’s cell phone. It wasn’t on the body or in the car trunk.”
I frowned. “Find the phone, find the killer.”
“If you find it, wherever it is, don’t touch it. Just call me,” he said. “If you have to grab the phone, pick it up with a piece of cloth or plastic. Don’t get your prints on it.”
I scrunched my lips and glared at him. “Everybody knows that, even people who haven’t seen CSI.”
This was my cue to share the driveway photos. I hesitated—conflicted. He might be aware of the drag marks and think my idea was dumb. Maybe he didn’t want anyone to notice the scrapes that point to Sterling and conflict with Kal’s theory about Lizzy’s father. I gnawed on my lip—hard.
Kal grabbed a tissue from the decorative box that rested on the end table. He came at me with it. I tilted out of his reach and bopped my head on the back of the chair. “Your lip is bleeding.” He dabbed the tissue to my mouth. I took it from his hand and sure enough there was blood on it. If he read body language at all, he had to know I was biting back information.
“Wait here,” I said dabbing at my mouth. “I have something to show you.” I sat Puff on the sofa and dashed into the bathroom to check my lip for damages. It had stopped bleeding. Feeling like a neglectful mama, this time I closed the bathroom door. A certain curious kitty could have tumbled into the bubble bath. I must remember to kitten-proof the condo.
I grabbed my cell phone off the charger, relieved to see there were no messages. Puff joined me as I sat next to Kal on the sofa in order to show him the photos. The feeling was both awkward and cozy.
“These pictures are from late this afternoon.” I scrolled to the shots of Sterling’s driveway. “See how those marks lead from the area in front of the house down to where someone parked Lizzy’s car? Doesn’t it look like something or somebody was dragged along the ground?”
“Hmm…” he seemed to be considering my analysis. “When were you going to share these?” His tone was growly but I ignored it. “You think someone dragged Nott’s body from this point to Lizzy’s car? It would indicate that the victim was attacked inside or perhaps as he was returning the car.”
I sighed. “I suppose it’s not a great piece of evidence, but there are no wedge heel marks alongside the drag marks. I’m proving a negative. It wasn’t Lizzy that dragged something along the ground and put it in her trunk.”
“I don’t follow what you are getting at.” Up close his dark eyes had tiny flecks of gold that were almost hypnotizing. I filed his eye color away in my memory, and then quickly moved back to the safety of my chair, leaving my cell phone in his hands.
“I suppose I was just trying to show that Peanut was murdered on Sterling’s property and then dragged to Lizzy’s car. But she couldn’t have done it unless she took her shoes off, which I don’t think she ever does. My reasoning is there are no Lizzy footprints near the drag marks, so she didn’t do it. Besides she was with me the entire time.”
His face assumed the oddest expression, and then he chuckled. “I know there’s a valid assumption in there, somewhere. You lost me at Lizzy never taking off her shoes.”
I felt myself redden. My explanation was confuzzling.
“I’m teasing. Your photos are a piece of the pie; forward them to me at the email on my card.” He handed my phone back to me. “Sterling threw a fit after you ladies left his house. The forensic team barely got into doing their thing when he clutched his chest and vomited. He refused an ambulance and threatened to sue the city, if the forensic guys didn’t pack up and leave.”
A thought popped into my head and I scratched my nose—no connection. “Sterling had the car keys ready to give Lizzy. That means he either met with Peanut or Peanut left the keys inside the house. But wouldn’t someone need them to open the trunk to put Peanut in?” A question was playing at the edges of my mind but I couldn’t recall what it was. It had something to do with a car.
“I’m returning to Barracuda Manor tomorrow. If Sterling murdered Newton Nott—which I doubt—he’s way too smart to leave any evidence or answer any of my questions.” Kal appeared convinced Lizzy’s father had killed Peanut; he seemed to have lost his objectivity. That worried me.
Kal was holding back on something, perhaps a piece of evidence he didn’t wish to share? “Lizzy is not a suspect,” he said. “Unless you helped her murder Nott and stuff him into her trunk, I don’t think we need to worry about the absence of her heel marks as proof of her innocence.”
He squirmed as I went silent, pinning him with my eyes. What was he holding back?
“Your photos are still valuable. We’ll enhance them and see if we can learn more from the footprints.”
Using my best you can tell me anything tone, I asked, “What else?”
He snorted. “Nothing gets past you. Someone wiped all the fingerprints from the car trunk except for one set, which will prove to be Lizzy’s. We did find an unusual substance along the rim. I should have the results from the lab by tomorrow afternoon.” He looked at his watch and then glanced towards the kitchen. “You know I will take you up on that coffee, if it’s not too much trouble.”
Chapter 23
Kal leaned against the refrigerator while I put on the little two-cup Mr. Coffee. Nonna was addicted to Louisiana style coffee, which could only be made the old- fashioned way. I had come to associate the flavor with cozy chats and looked forward to settling in over the kitchen table with the detective.
While the coffee burbled, I peeked at the not-officer. For all his nonchalance it was obvious he was taking inventory. Reaching in a cupboard, I took out a jar of the cold cream Lizzy and I had concocted. I unscrewed the lid and handed it to him. “This is my grandmother’s secret recipe face cream. Doesn’t it smell great?”
He took a deep sniff and exhaled, his lips relaxing in a contented smile. “The aroma reminds me of my mother. She used to wear this.” He turned the jar looking for a label.
“Lizzy and I are going into business making and selling this miracle cream. We’ve rented the old ice cream shop on Starfish Boulevard. You’re one of the first to know about Nonna’s Cold Cream shop.”
He smiled. It was a charming smile. “Help me get Newton Nott’s killer behind bars and I’ll be the first to buy a gallon for my mother.” He took another sniff of the cream and then passed it back to me. “That smells really nice. My mother moved to Georgia a couple of years ago. Whenever I tell her how young she looks, she credits a cold cream she used to buy from a lady on the beach.”
“It had to be Nonna!”
“I’ll take her some on my next visit. She’ll be blown away.”
I replaced the jar and took down two mugs. I’d like to think we bonded over Nonna’s coffee with chicory, but people can be tricky. One moment Kal seemed guileless and the next he revealed the corner of a hidden agenda. We were a cagey pair as we sat at the ki
tchen table sipping and chatting. As much as I was analyzing his demeanor, I could sense he was judging me. Would he trust me further? If not, why not?
He reached down and petted Puff who was circling his shoes. “You are a good listener. I suppose it comes with your profession.” He gave me a smile. “I have more information to confide.”
“Are you certain you want to do that?” I was busting to know what other secrets he was keeping but I didn’t want to take advantage of my listening skills.
“Newton Nott had a notebook on him. It contained a list of husbands he was investigating, all of whom might want to see him dead. We know for a fact that some of the stuff was made up—possibly busy work to satisfy Sterling Kelly. He had one of the men involved in an affair with a woman who died six years ago.”
We both chuckled. “Stupid is as stupid does,” I said. “Do you think Sterling found out he was being played?”
“He could have, but stuffing the body in the trunk lacks a certain panache and points directly back at him. Sterling Kelly is no fool. There’s one more piece of the puzzle—I’m giving you this so you have a full picture of the goings on at Barracuda Manor. Jaimie Toast may have been having an affair with either Nott or Kelly. It’s just a hunch, but it gives her a motive.”
That added yet another twist to this tale. It shouldn’t be too hard to get the loudmouth to confess but what if she was romantically involved with both men? Could that have ended in murder? I filed the thought away. I might get a separate hard drive for my brain just to store all these juicy bits.
He placed his empty cup in the sink. “One more thing, in case it comes up. Lizzy and I dated for a while in high school. Nothing serious. Just puppy love.”
I watched his lips mouth the words, puppy love. The look in his eyes said it had been more than kid stuff for him.
“Before you go, I have a question,” I said, buffering the awkward silence that seemed to overtake us. “You’re the first lawman I ever met who didn’t want to be addressed as officer or in some way have deference paid to his rank.” I studied his face for a reaction but saw nothing.
He closed his eyes for a split second. When he opened them, I thought I saw him blinking back something—was it humility? “If I can’t command respect with my presence than all the titles in the world won’t help me.”
It was my turn to redden. This was a special person. Along with Lizzy, I now had two people that I felt could be forever friends. I moved Kal’s name from my mental list of suspects.
He stood at the door while I held Puff in my arms. “Be careful. For a cool community, we have a lot of hotheads. Keep Lizzy close and stay away from Sterling Kelly.”
I locked the door behind him and went back to the bathroom. Adding some hot water to the flattened bubbles, I gave them an enthusiastic swirl and managed to rustle up some foam. I lay back in the tub while Puff balanced on the edge. Dang! I forgot to ask Kal if he knew how Peanut got to the police station to pick up Lizzy’s car or where Peanut’s personal car was now. That was the question that haunted me. Drat! If I was going to be any good at this investigator stuff I’d have to start writing things down.
By the end of the soak there was no doubt in my heart that I was going to make Starfish Cove my permanent home. With Nonna’s cold cream and freebee consulting for the police department, the little village needed me as much as I needed it.
Chapter 24
The bright morning sunlight ricocheted off the sea. I rolled over in bed and watched the waves caress the shore. The steady motion was a comfort. I realized the stress, the long drive, and the lack of sleep had taken a toll. I was exhausted. Rolling over, I pulled the pillow over my face, only to find a cold pink nose edge its way to my cheek. With a loud chorus of mews, Puff announced it was time for breakfast—like it or not.
After three cups of coffee I was ready to face the day. I wore my cream-colored suit, with a peach shell and nude flats. With one final check in the bathroom mirror, and a pat on Puff’s head, I set off to give birth to Nonna’s Cold Cream.
I drove up to Lizzy’s cottage at shortly after nine, relieved not to see Dave’s truck. He was a grumpy dude and I could do without him. The day ahead would be full of happy doings for our fledgling business; I didn’t want to deal with anyone who might tarnish the excitement.
My new partner popped out the door, carrying a mug of coffee, which she managed to slosh over the front of her beige and orange print mini-dress. The frock was reminiscent of Twiggy, although Lizzy was no skinny-mini. She wore light tan wedge-heeled sandals and carried a matching attaché case.
Lizzy laughed as she blotted her dress. “Give me a minute to change and we’ll be good to go. I am such a klutz! The locksmith was here already, and the security company will install two video cameras outside, later today. Let Sterling try another break in, hah!”
I followed her inside, attempting to keep WonderDog at bay. As he threw himself at my suit, the flared skirt got caught up in his gritty paws. I brushed at the sand he left behind.
Nonna’s lawyer, Leo Ross, had confirmed an appointment with us for ten—less than an hour away. I mentally hugged myself; this would be a momentous day. Per my instructions Mr. Ross was preparing a simple agreement for our new business and a lease form for the shop. Once we signed the agreement, Mr. Pepper, the owner would meet us at the lawyer’s office. Nonna’s Cold Cream shop would be on its way.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. A twinge of self-reproach played around the edges of my conscience. The lawyer would want to discuss Nonna’s will, which reminded me that I had done nothing toward planning her memorial service. I silently vowed that before the end of the day I would make the proper arrangements.
Lizzy’s cell phone played a few bars of the Pink Panther Theme. She looked at me with trepidation. “It’s Sterling!”
“Let it go to voice mail. We don’t have time for his antics.” I was determined to keep my promise to prevent Lizzy getting near Sterling.
The call went to voice mail but rang again. She said, “I’m already sick of this.” She got antsier by the note and answered the third time he called. “What’s wrong?” Her eyes grew as large as tennis balls. “Say that again.” She put the phone on speaker.
Sterling’s voice was feeble. “Your father’s here at my house. I can’t deal with him, not today. I’m very sick…have been this way for weeks. Come get him or I will call the cops even though I’m not up to tolerating their ham-handedness.”
“Okay…” Lizzy ‘s voice faded as she clicked off and turned to me. “Can you call the lawyer and tell him we’ll be late? I have to go to Sterling’s house and do what I can.”
“Are you sure you want to get involved in whatever they’re arguing about?”
“I don’t have a choice. I hate to catch you up in this but I could use your support.”
She was going with or without me. If I couldn’t keep my promise, I could at least try to protect her. “On to the Battle of Barracuda Manor!” I said.
We trotted to my Prius and got in as rapidly as a couple of characters in a silent movie. A frown nipped Lizzy’s brow. “Calling me for help doesn’t make any sense. Sterling knows my father won’t listen to a word I say. My father is a beast but I don’t want him to get into a fight with Sterling and get arrested.”
I interrupted her so I could call Leo Ross. I told him about the delay and asked that he notify Mr. Pepper that we would be at least an hour late.
Lizzy nibbled at her fingernails. “I don’t know how much of a fight they could have. My father is too old to take on Sterling in a fistfight, but he’ll try if he loses his temper. As nasty as he is, he doesn’t deserve a broken nose.”
I rounded the sandy beach drive and aimed my car toward Barracuda Manor. What was to be a sensational day was now headed downhill on roller skates.
We arrived at Barracuda Manor just before ten. Lizzy pointed to a shiny navy-blue Cadillac. “My father’s car. Park a good distance away from it.” I took her
suggestion.
We approached the front steps. The air was quiet and still, not a bird or a breeze. I wondered if Addy had attempted to separate Sterling and Dingler. It was probably not in her job description. Maybe she was wise enough to hide out in her cottage. I wondered how many fits of rage her little girl had witnessed living so close to the surly solicitor with his lengthy list of enemies?
Never having met Lizzy’s father, I could only guess that the nattily dressed bulldozer who stormed out the front door and plowed into us was Nelson Dingler. Aside from his chunky cheeks, the forty-plus years he had on Lizzy, his white hair, and his florid face, he bore a slight resemblance to his daughter.
He ignored my presence and railed at Lizzy. “That husband of yours deserves whatever is making him keel over and puke his guts out on his fancy carpet,” her father growled. “That schmegeggy is representing Irma. The witch is divorcing me! Me! I gave her the best two years of my life.”
I snuck a peek at Lizzy as she backed away from him. Her face was ashen. She pressed her elbows into her sides, making her body as small as possible.
Words and spit spewed from Nelson Dingler’s purple-red face. “Irma carried off an insane caper, but she doesn’t have the smarts to do it on her own. Kelly was behind it and I let him know he would pay dearly for it.”
Lizzy’s voice was squeaky when she said, “What do you mean?”
He pummeled her with his words. “I had an early golf game this morning. While I was out Irma had professional thieves strip my condo of everything! The neighbors said they wore T-shirts from some religious cult. When I say everything, I mean everything—all of the furniture and even my original Remington painting!” He raised his fists in the air and stomped the ground.
“They left me a lousy folding cot in place of my Napoleon bed. That witch disappeared with all the things I cared about, and that scumbag Kelly is responsible. He put her up to it! I hope he drops dead!” He pushed Lizzy aside. “Now get out of my way!”
Glossy Lips Page 10
