by Mary Ellis
Jill pushed away her plate. ‘Such an interesting offer.’
‘I have an even better one. Want to come by my apartment for chocolate cake? I picked up dessert on my way home from Lorraine.’
‘As intriguing as that sounds, I’ll pass. I can’t eat another bite. Plus I need a good night’s sleep before William Scott’s funeral tomorrow. I want to spot any guilty faces in the crowd of mourners.’
Nick walked her to her car and kissed her softly on the lips. ‘Goodnight, Jill. I’ll pick you and Michael up at nine thirty. And thanks.’
‘For what?’ Jill clicked open her car.
‘For being far more patient and understanding than I deserve.’
‘Wait until you see my bad side. You’re in for a real shock.’
As promised, Nick picked her and Michael up early on Saturday. ‘Here, you can eat breakfast on the way.’ He handed them both tightly wrapped napkins.
Michael peeled back the paper. ‘Is this really chocolate cake?’
‘It is. I got stood up last night. No way can I eat an entire cake myself.’ Nick winked at her from the corner of his eye.
While her cake remained wrapped, Jill concentrated on how to approach Mrs Scott should their paths cross. Unfortunately, they arrived at St Andrew’s Church long before she reached a conclusion.
Nick parked half a mile down the street, and the threesome joined a throng of black-clad people entering the church. It was a good thing Jill had purchased a black dress for Roger Clark’s funeral so she had something to wear. Although they had arrived fifteen minutes before the service was to begin, they had to squeeze into a row two-thirds of the way back. Residents of Louisville rose early for a funeral, even on Saturdays. With so many people in attendance, Jill couldn’t fathom how to discern guilty faces from sorrowful ones or from those who attended because it was expected. The crowd surpassed the number of mourners for Roger Clark. Then again, Parker Estate was a major bourbon producer, not a micro-distillery, and Louisville was a big city compared with little Roseville. Just as people filled the last seats within the church, the giant double doors swung shut. Soon a distinguished older gentleman escorted Rose Parker Scott up the aisle, followed by Alexis on the arm of the funeral director, Mr Shea. An ornate urn rested on a pedestal at the front of the church. Only Jill and a handful of others knew it to be empty of ashes.
Suddenly organ music erupted from the balcony while the Episcopalian priest appeared at the lectern to lead them in an opening hymn. Following two Scripture readings, another hymn and the priest’s homily, several co-workers of William Scott delivered eulogies. Even Jill grew misty-eyed during the tributes, while Mrs Scott sobbed on her daughter’s shoulder in the first row. Poor Alexis. Not knowing the circumstances of his death had to weigh heavily as she bore the emotional weight of her mother.
After a soloist delivered a beautiful rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’, the priest invited everyone to the social hall for lunch. Mourners exited the church in an orderly fashion, front rows first. When it was their turn to leave, Jill noticed Detective Grimes near the doorway and elbowed Nick in the ribs as they filed past. Since most people had already headed into the hall, only immediate family and the funeral director remained on the steps, thanking those who’d attended.
‘I’m surprised to see you here, Miss Curtis,’ Mrs Scott said through gritted teeth. ‘I wasn’t aware you knew my husband.’ Without waiting for Jill’s response, she moved onto Michael. ‘Since I have no idea who you are, I’ll move on to your companion. Hello, Mr Harris. Thank you for attending William’s memorial service. He was always fond of you. However, I hope your presence doesn’t indicate a rekindling of a relationship with my daughter.’
‘Only friendship has been rekindled, nothing more,’ Nick murmured. ‘My condolences on your loss.’
As the couple talking to Alexis walked away, their group was left alone. ‘I already explained to you, Mother, Jill and her videographer’ – Alexis gestured to Michael – ‘are in Louisville to do a travel feature on bourbon distilleries, including Parker Estate. They are here today because I asked them to come. If you can’t be polite, please don’t talk to my friends at all.’ Alexis hooked arms with Jill and tottered down the steps to the church hall. Michael and Nick followed dutifully behind, leaving Mrs Scott alone with Mr Shea.
Alexis stayed with them during the luncheon, although she barely ate two bites of her food. Jill, also, had little appetite as she scanned the room for the Louisville detective.
‘Try the little sandwiches,’ Nick whispered in her ear. ‘Some are smoked salmon, some are beef tenderloin. Don’t worry, everything is fully cooked.’
Jill picked one up, studied it curiously, and took a small bite. ‘Better than your average ham and cheese, I suppose.’
‘Why did you elbow me in the ribs in church?’ Nick asked. ‘I don’t know that woman.’
‘She’s a Louisville homicide detective. In my estimation there’s only one reason she would be here.’ Jill looked at him from the corner of her eye.
Nick waited until Alexis was engrossed in conversation before replying. ‘Not necessarily. She might have known the deceased or his charming widow. Don’t get ahead of yourself,’ he warned.
When Alexis ate a forkful of food, Jill tried her second tidbit sandwich. Michael brought them cups of coffee, so at least they had something to sip until the interminable luncheon was over. Finally Mrs Scott left the hall with Mr Shea and Alexis breathed an audible sigh of relief. ‘I thought that would never end,’ she said.
Jill tried to think of something appropriate to say. ‘I thought the service was lovely and the food was delicious.’
‘Magnolia Catering does a great job, should the need arise, and yes, our pastor did an amazing job.’ Alexis dropped her napkin on her plate. ‘But I want to apologize for my mother’s behavior.’ Her gaze roved from Jill to Michael to Nick. ‘I don’t know how my father kept Mom’s behavior in check.’
‘No one should ever apologize for their mother,’ said Michael. ‘Mine can be a doozey at times. I’ll get us more coffee.’
‘Mine, too,’ Jill added. ‘Is there anything else we can help you with today?’
A large tear ran down Alexis’s cheek. ‘Did you notice Detective Grimes in church? I cornered her outside the ladies’ room and demanded a bit of news.’
Jill held her breath when Alexis paused.
‘Since the M.E. found a needle mark on Dad’s neck his death has been ruled suspicious while they wait for the full toxicology report. His case has been assigned to Detective Grimes in the Louisville Homicide Department.’
Jill cleared her throat. ‘Although it’s not exactly good news, it’s what you expected. I hope you don’t mind, but I told Nick your theory about who might have done it.’
Alexis shook her head and turned to Nick. ‘Of course, I don’t mind. I would’ve contacted you myself if my family hadn’t treated you so atrociously.’
‘All that is ancient history. If you or Jill want my advice, I’ll give it. But keep in mind, the Louisville police department has well-trained investigators.’ Nick reached for Jill’s hand. ‘They won’t need to call me or anyone else to assist with the case and I don’t wish to interfere.’
‘We’ll keep this low-key around Michael too,’ Jill added. ‘If my partner hears the words “murder investigation” in the same sentence as my name, he’ll make the boss call me back to Chicago. And I prefer to stay as long as possible.’ She said this to Nick and squeezed his hand.
Alexis slumped in her chair. ‘I can’t believe I’m hearing “murder investigation” in the same sentence with my dad.’ She covered her face and sobbed.
‘What can we do?’ Jill put a hand on her shoulder. ‘Find you something stronger to drink than coffee?’
‘No, just help me figure out who killed my father. I honestly don’t trust anyone other than you two. Who knows who my mother has on her payroll?’
‘Our killer might not be Dennis Donagal,’ Ji
ll said. ‘He’s been in Europe with his family for a week. Of course, he might have hired a hitman, but you need to think harder about your father’s enemies.’
Nick frowned. ‘Hold on. Alexis is a grieving daughter and you’re a journalist, Jill. The police have opened an investigation, so I suggest you let them do their job. I doubt any Louisville detectives would be on Rose Scott’s payroll, no matter how conniving she is.’
‘Of course, Nick. What Jill and I need to do is finish our interview before Michael wants to move on to the next distillery,’ Alexis said, getting herself together.
‘Whenever you’re ready, give me a call.’ Jill rose to her feet. ‘It’s time for you to go home and rest. Would you like us to drive you?’
Alexis smoothed down her dress as she stood. ‘No, I’m sure the limo is back after taking my grandfather home. Why don’t you walk me out?’ With supreme dignity Alexis left the church hall with Jill and Nick on either side.
Michael soon caught up with three cups of coffee. ‘What am I supposed to do with these?’
‘I’ll take one.’ Jill took a coffee as the limo pulled away with Mrs Scott, Mr Shea and Alexis wedged between them in the backseat. Looking so small and forlorn, the image of Alexis wasn’t one Jill would soon forget.
Nick felt a surge of relief when the limo pulled away with Alexis inside. Not that he didn’t have pity for a woman who just lost her father. And not that he didn’t have special compassion for anyone born to a mother like Rose Parker Scott. But Alexis was definitely part of a past he had no desire to resurrect. She was also part of the reason he was gun-shy about forming romantic relationships. Alexis had been quick to dump him when Rose pulled up her nose about his prospects. He couldn’t imagine what Jill had in common with Alexis. But for some reason those two had become friends, and he loved Jill enough to not interfere.
‘Ready to get out of here?’ Nick asked, taking one of Michael’s cups.
‘I sure am.’ Jill peered up at him. ‘Monday will be soon enough to finish my interview with Alexis. I want to spend time with you, Magic Man.’
‘Hey, guys, remember me?’ Michael was all but forgotten in the background. ‘If you drop me at the hotel, I’ll spend an hour in the weight room before heading to the room.’
‘Sounds good,’ said Nick. ‘I want to show Jill some of Louisville’s attractions other than distilleries. Then tonight we’ll have dinner together, my treat.’
After driving Michael back to the Thurman House Hotel, he took Jill to see the locks on the Ohio River, which allowed pleasure boats and freighters to move down to Owensboro and the Mississippi River beyond. He had planned to take her back to his apartment, but Jill asked the lock-tender so many questions they had no time to go anywhere but back to the hotel to collect Michael.
They decided upon Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse for dinner, where they all ate too much and talked about subjects from college sports to the difference between Chicago and Louisville winters. While Michael nursed his last snifter of bourbon, Jill practically fell asleep at the table. When Nick dropped the two journalists off at their hotel he received the to-go box with everyone’s leftovers, along with one sleepy kiss from Jill for his trouble. But he didn’t mind. Jill would be in town for another week, and he planned to take another week’s vacation. Hopefully by the time she finished the assignment, she would realize she belonged in Louisville with him … or at least in Roseville with her family where they could see each other often. Anywhere but in Chicago, so many miles away.
The moment Nick entered his apartment his cat howled for both attention and his dinner. Bending down to scratch Elmo behind his ears, he swept the giant ball of ginger fur into his arms. ‘Did you miss me, buddy? How about salmon pate for supper?’
Elmo purred in response.
He emptied a can of cat food into Elmo’s bowl, watered his two scraggly plants, and turned on the nightly news. Nothing like a litany of rape, robbery and murder to guarantee sweet dreams. He wasn’t five minutes into the local update when his phone buzzed with a voicemail.
Nick read the message and returned the missed call. ‘Hi, Sis, I didn’t think you would call so late. Isn’t everything OK? How’s Mom?’
‘I wouldn’t have if you had left your phone on.’ Sarah sounded mildly annoyed.
‘Sorry, I turned off my phone at a funeral this morning and forgot to turn it back on. I spent the day with Jill, the girl I’m dating.’
‘Mom is fine,’ Sarah said, not bothering to ask who had died. ‘She was overjoyed to see us and remembered Bob’s and each one of the kid’s names. People with dementia don’t usually remember names well.’
‘That’s true, but did you see the yellow notes all over the kitchen?’ he asked.
‘How could I not? Those were Mrs Diaz’s idea and she put up most of them. Mom said she doesn’t need them but didn’t want to hurt Inez’s feelings.’
‘What about the laundry hanging for days on the line in all kinds of weather?’
‘For goodness’ sake, Nick. Once I left a load of clothes in the washer for a week when we went to Disney World. I had to wash that load twice to get the smell out. Busy women occasionally forget stuff.’
Nick pushed Elmo off his lap so he could pace the room. ‘Did you look at her fridge and pantry?’
‘Yes, you did a great job of organizing so she should be fine for a while. I found some out-of-date bottles of salad dressing and mayo in the fridge, but those things happen when you live alone and don’t cook that much. Heck, I’ll bet I have a few of them too. You buy something on sale; nobody likes it, and it sits forever in the fridge until you move.’
‘So you think we’ve got nothing to worry about?’ Nick didn’t try to hide his disbelief.
Sarah sighed. ‘I’ll admit it’s worrisome her electricity almost got shut off, because she wouldn’t know who to call to turn it back on. Dad always paid the bills, balanced the checkbook, and took care of the business side of life. Mom cooked, cleaned, and raised the kids. Now that he’s gone she had to take over those duties without much training.’
Nick felt a twinge of shame. Why hadn’t that occurred to him?
‘I talked her into putting everything on auto-pay, not just utilities, so that will take care of insurance premiums and her one credit card bill.’
‘We just have to make sure she has enough money in the account.’ Nick switched off the TV and headed down the hall.
‘Exactly. Dad’s pension check and her social security check are deposited around the first of the month, so one of us needs to check her account balance around the fifteenth to make sure she’s on track and won’t run out of money.’
‘Should we set up a rotating schedule?’
‘Good idea,’ Sarah agreed. ‘Since you and I were just there, I’ll tell Susan to show up around mid-month. Then Bobbie can take the beginning of the month. Both of them have kids involved in sports, so they’ll have to plan for this.’
‘I think Mom is more important than elementary school sports.’ Nick cringed as soon as he spoke.
‘I agree, but there’s no reason to panic right now. I see no need for a power-of-attorney or joint checking accounts, and Mom certainly doesn’t need assisted living. She won’t like us micro-managing her life.’
‘What about having groceries delivered or setting up meals-on-wheels?’
‘I’ll have Susan discuss those with Mom on her next visit.’
‘How was the supper she cooked for you and your family? Did everything make sense as a meal?’
‘I didn’t want to make a lot of work for her. Bob and I picked up a bucket of fried chicken with side dishes before we showed up.’
‘Let me know what breakfast is like tomorrow. Mom put strawberry jam on her fried eggs while I was there.’
Sarah snorted. ‘This from the guy who used to put peanut on baked potatoes? Stop worrying, Nicky. Bob and I and the kids are already on our way home so she didn’t have to cook breakfast for us. With such short notice, Bob
couldn’t find anyone to replace him as an usher in church. Next time we go, we’ll stay longer and I’ll watch Mom’s every move.’
When Sarah laughed, Nick did too. What else could he do? He had sprung this on his sisters without warning. ‘I might have overreacted, so I’m glad you observed for yourself.’
‘Me too, but right now I need to hang up and deal with the brats in the backseat. How on earth did I get such whiney teenagers?’
‘Thanks, Sarah, I know it’s easier for me to drive to Lorraine than you. And don’t forget to send new pictures of your two angels.’
‘I’ll get those in the mail next week. We’ll talk soon.’
She hung up leaving Nick nostalgic and yearning for a family. It wasn’t often that he longed for a houseful of kids, running, screaming, fighting over the remote. But when it happened, it hit him like a ton of bricks. Maybe, just maybe, this new relationship with Jill would become permanent. As long as Alexis and her crazy family don’t ruin things for a second time.
SIX
Jill sprang out of bed the moment her alarm went off. Today was a day off even for those on assignment from a Chicago news service. It was also a day off for Kentucky State cops, even though Nick had already put in for a full week of vacation. The sun was shining and the temperature was neither too hot nor too cold, all-in-all, a perfect day to visit a cousin who lived an hour away. But Jill had no intention of going alone. She searched her purse for her phone, then pressed the speed-dial button for Nick.
He picked up on the second ring. ‘Good morning, sugar. Are you on your way to church?’
‘Nope. Since we just attended Mr Scott’s memorial service, I’m good for another week. Did you sleep well after all that barbeque?’
‘Like a baby,’ he said. ‘How about you? Did Michael’s snoring from the other room keep you awake?’
‘Not with earplugs in. This girl got her beauty rest.’ Jill poured her first cup of coffee. ‘I was wondering what your plans were for today.’
‘I hope to spend it with my best girl.’
