Mitch appeared thoughtful for a moment until Gareth prompted, “Anything else?”
Meeting the other man’s gaze, he asked, “What are your thoughts about Silas Mills?”
“Man’s a prick!” came the growled response. “He’s the one who won’t let me have a regular sign outside my business…says that a private investigation company has a negative connotation to visitors.”
Lifting his eyebrows, Mitch barked out a laugh, shaking his head. “Yeah, sounds about like my impression of him.”
“Any particular reason you brought him up?”
“He’s made a couple of comments about Tori and the inn since Dumfries’ murder. Made me think that he’d step up to get his hands on the Sea Glass Inn if he could, just to keep any negative press about the town from getting out. Rubs me the wrong way.”
“Yep, ’bout my opinion as well. The mayor acts like we’re supposedly lucky to get him…but I’ll tell you, there’s a lot of rumblings. Some of the businesses on the side streets can’t have their boardwalk signs on the sidewalks. And he’s got some crazy idea about the parking on the main street.”
“Do me a favor, do a little digging on him as well,” Mitch requested. “Something about him just doesn’t strike me as right.”
Shaking hands, Mitch left the PI’s office, making his way to the Police Department with a detour by Jillian’s coffee shop. Assuring his cousin that Tori was all right, and gaining Jillian’s promise to spend the afternoon with Tori, he headed on his way.
Once inside the station, Mildred looked up at him, her lips pinched. “The mayor wants to talk to you, but I told him you were out.”
“And I am,” Mitch replied. “I’m meeting Burt here in about five minutes and then we’re heading over the bridge to Virginia Beach.”
A moment later, walking out of his office with his tablet, Mitch ran into Corwin.
“You’re a hard man to get hold of,” the red faced, puffing mayor said. “I want to know what’s going on with the investigation. We can’t have people being shot on our beaches!”
“Mayor,” Mitch bit out. “Someone is targeting Ms. Bradford, not shooting at vacationers on the public beach.”
“Well, we never had these problems until she moved back and took over the Sea Glass—”
Leaning closer, Mitch stepped into Corwin’s space. “Don’t know what bug is up your ass about Tori, but you’re beginning to sound more like the new city manager’s crony. Leave the detective work to me and stay the fuck out of my business…or we’re gonna have problems.”
Backpedaling, Corwin immediately clamped his mouth shut. Grimacing, he said, “I’m not an underling of Silas Mills.”
“Then grow a pair and act like it,” Mitch advised, before turning on his heels and stalking toward the door.
*
Mitch knocked on the door of a modest home in an older neighborhood in Virginia Beach. As he waited for the door to open, he wondered if she hired out the yard work; it was perfectly manicured.
Tori’s mother opened the door and he stood, shocked. Her appearance was much older than he remembered and he had to remind himself that he had not seen her in almost fifteen years. Compared to his mother, she either had not aged well or was more ill than Tori thought.
“Come in, Mitch…I mean, Chief Evans,” she invited, her arm sweeping the air toward the living room.
Vera Bradford settled herself on the sofa, her thin hands in her lap. Her hair, neatly coiffed, framed a face that at one time had been beautiful. Now, she appeared fragile.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you,” she began. “Not since you were a child, I’m sure. I…” she hesitated, “haven’t traveled over to Baytown in quite a while.”
“Mrs. Bradford, I don’t want to cause you a shock, but I came today because I’m investigating two attempts on Tori’s life.”
She blinked, saying nothing. Then blinked again, as though the words were heard but not understood. Mitch grew concerned as she opened her mouth several times without saying anything, her appearance fish-like.
“May I get you some water?”
Clearing her throat, she gasped, “No, no. It’s…it’s just that…I don’t understand.”
“When was the last time you spoke with Tori?”
Her hand fluttered about her neck, eyes darting as her mind searched before she replied, “About two weeks ago. I had gone to the doctor and she called.”
“I need to ask you some difficult questions, Mrs. Bradford. Are you sure you don’t want a glass of water before we begin?”
“Perhaps I’d better,” she agreed. Before Mitch could stand, she called out, “Cora!” A small woman appeared and she asked for iced tea for the two of them. A moment later, the woman returned with two tall glasses of the refreshment. Tori’s mother took a long sip, seeming to revive.
“Chief Evans, I simply cannot believe that anyone would want to harm Victoria. She’s a harmless girl, if somewhat fanciful. Her sister was always much more level-headed.”
Her description caught Mitch off guard and his eyes darted back to hers. “Fanciful? Tori?”
“Why, yes. As a child Victoria loved Baytown and living with her grandmother. Vanessa preferred the golf and tennis lessons at the country club. We didn’t belong, you understand, but we could pay for tennis and golf lessons, which afforded use of their facilities. Including the pool, which she always tried to use to her full advantage. But Victoria…she refused to better herself.”
“I take it you didn’t approve of how she spent her summers?”
Pinching her lips, Mrs. Bradford gazed out of the window for a moment and, as Mitch’s eyes followed hers, he noticed a lawn-care service pull up out front, men piling from the truck like clowns from a Volkswagen.
“When I met Victoria and Vanessa’s father, I was a senior in college and he was a few years older, already working for a bank in Virginia Beach. I thought he was quite the catch. After dating for a while, he was so excited to take me to meet his mother; his father had already passed away. We drove over that God-awful bridge out to the Eastern Shore.” Sniffing delicately, she said, “I admit the inn was beyond beautiful and I was thrilled to see it…but the town…the run-down, almost non-existent town! How anyone lives there, I’ll never understand!”
Deciding to let her talk instead of peppering her with questions, Mitch sat back, his expression blank.
“I hated it. The golf course community had not been built yet and the town was just dismal. I convinced myself that as long as we kept our visits there short, I could accept it.” Smoothing her hands down her skirt, she continued, “It was only after we had been married for several years that Reginald first mentioned the idea of moving there! I told him I would never, ever consider a move to the Eastern Shore. Oh, we argued about it, Chief Evans. I won out, of course. After all, I wanted more for my daughters than to settle for such a provincial way of life.”
She cast her glance out the window, her tired but exacting gaze noting the men outside working. Turning back to Mitch, she said, “When Victoria was ten years old, Reginald died of a sudden heart attack. Can you imagine if we had moved? My God, I would have had two children stuck in that town!”
Mitch wanted to be offended, but knew his response when he was younger had been much the same…Baytown at that time was unimpressive. Nodding his encouragement, he listened carefully.
“Reginald’s life insurance paid off this house, but there was not much left over. I didn’t want to work outside the home so things were a bit tight. We still couldn’t afford the country club, but I went as Vanessa took lessons…at one time I hoped I would catch someone’s eyes, but,” her lips pursed, “that didn’t happen, so I pinned my hopes on my daughters. Vanessa, like me, wanted the finer things in life. It took her years,” she sniffed delicately, “and a couple of unfortunate marriages, but she finally landed Nelson and what a dream it has been, having him as a son-in-law.”
She beamed, her whole countenance radiatin
g. Sweeping her hand around, she said, “He’s been so generous. Cora and my landscapers come at his request. He does such sweet little things to make my life better.”
Her face settled into a pleasant smile, a few years sliding away. Mitch observed as her face began to take on a frown and knew the instant she was thinking of Tori.
“But Victoria never had such aspirations. She preferred spending the summers with her grandmother. I had hoped the beauty of the inn and the antiques would impress her but she preferred to bake goodies in the kitchen or run rampant around the town with her so-called frien—um,” her gaze darted to Mitch, her cheeks pinking. “I apologize, Chief Evans, I…well…”
“No need to apologize, Mrs. Bradford. You are entitled to your opinion and I welcome any observations you have that will assist me in my case.”
At that, her face gathered storm clouds. “Why someone would want to harm Victoria is completely beyond me! She is a sweet girl, as I said, if fanciful. Her only chance at bettering herself was when she married that darling Thomas Porter. Now there was another man who was an excellent son-in-law. So conciliatory, so mannerly, so personable. And what did Victoria do? Divorce him! And for what? She only said he had been caught in an indiscretion! Have you ever heard anything so ridiculous in all your life? I mean, what man hasn’t had his little flings?”
Mitch, rooted to his chair, was stunned. Actually, dumbstruck. He knew Tori’s mother had not been very nurturing, but Mrs. Bradford’s callousness surprised him. But it also tells me Tori never told her mother that Thomas had been unfaithful with Vanessa.
“Both Thomas and Nelson were going places…well, Nelson was older and already established, but I would have had both daughters married well, and to men who would have helped care for me. Now, with Victoria’s selfishness, I don’t have Thomas in my life anymore.”
The silence created was uncomfortable as Mitch pondered his next line of inquiry. “Mrs. Bradford, if Tori dies and has no heirs, then her estate would come to you. Have you ever considered that?”
Barking out a socially rude noise, she replied, “What on earth would I do with an inn in an ungodly part of Virginia? I’m certainly not going to move there and run it!”
“Do you not realize the property and its contents are worth about a million dollars?”
At that pronouncement, Mrs. Bradford’s head swung around as she pierced Mitch with her gaze. Agog. That was the only term Mitch could think to describe her expression.
“I…well…I never…I hadn’t thought…” she floundered.
“So, now, what I want to know is, in light of that information, do you have a different opinion as to who might want to see Tori dead?”
“No! Certainly not me…I love Victoria as I love Vanessa.” Her breathing grew rapid as she leaned forward, “Chief Evans, I know it seems as though I might not, but I do. It’s just, in my opinion, Victoria has not always made wise choices and, well, Vanessa was always so much more compliant, so much more like me. But I have no idea who might want to harm Victoria. I wish she’d have called me.”
“She mentioned you had been…unwell…” he prompted.
“Yes, I seem to have had a stomach bug for several months now. I have been to a specialist but they think I just have a nervous constitution. I am on some medication for heartburn, which seems to help. My internist seems to think I may have some complications from having the flu. Do you think that’s why she hasn’t told me of what is going on?”
She stared at him, searching for acceptance, and Mitch found himself understanding Tori so much. Her mother was irritating. Self absorbed. Totally clueless. But, ultimately, not malicious. Sighing, he nodded and said, “Yes, ma’am. I’m sure that’s it.”
Leaning back, her face was now relaxed and once more pleasant. “Good, I’ll be sure to call her this weekend.”
“One last question, Mrs. Bradford. If you die, who will inherit your estate?”
“Oh, goodness, other than this house, I have very little,” she replied.
“Yes, but who is in your will?”
Her brow crinkled in confusion, then she looked up to where Mitch was standing, “Why, my daughters of course.”
Smiling, he thanked her as he headed back out of her house and began the drive over the bridge back to Baytown, his mind whirling with possibilities. Tori never told her mom about Vanessa and Thomas’ infidelity. Vanessa would inherit everything if Tori and her mother both died. Does Nelson know of his wife’s affair with her brother-in-law? How far would Vanessa go to keep it quiet…or to inherit the estate? Is Thomas involved in some way? Is there the possibility he and Vanessa have something ongoing?
Crossing over to the Eastern Shore usually brought a sense of peace to Mitch…the feeling he had moved from the noisy, crowded land-of-the-incessant-strip-malls to a place where much was left as God intended. But today? His mind could not appreciate the beauty when his thoughts were filled with only one thought—who wants Tori dead?
Chapter 23
Tori limped stiff-legged from the kitchen into the dining room where Jillian and Jason were cleaning up the breakfast dishes and platters. Seeing Jillian open her mouth, Tori threw her hand up, and said, “Nope. Don’t say it. I’m resting, but I can’t sit around all day. Anyway, I need to exercise the leg. Doctor’s orders.”
Jason laughed as he passed by her on his way into the kitchen.
“Well, excuse me for being worried,” Jillian snapped, then immediately apologized. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m just on edge for you, Tori.”
The two women hugged, both resting their heads on each other’s shoulders for a moment.
“I know,” Tori confessed. “It still doesn’t seem real. I feel as though I’ve been caught up in some horrible joke. Now, a guest is dead and I’ve been shot. My brain isn’t catching up to what’s happening around me.”
A knock on the door had both women jerking apart, hands still clasped. Jason hustled into the hall, peering through the security viewer. Breathing easier, he opened the door, allowing Grant entry.
Grant’s eyes landed on Jillian and his smile widened. “Hey,” he called out.
She returned his greeting politely, then walked to the kitchen, her arms piled with dishes.
Grant’s smile dropped slightly as he watched her move away, before turning back to Tori. “How’re you holding up?”
Swinging her curious gaze from Jillian’s retreating back to Grant, she smiled. “I’m really doing fine. Have you heard from Mitch yet?”
“I know you’re dying to talk to him, since he was visiting your mother this morning, but I haven’t heard. He should be back soon.” Nodding toward Jason, he said, “I’ve heard through the grapevine that town residents are excited to have a mechanic interested in coming to town. I think if the town council tries to give you any grief, the residents’ll back you up.”
Grinning, Jason clapped his hands, rubbing them together as he said, “Good news, man. I’ve been itching to get my hands back in the business.”
“Believe it or not, when word got out about you being a veteran and wanting to help with the American Legion project, I’ve even heard that a tattoo shop shouldn’t be too hard for you to obtain the proper permits.”
“Hell, yeah!” Jason’s grin broke out into a full-blown, teeth-showing smile.
With a glance down the hall toward the kitchen, Grant nodded toward Tori as he said his goodbyes. Closing the door behind him, Tori turned to smile at Jason.
“Congratulations,” she said, placing her hand on his arm as her gaze dropped to his tattooed sleeve. “I haven’t even told you that I think your designs are beautiful.”
“Thanks,” Jason said, holding his arms out. “I did the designs and a buddy did the actual work. Got it finished when I got out of the service.” Dropping his arms, he asked, “You ever get a tat?”
“Oh, no!” she laughed, “I pass out at the sight of blood…and needles. I’d be the last person to ever get a tattoo! But if I were, I’d trust you.”
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“Fair enough,” he grinned. “Well, why don’t you rest and I’ll check on the guest rooms upstairs.”
Smiling her thanks, she settled on the sofa, waiting for Mitch to come by. As she was drifting off, her phone vibrated, causing her to jolt. Looking down, she did not recognize the number. Answering, she discovered Thomas was on the other end of the line…great, just great.
“Thomas, I don’t know why you are call—”
“Please, Tori, I really want to see you. I need to see you.”
The pleading in his voice gave her pause. A slight pause, but a pause nonetheless. What could he possibly want? And from what Mitch reported, I hardly think Thomas’ new fiancé wants him visiting.
Her silence gave him another opportunity to press his advantage. “I understand you don’t want to see me, but I really want to meet with you. Somewhere…anywhere we have a chance to talk for a few minutes.”
“Look, I’ve had a…slight injury and am somewhat housebound for a few days,” she replied, not wanting him to know what was going on. “If you want to come by in a couple of days, I’ll give you fifteen minutes. That’s all.”
“I’ll take it and, I promise, it’ll be worth your while.”
She disconnected without answering, tossing the phone onto the coffee table as Mitch drove into the driveway. Jumping up without thinking, she winced. Damn!
By the time she hobbled to the front door, Mitch was already there. Her gaze drifted over him, the view always eye-catching. From his cowboy boots, up his khakis and to the navy BPD polo fitted over his thick chest. His attractive face split into a grin as he swept her into his muscular arms.
“Hey babe,” he greeted. “You been resting?”
“Yes, and I’m tired of sitting. Anyway, my leg was getting stiff so I’m trying to stretch it some.” Searching his face, she asked, “How was it? I can’t tell by your expression. How was mom?”
Brushing strands of hair behind her ear, he was about to answer when Jillian came from the back. Greeting his cousin, he excused himself for a moment as his phone vibrated.
Coming Home: Baytown Boys Series Page 19
