For Love of Livvy

by J. M. Griffin

  The figure tore out of the room as I stumbled in the dark and struggled to gain my balance. The lion statue had toppled over in the fray. I tripped over it and sprawled face first into the dining room.

  The French door banged open as it slid sideways. Feet pounded away into the night. Inert, I lay on the floor and trembled while adrenalin ebbed like the tide. I pulled myself into an upright position, then slouched against the wall for a few moments and gazed around. Things didn't seem out of order, yet they were different somehow. My mind clicked into hyper drive and I stared with keen attention as I pulled my dress into place.

  Artwork tilted here and there, as though tilted forward. Did someone think there was a safe behind the pictures? I'd never looked behind them, so how would I know? Scrambling to my feet, I pulled Richmond's card from my wallet and dialed his cell number. He answered on the second ring and I started to stutter.

  "M-M-Marcus, I've h-had a v-visitor. C-can you come here now?” My hand shook and I realized the adrenalin rush was over. Well, damn.

  "Vinnie, are you all right? I'll send someone down from the barracks and I'll be there shortly. Did you call the locals?"

  "I'm okay. I didn't call anyone except you.” Weak kneed, I slid back down on the floor and leaned against the wall, the skirt of my dress around my upper thighs once more.

  "Damn it, I knew this would happen. Where's Romeo, hasn't he moved in, yet?"

  "He won't move in until Thursday. Hurry, will you?” I disconnected the call and wiped sweat from my face with hands that shook.

  A few moments later a car cruised into the driveway. Strobe lights flashed and reflected off the garage in through the French doors. A shadow left the car and a knock sounded on the back door. I called for him to enter and he strode into the house accompanied by another man the same size as he. I thought there'd only be one, but remembered that at night, most troopers rode in pairs.

  They stood and stared down at me as though I was from Mars.

  "Are you Lavinia Esposito?” One trooper asked.

  "Yes, I am,” I mumbled.

  He bent down on one knee and looked me over. I just sat there like a dummy and stared back.

  "Are you injured, Ms. Esposito?” he asked.

  I nodded my head and he helped me to my feet. I'd been unsure until then whether I could stand on my own two feet or not. The crashed adrenalin had left a void.

  The other trooper gawked around the room in silence. I was nearly their height, but unlike them, my hair was all over the place, as was my outfit. I pulled the dress into place and pushed my hair off my face. Like that was gonna help.

  "If you want to look the place over, I'd appreciate it. Just be careful."

  The two men stared at me for a moment and the Mars thing popped into my head again. Cripes, did I look that off the wall?

  I heard another car pull up and a door slam. Marcus strode into the room with his cop face on. The night was about to get worse instead of better. He nodded at the two men who stood at attention and asked for an update.

  They mumbled something inaudible, probably words to the effect that I needed to be carted off to the loony bin, but I couldn't hear them so I could only surmise. A smirk covered his face, he nodded and then the two men left.

  "What happened?” Marcus asked the question as I settled at the counter and he made coffee. He seemed right at home in my kitchen. Why that was, anybody could guess.

  I slid farther back onto the seat and fiddled with a napkin, hands shaky and stomach knotted. When I didn't answer, he turned from the coffee maker, leaned back against the counter with his arms crossed for a moment. Then he stepped forward to clasp my hands in his.

  "Lavinia, tell me what happened.” His voice was soft and though he'd used my proper name, I figured he wasn't angry, but concerned. At least I hoped so.

  Unexpected tears slid down my cheeks and I sniffed. With a napkin, I wiped my face and blew my nose while Marcus looked on. I explained how I'd come upon the intruder and watched the hazel green eyes grow hard and cool.

  The cop mask slid over his features again, and I figured I was in for a rough time. He served the coffee instead.

  "There's pie in the fridge if you want,” I said, with a hiccup.

  A smirk slid across his lips and he opened the fridge to take the lonely piece of pie from within. Sucked down in about three seconds, he wiped his mouth with my napkin.

  To lighten the tension, I said, “I'll be sure to tell my mother how much you like her pie. That'll push your pedestal even higher than it already stands."

  The smile lingered a moment, then fled. Serious, he stared at me. His hand came up to my face, his touch was light and warm.

  "You scared the daylights out of me tonight, Vinnie. I thought an intrusion might occur again, but hoped you wouldn't be home. What were you thinking anyway? You should have left and called us right away."

  "I wasn't home earlier, I was on Federal Hill at the opera in the square.” I left out the fact that I was with someone else.

  "Alone?"

  "No, with friends."

  "Oh. Well, let's take a look around and see what we can find. Maybe this guy left a calling card of some kind."

  We walked around the house avoiding whatever appeared out of place or inconsistent. In the living room, I turned a lamp on near the fireplace. I'd nearly tripped over the lion again, but remembered in time to skirt the creature.

  When I turned, Marcus's gaze scanned my snug outfit and slithered down my legs.

  "Nice dress, great legs.” His smile said more and I bit back a heavy sigh.

  "Can we stay on track here?” My pulse hammered and I could feel the heat rise in my face as I watched him across the room. Criminy, I had a hard enough time paying attention when he was around, never mind when he looked at me like that.

  The sofa leaned against the wall and I moved it forward into its rightful place. The lion and pedestal lay on the floor.

  We both looked around and stopped at the same time. The lion lay on its side, the pedestal askew. The creature had been carved and fitted together like a puzzle. I was a poor sculptor so I had never figured out how Livvy had accomplished that feat.

  It was now plain that the animal was put together one section at a time in pieces. A hollowed out leg and foot lay turned at an odd angle, in an uneven line. A black cord dangled from the cavity. A velvet bag slipped from the hole when I tugged the cord.

  In all the years I'd studied the animal, I'd never realized it, but the lion was a miniature vault.

  "This was the safe that the thief sought. I bet he didn't even realize it,” I said. My eyes turned toward Marcus.

  He stared at me while I handed him the bag. I lifted the lion onto the sofa. With a twist and tug, the foot righted itself. I tried the other leg and foot. When neither budged, I was sure that only one leg held a vacant compartment.

  "Let's look at the pedestal,” he said.

  The pedestal was heavier than the lion and Marcus hauled it upright. His hands smoothed over the mahogany in search of another hidey hole. There didn't appear to be one, so we set things right and took the velvet bag into the kitchen.

  Smooth pebble like stones lay inside. I fingered the material and knew it held more gems. What in heaven's name had Livvy been up to?

  The strings spread apart as I tugged the bag open. Sparklers the size of three to four karats spread across the countertop. I stared, touching each in turn. They were cut and polished like the others, but much bigger. Where had they come from and why?

  "Don't you think it's weird that I first get a package of stones, and then find another, only to have an intruder try to steal the first one? Now another or the same person comes for these.” I stared at him.

  "Maybe he didn't know these were around. Maybe he was searching for the pouch you gave me yesterday or for the box left on the step. It's possible he isn't aware of this bundle, but came for the first one, like you said.” Marcus moved toward me.

  "Either way, it
seems odd that I'd get a bag of gems and then someone would try to take them back. And what does this have to do with Livvy?” I glanced at him as he stood close, his arm touching mine. My skin prickled a bit.

  "I'm not sure, but it's clear she was involved in something that she shouldn't have been."

  "Right about now, I would have to say you're right. I have difficulty with it, but too much has happened to deny that she had secrets the family is unaware of."

  "Are you sure the entire family doesn't know?” he asked as he fingered the gems. He glanced at me and held one up to the light.

  "Gosh, I don't know. I was the closest to her and then there was Gio, but he doesn't live here. He hasn't had contact with Livvy in years, other than holiday cards and such. I can ask about the rest of the family when I see my mother tomorrow, and I'll let you know."

  "All right. Now, where are you going to stay tonight?"

  "Right here. He's not about to come back again, surely. I'm positive it was by chance that I showed up while he was here."

  "Chance had nothing to do with it. Who knew you would be out this evening?"

  "Lola and Aaron knew. Why?"

  "How did they know?"

  Oh man, here it is. The question I wanted to avoid. Dang. I looked him square in the eyes and said, “Lola and Aaron were here when I decided to go to the opera.” Was that a lie by omission or what?

  "Then maybe you should see if you can stay at Lola's place or invite her here for the night."

  "Are you sure I shouldn't call Aaron? He is a bit bigger than Lola and stronger as well. He has that WWF thing going on.” It was stupid of me to say it, but the words slipped out anyway.

  "If you think it would be wise. It's your decision.” His cool expression gave me a chill, but I let it go.

  I picked up the phone and dialed the number I knew by heart. Lola answered immediately, and I asked if she'd come over for the night after I explained the intruder incident.

  "Sure, you can tell me all about the big date,” she said. “I'll bring some goodies from The Salt & Pepper. Be there in a bit.” She hung up as I turned to Marcus.

  "It's all set, Lola will be here in a short while."

  "Great, I'll hang out until she arrives and then I have to get back on the road.” He turned toward the fridge and searched for more food. Ham, cheese and mayo piled onto the counter. He'd become fairly comfortable in my home in a short time it seemed.

  The bread lay in the cupboard and I handed it over to him. While he slathered mayo on the bread and laid the cheese and ham artistically over that, he asked me questions about the tussle I'd had.

  "Whatever prompted you to take this guy on, Vinnie?"

  "I just reacted the way I learned in self defense class. What's the sense of having knowledge if you don't use it when the time comes? It did occur to me that I should have called you, but by then it was too late. I do know he wears cheap cologne. When I stepped into the house, I could smell it and that's what alerted me in the first place."

  "Then why didn't you leave the premises and call us? Instead you walked into a situation where you may have gotten hurt. You do have a slight bruise on your face, you know."

  "I do? Huh, well I wasn't sure he was still here, so I crept around like a thief. I'd searched everywhere, like I said before, and when I got to the living room, well that was it. I think I got the bruise when I tripped and landed in the dining room flat on my face."

  "Sweetheart, you'd never make a thief. You're much too clumsy for that.” He chuckled as a car stopped in the driveway and the door opened.

  Like a mini hurricane, Lola burst into the kitchen. Her glance landed on my bruised face and then her eyes slid toward Marcus.

  "Are you all right?” she asked, as she turned back to me. “Is this the trooper you told me about?” she asked with a sly grin.

  "Yes, to both questions. Marcus Richmond, meet Lola Trapezi.” I watched her Julia Roberts smile brighten the room as those pearly teeth sparkled.

  Richmond reacted as though she was a movie star. Lola had that affect on men. I, on the other hand, dazzled them with footwork. Just joking, I doubt I ever dazzled anyone.

  They shook hands and he asked if she planned to stay the night.

  "Oh, absolutely. Vin's had a lot to deal with this past week and she could use a break. I'll stay until she feels safe enough to be alone again. Don't worry, Trooper Richmond, I'll take good care of her."

  Good gravy. I rolled my eyes. All she had to do was flutter her eyelashes next. That would be the end of my romantic interlude with a man I'd really like to mess with.

  Rising from the stool, he strode toward the door and ordered me to secure the locks and windows the minute he stepped outside. It was all I could do not to stand at attention like the other troopers had when he'd marched through the door earlier.

  With a half baked nod, I walked to the door with him.

  He turned and warm hands slid up my arms.

  "You sure you'll be okay here with Little Miss Dynamite?” he asked with a smirk.

  "Yeah, I think we're safe for the night. Besides, I know you'll call the locals or have someone from the barracks keep an eye on us, won't you?"

  "Mm hmm, I will.” His lips brushed mine before he left the hallway.

  I knew he waited to hear the bolt slide into place and I obliged. A sound of satisfaction rumbled through the door. I smiled, turned back into the apartment and locked that door, too.

  At the counter, Lola set out several plates of snacks and a bottle of wine. If nothing else, I could use the wine.

  "He's a good looker. Man, you're reeling them in, aren't you?” Her laughter bubbled over while she stared at me.

  "Oh yeah, I'm just a wicked woman. The problem is that I'm not sure what's going on with my life at this juncture. I've figured out that Aunt Livvy was into something that probably wasn't legal, though. Three bags of jewels in a couple of days are more than enough, wouldn't you say? And who wants them back?” Frustration filtered through my voice. “Where did they come from in the first place?"

  Dark eyes glittered in concern as they rested on me before she poured the wine. I gulped the first mouthful and sat back, deep in thought.

  Daring to interrupt my reverie, Lola opened her mouth and started to talk. I hadn't caught the first few words until she mentioned the shop in Providence. Conclavia Inspirata, the gift shop Livvy had left me, had flown out of my mind when these other incidents had started.

  With a hand in a stop motion, I beckoned her to back up and repeat her words.

  "Begin again, Lola, I didn't get what you said."

  "I said, maybe we should look at whatever Livvy had a serious interest in. Conclavia was her most beloved business. We know she spent most of her time there when she wasn't in New York, right?"

  "Right, but she had two other businesses as well. There was Fleur De Le in Wickford and also Bella Clava in Newport. Let's start with Wickford first and then move on to Newport. It will be hell with the traffic since the tourist season is upon us, but we can always pretend to shop. You know the words from the first note start with the same letters as Conclavia Inspirata begins."

  "Really? Do you think there might be a connection? And who says we're pretending to shop? I adore Newport and Wickford. When do you want to go? I have to make arrangements for Gerry to handle the deliveries for Salt & Pepper, but then I'm free."

  Guilt tightened my chest. I'd asked Lola to stay here tonight when she'd worked all day and had only just closed the deli after cleanup. I hesitated to ask her to sleuth with me.

  "It's ridiculous for you to go with me. I know how busy you are right now."

  Her eyes rounded like saucers, she gasped. Her slight frame pulled up to full height as she stood with her hands on her hips.

  "Don't think for one minute you'll get to investigate without me. No way, I'm going and there's nothing you can say that will stop me. Would Cagney go without Lacey, huh? Tell me that."

  A bubble of laughter rippled f
rom my throat as I watched her. “Okay, okay. We can go tomorrow afternoon. I have to go to the funeral home in the morning for my mother. Then I'll come back here and we'll head for Wickford. Does that work for you?"

  "Sure, what's at the funeral home? Nobody died, right?"

  Nardolillo's Funeral Home was in Cranston, not far from my parents’ house. Everyone in the family used Nardolillo's when there was a death in our family and we were all on a first name basis. The Nardolillo family ran the business and was successful at it.

  "I promised Mom that I'd pick up Livvy's death certificates. She has to deal with the insurance companies and burial costs. It won't take me long, honest."

  With a nod of her head, Lola rifled the cabinet drawer. Pulling a pad of paper from within, she picked up a pencil and started a list of questions to ask when we went to the shops. I left her to it and straightened the rest of the rooms. Before I righted the paintings, I checked behind each one which revealed nothing.

  About a half hour later and a wide yawn, I trundled back into the kitchen. Lola had changed into pajamas and was ready for bed. The hour was late and exhaustion cloaked my body and mind. I followed suit and we bunked in for the night.

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  Chapter 8

  After a fitful night's rest, I left Lola to her schedule and drove to Cranston. I stopped at Nardolillo's to speak with Avery, the owner's son. He'd arrived just as I parked the Volvo. With a wave of his hand, Avery waited for me to join him at the entry to the funeral home offices.

  "Long time since I've seen ya, Vinnie. How ya been since yer aunt died?” He was a bit rough around the edges, especially when it came to dealing with the public, but I liked him anyway. An honest, open personality was worth a lot as far as I was concerned and that's exactly what Avery had. His uncle dealt with the public in a smooth, most sophisticated, and sympathetic manner. Avery drove the limo and showed customers the casket room. Yeah, that was a job I'd stand in line for.

  "I've been better, but thanks for asking, Avery. I'm here to pick up Livvy's death certificates for my mother."

  We'd entered the long, quiet corridor. I followed the slim man with whom I'd gone to elementary school. His father had sent him to a private Catholic high school after elementary school. Since then I'd only seen Avery when there were funerals in the family. He asked me out every time we met and to be honest here, I just couldn't get past the mortuary thing, so I'd made up excuses to refuse in a kind way.