Sarah Woods Mystery Series (Volume 3)

by Jennifer L. Jennings

  “Where's she going?” I asked. “I thought you said Roy was home.”

  “He is,” Carter replied. “Maybe she thought it'd be safer to meet him somewhere other than the apartment.”

  I glanced behind as the Flamingo Court apartment building complex faded into the distance. If Roy was on his way, he was taking his sweet time.

  We continued to follow Maria's Fiesta, keeping a few cars behind her most of the time. She zipped in and out of traffic like a race car driver, but Carter kept up with no problem, skillfully blending in with the traffic so as not to arouse suspicion.

  Maria finally pulled into a gas station and parked to the side. Carter drove past, and turned into a pawn shop. After he parked on the opposite side of the building, we got out of the car and quickly made our way behind the gas station building.

  Maria sat in her car. Her chest was so massive, it practically rested on the steering wheel. Her face was contorted in anguish as she tapped her fingers nervously on the dashboard.

  “Get your cell phone camera ready,” Carter said to me. “A blue Honda just pulled up next to her on the other side.”

  I fumbled to find my phone in my purse and grasped it just in time. When I looked up, the person in the Honda emerged and swiftly ducked into the passenger seat of Maria's Fiesta, unseen. Adjusting the zoom on my camera, I tried to focus in. My hands were a little shaky from all the excitement, but I managed to click off multiple shots in succession. “I need to get closer,” I said. “Can't get a clear view of Maria's passenger.”

  “Never mind that,” Carter said, gesturing for me to follow him. “It's time to end this charade.”

  He casually strolled over to the two vehicles, with me trailing behind.

  Carter abruptly slammed his palm on the hood of the Fiesta, startling the two passengers in the front seat. Maria and Vivian both looked up at us through the windshield, eyes wide and terrified.

  “Out of the car, ladies,” Carter yelled to them. “Let's all of us have a friendly chat, shall we?”

  Vivian covered her face with trembling hands; she must have realized the jig was up. But Maria's face erupted into a stubborn grimace. Carter circled around to the passenger door and tried to open it, but it was locked. He tapped a finger on the window to get Vivian's attention. “C'mon,” he said to her. “Let's not make this any harder than it has to be.”

  Vivian kept her head down, refusing to look him in the eye.

  I stayed at the front of the car, keeping an eye on Maria. I had no idea what she'd do, but by the determined expression on her face, she wasn't going to surrender easily.

  I took a deep breath and walked over to her open window. I leaned over, resting a hand on the door. I could smell the sweat from inside the car. It turned my stomach, but I made an effort to smile anyway.

  “I can understand why you guys did it,” I said, hoping to set their nerves at ease. I was their friend, now. They could trust me. “And honestly,” I continued. “I don't blame you for taking advantage of Brook. I don't much like her myself. But Carter and I have a job to do, and that's to find the truth. If that's not an option, then I'm afraid the cops will have to get involved, and then who knows … you both could be looking at jail time. I know you don't want that, and neither do we, so I suggest we all sit down and come to an understanding. If you give Brook her money back, perhaps she'll be inclined to drop the whole thing and we can all move on with our lives. If you try to run, believe me, Brook has the resources to hunt you down. Who wants to live like that?”

  The two women looked at each other, then back to me. Vivian cleared her throat. “This was my idea. I convinced Maria to help me. If you'll keep her out of this, I'll tell you everything you want to know.”

  Carter and I exchanged a glance. He nodded his agreement.

  “Okay,” I said. “Fair enough.”

  Vivian whispered something to Maria, patted her arm apologetically, then opened the passenger door and got out. Maria backed the Fiesta up, then drove off, a sorrowful expression on her damp face.

  Carter stood close to Vivian, as if he expected her to bolt down the street in her pencil skirt and high heels. “Come on,” he said, his tone friendly. “Tell us why you did it. Brook was under the assumption that you two really cared for each other. Was it all an act?”

  She sat on the hood of her car, crossed her arms over her chest, and bowed her head. “When Brook came on to me that night over drinks, I'd never been with a woman before. I'd never even been propositioned. I guess I was flattered at first.”

  “And you?” Carter asked. “You were attracted to her?”

  Vivian bit her lower lip and shrugged. “I was curious, that's all. Brook was the one who wanted to keep doing it.”

  “When did you get the idea to extort money from her?” I asked.

  She looked up at me, eyes flickered with resentment. “I knew she was just using me. I was her little plaything for when Mr. Foster went out of town. She didn't give a shit about me.”

  “That's not what Brook told us,” Carter said. “In fact, she gave us the impression that she might even be in love with you.”

  Vivian shook her head. “Don't believe her lies. She used to be like me, you know. Working hard to try and get ahead. To try to have a decent life with a decent home. She married a rich guy, well good for her. Now she acts like she's some kind of princess, like she's better than me. I've worked for Foster Realty for over ten years, and I barely get a bonus every Christmas. I live in a dump, with an asshole for a husband. I'm sick and tired of working for peanuts, just to get by. Sure, Brook bought me a few nice things; a bracelet and a purse. But it was like she was paying me off or something … to keep quiet. I don't need jewelry. I need to pay my mortgage.”

  “How'd you do it?” Carter asked. “Did you have Maria come to the office to take the photos?”

  Vivian shook her head. “No. I set up a camera in the window. Had it programmed to take the pictures on timer with no flash. It was pretty dark in the room, but the images on the photos showed enough.”

  “So then you explained your plan to Maria, your neighbor. You must really trust her to have gotten her involved,” I said.

  “Maria is like a mother to me,” Vivian said. “I've known her for years. I took care of her when she had hip surgery last year. I knew she'd do anything for me. Plus, I promised to give her half of the money. It was so easy. Maria works at the airport; all she had to do was switch her schedule around a bit.”

  “Clever plan,” I said. “So you typed up the blackmail letter with the photo, then sent it certified mail under a false name. You knew Brook would pay the money, and you knew she wouldn't contact the police. But you probably never planned on Dennis having a heart attack. With Dennis out of the way, Brook was free to find her blackmailer. Thing is, she wanted to keep things hush hush, afraid your husband would get violent with you if he ever found out.”

  Vivian closed her eyes. “I made that up. Roy is a jerk, but he's a pussy. He'd never raise a hand to me. He knows better than that. But I wanted Brook to think he was capable of harming me.”

  “Does Roy know anything about this?” Carter asked.

  The corners of her mouth turned up slightly. “No. The money is in a safe place. Once my divorce is final, I'd planned to use that cash to move away, start a new life. I guess that won't happen now. Brook will sure as shit take me to court to get her money back. God forbid she goes without her weekly facials for a few months.”

  “Maybe not,” I said. “Maybe she'll be understanding if you go to her, explain everything, and apologize.”

  Vivian rolled her eyes and snorted. “Yeah, right. I'll admit I did a stupid thing, but she'll never forgive me for this. She's going to hate me, now.”

  “So,” Carter said, “if you have no feelings for Brook, then why would you care if she hated you or not?”

  Vivian ignored the question and glanced at her watch. “I need to get back to work. Although, I doubt I'll have a job for much longer
. I suppose you'll be running off to tell Brook about me.”

  Carter stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Sorry, but it's our job.”

  Vivian promptly walked back to her car. Before she opened the driver's side door, she regarded me and Carter with a resigned look. “I suppose bribing you with cash won't change your mind?”

  Carter laughed. “Nice try, but I'm sorry we can't take you up on the tempting offer.”

  Without another word, Vivian slipped into her car and drove out of the gas station.

  Chapter 20

  Carter had captured the entire conversation with Vivian on his cell phone. Brook listened to it twice. The whole time, she tried to remain stoic, but I noticed the hurt in her eyes and the quiver in her voice.

  “How could she do this to me?” Brook said, staring at her balled fists on the counter where the three of us sat. “I mean, I guess I can understand, but why didn't she just talk to me? Tell me how she really felt. I would have just given her the hundred grand if she needed it so badly.”

  I shrugged. “Well, it's up to you now. What do you think you'll do about all this?”

  Brook sighed heavily. “I don't know. I need to think. I need to … ” She stood up from the counter and looked around blindly, as if a stranger in her own home. “I guess I need to go to the bank, get the rest of the money I owe you for solving the case. I don't suppose you'd take a check instead?”

  Carter smiled at her. “A check is fine.”

  Brook nodded and walked across the room to fetch her purse, her expression strained, her body rigid. She quickly made out a check and handed it to Carter without a word.

  Carter glanced at the check, then slipped it into his jeans pocket and held out his hand. “Mrs. Foster, was a pleasure doing business with you.”

  She shook his hand wearily. “Thank you. I appreciate all your help.” She turned to me, gave a slight nod. “And to you, Sarah. Thank you for taking the case.”

  I didn't feel compelled to shake her hand, offer a hug, or even a smile. I just got up to leave. “Well, good luck with everything. Now that Max is done with his job, looks like we'll all be heading back to New Hampshire tomorrow.”

  Brook nodded. “Yes. Well, I'm sorry you had to work on your vacation.”

  “By the way,” I said, as Carter and I made for the door. “I did talk to Angela today.”

  She looked at me, puzzled. “You did?”

  “She's been volunteering at the Delray Beach Community Center. She seems very dedicated to helping people cope with grief. All those times in the past year when she's come around looking for money, it wasn't for herself. She was trying to raise money, to keep the volunteer programs running. She thought her family might support her in that cause, but apparently not. Anyway, I just thought you should know.”

  Brook gave me a funny look, as if she wasn't sure I had just insulted her or not. “I see. Well, thanks for letting me know, Sarah.”

  When Carter and I got into the elevator, he turned to me and smiled. “You couldn't resist, could you? I half expected her to take the check back and rip it in half.”

  I laughed in spite of my irritation. “I also wanted to ask her is if she'd poisoned her husband, just to see her reaction; I figured that would have really set her off.”

  “Thanks for not doing that,” he said. “But I would have backed you up if you had.”

  “I know. That's why we make a good team.”

  “So,” he rocked back and forth, toe to heel. “I can tell you’re still on edge. Want to tell me what's going on with Max and Jenn, now?”

  “I suppose. Let's grab some lunch down in the lobby.”

  We sat at a booth and ordered salads. Once the waiter had disappeared, I told Carter everything about my conversation with Angela Foster – about the mysterious woman who showed up at the Foster's house, claiming to be the mother of Dennis's love child; who ultimately committed suicide and ended up on the evening news. Angela felt guilty for years, knowing she did nothing to help the woman, and she despised her father for not living up to his responsibilities.

  When I told Carter that the woman's name was Charlotte Healy, his expression remained blank for a few seconds, but then I saw the light go on in his eyes.

  “Any relation to Jennifer Healy?” he asked me.

  I nodded. “I think Charlotte was her mother.”

  Carter stared at me, open mouthed. “Really?”

  “Can you believe it? Angela wants to hire me to find the daughter of the woman. Little does she know, I already have a pretty good idea who she is.”

  “No wonder you're distracted,” he said. “You think Max has any idea?”

  “I don't know. It could explain why he's been acting so strange.”

  I looked down at my hands and noticed I had shredded the entire paper napkin, the remnants littering my side of the table. “Looking back on the day after Dennis died, it makes sense now that Jenn was so distraught. She wasn't upset about losing her job; she was upset because her father died. Big question is, did Dennis know that Jennifer was his daughter? And if not, why didn't she tell him?”

  Carter raked a hand through his hair. “Maybe she was scared of his reaction. Or maybe she was just waiting for the right time.”

  “Well, Angela wants to find her. She intends on making up for lost time, doing what her father should have done many years ago. Whatever that means, I'm not sure.”

  “So what are you gonna do?” he asked.

  “I guess I'll try to talk to Jennifer. But after last night …”

  Carter placed his hand over mine, covering it completely. “It's gonna be okay, Sarah. I'll come with you if you want me to.”

  I smiled at him. “Thanks for the offer, but I need to handle this myself.”

  He nodded and removed his hand from mine. “I figured as much.”

  After lunch, Carter retreated back to his room to pack.

  I went back to my room to see if Max had come back to shower or change, or leave me a note. The room was just as I'd left it that morning. Screw it. I didn't care about right or wrong, I just needed to hear Max's voice.

  I took a deep breath and speed dialed his number. Straight to voicemail. I let out a frustrated sigh, tossed my phone back into my purse and made a decision. I was going to Jennifer's house, and I wouldn't leave until someone came out to talk to me.

  Chapter 21

  When I pulled into Jennifer's driveway, I noticed her car was gone.

  Chances were good nobody was home, but I marched up to the door and knocked anyway. I knocked until my knuckles turned red.

  Finally, I heard a voice. I looked to my right. An elderly woman in a rocking chair sat under an awning at the house next door. “If you're looking for the woman who lives there,” she said, pointing a crooked finger, “you just missed her. She left about an hour ago. Must be going on a trip. Had a suitcase with her.”

  My heart plummeted. “Was she with a man?” I asked.

  “Yep. He went with her.”

  “Did they tell you where they were going?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm and steady.

  “Naw, they seemed to be in a big hurry, though. Like they were late to catch a plane or someth'n.”

  “Shit,” I said under my breath. I waved to the woman. “Thanks for your help.”

  I got back in my car and sat there for a few minutes, a tight feeling in my chest. Were Max and Jennifer flying somewhere together? I refused to believe that he would do such a thing without letting me know. It didn't make any sense at all.

  What could I do? Drive to the airport and try to catch them? There were three airports in the vicinity. They could be heading to any of them. I realized what I had to do, but it was going to be tricky. I had to get inside Jennifer's house to look for a clue.

  I quickly devised a plausible story, then walked over to the next door neighbor. The woman was still rocking in her chair, head tilted back, basking in the sun.

  “Ma'am?” I said. “I need your help.”
r />   She lifted her head and squinted at me. “Oh, hello. It's you again.”

  “Yes, look, I'm supposed to be taking care of Jennifer's pet hamster. She was supposed to leave a key under the mat out front, but it's not there. I've tried calling her, but she must be on the airplane. Do you know where she leaves her spare key?”

  The woman scratched her chin. “What'd you say your name was?”

  “Sarah. I was just here yesterday. Do you remember seeing me or my car?”

  She nodded slowly. “Yes, I think I do. But I'm sorry, I haven't the vaguest idea where she keeps a spare key.”

  “That's okay. I guess I'll have to break into a window or something. Jenn would be heartbroken if she came back to find her hamster dead.”

  The woman laughed as she waved a hand around her nose. “Not to mention the smell.”

  I sneaked to the back of the property, checking doors, windows, anything that might give easily. One of the windows was open just a crack. The screen was flimsy enough, so I tore it open. With all my strength, I lifted the window, then hoisted myself up and crawled inside.

  I moved through the kitchen, out of breath, scanning the counters for paperwork, notes, or any other clue that might enlighten me. No dishes in the sink, no food left out on the kitchen table, no stacks of bills or paperwork of any kind. Just two empty bottles of cabernet in the recycling bin. The garbage was empty.

  I proceeded to the next room and saw the love seat, where Max had been sitting the night before. A white, folded bed sheet was placed neatly on the edge. Had Max spent the night on that tiny couch? I couldn't picture it. But anything was better than an image of him sleeping in Jennifer's bed.

  I continued on and found a bedroom. A queen size bed, with an ivory duvet cover, took up most of the space. A three-drawer bureau, and a mirror hanging over it, with several photographs taped to the sides. A small computer desk, no computer or laptop. On the floor next to the desk was a cardboard file. Inside, mostly utility bills.