Masked to Death (A Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery Book 5)

by Christina Freeburn

  I stood in the center of the diamond store and tried to appear unfazed by all the bling in the room. The jewelry shop specialized in diamonds and millions of dollars of the gem sparkled underneath glass that stretched for miles. Or at least it seemed that way. Hundreds of cruisers circled the cases, jostling for position, pressing them right into the structure. The room was sectioned off into the type of piece a shopper wanted: rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and a separate area for wedding sets.

  “What do you think she’s in the market for?” I whispered.

  “We’ll do a quick canvas of the room together and then split up if we don’t spot them.” John cupped my elbow in his hand and led me around the room. “Make sure to point and ooh and ahh over stuff. We’re shoppers.”

  So far, this wasn’t hard. We wandered around the room. I exclaimed over a few pieces and averted my gaze away from wedding sets. I was getting the impression people thought John and I were a couple. It was kind of disturbing. I stepped away from him, giving us a few inches of personal space.

  He closed the distance, wrapping an arm around my waist.

  I tensed.

  “I see them in the necklace section. We need closer to the case. Just play along.”

  Placing his hand on the small of my back, John guided me toward the front of the crowd.

  My purpose smacked me upside the head. We were a couple. He was my sugar daddy. I held in a groan. Next time, I should find out his plan before I agreed. I can’t believe how easily I got myself into this situation. Though considering the other things I’d wedged myself into, this was on the tame side—minus the whole creepy factor since John was Ted’s dad. I shivered.

  “Chilly, my sweet?” He pulled me toward him and rubbed his hand up and down my arm.

  I elbowed him in the side. “Don’t call me that, and stop with all the touching.”

  A gaze slid in our direction.

  “I know, honey, I know. Not in public. You’re a shy one,” John said.

  I narrowed my eyes. He grinned and shrugged. “We have a large audience,” he whispered.

  He was enjoying this way too much.

  A couple in front of us was huddled over the case. Every other spot was at least three people deep. This was the closest I’d get.

  I stood on my toes, craning my neck for a better view. The young lady in front of me had a fantastic coloring job. At the top of her head, the color started as bright red and faded into a dark brown. Lovely, but not what I needed to see. I braced my hand on John’s shoulder and rose to the very tips of my toes.

  “Anything you like, darling?” John drawled loudly. “I really want you to have something to match your earrings.”

  “Maybe we should come back later. It’s too crowded in here,” I said.

  “Sir, please bring your lovely lady over her,” a voice cajoled us at the end of the counter. “I have a spot over here where there are some lovely pieces.”

  John ushered me over. “My friend told me there was great service here. I’m glad I took his advice.”

  “Everyone is treated like royalty here.” The young man beamed at us. “Would you care for a cool beverage while you browse? Beer, champagne, water?”

  John opted for water and I followed suit.

  “Have whatever you like, darling,” John said. “You know this old ticker of mine can’t handle anything harder than water out in this heat.”

  “Water is fine,” I said.

  “Fine?” John widened his eyes and faced the clerk. “My gal here is settling for fine. Does she look like she should accept fine when perfect is offered?”

  “Of course not, sir. I’ll bring a water and a champagne for your miss.” He skedaddled to the back.

  “It’s a little early for champagne,” I said.

  “Consider it part of the story we’re creating. I have to be the overly indulgent rich guy wanting to impress you with the world he can offer you.”

  “Don’t you mean buy?”

  He grinned at me. “That a girl. Now you’re getting it. Pick out a couple of pieces you’d like him to show us.”

  “Should I start with something cheap and work my way up?”

  “It’s up to you. Go straight for giving the gold-digger impression, or let the salesperson sway you into some more expensive.”

  “I’ll go with mid-range. I have discerning taste, yet don’t not want to take advantage of you.”

  “Perfect,” John said.

  There sure were a lot of diamonds in the world, and half of them were in this store. Diamond necklaces were nestled in velvet. There was a two-carat solitaire in a simple setting paired with a herringbone gold chain. The stone was dazzling. Next to it was a layered heart pendant. The small heart had diamonds all around, while the outside heart had diamonds on one side. The pendant dangled from a delicate white gold rope chain. Beside it was a necklace with twenty large diamonds, forming a V. A small chain with diamonds trailing down dangled from the center of the V. My breath stuck in my throat. I smacked my chest a few times. It was the price of a house in Eden—okay, actually two. Maybe three if you wanted a quaint three-bedroom house in the old part of town.

  The sales clerk placed our drinks on the counter. “Sorry for the delay. Another couple asked for some help. I let them know I was with a customer, but the elderly woman needed water.”

  “I’m not in a rush.” I glanced down the row, raising my glass to hide my face a bit. William and Ruth. William wore khaki shorts and a light blue shirt, the outfit complementing the pale blue and white sundress Ruth wore. Tiny anchors decorated the fabric. Ruth fanned herself with a wide-brimmed hat and pressed a bottle of water to her cheek. William was tapping away on his phone. “You can go help that lady and her grandson first. I’m having so much trouble deciding. Everything is so lovely. We’re working out our budget.” I ran my fingers over the solitaire diamond necklace, drifting a little over to the hearts.

  “Give me a little time to convince her to go with her heart’s desire,” John winked at the guy. “She’s so budget conscious.”

  “If she’s looking for hearts, we have more styles down this way.” The clerk walked over a few feet and spread his arm to the showcase section of the case. “If you’re a pink fan, we have some pink diamonds down here.”

  Closer to William and Ruth. There was a hulk of a man between William and where I’d stand. Perfect. “Do you mind, honey?” I batted my lashes.

  “Of course not. I’ll stay here and guard this one,” John said.

  “Aren’t you a dear?” I slid over a few feet and pretended to ponder the choices before me. I was close enough to hear William and Ruth’s conversation and still be blocked from their view.

  “My other couple is still deciding, madam. What has caught your eye?”

  Ruth sighed. “I’m torn between these two pieces. What do you think, William?”

  Tap. Tap. Tap. William sure was interested in his phone. “Whichever you’d like. They’d both look lovely on you.”

  She let out a strained laugh. “I know that, silly boy. Which would go better with my cocktail dress? The gold one with the beaded black jacket.”

  “White gold wouldn’t blend in as much,” William said.

  “Do you still have a picture of my bracelet? I’d like to get something similar.”

  “Of course.”

  “I can’t believe I lost it. I might have to pick up another one.”

  “I’m sure it’ll turn up. That happened the last time we cruised. Remember? You found it in your suitcase. It was tucked in with your unmentionables.”

  Ruth giggled. “That’s right, silly me.”

  “Here are your choices, madam. The white gold in this piece gives off a little bit of a blue shimmer.”

  “No, that won’t do,” Ruth said. “Now this one would be magnificent.”

  I glanced over. Ruth was holding up an exquisite necklace. The chain was substantial, chain links separated by large circles. In the middle of the piece were
two pink diamonds surrounded by smaller white diamonds to create a flower shape. The necklace cost as much as the town of Eden.

  The man beside me shifted, giving me a clear view of William.

  William flipped his phone around, showing the screen to Ruth. “The gold will match your dress, but not your bracelet. I’m not sure that style suits your classic beauty. The other necklace would drape beautifully on your neck.” He trailed a finger down her throat.

  She blushed and giggled like a schoolgirl. “But the hint of blue doesn’t go with my gown.”

  “It will match your pale blue gown. You’ll look like the ice queen Elsa,” William said. He shoved the phone into his pocket. “It’s a simpler design that will go with more of your wardrobe. It’ll work with gowns or everyday wear. You did say you wanted a piece that wasn’t so flashy it’ll look out of place at the movies or a dinner out with friends.”

  She patted his cheek. Her eyes crinkled and she tilted her head, suddenly facing me. “You’re absolutely right. Can you box this one up for me?”

  Had she seen me? I scooted back toward John, taking extreme interest in the jewelry. My face was almost pressed into the glass. “I think we should go. Ruth might be on to us.”

  “Does she know you?”

  “Yes.”

  TWENTY

  “Now what?” I asked as we rushed out of the diamond store.

  “I’d love to know how much the necklace cost.” John pushed me forward. “Start walking. I’ll catch up.”

  I saw what he saw: William and Ruth stepping outside. John gazed at the window display, head tucked low. I yanked out the map and stepped into the middle of the walkway, pondering choices. I pointed at one place, shook my head, and then flicked my hand towards another spot. Not the best acting in the world, but I hoped it worked.

  “Over there,” Ruth said. “Isn’t she on our cruise?”

  “Yes. She’s a friend of Ronnie’s,” William said, a mix of curiosity and anger in his voice.

  I tightened my grip on the map. Play it cool.

  “Poor thing looks all alone. Let’s have her join us for lunch.”

  I felt a touch on my elbow. I acted startled, crunching the corners of the map. “Hi. Can I help you? William, I didn’t see you there.” I smiled brightly.

  Ruth looked from William to me and back again. Her eyes twinkled. “We’re going for lunch. Care to join us?”

  “I don’t want to intrude.”

  “You won’t be.” Ruth batted her lashes at William. “Will she, dear one?’

  “Of course not. Why don’t you two settle in and I’ll be along shortly. I have a quick errand.” “We’ll be at our place.” Ruth hooked her arm with mine. “It’s a lovely spot with a beach view. They have the best burgers and margaritas there.”

  Perfect way to witness interactions between the couple. “Thanks. It’ll be nice having lunch companions.”

  “On your own for the whole day?” Ruth tapped the cobblestones, her cane making a rhythmic sound. There was a bounce to her step I hadn’t seen the other day in the theater. Then again, whose mood wouldn’t improve with the sun shining down and the hint of the ocean in the air?

  “Yes. There was a slight misunderstanding about purchasing tickets for an excursion. I missed out.” I shrugged. “What can you do but make the best of a beautiful day?”

  Ruth tsked. “I’m surprised your man didn’t stay with you.”

  “His young daughter is on the cruise as well. He doesn’t spend as much time with her as he’d like. They live about two hours from each other.”

  “Being a father is more important than being a boyfriend.”

  Yes. It was. Even though I agreed with that truth, it still stung.

  “Let’s walk along the boardwalk. It’s a lovelier view.”

  Ruth was right. The stores facing the ocean had a very tropical appearance. Quaint. The shops were restaurants and mom-and-pop stores filled with handmade wares. Weaved blankets hung from the awnings. An old woman sat outside, braiding a young girl’s blond hair. Her gnarled, tanned fingers moved fast and furious, over and under, creating intricate braids. Young men walking up and down the sidewalk held up posters offering deals on renting beach chairs and umbrellas. The guy giving away a bucket of beer with each rental was getting the most business, even with a higher price. There was something eye-catching about free.

  “We’ll keep you company.” Ruth pointed at a restaurant with a large deck facing the beach. “We’re here. Our favorite spot is in the corner. It has the best view. It’s a lucky day because it’s empty.”

  I took a seat at the table. Ruth was right. The view was spectacular. The turquoise blue water gleamed, a lovely contrast to the pale beige sand. The waves whooshed in the background, accompanying the sounds of laughter. A cool breeze drifted over us. It felt refreshing.

  A waiter arrived with a large pitcher of water. “Ms. Ruth, it’s nice to see you. Your usual?”

  “Yes, and for William. He’ll be along shortly. Would you like a menu, Faith?” Ruth lifted an eyebrow. “Or shall I order for you?”

  “I’ll have what you’re having,” I smiled at her. “I trust your taste.”

  She beamed. “I’m happy to hear that. So tell me, why did you run out of the diamond shop so quickly?”

  Drat. She had spotted me. I spread the napkin on my lap and fussed with it. “I’d rather not say.”

  “You can tell me.” Her eyes twinkled. “I know what’s going on.”

  “You do?” I doubted it as she seemed very happy about the situation. Unless she was the one who hired John.

  “William.” She wagged her finger. “I know when a girl is trying to catch a boy’s eye.”

  She thought I was after William? It was better than the truth. I dipped my head down. “I’m in a relationship.”

  “Have you been dating long?”

  “A few months. We’ve been friends for a while.”

  “A cruise is a big test for a relationship, especially when a child is brought along.”

  The waiter dropped off our order.

  “We’re on the cruise to attend a wedding. It’s a great way to meet his family.”

  “And yet, you’re here alone while they’re off, together I’m presuming, on a tour.”

  I shoved a fry in my mouth. I didn’t like the feelings the conversation stirred in me. Loneliness. Anger. Bitterness. The worst one of all.

  “I’m here, ladies.” William bounded up the steps and rubbed his hands together. “Just in time for food.”

  “Faith and I were having a lovely time chatting. She’s a delightful girl.”

  “I’m sure she is.” William slid a smile in my direction. “Ronnie took to her right away. She usually has a hard time opening up with people.”

  “Your sister was vibrant and adventurous. I’m happy I met her.” My voice caught. I hadn’t known her long, but I knew her loss was great for those who knew and loved her.

  “Where do you live, Faith?” Ruth asked, a little too brightly. I don’t know if the talk of Ronnie troubled her or she wanted a pleasant topic for matchmaking purposes. Pick-ups didn’t usually occur when talking about relatives who recently passed away.

  “West Virginia. How about you, William?”

  I cupped my chin in my hand and stared at him, hoping I seemed a little starry eyed.

  “East coast.” William took a bite of his sandwich. When he was done chewing, William switched the conversation. “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

  “I haven’t made any,” I said, remembering Ruth’s request to join William for the excursion being a surprise. “Probably lay out on the beach and read.”

  “Nonsense,” Ruth said. “A young lady like you should take in the sights.” She clapped her hands. “I have the perfect idea. Faith can go on the ATV tour tomorrow.”

  “It’s a couple’s tour,” William said. “It’s all booked.”

  Ruth pouted. “We’ll double check when we get back to the ship. It�
��s a tour of some scenic spots on the island and includes a stop at the beach. It’ll be lovely.”

  “I’m sure she can arrange her own entertainment.” William adjusted his position. His hardened gaze met mine. “Am I right?”

  For some reason, the guy didn’t want me on the tour. Which made me want to go ever so much. “It sounds fun.”

  “It’s for couples. It won’t be fun if you’re by yourself.” William’s smile was strained. “I’m sure there are plenty of other tours available for tomorrow. I’ve heard the catamarans are wonderful.”

  “I have a lovelier idea,” Ruth said. “Faith can go with you. I’m not really up to sitting on the back of an ATV for so long.” She drummed her cane on the ground. “It’s settled. Faith will take my place on the tour.”

  William’s eyes narrowed. Instead of arguing with Ruth, he shoved the remainder of his sandwich into his mouth. The guy was not happy at all.

  “Thank you for walking me back.” Ruth hooked her cane onto her arm and removed her ID and keycard from her wallet as we approached the ship. “My leg is throbbing and I must get off it.”

  William bowed. “I’d never forgive myself if you didn’t make it back.”

  She patted his cheek lovingly. “You’re such a dear. I wish you hadn’t cut your day short.”

  “I was told port days are the best times to snag a deal at the spa.” I rummaged around in my purse. “Besides, I thought I was going to be indoors most of the day and I forgot my sunscreen. I’ll get burned if I shop for much longer.”

  “That is true,” William said. “A bad burn can ruin a vacation. I’ll see you lovely ladies later.”

  “Coming?” Ruth inched toward the security checkpoint.

  “My goodness, I think my ID is at the bottom.” My head was practically in the bag. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Enjoy your afternoon at the spa.”

  When I no longer heard the tip-tap of her cane, I removed my head from the bag and went after William. He couldn’t have gotten far. Re-boarding the ship was the perfect cover. William thought I was on the ship, so he was roaming free. I’d find out what he did away from Ruth.