Det. Granger turned his attention back to her. “It’s nothing to worry about. We’ve had several house burglaries on nights like this. When there are big events in town that have wealthy guests in attendance, thieves know it’s a good night to hit those houses. Of course, we encourage house alarms and such, but it happens in every city.”
“Did he say there were five tonight?” Harper inquired, adjusting her gown. It felt light and airy when she put it on early in the evening. Now it felt heavy, weighing her down.
“Yes, five houses got hit. If it’s like the others, the thieves will have taken mostly expensive jewelry. Easy grabs,” Granger explained.
“Oh, that’s terrible.” Harper grimaced. “I don’t understand how people can be so terrible. All the people were here at the ball?”
Det. Granger nodded but remained tightlipped and didn’t offer her any more information. He looked worried, but maintained his composure. He shook Harper’s hand and said he would be in touch. Det. Granger headed towards the front door just as Jackson walked in.
Chapter Nine
Harper met Jackson in the hallway as she followed Granger to the door. The detective stopped and asked Jackson to meet him in the morning at the police station to give a formal statement. Jackson shook the man’s hand and said he’d be there first thing.
After the door closed, Harper turned to Jackson and sighed loudly. He looked at Harper with concern. “You turned out to be an exciting first date,” Jackson said, offering a sympathetic smile.
“Yeah most women aren’t usually finding dead bodies,” Harper countered. “When you were out there did you hear if the police know any more?”
Before Jackson could answer, Hattie appeared down the hall at the threshold of the kitchen. She waved both of them back. As Harper and Jackson entered the room, Harper drew up short. She hadn’t known the man that had walked into the house with them, and right now outside of Hattie and Jackson, she wasn’t trusting anyone. Apparently, Jackson felt the same.
“Who are you?” Jackson asked with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
Dan stood and started to speak, but Hattie cut him off. “This is Dan Barnes. He’s the editor-in-chief for Rock City Life. I was speaking to him right before Harper screamed.”
“Right before, as in you were standing with him?” Jackson asked. He stood with part of his body shielding Harper. She peered over his shoulder at Dan, sizing him up.
“Well no, I guess not right before,” Hattie offered. She turned to Dan, “What would you say, like thirty to forty minutes before?”
“About that,” Dan agreed. Looking at Jackson he inquired, “Why does it matter?”
“Because we don’t know who killed the man, everyone’s a suspect,” Jackson said definitively.
“Jackson,” Hattie admonished. She sat down at the table, pulling Dan by the arm back down to his seat. “I’ve known Dan for close to ten years. I can assure you he didn’t kill Tucker Reese. I had just been speaking to him about the magazine and recommending Harper for some freelance work. I was in search of the two of you when I heard Harper scream.”
Dan looked past Jackson and right at Harper. “I swear to you I was in the tent. I used to be the editor-in-chief at the local paper, and now I run Rock City Life. I was here working tonight. Besides, I wouldn’t kill anyone.”
Harper moved around Jackson. She went to the table and shook the man’s hand. No alarm bells went off for her, but then again, she had trusted her husband right up until the end. Harper said resigned, “I wish we were meeting under better circumstances. Given what happened, you can imagine we are both a bit shaken.”
Jackson still wasn’t moving. He had his hands on his hips and was staring down Dan. He gruffed, “As far as I’m concerned, anyone not standing in front of me in the moments leading up to Harper finding the body is suspect.”
Hattie shot him a look of exasperation. “You’ll have to excuse him. He’s retired military and not the trusting type.”
“I get it,” Dan conceded. He turned to Jackson. “I’m a friend, really. I want the cops to solve this as much as you do. I don’t know too many people that liked Tucker Reese, but something like this can tarnish a city.”
Jackson didn’t move or say anything. He just stood there and watched them. It was endearing to Harper the way he was protective of them already, even if she felt it was misplaced.
Hattie got up and gave her a hug. “Let me make you some tea.”
“What’s happening outside? What will the police do now?” Harper asked no one in particular.
Jackson’s voice was cold and direct. “They have everyone in the tent. They called the medical examiner and crime scene techs. They will question everyone they can, and go over the scene looking for evidence. Hopefully with enough witnesses, they can solve this quickly.”
“I don’t know how, he was wearing a full-face mask.” Harper wrapped her arms around herself for warmth.
Jackson walked into the living room and pulled a small throw blanket off the couch and brought it to her, draping it over her bare shoulders. “What kind of mask was he wearing?”
“It looked like the devil. It had horns at the top and was red and gold. I couldn’t see any of his face showing. I didn’t see the color of his suit, but it was dark. I couldn’t make out much else.”
“Nothing else to identify him, then?” Jackson asked. He stepped back from Harper and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest.
Harper shook her head no. She asked Jackson, “Who were you talking to? You took that call, and that’s when I walked to the edge of the property to give you space. I saw two men through the trees and heard them arguing, but didn’t think anything of it. I turned back around and you looked so angry. I got distracted watching you.”
Jackson pinched the bridge of his nose. “It was personal.”
“I see,” Harper said.
“It’s not like that,” Jackson conceded. “It was my ex-wife. She calls sometimes. She’s been calling all day so I finally just answered so she’d stop.”
Harper didn’t press further. She wouldn’t want to have to talk about Nick. Looking around at each of them, she asked, “Did anyone else see the man in the devil mask at the party?”
Before anyone could answer, a voice came from right behind Harper. “That’s the question of the hour,” said Matthew Inslee as he walked into the kitchen from the back porch. He startled everyone, but Harper practically jumped out of her skin. Sparkle and Shine put themselves between Harper and the man and started barking loudly at him.
Chapter Ten
Jackson immediately squared off with the man. “What are you doing in Hattie’s house?”
“Settle down,” Inslee said over the barking. He flashed his badge. “I’m with the Prosecutor’s Office. Stop these damn dogs.”
Hattie shooed them out of the kitchen.
Inslee explained, “I’ll be heading up the criminal case once there is an arrest. Det. Granger said I would find Ms. Harper Ryan in here.”
“You don’t just go sneaking around like that,” Jackson cautioned. “We are all a bit on edge.”
Inslee ignored Jackson’s rebuke. He moved to Harper and offered her his hand. She took it. “Granger said you’d be in here. He didn’t say you were this attractive though.”
Hattie got up and crossed the room to him. She said dryly, “What an odd thing to say to a murder witness. Jackson’s right. You should have knocked or announced yourself. I can only imagine you were listening in on our conversation. What can we do for you, Mr. Inslee?”
“The infamous Hattie Ryan Beauregard. I heard you were…” Inslee paused and then with an exaggeration in his voice added, “perceptive.”
“That’s one word for it,” Hattie smirked. “Why don’t you take a seat, Harper was just going upstairs to get changed. She’s a bit cold.”
Hattie walked to Harper and whispered to Jackson, “Go up with her and wait a bit before you come down.”
Harper wasn’t sure what her aunt was up to, but she didn’t like the look of Inslee. His dark slicked back hair and closely shaved beard were far too perfect. His movie star good looks weren’t as becoming as the man thought. He came off arrogant and brash. Hattie had been right though. She was freezing now and uncomfortable in the gown.
Jackson guided her up the stairs, and then walked with her to her bedroom. He stopped at the threshold. Harper turned to see what he was doing. “You were just in here a few days ago. Come in. Take a seat. I’ll be just a minute.”
Jackson didn’t look comfortable being there, but he sat in a chair in the reading nook. Harper watched him from the corner of her eye as she pulled a pair of jeans from her closet and a long-sleeve shirt. She went to the hallway bathroom and quickly changed. She took a quick look in the mirror. Her face was red and blotchy and her mascara had run from crying. She washed her face, and then applied just a small amount of makeup to look presentable. By the time she got back, Jackson had taken off his suit jacket, vest and tie. He undid the top button of his shirt.
“More comfortable?” she asked quietly as she hung up her dress.
“Definitely.” Jackson yawned and rubbed at his eyes.
Harper sat down in the chair opposite him. She took a deep breath, and then unable to stop herself, she started to cry. She covered her face with her hands and sobbed. Jackson didn’t say anything. Once she calmed down, he got up and grabbed a box of tissues that were on her dresser and handed them to her. “It’s normal after trauma,” he reassured. “It’s good to get it out.”
She blew her nose and wiped her eyes. “You don’t really know me that well. This is a lot for me. I had a completely different life in Manhattan until a few months ago. It’s been upside down ever since.”
He smiled at her. “Harper, I get it more than you know. Getting divorced and retiring from the Army, I don’t feel quite like myself either. I got up nearly every day and put on a uniform. I had structure to my days. I had a defined mission.” He looked out the door for several seconds and then back at her. “Now, I don’t know what I have anymore.”
Harper nodded in understanding. “Maybe we can call a truce and not be so sarcastic with each other. I don’t have any friends here, and I could probably use one.”
She stuck her hand out to him. “Friends?”
“Friends,” he agreed and clasped her hand. Then Jackson said, “To answer your question from earlier, no I didn’t see a man in that kind of mask. I wasn’t really looking for him though so I could have missed him. Nothing seemed off at the party. Everyone seemed to be having a great time.”
They both sat back in their chairs. Harper was trying to remember if she saw the man earlier in the evening, but nothing was clicking. Their silence was interrupted by Hattie.
She yelled from downstairs, “Harper, could you come down, please.”
Harper and Jackson both got up and walked down the stairs. As they hit the first floor, Hattie explained, “I spoke briefly to Mr. Inslee about the party and guests that were in attendance. I got rid of him for the evening. Told him it was better that you meet him at his office tomorrow. We scheduled for ten, after Jackson meets with Det. Granger. Dan has left as well.”
Looking directly at Jackson, she added, “It would be great if you could go with Harper tomorrow since you were looking right at her while it was happening. I also think Inslee has other intentions on his mind, if you know what I mean.”
“I’d be happy to go,” Jackson offered. “He seemed slick.”
“That’s a good word for him,” Hattie agreed, squeezing his hand. “That’s why I wanted to be rid of him this evening. Told him Harper wasn’t in the best shape to give another statement.” She reached out with her other hand and squeezed Harper’s.
Hattie added ruefully, “This definitely wasn’t how I planned tonight to go. Some of the guests have headed home. The police are still processing the scene. I also heard there have been several burglaries of guests here. There are more cops talking to those people. I asked the caterer to bring in some food. I know you probably aren’t hungry, Harper, but you need to eat.”
Harper was starving actually. She hadn’t eaten since earlier that afternoon. At now close to eleven, her stomach was growling. She appreciated Hattie’s quick thinking. While Harper knew she’d have to show Hattie and Jackson she didn’t need quite this much babying, she was going to accept it tonight.
Chapter Eleven
At nine-thirty the next morning, Harper walked out the side porch door of Hattie’s house and met Jackson in the driveway. He was just getting back from his meeting with Det. Granger. Together, they walked to the backyard to see if the crime scene techs were still working. The yellow crime scene tape was set up around the perimeter where the body was found, but all was quiet. After mutual agreement that Jackson knew the city a bit better, they climbed into his truck and headed on their way to Harper’s meeting with the prosecutor’s office.
Jackson navigated the city streets with ease. About twenty minutes later, they were pulling into a parking spot a few blocks from the courthouse. As Jackson put the truck in park, he looked at Harper. “You nervous?”
“I wouldn’t say nervous, I just want to get it over with,” Harper conceded. “I just went through this a few months ago, talking to cops and prosecutors. I don’t want this to be normal in my life.”
Jackson nodded in understanding. The pair got out of the truck and walked the few blocks. They made it through court security and up to the fourth floor of the Pulaski County Courthouse. Tucker Reese’s name was still etched on the door. Bill Myers was his assistant and would be taking over until a special election could be held.
As Jackson pulled open the heavy wood door that lead into the prosecutor’s office, they nearly walked right into Fr. McNally, who was dressed in traditional priest clothing and collar. He was shaking Inslee’s hand and thanking him. For what, they didn’t hear. Fr. McNally gave them both a curt nod and left. Jackson looked at Harper with eyebrows raised. She just shrugged.
As the two entered the office, Harper picked up the dirty look Inslee directed at Jackson, who was still watching the priest walk away. It was clear Inslee didn’t like that Jackson had tagged along.
Reaching out his hand to Harper, Inslee said, “You both know Fr. McNally, I presume.” Then he paused and added, “Well you may not know him well since you’re both new in the city from what I hear. Anyway, he’s not a suspect as much as your aunt would like him to be.”
“Pretty quick to clear someone, don’t you think?” Jackson inquired, turning his attention back to the prosecutor. “Maybe he had a solid alibi, I don’t know, but his actions were a bit off last night. Hattie wasn’t the only one who thought so.”
“Well we can’t have a woman like Hattie tarnishing someone’s good name,” Inslee exclaimed resolutely. “Now,” he said turning to Harper, “let’s head into my office.”
Turning to Jackson, Inslee said curtly, “You’ll wait here.”
Harper looked back to Jackson and smiled just to let him know she’d be okay. Once inside Inslee’s office, he guided her to a round table in the corner. He took the seat next to her rather than opposite. Inslee patted her knee and said, “Hopefully, we can have a good chat.”
Harper pushed his hand off her leg. “It won’t be that good if you keep insulting my aunt.”
Inslee pulled back in feigned innocence. “I merely meant that with her certain brand of spirituality that she’d be at odds with the Catholic church so you can understand how she’d be suspicious of Fr. McNally when there’s no cause. The man spent two years in Brazil working with at-risk youth before coming to us last summer.”
Harper folder her arms and interjected angrily, “Hattie was suspicious of Fr. McNally because he was acting suspiciously. He came out of nowhere and was covered in dirt, almost like he’d been struggling with someone.
“Besides,” Harper added indignantly, “both Hattie and I were raised Catholic.
She has no hard feelings towards the Catholic religion or anyone. I think it’s you with the problem.”
Inslee got up and closed his office door. He stood at the entrance. With condescension in his voice he explained, “Harper, you’re really getting this all wrong. I can tell you’re like me. You don’t believe in psychics and witches and all that. I’ve never thought Hattie’s shop was good for our city. I’m surprised they haven’t run her out of the Heights by now. I’m just saying, I can’t allow her to tarnish a good man’s name. And this isn’t really how you want to start out your life here.”
Harper stood. “I’m here to talk about what I saw last night. If that’s not why I’m here, I have nothing else to discuss with you. If you’re looking for what I saw and what I know about the murder of your boss, then let’s get on with it.” Harper started toward the door.
Inslee eyed her, but she wasn’t going to let this man make her uncomfortable. Harper had dealt with men far more privileged and slicker than Inslee all her life.
Inslee touched Harper on the arm as she reached past him to open the door. Inslee relented, “Please sit down. I need to hear what you saw. We can leave your aunt out of the discussion.”
Harper reluctantly sat back down at the table, and over the next hour, reiterated the story she had told Det. Granger the night before. When Harper was done, Inslee asked her the same kinds of questions over and over again about who she knew in the city, specifically if she knew Tucker Reese before that night. Harper explained that Hattie and Jackson were the only people she knew, and no, she had never met Tucker Reese. No matter how Inslee asked the questions, Harper’s answers were the same because truth only had one version.
“There’s really no way you could identify the killer, then?” Inslee asked in conclusion, disappointment evident in his voice.
“No, I’m sorry,” Harper said, feeling somewhat defeated. “There’s not anything I can remember right now that would help with that.”
Saints & Sinners Ball Page 4
