Conch Shell Murder

by Dorothy Francis

  “That wasn’t exactly the kind of endangerment I meant.”

  “I know. There are many dangers in this world.”

  “The Africans ignored me, but they helped me develop a sense of community. I may be able to make a difference here.”

  “Those Africans may still be plowing straight furrows and boiling their drinking water—all because of your patient and competent direction.”

  “Let’s hope so.” Rex laughed and squeezed her hand as they headed back to the car. “When I moved here, I felt the housing shortage. If Key West is to thrive as anything other than a theme park for the wealthy, the average-income and low-income families must be able to find affordable housing.”

  Rex started the Corvette. “May I take you to breakfast?”

  “Thanks, but I’ve already eaten. I need to get my car and head to the office.”

  “The interview with Elizabeth is first on your agenda?”

  “Right. Any advice?”

  “None. You’re on your own.” Rex drove in silence for several blocks. “I suppose you’ve heard that Elizabeth and I have…once saw a lot of each other.”

  “I’ve heard that mentioned.” She grinned at him.

  “But that scene’s all over. Finished. Done.”

  “You needn’t explain.”

  “You explained about your ex.”

  “Nobody could really explain Chuck Gross.”

  “Nor Elizabeth. Let me say that we broke up when I realized she was using me and my position as mayor to foster her career, so let’s relegate both Elizabeth and Chuck to our distant pasts.”

  “Done!”

  “I’d like to take you to dinner tonight.”

  “You’re trying to send me back to Overeaters Anonymous.” She smiled, hoping to hide her eagerness.

  “I’m not trying to send you anywhere. I want to spend the evening with you. Ah, Katie! You’re so easy to be with. Are you busy tonight?”

  “No. I’d love having dinner with you.”

  “Great. Tonight’s the opening of ‘Tyler Parish’s one-man show at the East Martello Gallery. Have you talked with him yet?”

  “No. I called him, but he put me off until after this opening.” She didn’t tell him about visiting his studio.

  “Then let’s take in his show tonight. His paintings may give you insight into the man.”

  “Do you know him?”

  “By sight and rumor. He has quite a reputation around town—artistic and otherwise.”

  “I suppose I’ll be delving into the otherwise. But I’d love to see his show at the old Martello fort.”

  “Then once again, I’ll be your guide.” Rex stopped in front of her house, and she got out before he could open the door.

  “Thanks for the tour. I appreciated it.”

  “I’ll be looking forward to his evening. More than you know.”

  NINETEEN

  Katie unlocked her office then flung open the doors and windows. Returning to the small, bricked garden, she picked a golden alamanda blossom to brighten the dark day and floated it in a bowl on her desk before she began planning her interview with Elizabeth Wright.

  When the telephone rang, she answered, then leaned forward, smiling.

  “How’s the case going, Katie girl?”

  “Like the ebb tide. Lots of energy going out, but little coming in. Wish you were here to advise and suggest.”

  “Who’s your prime suspect? Po?”

  “Do you think he should be?”

  “Not necessarily. But victim’s spouses usually rate a large chunk of a detective’s time.”

  “Are you beginning to think the police could have been wrong?”

  “That’s always a possibility, but no. My opinion remains unchanged.”

  “As yet, I’ve reached no conclusions. Po’s alibi is like Swiss cheese, but I’ve crossed Diane and Randy Dade off my list. And Mary Bethel, Alexa’s secretary. Likewise Beck Dixon and Rex Layton.”

  “The mayor’s a suspect?”

  “No longer.” She explained Rex’s relationship to Alexa Chitting and the Cayo Hueso project. “I still have three people to talk to—Alexa’s lover, Po’s mistress, and Elizabeth Wright.”

  “Why Wright? Who’s she?”

  “Head of the Department of Community Affairs. If Alexa’s second will had been valid, it could have indirectly affected Elizabeth Wright’s job.”

  “How?”

  She sighed, but maybe rehashing the material for Mac would help clarify it in her own mind. “Wright makes decisions on Key West land usage. At one time both she and the mayor favored building a low-rent housing development on old salt pond land. Then Elizabeth did a sudden about-face, deciding that the land was inappropriate and that it should be preserved.”

  “That makes her suspect? If the second will had been valid, the Preservation Group would probably have used Alexa’s fortune to fight Cayo Hueso. If that were Wright’s desire, then she certainly wouldn’t have offed Alexa before she could sign that will.”

  “But there’s more craziness. Wright did another turnaround the day after Alexa’s murder and is again considering the salt pond location for development. Something there stinks, but so far I haven’t learned what it is.”

  “Politics. There can be a lot of politics and insider dealing in any public building program. Wright’s connection with the murder seems tenuous to me, but it’s your case.”

  “You’re probably right, but I’d like to know what motivated her vacillation. I smell big bucks in the Cayo Hueso machinations, and Wright’s nose is sharper and more experienced than mine. She knows she must produce if she’s to step up on the career ladder.”

  “Well, give the Chittings their money’s worth, Katie girl. Hang in there. Phone me if you have any problems I can help you solve.”

  “Thanks. I will.”

  “I just called to tell you that I’ve had some good breaks here and I may be back by Monday night.”

  “Great!”

  “You can tell me more about the case then, if you haven’t already solved it. But take care. A person who closes in on a killer puts himself at risk. Herself, in your case.”

  “I’ll be cautious and I’ll see you on Monday.”

  She sat thinking, wishing she could solve the case before Mac returned. What a plum that would be! Still smiling at the thought, she tucked a notebook into her bag and left the office. The cold front had worsened and she shivered as she walked the few blocks to Elizabeth Wright’s Simonton Street office.

  She tried to hold her mind on questions she would ask, but her thoughts kept flying to Rex. How deeply had he been involved with Elizabeth Wright? Diane had called him a ladies’ man. Was he the kind who made a conquest then moved on? Maybe she was merely his next target. No time to speculate about that now. She had arrived.

  “Katie Hassworth,” she said to the secretary, a short, plump brunette who was retouching her nail polish. “I’ve a ten o’clock appointment.”

  “Yes, Miss Hassworth. Go right in. Miss Wright’s expecting you.”

  Thank you, Miss Scarlet Nails. Sometimes she could identify with Bubba’s need for nicknames. She stubbed her toe on a loosely woven rattan rug as she stepped into a pine-paneled office and she felt her face flush. Some entrance! Elizabeth Wright rose, sending a musky scent across her huge oak desk. Even in her tailored business suit she exuded that sexy glamour Beck had scorned. And if she recalled seeing Katie at Alexa’s marina office, she gave no indication of it.

  “Do have a chair, Miss Hassworth.” She glanced at her watch. “I know you’ve come concerning the Chitting murder, but I can’t imagine how I can help you.”

  Katie sat, Elizabeth Wright’s cool aplomb making her feel like a recalcitrant student called to the principal’s office for reprimand. Two file folders lay in precision-like order on the left side of the desk, brass bookends supported three volumes on the right side, and a single golden hibiscus blossom floated in a brandy snifter near the telephone. It hard
ly looked like the desk of a person who had trouble making decisions.

  “I just wanted to discuss the murder in general.”

  “Why with me?” Elizabeth Wright met her direct gaze.

  “Because of your interest in Cayo Hueso. Alexa Chitting hated to see that project located in the salt pond area:’ “I understood that she had fists-up feelings about it.”

  “You didn’t know her?”

  “No. Not personally. Of course, everyone in Key West knew of her.”

  “I’ve been reading newspaper accounts and I notice that on several occasions you’ve changed your position on the location of the Cayo Hueso development.”

  Wright smiled and shrugged. “You know how reporters misquote and exaggerate.”

  Katie consulted her notebook. “A month before Alexa’s murder—that would have been in December—you were in favor of the salt pond location for Cayo Hueso, right?”

  “Yes. I thought that abandoned area could be utilized for the benefit of many people. Mayor Layton agreed, and he was ready to use his influence with the city council to help get the project underway.”

  “But on the Friday before Alexa Chitting died, you changed your mind about the suitability of the location. Is that correct?”

  “Yes. Yes, I believe I did have some second thoughts around that time.”

  “Why?”

  “Why?” She feigned surprise.

  “Yes, why?” Katie let the silence between them burgeon until Wright responded, her speech now a bit faster and louder.

  “I did some further checking. Key West is an area of critical state concern, and the DCA has the final say in local land-use issues.”

  Double talk “Why did you change your mind?”

  Wright cleared her throat and folded her hands on her desk blotter. “You sound as if you’re about to read me my rights. Should I call my lawyer?”

  “I’m not with the police department, Miss Wright. You’ll be a great help to me if you’ll give candid answers. Why did you change your mind about Cayo Hueso?”

  “I wanted to do more checking. The density of the project nagged at me. Overcrowding would be a detriment to the community. During the peak tourist season, the island teams with visitors. As you know, this annual surge of humanity taxes our water supply and our electric generators as well as our patience.”

  Katie checked her notes again. “I understand that in December, the density of the projected Cayo Hueso complex had already been reduced from five hundred and fifty units to four hundred.”

  “You’ve done your homework well.”

  “What else caused you to change your mind?”

  Elizabeth unfolded her hands, placed them in her lap, refolded them. “I reconsidered traffic patterns. Traffic’s always a problem here, and I felt cars from Cayo Hueso might clog the main artery of Roosevelt Boulevard.”

  “Mayor Layton backed the project. What did he think about the traffic pattern?”

  She raised her chin slightly. “Perhaps you should direct that question to Mayor Layton personally.”

  “Yes, perhaps I should. But the fact remains that shortly before Alexa Chitting’s death you changed your mind—again, supporting the use of the salt pond area for the housing complex.”

  “Yes, yes I did.”

  “Could I see the papers involved in this project? Blueprints? Contracts? That sort of thing.”

  Wright hesitated, then smiled. “No. I’m afraid that’s impossible.”

  “Why? The documents are public records, are they not?”

  “Yes. They are public, but at this time they are out of my office.”

  “Where are they?”

  She flushed. “At the state office in Tallahassee.” Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat.

  Katie sensed a lie, but there was no way she could circumvent Wright’s refusal at this point. And she wasn’t sure she would have known what to do with the papers had she won access to them, but Elizabeth Wright’s reaction to her request intrigued her.

  “On the day after Alexa’s murder you returned to your first position, again backing the project. I’m interested in this vacillation.”

  “Why are you relating my decisions to the time of Alexa Chitting’s murder?” Wright rose and stood behind her chair, gripping its back with her right hand. “I never thought in those terms.”

  “I’m investigating a grisly killing. I try to relate everything of importance that was happening at that time to the moment of Alexa’s death. Will you explain why you again became enthusiastic about the salt pond locating for Cayo Hueso?”

  “I don’t know why you’re besetting me with this line of questioning. The mayor liked the salt pond locale, and I’m afraid I let some of his enthusiasm influence me.”

  “You’re a businesswoman in a responsible position. I find it astonishing that you’d let personal matters sway such an important decision.”

  “I didn’t. Not really, that is. But Mayor Layton’s position made me think. I began to delve more carefully into the details involved. And I agree with him. I think land that has all the visual status of an eyesore would better serve humanity if someone developed and utilized it.”

  “Then why haven’t you signed the necessary papers?”

  “Any decision of this magnitude requires much careful thought. I plan to sign the papers, but not until the lawyers in Tallahassee have scrutinized all the fine print.”

  “Then you have no strong feeling about preserving the area as a historical site?”

  “No. None. I see it as trashy land that can be turned into a financial and social asset to Key West.”

  “Where were you on the Monday night Alexa Chitting died?”

  Wright snorted and sat back down at her desk. “You suspect me of doing her in?”

  “I’m hired to suspect anyone with motive and opportunity. I merely asked where you were the night of her death.”

  “I never thought I’d need an alibi, but of course I have one. I was in Naples on business. I took an early morning flight on Monday and returned mid-afternoon on Tuesday. I’m sure airport records will corroborate my words.”

  “I’ll check it out.” Katie rose. “Thank you for your time, Miss Wright.”

  TWENTY

  Back in her office, Katie paced, thinking about Elizabeth Wright, her attitude toward being interrogated, her responses. Had Rex influenced her decisions as much as she claimed? Maybe she should ask Rex. No. Considering their current friendship, he surely might misinterpret her motives and consider such queries self-serving. She made a note to check on the times of Elizabeth’s departure from and return to Key West. Once she could scratch her off the suspect list, she would also write her out of her private life.

  “Dear child, may I come in?” Beck Dixon paused in the office doorway as if posing for a photograph.

  “Of course. Come in and sit down.” Katie rose, watching the older woman smooth the front of her blue pantsuit as she sat in the straight chair across from her desk. “What brings you out on this blustery morning?”

  “Extraordinary news.” Beck paused, glanced at the door, and Katie closed it.

  “What sort of news?”

  Beck took a deep breath, exhaled, then let her gaze bore into Katie. “Angie’s pregnant. By Po Chitting.”

  Katie sat down at her desk, unable to break away from Beck’s piercing gaze. “You’re sure?”

  “She confided in me this morning. She found out awhile back, and she was so devastated she kept the news to herself, trying to decide on a course of action. She’s told nobody until today.”

  “She’s sure Po’s the father?”

  “Positive. Dear child, Angie’s not some blowsy tart. She’s never been promiscuous. She’s as dedicated to Po as if they were legally married.”

  “Does she want an abortion?”

  “Never. She’s delighted at the thought of having a child, but she finds the circumstances unthinkable. So far I’m the only one she’s told. I thought you’d be
interested and I know you’ll be discreet.”

  “This makes both Angie and Po stronger suspects in the case. You realize that, don’t you?”

  “I disagree. Angie’s hardly the type to bash someone with a conch shell just because she’s pregnant.”

  “Are you sure? In a closely knit Cuban family, an out-of-wedlock pregnancy would be considered a sin as well as a social disgrace and an unforgivable embarrassment. Given Angie Garcia’s family background, I think her condition could motivate murder. With Alexa out of the way, Angie and Po would be free to marry. Hers would not be the first baby in the history of humankind to arrive a few weeks early.”

  “In your grubby business, I suppose you have to look at it that way, but I don’t. Angie’s a good woman who’s been trapped by passion. She’s not a murderer.”

  “You may be right, but I’ll have to talk to her.” Katie glanced uneasily at Beck.

  “I understand. I’ve told her you’d want to see her, told her I was helping with the investigation. She hates the idea, of course, but I promised her you’d be kind as well as discreet, that her secret would go no further unless revealing it was essential to solving the case.”

  “And she agreed to talk with me?”

  “Not in so many words. You’ll have to set up the meeting. But at least your request won’t come as a total shock.”

  “Thanks for telling me this. I appreciate it.”

  Beck stood. “You’re welcome. I empathize with Angie. She deserves better than Po Chitting. She’s like a good potato tossed into a bad stew.”

  “Po’s free. Maybe they’ll marry. He seems devoted to his grandchildren as well as to Angie. Perhaps he’ll welcome another child.”

  “And with the Chitting millions, the child will lack for nothing. Is that what you’re thinking?”

  “Something like that.”

  “Could I go along when you talk with Angie? It would help put her at ease.”

  “Yes. That’d be okay with me, if she agrees.”

  “I think she’s home. Why not call her now? Thursday’s her day off.”

  Katie dialed. Angie Garcia answered on the first ring and agreed to the meeting.