The Point of Death: An Austin, Texas Art Mystery (the Michelle Hodge series Book 1)

by Roslyn Woods

  “What?” Margie asked, seating herself across from her friend and looking searchingly into her face.

  “Someone killed her,” Shell answered, feeling almost as stunned as she had two hours earlier.

  “When?”

  “Probably a few minutes before I got to the co-op. She was lying on the floor in the classroom.”

  “Oh no! And you found her?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh my God! Was she shot?”

  “No, Margie. She had a palette knife stuck in the base of her skull.”

  “Oh, Jesus!” said Margie, making a face as if she couldn’t stand to see the image the words had created in her head. “Who would kill your teacher? Was there a robbery?”

  “I don’t know, Margie, but I’m going to try to find out.”

  “How? How in the world are you going to—”

  “There are ways to learn things. Gina will talk to me, for one thing. Class was supposed to start at two. Dr. Leone was already there when I got there, just before one. Someone must have been waiting for her, or maybe they came in after her.”

  “Maybe it was just some random thief. Someone who followed her in from the neighborhood.”

  “Maybe, but using a palette knife? I would think a thief would have his own weapon. I’m sure Gina will know if there’s money missing from the cash box, but there’s never much in it. She makes deposits right after events, and when art pieces sell it’s always done by check or credit card.”

  “But a thief off the street wouldn’t know that.”

  “True,” said Shell.

  “I have a hard time imagining a thief bothering with killing your teacher,” said Margie. “I mean, she probably wouldn’t fight somebody over the cash box. She’d probably just let them take it. Did she have her purse and jewelry?”

  “The sergeant said her purse was there and her wallet and phone were still inside. I remember she was wearing small gold hoops on her ears, but I didn’t notice her wedding rings. She wears them, though. I’ve noticed them before because she has a big diamond.”

  “Well if a thief didn’t take her wallet,” Margie mused, “it’s not likely he bothered to take her rings.”

  “You’re right. So why would someone kill her? The detectives were asking me if someone was jealous of her. She’s really just so attractive, I suppose that’s not all that unlikely.”

  “But jealousy implies a sexual problem, doesn’t it?” Margie asked.

  “Kind of. And she is married.”

  “Do you think she had a relationship on the side?”

  “It never occurred to me,” she answered. She sat thinking for a minute before she went on. “I did notice her coming in late a few times with a couple of the male students. I figured they were friends or they were just extra demanding about talking to her before class.”

  “The teacher came in late? That’s surprising.”

  “Yeah, but she’s such a good teacher, nobody minds. We’re all working on our own paintings till she gets there, and she comes in and starts walking around and commenting on our work. I think everyone feels flattered by her attention, and she makes really interesting observations. I’m telling you, everyone admired the woman. Especially the guys.”

  “It kind of makes sense if she was so pretty.”

  “Yeah. I can’t believe she’s gone. She was so full of life.”

  “I’m so sorry, Shell,” Margie said, looking up at her. “Is this going to be really sad for you?”

  “It won’t be like losing someone I was really close to, Margie, but yeah, when the shock is over, I’m going to be sad. I felt sort of connected to her. You do get to know a person, especially in a painting class. You talk while you work. Not that I know so much about her. I know she was married at twenty-two to her writing teacher at USC.”

  “Her teacher?”

  “Yeah. I think it was probably a scandal at the time—a professor fraternizing with a student and finally marrying her! When I first heard the story it sounded kind of romantic.”

  “Seems like she told you a lot.”

  “Well, I know she liked me. She really was interested in helping me with my work. I think that was completely genuine. But it wasn’t personal. I’m not a personal friend of hers. When she shared those things about her marriage, she was sharing with everyone who was in that painting class.”

  “But it sounds like some students were closer to her than others,” Margie said.

  Shell looked up at her then. “One of the guys she sometimes walks into class with late is named Micky. Micky…something.”

  “So maybe you could talk to him.”

  “I don’t really know him very well, but he isn’t the only one. There’s another guy. Gina told me he’s a student of Dr. Leone’s at UT.”

  “He’s in your class?”

  “Yeah. His name is James. I don’t know his last name.”

  “So why do you think she taught at the co-op if she had a full-time job at UT anyway?”

  “One day someone asked her why she bothered.”

  “What did she say?”

  “She said she liked teaching painting at the co-op and she was mostly forced to teach art theory and history at UT. It made sense to me. She was a good painting teacher. Really good.”

  “But was she flirty?”

  “Well, maybe. I don’t know. She could have been, but I never really thought about it.”

  “Have you ever seen Jeremy talking to her?”

  “Sure. He’s got paintings at the co-op, so he’s come by a few times and I noticed them talking. Why?”

  “I don’t know. He’s thirty-one. As close to her age as mine, and he’s been seeing somebody.”

  “Well that’s a pretty big leap.”

  “I know, but it’s possible. They know each other,” she answered, pausing. “I know you think I’m hurt about Jeremy, but the truth is, I wanted out. I didn’t feel whatever it is you’re supposed to feel. But I still find his behavior—I don’t know—just wrong.”

  “Then it’s better the break up happened now, before you’ve invested any more of your time in a person who can behave that way.”

  “I know. It’s just, I sometimes think I’m never going to have love in my life. I’m afraid I’m not capable of loving the way you’re supposed to, and maybe I’m not the kind of person who deserves it.”

  “You do deserve it! You’re a wonderful, loving, good person! How can you think that?”

  “I’ve lost everyone, Shell. My dad, my mom, my husband, now Jeremy.”

  “You dumped your husband, and you’re dumping Jeremy. I’ve dumped a few guys, too. It happens.”

  “But you weren’t married.”

  “But I could have been. It’s just a piece of paper that either represents something deep and lasting or it doesn’t. Dr. Leone once said that nobody knows what they’re getting into when they marry. They always find out after they’ve tied the knot.”

  “Sounds like there could have been trouble in paradise. I certainly didn’t find what I was looking for. What if it’s not out there?”

  “It’s out there. We’re still young. We have plenty of time.”

  Shell could see the misty look in Margie’s eyes. “I still feel sort of irked.”

  “Well, cheating is just rude!” Shell said vehemently.

  Margie smiled again. “I’m through with relationships. I’m not going to get involved with another man for a very, very long time.”

  “Ooh, knock on wood or something!” Shell said. “Declarations like that are just asking for trouble.”

  Chapter 4

  At 4:30, Shell decided to head back to her apartment.

  “Lock the door behind me,” she said. “You’re likely to get a confrontation from Jeremy if he comes by.”

  “Actually, I’m bringing Tabitha in. I’m afraid he’ll kick her or something.”

  “Good idea. I’m so glad you’re getting rid of that guy! But remember, lock the door.”

&nbs
p; “I will. I’m glad you were here when the locks got changed. It feels good to know you’ve got a copy of the key,” Margie answered.

  “I’m glad, too. And I’m kinda glad you’re keeping the dog. I think she’ll be even cuter when she’s had a bath and you’ve fattened her up some,” she said, almost smiling, but in a moment she was frowning again. “You won’t be tempted to let Jeremy in if he comes by, will you?”

  “Don’t worry. I’m so finished with that guy, there’s nothing he can say that will convince me to open the door for him.”

  “Good. Call me if you feel bad.”

  “You too, Shell. You might be feeling pretty weird after the day you’ve had.”

  “I actually might come over later if I start freaking out.”

  “I think you should just plan on doing that. We can watch a movie or something.”

  “Okay. It’s a plan.”

  Shell really wanted to take a shower and call her mom, but she’d have to wait awhile. Her mom wouldn’t get off work till five California time. The two-hour time difference meant she really needed to wait about three hours if she wanted to give her mom time to drive home.

  As she headed west toward I-35, she suddenly found herself turning north and heading toward the co-op. She was curious about the way the place would look with crime scene tape blocking the entrance.

  It was surprising to see there was a car in the lot. Just one, and it was a yellow Corvette. It belonged to Jeremy Bird, and he was leaning against the open door of the driver’s side, his blond head tilted down as he appeared to read his phone while soaking up the single ray of sun that was just peeking from behind a cloud.

  It suddenly occurred to Shell that she’d like to give him a piece of her mind, and she pulled into the lot and got out of her car.

  “Hi, Shell,” Jeremy said as she got out of the Corolla. He flashed even white teeth at her, his vanity an ever-present intruder in every interaction Shell had ever had with him.

  “Hello,” she answered, her tone cool while she tried to decide exactly what she wanted to say to him.

  “What’s with the crime tape?” he asked.

  “You haven’t heard?”

  “Heard what?”

  “I found Dr. Leone’s body in the classroom this afternoon.”

  Shell watched Jeremy carefully. The smile quickly faded and his gray eyes narrowed. “What?” he asked.

  “She was murdered, Jeremy. I’m very upset. I had an appointment with her at one, but when I got here she was dead. Why are you here, anyway?”

  He was looking toward the large gray building, not answering.

  “So Jeremy, why are you here?” she repeated.

  After another couple of moments he responded, “She messaged me that one of my paintings sold. Are you sure it was her? Are you sure you’ve got this right?”

  “I’m afraid it’s an image I’m going to have trouble forgetting, Jeremy. There’s not any doubt who the victim was. I spent an hour at the police station, and then I went over to spend time with Margie.”

  Jeremy’s eyes were suddenly much brighter than they had been a moment earlier. “No. You’re wrong. Doris Leone isn’t dead. It must be a mistake. I heard from her this morning—”

  “She was stabbed, Jeremy.”

  “Stabbed?” Jeremy was gripping the car door with one hand while pocketing his phone with the other. “Who would hurt Dori Leone?”

  So it was Dori, was it? Everyone Shell knew called her Dr. Leone, and she started to think Margie’s idea about Jeremy having an affair with her teacher might not be so far-fetched after all, as unpleasant as it was to consider.

  “Anyway,” said Shell, ignoring his question, “you’ll have to wait to get your money for your painting. This place is a crime scene.” She started to get back in the car before she added, “And if I were you, I’d go get my stuff off Margie’s front porch before the rain hits. The weather report says it’s going to be a doozy.”

  When Shell had driven out of the area, she pulled the car over and texted Margie. I think Jeremy’s coming over. I saw him at the co-op and reminded him it’s going to rain.

  In a minute Margie replied. No worries. I’ll be glad to see he’s removed his crap from my porch.

  Shell was smiling briefly as she read the message, and another text came in. It was Gina Sanguinetti. Hey Shell, could you meet me at Kerbey Lane Cafe in a few minutes? The detectives made me go down to the station for an interview. Could we talk?

  By the time Shell got to the cafe, the sky had darkened and it had begun to rain. She pulled the hood of her windbreaker up over her head as she hurried into the restaurant, surprised as she always was by how quickly the weather could change in Austin. She had noticed it from her first day in college. It had been a dreary day, and she had gone into class and come out to find the sky clear and sunny. Someone had said, “Don’t like the weather in Austin? Wait five minutes!”

  Gina looked shaken. She was already sipping coffee when Shell walked in, her large, dark eyes staring at her water glass like something was swimming in it.

  “Hey there,” Shell said as she seated herself across from her.

  “Hey,” she answered, looking up and nervously pushing a short strand of brown hair behind her left ear.

  “How you holding up?”

  “Not sure,” Gina said, her voice just above a whisper. “Shell, when you found her, were you alone?”

  “Yeah. At least, as far as I know. I saw Dr. Leone’s Volvo in the parking lot, so I went in with my paintings. We had an appointment to talk about my work.”

  “Was the building locked?”

  “No. It was open, but I didn’t even question it. Dr. Leone was there, and I figured she intended to leave the door open.”

  “Was anything stolen?”

  “Not that I could see. Everything looked completely normal except I thought it was weird that it was dark. She hadn’t turned on lights. Anyway, I went into the classroom to find her. I didn’t see her, so I was calling to her and walking up to the front. Then I saw her foot sticking out from behind the desk.”

  “Oh, no! I’m so sorry, Shell. It’s just awful! So what did you do?”

  “I screamed. I mean, I heard myself screaming, but I didn’t know it was me, you know? I was just reacting really weirdly. Anyway, I ran outside. Then I had to go back in. That was awful!”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I’d dropped my pack by the desk at the entrance when I had gone in the first time, so I had to go back in to get my phone to call nine-one-one.”

  “It sounds horrible.”

  “I know I haven’t processed it yet. In a little while the police were there and had me follow them into the station to answer questions. I don’t know what else happened after that.”

  “Dr. Leone’s car was taken away shortly after you followed the police to the station.”

  “I know. I went to see my friend Margie after the interview and I just drove by the co-op again.”

  “And?”

  “Jeremy Bird was there.”

  “Yeah. He comes by pretty often.”

  “What’s up with that? He’s not in our class,” Shell wondered.

  “He’s pretty enamored with seeing his paintings hanging in the gallery, and he’s had a lot to say about how prominently placed they ought to be. He thinks he should have dibs on where his work goes! Like his stuff is so superior to everyone else’s. I think he’s such an egomaniac.”

  “That makes two of us,” Shell agreed.

  A girl with black and green hair came up to the table just then and asked if Shell had an order. She was so thoroughly tattooed, Shell thought she was wearing long sleeves and leggings at first. It took a moment to take in the dragons and serpents.

  “Oh! Uh—I haven’t looked at the menu,” Shell answered.

  “Well, we’ve got people waiting to eat. Are you going to order or what?”

  Shell glanced back at the cafe’s entrance. A few women were stan
ding and waiting for a table. Clearly, the rain was driving people indoors. “I will. We will. Just give us a couple of minutes.”

  As the girl walked away, Shell noticed that a tear had spilled onto Gina’s face. “Look, how about we order some soup and a sandwich or something?”

  “Okay, but I’m not really hungry,” Gina answered. “Shell?”

  “Yeah?”

  “The thing I needed to tell you is…I think I’m a suspect. I think the police think maybe I killed Dr. Leone.”

  “Why would they think that?”

  “I think I’m the only person besides Dr. Leone with keys to the building. Plus, the policemen weren’t very nice when they were questioning me. I felt like they were accusing me.”

  “That’s crazy. You don’t have a motive. They need fingerprints on the weapon and a motive and some sort of evidence. What reason could you possibly have?”

  “Micky.”

  “Micky?”

  “Micky Lindstrom and I used to be together.”

  “You dated Micky?”

  “Right. And we broke up. Then later I noticed him coming into class late with Dr. Leone.”

  “So you think he was seeing her?”

  “Maybe. I don’t know. I’m not sure I even cared. It’s just that people might think I cared. They might think I was jealous or something. Even though—you’ve got to admit—it would be kinda weird for a twenty-four year old guy to be carrying on with a woman who’s pushing forty.”

  “Well, a lot of people wouldn’t agree with that, but do you really think they were?”

  “Carrying on? I don’t know. Maybe. It looked like they might be.”

  “Well, I don’t know how the police would get any inkling of that,” said Shell. “And please don’t tell them your thoughts on the matter. No need to add fuel to the fire. How many people knew you and Micky had been a couple?”

  “Everyone.”

  “I didn’t know,” said Shell.

  “I met you after we broke up.”

  “So when did you break up?”

  “August. I met you when the first session of the class started in September, back when the gallery was just coming together.”