by Jaden Skye
“Good question, my dear.” Christine began pacing around the room slowly. “I asked Mort that over and over again. He simply said there were lots of people who needed money in the world and it was his responsibility to help them. In fact, he said it was his honor to. Naturally I took exception to that.”
“Was he talking about giving more to charity?” asked Olivia.
“Of course, that’s what he was implying,” Christine answered. “Mort was involved with many charities over his lifetime.”
“Did you object to that?”
“Of course not,” Christine said. “Not if I had all I needed as well.”
“You didn’t have all you needed recently?” Olivia asked.
At that Christine flushed. “I can’t put it that way, exactly,” she snapped. “I mean, look around, I have plenty of things. But not as much as I used to.”
“You wanted more from him?” Olivia hung on to this line of questioning relentlessly. She wanted to break through and get a real feel for what went on in Mort’s life. And between him and his outlandish wife.
But Christine suddenly paused, alarmed to realize what she was saying. “What are you really asking me?” she said.
“I need to know all about Mort,” Olivia answered softly. “It will help us understand what really happened to him.”
“He was killed on the beach,” Christine shot back forcefully. “Right before the storm started.”
“What was he doing there?” Olivia became forceful as well.
“He was taking a walk, he had a right to,” said Christine.
“Was it something he did regularly?” Olivia persisted.
“Of course, why not? Nothing wrong with that.” Christine wasn’t budging.
“Nothing’s wrong, of course,” said Olivia. “But who knew he would be there? How did they know it?”
“That’s the question, isn’t it?” Christine grew pale. “We all thought it was a random killing at first.”
“Hank Waring’s been exonerated now,” Olivia reminded her.
“Not exonerated exactly,” Christine breathed. “His alibi holds up, that’s all.”
Olivia took a deep breath and dove in. “Christine,” she asked emphatically, “was Mort faithful to you?”
Christine’s eyebrows rose and her hands stiffened as she pointed at Olivia.
“Absolutely,” she practically shouted. “Mort was totally faithful all these years. And don’t you dare say anything else to anyone.”
Suddenly the doorbell rang loudly. “Who’s that?” Christine seemed alarmed. “Penny,” she started calling.
“It’s okay, Mom,” Penny called back. “It’s the police officer they said would come over after you had a chance to talk to Olivia.”
Christine made a quick dash out of the living room. “You talk to him all you want,” she said to Olivia. “As for me, I’ve had enough for today. There’s nothing more I have to tell you.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Justin sauntered into the living room just as Christine was departing. “Hey, I’m Justin Hartley,” he said, walking over to Olivia boldly.
Olivia turned around and was suddenly face to face with him. Justin had an electric energy. He was handsome, alert, and also a bit edgy.
“Hi,” Olivia replied, “I remember seeing you at Hank Waring’s interview.”
“Good memory,” Justin responded, pleased.
It was good to have someone here to talk to, not only about Christine, but the case in general. “I’m glad you’re here,” said Olivia.
“Thanks,” said Justin. “I’m glad to be here, too. I just had a useful talk with Penny. Did you finish up with Christine?”
“Yes,” said Olivia. “This was my first meeting with her.”
“Christine’s been hard to talk to,” Justin responded. “The guys on the force have tried a few times.”
“It was too soon before this,” said Olivia. “Christine hasn’t been ready until now.”
“Do you mind telling me what you found out?” Justin’s sharp blue eyes glistened as he took a step closer.
“Certainly,” said Olivia. “I’d be glad to.”
“You never know who’s listening in the house. We can talk here, or go to a nearby spot outside,” Justin offered.
“I was planning to spend more time with Penny this morning,” Olivia replied, not wanting to leave the house with him. Once Olivia left, Penny might think their time together was over and leave as well.
“Sure, let’s talk here then,” said Justin, going to a leather chair in the corner of the room and pulling another one close for her.
Olivia liked his take-charge attitude, and his willingness to respect her wishes. It was also interesting to see how he could change his plan of action on a dime. Olivia enjoyed working with the police. She learned something new from every one of them.
“I was officially put on the case a day ago,” Justin remarked, as Olivia sat down beside him.
“Congratulations,” said Olivia. “Have you been on the force long?”
“A little over a year,” he replied. “I like what you’re doing better though. I’m thinking of becoming a detective myself. It’s exciting to me and a natural next step.”
Olivia smiled. She knew just how he felt. Justin was upbeat and exciting to be with. And it was nice to be with someone the same age as her.
“I always knew that Hank didn’t kill Townsend.” Justin was enjoying talking.
“How did you know that?” Olivia was interested.
“I think the others knew, too,” Justin went on. “I could see that the police felt good about having a high-profile suspect, though. So most couldn’t voice any doubt about him. I especially appreciated it when you said at the interview that you didn’t think Hank was the killer, too.”
“I’m glad,” said Olivia.
“Have any ideas about who did it?” Justin leaned closer.
“Not yet, of course,” Olivia replied.
“No one in mind?” Justin pushed a bit.
“I’m not the kind who jumps to conclusions,” said Olivia.
“Good,” said Justin. “That’s smart. How about that guy you were with?”
“My partner, Wayne, is down in Nashville now, exploring,” she said.
“Really?” Justin was surprised. “That’s a good move. Who is he exactly, your husband, too?”
Olivia felt alarmed by the idea of Wayne being her husband. “Wayne’s my business partner,” she replied. “Wells and Darrington, Private Investigators.”
“Very cool, very nice.” Justin smiled warmly at her.
“Thanks,” said Olivia. “Now, what do you want to know about Christine?”
“Whatever you want to tell me.” Justin grinned. “I heard she’s a real prima donna.”
Olivia didn’t like Christine being referred to as a prima donna. It was disrespectful.
“Christine’s a grieving wife who’s definitely flashy,” Olivia replied, suddenly feeling protective of her.
“So, did she give you any worthwhile leads?” Justin seemed hungry to take action.
“Not really,” said Olivia, wanting to slow him down and also not wanting to spill all the beans. Olivia didn’t know if Justin could handle the nuances of her interview with Christine sensitively enough.
“Christine told me that she and Mort had an excellent marriage,” Olivia continued. “Obviously they have a close family.”
“Nothing’s obvious in our line of work,” Justin shot back. “I heard there’s a son who’s been estranged from the family for a while.”
“Thomas,” said Olivia. “He’s actually close to his mother and lives abroad. He hasn’t even heard about his father’s murder yet.”
“That’s weird,” said Justin. “Why not?”
“I don’t think it amounts to much,” Olivia replied.
“What else did you find out?” Justin couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“Christine has a thriving jewelry business.”
Olivia stuck to surface information.
“Yeah, sure, we all know that,” he said.
Once again Olivia clammed up. She didn’t know how Justin would handle the fact that Christine had grown bored and restless, or that Mort hadn’t wanted her to grow her business. Before Olivia gave sensitive details to the police, she needed more information herself. Otherwise, they could jump on what she told them, barge in, question people roughly, and cause everyone to close up.
“What else can you tell me?” Justin had a relentless energy.
“Christine insisted that Mort was faithful to her,” Olivia said swiftly then. “That eliminates a possible revenge killing from a spurned lover.”
“It doesn’t eliminate anything,” Justin bounced back. “Everybody insists they’re faithful, but how many really are?”
Olivia was struck by Justin’s bluntness and insight. She wondered what she could tell him that would help everyone. Suddenly she hit on it.
“And it seems that Mort wasn’t bringing home as much money as before,” she said then. “This is probably something for the forensic accountants to explore.”
“We’ve got a team of them checking out all the finances,” Justin filled her in. “That’s it?” He sounded disappointed.
“This was only my first meeting with Christine,” said Olivia. “I had to go slow and be careful.”
Justin gave Olivia an intense glance. “But you don’t seem like someone who goes slow and is careful,” he remarked.
Olivia didn’t know how to take that. “I am very careful with the families of victims,” she replied. “They’re steeped in pain and trauma.”
“That’s right, they are. Good for you.” Justin quieted down.
“What about you? Is there something new you can tell me?” Olivia wanted to take charge of the discussion now. “Any other suspects the police are looking at?”
“No, not yet,” he answered. “But I’m really glad that your partner left for Nashville. I’ve been pushing the force to spread out up there for a while. They’ve been dragging their heels. Basically, they haven’t wanted to share the case with the Nashville authorities. Probably want all the glory for themselves. But now they have to, and plan to shortly.”
“Good,” said Olivia, standing up.
“I guess that’s it then?” Justin looked disappointed.
“I’m sorry I don’t have something more dramatic,” said Olivia.
“No, I don’t mean to imply that,” said Justin. “I just mean there’s a lot more for all of us to do. Actually, it’s been really good having the chance to talk to you. It’s like a breath of fresh air.”
Olivia liked that. She finally relaxed a moment and smiled. “You too,” she said. “It’s always good to get a new take on things.”
“Not only good, it’s essential,” Justin quipped. “And I’ve got all the guys on the force to talk to, but right now, you’re here alone.”
Olivia took exception to that. “I’m not alone at all,” she insisted. “I can talk to Wayne any time I want to on the phone. And we do all the time.”
“That’s true, of course,” said Justin. “But it’s important to talk face to face as well.”
“Of course.” Olivia couldn’t deny that.
Justin stood up then, smiled broadly, and got ready to go. “Hope I see you soon,” he said as he got to the door. “We’re all here for you. Stay in touch.”
*
After Justin left, Olivia sat in the living room alone for a few minutes. Her time with both Christine and Justin had been jarring for her. It would be good to talk to Penny, and hopefully Lance was somewhere around as well. Lance was always clear and calming. Quite a bit of time had passed since Olivia arrived and she hoped Penny hadn’t gone out. She needed more time with her and wanted it now. Thankfully, just as Olivia was about to get up and look for her, Penny herself walked into the living room.
“Everybody gone?” asked Penny in a soft tone.
Olivia nodded. “Yes, they have. I was hoping to spend a little more time with you.”
“That’s great.” Penny smiled. “I’m glad you’re here Olivia, I really am.”
“Me too,” Olivia replied.
“There’s some lunch in the kitchen,” Penny said. “If you’re hungry we can go there to talk and eat.”
“Good idea,” said Olivia. She was hungry and also eager to move around and get a better sense of the home Mort had lived in, and the world he’d occupied.
“Did you have a good talk with Officer Hartley?” Penny asked, as they walked through the hallway. “I heard he’s a real crackerjack.”
“He’s definitely all set to go,” said Olivia, as they walked into the large, beautifully tiled kitchen at the side of the home. The kitchen was bright and sunny, with a large round wooden table on which platters of sandwiches, salad, and chips were spread out.
“Are you expecting a lot of people again today?” asked Olivia, looking at the food.
“Lance ordered the food just in case,” said Penny. “But thankfully, the crowds are thinning down. Soon my father will have a small private cremation and a memorial later on.”
“How are you really handling all this?” asked Olivia.
Penny sat down at the kitchen table then and suddenly became limp. “I’m not handling it,” she whispered. “I rally for a little while and then it hits me again.”
“Is your brother here? Is anyone else in the family around?” asked Olivia, concerned about her.
“Lance had to go out to do a few things,” said Penny, “and my Uncle Angie did too. Uncle Angie will be back soon.”
“It’s good for your mother that Angie’s around,” said Olivia.
“Definitely,” Penny agreed. “Uncle Angie’s a forceful guy. He takes good care of her, doesn’t let her go off the deep end.”
“Was Angie close to your father, too?” asked Olivia.
“Not so much,” said Penny. “I mean of course they were on good terms, but guys don’t usually get so close. My mother was always Uncle Angie’s main focus.”
Olivia nodded.
“Have a sandwich,” said Penny then.
Olivia reached out for a small egg salad sandwich on fresh whole grain bread.
“How did your talk go with my mother?” asked Penny as Olivia began to eat.
“We had a good first meeting,” said Olivia, hungrier than she had realized.
“My mother can be tough, there’s no question about it,” said Penny. “That’s why I called you and Wayne on the case.”
“Yes, I remember, that’s the first thing you mentioned,” Olivia replied.
“My mom gets so upset and even nasty at times. I thought having her own private investigators around would calm her down.”
“Has it?” asked Olivia.
“Frankly, I don’t think she even takes it in at this point,” said Penny. “She’s shaken to the core. The truth is complicated. My mother isn’t someone you can really talk to, or tell your deepest secrets to,” Penny continued.
Olivia could certainly understand that. Christine seemed mostly concerned about herself.
“My friend Andrea is someone I can really talk to though,” Penny continued.
“You’re lucky to have such a close friend,” said Olivia.
Penny reached for a sandwich herself. “I know I am,” she whispered. “Andrea’s been helping me with this for a while.”
“What do you mean a while?” Olivia was confused. “Your father only died a short time ago.”
“Can I talk to you, too, Olivia?” Penny’s head shot up then and she stared straight at her.
“Of course,” said Olivia. “That’s what I’m here for.”
“Actually, I’d been having strange dreams the whole month before my father was killed,” Penny blurted out then, biting into the bread.
Olivia stopped eating. “Dreams about what?” she asked carefully.
“I dreamt someone was out to get my father.” Penny’s voice lowered. �
��Actually, it was terrifying. I kept having the same dream again and again.”
Olivia shuddered.
“I told my mother about the dreams but she scoffed at me. She said it’s nonsense to pay attention to dreams. Now I wish I hadn’t listened to her.” Penny began trembling. “I blame myself.”
Olivia put her hand on Penny’s shaking hand. “You can’t blame yourself for this,” she said. “It’s a temptation to do that, but don’t. From the looks of it, you’re a fantastic daughter.”
“But I should have listened to my dreams. Andrea told me to listen. I told her about them, too,” Penny added.
“How could you have listened? What could you have done?” Olivia wondered what Andrea had in mind.
“I don’t know, but I could have stayed closer to home. I could have watched who came and went more carefully. Andrea told me to watch who came and went. I didn’t do it, though.”
“Really?” Olivia was shocked. “Why did Andrea suggest that?”
“Because of my dreams,” Penny repeated. “Andrea believes in dreams, totally.”
“Well, think back now.” Olivia picked up on it. “Who exactly came and went?”
“I don’t know, I’m not sure, I wasn’t here a lot.” Penny suddenly began wailing.
This was a dangerous road to go down and Olivia realized it. But she decided to take another step on it, anyhow.
“What do you think Andrea was talking about? What was the danger? Who could have possibly showed up at your house?”
“I have no idea,” Penny insisted, “but I also kept dreaming of a woman, dressed in pale blue. She kept appearing again and again in my dreams.”
Olivia suddenly had trouble swallowing. Oddly enough, she and Wayne had recently talked about dreams. He paid them little attention, but Olivia felt differently. She herself had many repetitive dreams the weeks before Paul, her first fiancé, had died.
“You kept seeing a woman in blue?” Olivia now asked intently.
“Yes, a woman in blue with golden blonde hair,” Penny elaborated.
“Was she someone your father could have possibly been involved with?” Olivia had to ask.
“I don’t think so. But how do I know?” Penny began to get frantic again. “That was my dream!”
