by Linda Wiken
He drove in silence until they were approaching Half Moon Bay.
“You know, there’s no way those photos can go to the police without your incriminating yourself. And there’s no other evidence of what they’re doing, because I’m sure they have a story all ready for the police in the event of being discovered, or having the fire department arrive.”
“But it does prove something to us. And it’s as likely tied into Jeffrey’s death as anything else we’ve found in this case.”
He glanced at her as he made a lane change and she caught the edge of a smile when he looked back at the street. “This case? Okay, I’ll give you that but I want you to leave this with me now. I’ll do some digging and we’ll find an airtight way to nail them. Also, give me your car keys and I’ll have a colleague retrieve it.”
She nodded. At the moment, she couldn’t think of anything else to do. And besides, she was still shaking.
CHAPTER 27
But the next morning she knew she couldn’t just wait for Devine to save the day.
She dragged herself out of bed and started the day with two cups of espresso, trying to get some energy going before leaving for work.
Devine’s black Acura idled next to her car in the apartment parking lot. She glanced at her car, then got in his passenger side and gave him a long look, trying to gauge his mood. He didn’t look at her nor say anything until he was reversing the car.
“How are you feeling this morning?” he finally asked as he pulled onto the street.
“Thanks for getting my car here. I’m exhausted but, other than that, depressed. Thanks for asking.”
“Hm, the adrenaline letdown. Or is it more than that?” He looked over at her.
“That and the late hour I finally fell asleep.” She refused to acknowledge there might be another reason, something involving disappointment, and Brad. “This is nice of you.”
“I wanted to see how you were and to remind you, no more investigating. Okay?”
“Yes.”
“I want your word on that, J.J.”
Uh-oh, serious business. They’d reached this point before and she knew what she had to do. She reached into her purse with her right hand and crossed her fingers. “You have my word.” Then she pulled out a tissue.
“Good. Now, let’s make a quick stop at Beth’s before you hit the office.” She noticed he never called it Cups ’n’ Roses, but Beth’s. Odd but nice. It was like he considered himself part of their group. Was he? She hadn’t thought about it before and now certainly wasn’t the time, but he did seem to fit right into her life. She was smiling as he parked in the one remaining spot in front of the coffee shop.
Beth saw them walk in and asked Ilsa to take over at the cash register. “What are you two having?” Beth called out to them.
Devine raised two fingers and mouthed, “Lattes.” He steered J.J. over to a booth and they waited until Beth joined them with a tray that also held her own mug and a plate with a chocolate croissant cut in half.
“I know J.J. will claim they’re too big or she’s just eaten or something so I thought I’d just go ahead and halve the croissant. Now, what’s up? Something happening in the case or is this an early-morning tête-à-tête?” She smirked and looked at J.J.
J.J. looked at Devine. He was too busy eating his croissant to notice. When he’d finished, he looked from one to the other. “I didn’t have time for breakfast. Thanks, Beth.”
“My pleasure.”
J.J. pushed her half over to him. “Be my guest.”
He grinned and ate it, also. Then he took a long sip of his latte.
“I just thought I’d give J.J. a ride to the office this morning and I know this is always her first stop,” he said, looking pleased with himself.
Beth looked from one to the other. “I sense there’s more to it than that. Does it have to do with the case?”
J.J. glanced at Devine, then nodded. “We may have found a motive and it involves Jeffrey’s working at Higgins Motors in Plattsburgh.”
“That’s great for Alison. Have you told her?”
“Not yet.” She looked at Devine. Ugh, how could she explain last night’s fiasco to Alison?
He finished his latte. “It’s partly speculation, so once I have more facts”—he looked directly at J.J. as he said it—“then we’ll share the information.”
“I get it,” Beth said, looking from one to the other. “Well, thanks for letting me know that much. I feel better already.” She looked around the room. “I’d better get back to work. See you later.”
“Thanks, Beth,” J.J. said.
Beth lifted her hand in a wave.
“Ready?” Devine asked.
“I am.” J.J. led the way out to the car.
Devine pulled up in front of the office. “I’d hoped to take you out to a nice, romantic dinner tonight but something’s come up with a new client. If I finish early, I’ll give you a call, okay?”
“That’s fine. Talk to you at some point, then,” she answered, trying not to sound disappointed as she slid out of the car.
She resisted the urge to turn at the front door and wave. She did wave at Evan as he sat at his desk talking on the phone, since his door was wide open. She ran lightly up the stairs. The office was dark and Skye had left a sticky note on her telephone. Gone shopping for prizes. Back later, if at all.
Good. Skye would notice for sure that something was bothering her and she didn’t want to go into any explanations until she’d figured things out. She flicked on her computer and went straight to the Franklin Dance Studio files, then pulled up the e-mails, hoping to find a reply from the florist. The e-mail was there; the twelve-foot-high floral heart through which the dancers would leap would happen. She felt delighted but she hesitated in sending the information to the Franklins. Would they take that to be encouragement to come up with another over-the-top idea? Maybe have the dance floor shrouded in a knee-high layer of fog like they’d originally wanted? She shuddered at the thought and erased it from her mind.
The DJ had finally gotten back to her and said he had no problem with the playlist. Great. He seemed to like the idea of so many tangos in one evening. She added that good news to the word from the florist and e-mailed it to the Franklins.
She took a short lunch break and then went right back to checking items off her to-do list. It was also a very effective way to keep her thoughts from wandering to what she’d seen the night before. She’d just have to trust Devine to come up with some solution, although on one level, that really grated. Just before five the door opened and, thinking it was Skye, J.J. looked up with a smile in place.
She tried to keep it positioned there as she greeted Brad. “I didn’t expect to see you here today,” she said, keeping it light.
He grinned. “I have the feeling you enjoy a surprise as much as I do. I’ve always thought just dropping in uninvited added a certain excitement, even a hint of danger. What about you?”
She tried to control the shiver that streaked down her back. Guilty conscience or what?
“An unexpected visit can certainly do that.”
“You see, something else we agree on.” He flicked to the high-wattage smile. “Now, how about I buy you dinner over at Core Twenty, since we missed out the other day?”
She tried to calm her nerves, without being sure just why she felt nervous. Maybe because she was afraid she’d give something away and he’d figure out she’d been the one to pull the alarm last night.
“That’s so tempting but I do have plans.” Don’t explain. Lying 101, as Devine would say. Accomplished liars say little so that nothing can trip them up later.
He moved closer and said in a softer voice, “Well, maybe you could change them?” His smile looked sincere and his next words sounded just that. “I’m afraid I’ve been holding back on you. I should have shared some things I’ve suspected for a while about Jeffrey’s involvement at the car dealership but I felt I needed to have all my facts straight before doi
ng so.”
“And now you do?” This sounded promising.
“Oh yes. I’m sure I’m right. How about that dinner so that I can come clean? I might be able to help out with your search for the killer. And if not, I’m sure we can find something else to do.”
That was tempting. Did she believe him? What was she worried about? He couldn’t possibly have known about her being there last night. And anyway, maybe Brad was ready to share what he’d been hiding. It was only a dinner, after all, and, if anything happened, they’d be out in public. But his voice had been very suggestive when he talked about finding “something else to do.” What was she hoping for anyway?
“All right. But do you mind if I eat and run?” She wasn’t quite sure why she persisted with this excuse but she felt it set out the rules up front and if it turned out what he had to say was important, she could change her mind.
“That’s fine.” He waited while she grabbed her jacket and purse.
She could see Evan sitting on the edge of his desk talking to someone, possibly a client, as they walked by. She gave him a faint smile and he waved.
Once at Core Twenty, they found a table for two right by the window. Brad waved away the menus and ordered for them when the server arrived. “I hope you don’t mind my ordering. It will speed things up. I’ve eaten here before so I know their food is reliable. And, I know you’re going to love this dish. Would you like some wine?”
She shook her head. “No, thanks. I’ve got to keep a clear head. More work to do, you know.”
“Work? So, it’s the job I’m competing with now?” He said it playfully and she relaxed a bit.
“How are things in your working life? You never really talk much about it,” she countered.
“I guess that’s because there’s nothing too exciting about being an accountant.” He sipped his drink and watched her.
She tried to sound casual and only mildly curious. “Oh, I don’t really believe that. I think every job has something that outsiders find intriguing. What about working at Higgins Motors? That’s got to be interesting. Do you get to test-drive a lot of new cars or maybe get a new car every season or something? I mean, when I worked in a dress shop for one very short summer, I got fabulous discounts.”
Fortunately, she thought, the food arrived quite quickly and in time to curb her tendency to babble when nervous. She took a taste of the mushroom and herb polenta, eating slowly so she could think about what next to ask.
“This dish is great, by the way,” she said instead, and she meant it. “It’s a tasty choice. And I like the restaurant, too. It’s my first time here.”
She looked around at the spare décor. It advertised itself as a farm-to-table venue and the only décor on the walls were color photos, in a variety of sizes, of vegetables on their own or in garden plots. Maybe by taking this approach, Core Twenty might be able to hang in there longer.
Brad smiled but said nothing.
Finally, she couldn’t wait any longer. “So, what was it you wanted to tell me about Jeffrey?”
“I’m not really sure what to say. It seems so unlikely when I think about it. I’ve been sitting here trying to think of where to begin but I’ve decided it would be better if I showed you. It’s just a short drive and I promise to have you back at your office in plenty of time to finish your work.”
What to do? She wanted to find out what he knew but did she trust him? Why couldn’t he tell her, instead of showing her? If she backed out now, would he become suspicious?
“All right, if it doesn’t take too long. I’ll just duck into the ladies’ room first. Be right back.”
She looked at her image in the mirror for a few minutes, hoping to see a confident face staring back at her. It was probably okay. He hadn’t said anything that would lead her to believe he knew about last night and he might even illuminate what exactly he’d been up to. And if he tried something on her, he knew she had people who would come looking for her, people who cared. She wasn’t completely disconnected, like Jeffrey had been. Funny how just a few days ago she’d been looking forward to a dinner with Brad and maybe even more. All thoughts of romance had now disappeared but there was still a small, niggling hope that she was wrong about him and everything would be fine. Besides, she wasn’t a helpless wimp. She’d taken that self-defense course. She could take care of herself. She took a deep breath and plastered a smile on her face, checking in the mirror to make sure her expression didn’t look too phony. She found Brad waiting for her when she came out of the room. He had her coat on his arm.
“I’ve settled the check,” he said with a smile. He helped her with her coat and then took her arm, leading her out to his car.
“Can I ask where we’re going?” J.J. asked, trying not to let the concern she felt creep into her voice as he turned onto the highway, away from Burlington.
“I know I said it wouldn’t take long and it won’t. But what I want to show you is at Higgins Motors. I mean, after all, it’s what Jeffrey was a part of.”
That sounded oddly put and she didn’t like the idea of heading back to the scene of her crime, however, she couldn’t think of any way to deflect this. He didn’t add anything nor did he make any small talk.
She had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach as she watched the countryside fly by once they’d reached the interstate and wondered how she could slide her phone out of her purse inconspicuously. Just in case. Unfortunately, her purse sat on the floor. She reached for it.
“What are you doing?” Brad asked with a sidelong glance.
“Just getting a tissue.” And that’s what she did but she wrapped an extra one around her smartphone. She turned to face the side window and let the phone slide down inside the sleeve of her jacket as she blew her nose. “I hope I’m not coming down with anything. We’re getting into our busy season.”
He laughed. “I thought every season was your busy one.”
“You’re so right. At least, it seems like that with each occasion. But Christmas is coming and clients are anxious to host the perfect event.” She let the phone slide into her pocket as she pocketed the tissue. “Don’t you find work busier at this time of year?” She knew she was rambling again but her nerves were starting to get the better of her the farther away from Half Moon Bay they got.
Brad didn’t answer. Not a good sign. She was really starting to freak out. She couldn’t think of any reason for him to be doing this, especially when he’d promised it would be a quick meal. She was certain she hadn’t given him any reason to be suspicious. Her imagination was running away with her, again:
He pulled off the road at the next country lane and drove another five minutes before parking behind a barn. The small farmhouse looked deserted from what she’d seen as the headlights shone on it. The windows were boarded up but the front door was missing. She almost laughed. What good would that do? But her voice was caught in her throat and she was sure her heart was about to join it, it was beating so hard and fast. She tried the door handle but it was locked. What was worse, Brad hadn’t said a thing since he’d made the right-hand turn. He finally turned to her. “I’m sorry, J.J., but you’re just too nosy.” He got out of the car and walked around to her side, unlocking the doors with a click. He stared at her a moment and then grabbed her arm, pulling her out of the car. “I’m sorry,” he said again. “So am I,” she said as she kicked him in the crotch and ran.
She blinked rapidly to clear her thoughts and then spotted the change in the speed limit coming up. She wondered if she should take a dive out of the car. It looked like a grassy spot. But it was probably miles from anything and she wasn’t in the mood to run to who knows where. In any case, he’d catch her before she could unlock the door, push it open, and get out. Besides, she was probably overreacting. Another flight of fancy. He just wasn’t chatty today. But he had been earlier. Had he been toying with her? But why? He had sounded like he genuinely wanted to help.
She heard his turn signal click on just seconds
before he slowed to turn right onto a dirt road. He retraced the route she and Devine had left town by the night before and pulled into the lower parking lot of Higgins Motors.
She felt nervous that he’d been silent for the past twenty minutes but she couldn’t think of a thing to say. It was his idea; she’d let him take the lead.
He pulled over at the far end of the parking lot at the back of the building then turned off the car. She looked around. Higgins Motors was ablaze in lights. Of course, it was still open. That’s why they were sitting here in the car.
“What is it you want to show me?” she finally asked, trying to sound casual while afraid her voice would quaver and give her away.
“Not yet. We’ll wait until everyone leaves. I don’t want to get them suspicious.”
They waited in silence until the main lights upstairs were turned off and the cars in the visitors’ spots had left. J.J. had no idea how long it had been but she was stiff and starting to get cold. She’d been wiggling her toes for a while now and she desperately needed the restroom. She tried not to let Brad see just how uncomfortable she felt.
Finally, he started the engine and drove the car up close to the customer door on the bottom level. He got out of the car, going around to open the passenger door. “It should be okay. This won’t take long and you’ll be really interested in what I have to show you.”
He held out his hand. She couldn’t think of a thing to do except take it. She knew she couldn’t outrun him. As soon as she could pull her hand away, she stuck it in her pocket and grabbed her smartphone, not entirely sure what to do with it. She wondered if she could call 911 without looking. It was worth trying. She tapped on the button and thought she was at the code screen. Tapped on the bottom-left corner, which should get her into the emergency phone. If only she could glance at it to make sure she hit the right numbers.
They were at the door. Brad opened it and maneuvered her inside. It was totally empty and dimly lit. She wondered where the car from last night had gone but, of course, it couldn’t be seen during business hours. She had thought they were alone until she heard the inside door open. Brad turned toward it, so she took a chance, grabbing her phone and punching in the numbers. Then she slid it back into her pocket. Hopefully the police could trace the call if she kept the line open. If they showed up and she’d been wrong about the situation, she’d just have to explain.
