by Linda Wiken
“What have you called me here for? What’s this?” asked the man who was rapidly approaching them. The manager, Kent Higgins. “Why have you brought her here?”
Brad turned to J.J. “I thought you’d want a good look inside. Oops, I forgot, you have seen it. Last night, in fact. When you were snooping here.”
“The camera? That was her?” Higgins asked. “How can you tell? It was sort of dark. Do you think she saw anything?”
“I’m sure she saw plenty. Besides, she’s been asking a lot of questions and I think she’s good at putting things together.”
I should feel flattered. Not.
J.J. tried not to be too obvious about looking for an escape.
“I just thought she might have some final questions.” Brad’s eyes held the same chill as his voice.
Final?
Brad had changed. That was her first worry. No longer the charmer but rather someone with a hard core and little emotion. The second worry was how to get out alive. She’d worry about how she felt about it all later.
“Um, all right, then.” Think, girl. “What was Jeffrey’s involvement with whatever was going on?”
Kent Higgins snorted. Brad shook his head. “Jeffrey was nothing more than a poor little rich kid looking for some excitement. Why, with his bankroll, he could buy any shiny new luxury model he wanted, even two or three. But that didn’t pull his chain. Getting involved in stealing, stripping, and shipping overseas did it for him.”
Oh boy. “How did it all start?”
The look on Higgins’s face showed he was getting annoyed. She had to keep them talking until she could make a break for it. That was her plan. She couldn’t see what else to do. Higgins had come in from the hallway and she hadn’t seen him lock the door. They were standing between her and the outside door. So, only one way to go: the same route as the other night.
“Jeffrey had the bad luck of overhearing us talking about it in the locker room after a game.”
“There are more hockey players involved?”
Higgins’s head snapped up and he glared at her.
Brad grinned. “Humor her, Kent.”
Higgins shook his head but started explaining. “Only one other guy but we thought everyone had cleared the room. Turns out Jeffrey had been in the head. He was quite calm about it. We let him in on it and he kept quiet.”
“Until he changed his mind?” She looked at Brad. Was this why Jeffrey had been killed? But who did it?
“You don’t get it,” Brad replied. “I had my doubts about him and followed him one day to Alison’s, although I didn’t know who she was at that point. I started digging around and found out she’s a cop and also his wife. I could have killed him on the spot for two-timing my sister. But I waited and then he played his hand. He wanted a bigger cut or he’d go to the police.” He laughed, a bitter sound. “Bigger cut! He had loads more money than I’ll ever see. The bottom line was he couldn’t be trusted.”
“You never should have brought him in, in the first place,” Higgins huffed.
Brad glared at him. “He was my brother-in-law. But he’d become a liability.”
J.J. gulped and tried to figure out how to distract them so that she could make a break for the stairwell. “You killed him?”
Brad didn’t answer. Nor did he take his eyes off her. She didn’t see any desire in them now.
“And then you decided to frame Alison.”
He sniggered. “I thought it was sort of poetic payback but I also knew the cops would work hard to clear her name. It wasn’t her fault she was married to the jerk, any more than it was Jessica’s. I didn’t even know her. It was just a good place to deflect interest and slow the cops down in their search.”
“And you really think you can get away with it?”
“What do you think?” He certainly wasn’t the same Brad. She’d been so wrong.
“I think you don’t know who you’re dealing with.”
Higgins made a move toward her but Brad held up his hand. “So, tell me.”
“There’s a private eye named Ty Devine who’s onto you. I’ve told him everything I know and he’s not about to let you get away with this.”
She glanced at Higgins. “Either of you.” She gave off a lot more bravado than she felt.
“Too bad it will be too late to help you,” he snarled.
Her heart started pumping. She had to get out of there. There was nothing more to say.
Higgins walked over to a gigantic metal toolbox and pulled out a wrench. Brad shook his head but Higgins ignored him and started toward J.J., who’d begun slowly backing away.
“Not here,” Brad said in a loud voice.
Higgins kept walking toward J.J. but Brad grabbed his arm and Higgins pivoted to glare at him. “What do you think you’re doing? We have to get rid of her.”
“Do you want her blood found in here? We don’t know how much this PI knows. We’ll take her and get rid of her in the lake.”
“Well, why did you bring her here in the first place, then?” Higgins raged. “You’re playing the big man again, aren’t you? Well, not this time.”
Higgins pulled his arm out of Brad’s grip and swung toward J.J. but she’d already moved over. She got him off-balance and pushed Higgins backward into Brad and ran for her life.
Through the door, up the stairs, along the hall. She reached out as the footsteps started down the hall behind her, pulled the fire alarm, and fumbled with the lock to the outside door.
Brad grabbed her shoulder; she turned and kicked out. Brad went down, holding his crotch and groaning. She thought she could hear footsteps getting closer. Higgins. Her heart pounded. She should get out of there but she needed hard evidence.
The glass on the door crashed inward and J.J. shrieked. Devine stuck his head and shoulders through, pointing a gun. “Get this door unlocked, J.J.,” he growled.
J.J. hoped her shaking legs wouldn’t give out on her before she reached the door. She gave the lock a turn and Devine burst through, his gun trained on Higgins, who’d appeared at the end of the hall.
Within seconds, police crowded the space and J.J. could hear more sirens closing in on them.
She looked at Devine, who shook his head as he opened his arms to her.
CHAPTER 28
“I cannot believe you almost got killed. Again,” Devine said, his arms wrapped around her.
“How did you know where to find me?” she mumbled into his jacket. She felt cold and tired, and somewhere way down deep, it hurt. But at least she felt safe.
“I told you, if I finished early, we’d get together. I did, so I decided to just show up. And I was just in time to see you leaving with the guy. I didn’t like that, on many levels, so I followed you.”
“Where were you while we ate?”
“Outside in the parking lot. That reminds me, I missed dinner. And when you left, I kept right on following.”
“And waited some more while we stayed out in the car in the parking lot at Higgins Motors?”
“Yes. I wanted to see what he would do.”
A surge of anger rushed through her. She pulled back and tried to look at his face. “You wanted to see what he would do! Do you not care what happens to me? What if he’d killed me out in that car?”
“I’d have done something then. I had a clear view. My binocs are pretty powerful.” He rubbed her back. “Don’t worry, I would have gotten to you in time. I wouldn’t let anything happen to you, J.J. I won’t ever let anything happen to you.”
She sagged against him. “Oh man. I’ve never been so scared in my life.”
“Remember that feeling whenever you get the urge to try tracking a killer.”
*
• • •
They were gathered in J.J.’s living room, all of the Culinary Capers gang, along with Devine, who had brought the bubbly.
J.J. had thought at the last minute of inviting Ness Harper to join them, and started down the hall to his apartment. She realized
that wouldn’t be happening when she saw him exit Lola’s apartment with Lola, walking, arms linked, toward the stairs. Wherever they were going, it looked like he wanted to be in on it. J.J. smiled. He was a great guy. She hoped he’d have some fun.
The picnic idea had been resurrected, and since it was pouring outside, J.J. had moved aside her coffee table to make room for spreading a tablecloth on the floor. She’d added a few large pillows around it and invited everyone to take a seat after they deposited their dishes on the kitchen counter.
Connor sat up against the love seat and Alison ended up beside him. J.J. noticed as soon as she’d walked in the door how relaxed she looked. The strain was gone, she’d added some curls to her long, normally straight hair, and even had makeup on. In her red plaid summer dress, she looked very much the ingénue, not the cop nor the suspect. Although she did look a bit on the cold side. Sometimes picnics called for fleece, especially when forced to be held indoors.
Devine had stretched out on his side, his head propped with his right hand and arm. To J.J., he looked right at home. Evan sat cross-legged on one of the pillows, handing around paper plates. And Beth had opted to help J.J. with bringing the various dishes from the counter to the floor.
They were using the same recipes as had been planned for Alison’s picnic scheduled four weeks earlier. Although J.J. had tweaked hers a bit, deciding that blood oranges would add a bit of zing to the orange, endive, and black olive salad. She also added a second dish, chorizo and olives in red wine, just because she loved the picture of it.
Devine pulled himself up to a sitting position and poured the pinot grigio, handing a glass to everyone. When they’d all settled, J.J. right next to Devine, Alison raised her glass.
“To my dear foodie friends who never let me down with the wonderful eats, and who never lost faith in me. I wouldn’t know what to do without you. I love you all. Cheers.”
They’d all heard the story from J.J. the day after Brad had been arrested. And, by some silent agreement, it would not be discussed today. It was a day to celebrate. J.J. had come to terms with her initial attraction to Brad and his eventual ruthlessness. No more pretty boys for her. She’d take her men dark and sexy. She felt Devine move and thought back to their passionate parting last night. This was what she wanted, whom she wanted.
Evan clinked his glass to hers. “Hear! Hear!”
And Connor added, “Santé.” He, too, looked much more relaxed than J.J. had seen him in a long time. Perhaps his ghosts had been laid to rest, also. She hoped so.
Devine repositioned himself so he was slightly behind J.J. and she could lean into him. She shivered as she felt him brush her hair aside and kiss the back of her neck. She glanced across at Beth, who winked and grinned, saluting her with her own glass.
“Cheers. I’m so relieved everyone is safe and out of trouble,” Beth said. She looked from J.J. to Alison.
Evan, dapper in his white chinos, red pin-striped shirt, and argyle vest, passed his dish of Provence-style artichokes with bacon to the right and said to Alison, “And we’re all delighted you’re back on the job, Alison. Now, what happens next?”
Alison took a sip before answering. “Well, I am back on the job, and after the will goes through probate, I can register the house in my name. Jessica gets his fortune but I’m content with my house. I doubt we’ll have anything to do with each other except for at Brad’s trial, I guess.” She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I never would have fingered him as the murderer.”
“You had no reason to,” J.J. pointed out. “After all, you weren’t allowed to investigate the case.” She adjusted the drooping neckline of her sleeveless scooped multicolored tank top. She tried not to show any reaction when she felt Devine’s hand slip around her waist and tug at the top. But her entire body tingled.
“No,” Alison agreed, “but he’d hidden his tracks pretty well.”
“He did make some mistakes, thank goodness, or I doubt we’d have found him out. He seemed so sincere.” J.J. kept her eyes straight ahead.
Alison nodded. “I’m just glad you weren’t hurt.”
J.J. nodded right back. She knew what Alison meant. She was still alive, and how great was that? She leaned farther back into Devine and felt his sharp intake of breath. She smiled.
This was going to be fun.
RECIPES
BRAISED BEEF WITH RED WINE N A SLOW COOKER
Here’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a fall day, or all year round. J.J. is just discovering the pleasure of making a dinner with a slow cooker. But you’d better believe she’ll be using it regularly.
2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
1 celery rib, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 sprig fresh thyme
1½ pounds beef, cut into 2-inch cubes (J.J. chose round roast but use your favorite cut; chuck or blade works well)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup red wine (I used an oak-barreled Merlot Reserva)
½ cup diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef bouillon mix or stock
Himalayan salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch with enough water to make a paste
Peel, slice, and chop the parsnips, celery, onion, and garlic. Place in the bottom of the slow cooker along with the sprigs of rosemary and thyme.
Pat the beef dry and then slice into 2-inch cubes.
Heat the olive oil in a heavy frying pan, and when hot, add the beef. Reduce heat to medium and stir to get all sides browned, for about 15 minutes.
Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and place on top of the vegetables. Add the wine to juices remaining in the pan and bring to a simmer for about 1 minute.
Pour the liquid over the beef in the slow cooker; add the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock. Season with the salt and pepper.
Cover and cook for about 8 hours at low temperature setting. Remove from juices when finished cooking. Add the cornstarch paste mix and stir if you want a thicker sauce. Otherwise, use as is.
Serve with rice or potatoes and a green vegetable, such as broccoli or brussels sprouts.
SHRIMP SCAMPI
This is one of Ty Devine’s favorite dishes. And that’s what inspires J.J. to give it a try, probably on their next date.
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 garlic cloves: 2 grated, 2 thinly sliced
Pinch of kosher salt
1 pound large uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ cup white wine
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ cup butter
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
1 green onion, thinly sliced
2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Parmesan or Asiago cheese, grated
In a medium bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the grated garlic, and salt. Add the prepared shrimp, tossing it thoroughly to coat. Chill, uncovered, for 30 to 60 minutes.
Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for about 1 minute per side, until pink but slightly underdone. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a plate.
To the remaining oil, add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 1 minute. Add the wine and lemon juice, cooking for about 2 minutes. Add the butter, and cook until sauce thickens and butter is melted.
Add the shrimp and any juices to the skillet and toss for about 2 minutes, until the shrimp are fully cooked.
Transfer to a plate, top with the basil, green onions, and parsley. Grate fresh cheese over top (Parmesan or Asiago works well).
Serve with rice or pasta and your favorite veggies. A fresh bread slice or roll is perfect for sopping up all the sauce.
BLACK RICE PUDDING, COCONUT MILK, AND PAPAYA
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br /> Evan’s mom was a great one for making rice pudding. It was a very frequent dessert in their house. But he wanted to change it up a bit for the spontaneous dinner party—the one where the Culinary Capers were not using a cookbook. So, starting with a recipe from one of his favorite magazines, Food & Drink, he tweaked it somewhat and here’s what happened. Everyone loved it!
It’s very easy to make and it tastes good hot or cold. This serves four.
¾ cup black rice
1¼ cups coconut milk
1½ cups water
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
2 tablespoons dried blueberries
Pinch of salt
⅓ cup diced papaya
1 teaspoon lime juice
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Fresh basil leaves
If you’re using a packaged black rice, follow the instructions. Cooking time will vary but is between 1 hour and 1 hour 20 minutes. If you’re using bulk black rice, be sure to rinse it first.
In a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, add the black rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, dried blueberries, and salt. Keep the pan uncovered while you bring the ingredients to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for the amount of time mentioned above. You’ll want the rice to be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. While waiting, dice the papaya into bite-sized pieces, add the lime juice, and sprinkle with the chili flakes, if you’ve decided to use them.
Dish the rice into individual bowls and top with the papaya mixture. Add some coconut milk if you so desire.
Garnish with the fresh basil leaves.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Linda Wiken is the author of the national bestselling Ashton Corners Book Club Mysteries under the pseudonym Erika Chase, and is the former owner of a mystery bookstore. Visit her online at lindawiken.com.
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