She felt his warm lips on her neck and that familiar fire flooded her veins again. Kelly shifted in his arms so her mouth could meet his. Steve gave her a soft quick kiss. “That’s not good enough,” Kelly protested. She could feel Steve’s reluctance as he pulled his body from hers.
“Don’t I know it, but it’s gonna have to do for now,” he said as he threw back the covers and got out of bed.
“But I’ve missed you,” Kelly tempted with another seductive smile as she sat up.
Just then, Carl started barking a quick staccato bark. His “Steve” bark. Carl had obviously heard Steve’s voice and knew his “Beloved Steve” was in the cottage.
“See, Carl misses you, too,” Kelly said, laughing.
“Tell the Big Guy that I’ll play with him tonight,” Steve said from the bathroom doorway. “Then you can show me how much you’ve missed me,” he teased with a grin before he closed the door. Then the shower sounded, water splashing.
Carl kept barking his yelp, and Kelly decided she needed to thank the Big Guy for not complaining about the lack of attention last night. She left the warm bed and quickly pulled on some panties and a tee shirt. As much as she’d like to stay in their cozy nest, Kelly had people expecting her this morning, too. At least her clients weren’t among them.
She grabbed Carl’s doggie dish from the kitchen and filled it with a double ration. A reward for being such a considerate dog and allowing his two favorite people uninterrupted time for each other.
“What a good dog,” Kelly said as she slipped past a jumping Carl and out onto the patio. She deliberately slid the glass door shut so Carl wouldn’t go bounding into the bedroom and surprise a naked Steve. Kelly could attest to what a rude shock cold doggie noses were on bare skin. “Double portion for the Big Guy today,” she said as she set the doggie dish on the concrete.
Carl dove in, gobbling down his breakfast, while Kelly stroked his sleek black coat.
“What a good dog you are,” she cooed. “Good dog, Carl. You didn’t even bark last night.”
Carl glanced up briefly, as if to say: “I barked. You two didn’t hear me.” He shoved his face back into his dish, gobbling down the rest of his kibbles.
Kelly refilled his water dish and watched Carl slurp up several mouthfuls, then he trotted off to check the fence perimeter. Kelly went back inside and started a fresh pot of coffee. Soon, the familiar delectable aroma floated on the air. By the time the brew was ready, Kelly heard Steve moving around the bedroom, obviously looking for his clothes. She poured a mug for herself and filled a carryout mug for Steve.
He walked out of the bedroom, all dressed, if somewhat wrinkled. Kelly went over to him and offered the mug. “Are you going to stop by your apartment and change or plead casual Friday,” she teased.
Steve took a deep drink of coffee, closed his eyes, and said, “Man, have I missed your coffee.” He took another deep drink.
“Is that all you missed?” Kelly gave him a wicked grin.
Steve returned her grin. “I’ll show you what else I’ve missed tonight.” He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. “Better go while I still can,” he said with a laugh, and backed toward the door.
“Don’t forget, the rehearsal is four o’clock at Jayleen’s in the canyon,” Kelly said, following him to the front door. “Then we’re staying at Jayleen’s for rehearsal dinner. The whole wedding party with parents. Curt’s ranch house is filled with additional relatives.”
“I’ll meet you there. After this meeting, I’ll go over to the apartment and pack. Can’t forget that groomsman tux.” Steve sped down the walkway toward his car, then looked back at Kelly. “Do you think the guys would notice if I skipped the bachelor party?”
“Yeah, I think they would.” Kelly laughed, then savored the strong coffee as she watched him drive away.
* * *
“Hey, Kelly, I was about to call you,” Burt said as Kelly walked into the Lambspun foyer. Burt dropped two more skeins of rust-colored wool into the open trunk that sat on the foyer floor. Fall colors spilled out of the trunk. Earth brown, tropical forest green, burnt orange, cranberry red.
“Perfect timing, then,” she said as she walked through the foyer toward the main room. “Let me drop my knitting bag first.”
“Not many customers yet, so we can talk in here,” Burt said as he pulled out one of the chairs beside the long library table.
Kelly dumped her bag and settled into a chair beside Burt. “I take it Dan has called you.”
“Oh, yes.” Burt nodded. “And I think you’re going to be interested in what he had to say.”
“I’m all ears,” Kelly said with a grin. She took a long drink of caffeine, then set her mug aside and leaned toward Burt. “Did they question Vera?”
“They sure did. But before they even went over to her shop, they first got permission from Oscar Yeager to obtain copies of his bank statement for this month, September. Oscar was totally clueless about his accounts. Seems Zoe did all the banking. Anyway, Dan and Morrison obtained photocopies of all checks written since the beginning of the month, and would you believe that Zoe Yeager came back from the grave to sign seven checks after her death?” Burt smiled slyly.
“My goodness, we should call the tabloids,” Kelly said. “That would be a front-page story. Tell me, how much are we talking about in total?”
“Nearly three thousand dollars. That’s felony fraud. The photocopies definitely showed a noticeable difference in Zoe’s signature.” He shook his head. “I’ll bet Vera practiced signing.”
“I’m sure she did. Vera impresses me as someone who carefully plans before she acts. Methodical.” Kelly took another drink of coffee. “So what did the guys do next?”
“Well, they got a search warrant for the sewing shop and Vera’s apartment. Dan presented it to her when he and Morrison went over to question her at the shop.”
“Oh, brother, I bet that caught her by surprise.”
Burt nodded. “Yes, it did. Dan said she turned white as a sheet, then became very agitated when they told her they were going to take her to the department for questioning. She tried to convince them that Zoe had authorized her to pay for those fabric expenses. Dan said he explained to Vera that it didn’t matter what Zoe Yeager authorized before she died. She was dead now, and all of the Yeager assets belonged to Oscar Yeager as her husband. Only he could authorize expenditures for the sewing shop.” Burt gave Kelly a wry smile. “Apparently, that’s when Vera lost it. Dan said her face got all red and she started yelling that Oscar didn’t deserve the money. It belonged to her. She was the one taking care of the business. Zoe couldn’t have built it without her. Oscar was a no-good drunkard, and Zoe had cheated her for years. They had stolen all her money years ago. She deserved the money . . . they owed it to her . . . and on and on like that. Dan said she was practically spitting, she was so enraged. Her face was purple. He was afraid she’d burst a blood vessel or something.”
“Oh, boy,” Kelly said softly, leaning back into her chair. “That sounds like a total meltdown. Clearly, Vera has drifted into her own reality where she could justify her actions. What happened when they took her to the department? Did they ask her anything about the night Zoe was killed?”
“That’s when Morrison took over. Dan said Vera had already been read her rights, but she told them she didn’t need a lawyer. It was all a mistake. So Morrison started asking her questions about Zoe and the shop, then worked his way to the night Zoe was killed. Apparently Vera repeated that she’d never left her apartment that night. Then Morrison told her they had a statement from someone who saw and spoke with her that same night at the drugstore only two blocks from the Presbyterian Church parking lot where Zoe was killed.”
Kelly leaned on the table again, mimicking Burt’s hunched pose. “What’d she say? I’ll bet that shocked the daylights out of her.”
“Ohhhh, yeah.” Burt nodded. “Dan said Vera blanched again and just stared at Morrison for a minute, eyes round as
saucers.”
“Did she try to deny it?”
“Nope. That’s when she asked for a lawyer,” Burt said with a knowing smile.
“I’ll bet she did. I’m sure she was convinced she’d fooled everyone. She’d covered all her tracks, and figured she had gotten away with murder. Then she’s caught by her own lie.”
“Now we’ll simply have to wait and see what happens. She’s being held at the County Detention Center on felony fraud charges with other charges pending. A court-appointed attorney is visiting her this morning. We’ll see what happens.”
Kelly sank back into her chair. “Vera’s one smooth liar, I’ll say that. And she was so believable. That made it easy to overlook her.”
“There are some people who blend into the scenery so well they almost disappear. You don’t even notice them at first. Vera’s like that. She never drew attention to herself.”
“You know, I actually liked Vera. She seemed such a nice person, hardworking, unassuming. Plus, we all felt sorry for her after Zoe died.”
“I liked Vera, too. We all did. None of us suspected she had this simmering resentment against Zoe and Oscar brewing inside, distorting her judgment, and waiting to explode.”
“I’ll bet Vera will want to go to trial. She truly believes she can fool anyone, and she has. She fooled all of us. I have to admit, she is one of the most convincing liars I’ve seen so far. There was nothing that gave her away. No mannerisms, no look in her eyes. She is one excellent actress.”
“And of course, that plays well with a jury. If it gets to a jury trial. That’s the tricky part. There will only be circumstantial evidence against her for Zoe’s murder.”
“It would be the same with Oscar Yeager,” Kelly retorted. “There are many people who would testify that Oscar beat Zoe. And Lisa and I witnessed his threats. But there would be no proof he was in that parking lot that night.”
“There’s no proof that Vera was, either, but the cleaning lady did say she saw a woman outside Zoe’s car late that night. Not a man,” Burt reminded her.
“That will have to be the deciding factor, I would think,” Kelly mused out loud. “Oscar may be a brute, but given what we’ve learned about Vera, I truly believe she killed her sister.”
“I do, too, Kelly. And there may be another piece of evidence that could definitively put the blame on Vera. The guys found a dark hooded jacket in Vera’s closet, and they’re taking that to the crime lab. If there’s even one speck of Zoe’s blood hiding there, the lab techs will find it.”
Kelly released a long breath. “Let’s hope they do, Burt. I don’t like to think of killers getting away with their crimes.”
“Oh, Vera won’t get away with anything,” Burt replied. “She’s definitely going to jail on those felony fraud charges.”
“Okay, then. Let’s see what happens with the crime lab.” Kelly took a long deep drink of coffee and tried to push the thought of scheming killers from her mind. Today was a happy day. A Megan and Marty day.
As if he’d read her mind, Burt grinned. “Are you ready for the festivities to begin?”
“Oh, yeah. And I have some really good news to share which should add to the general festive mood.” Kelly returned his grin. “Steve and I are back together. Together together. You have my permission to tell Mimi. And anyone else you bump into today.” She winked.
Burt closed his eyes and exhaled a dramatic sigh. “Thank God. It’s about time.” He pushed back his chair. “I’m going to tell Mimi right this minute.” He came over and gave Kelly a kiss on the cheek and a fatherly pat on the shoulder. “We’re all back to normal at last,” he said with a grin, then hurried out of the room.
Kelly simply smiled to herself and sipped her coffee. Back to normal? Kelly had to agree with Jayleen’s earlier statement. After this last year of crazy changes, Kelly wasn’t sure if she’d recognize normal if it walked right up and bit her.
* * *
Kelly savored the sauvignon blanc and took another bite of Babette’s delicious crepe. She watched Mimi show Megan’s mother and sister Babette’s glass display case filled with delectable and tempting French pastries, all wickedly delicious. They “ooooed” and “ahhhhed” appreciatively.
“Your mom and sister are having a great time, Megan. I’m so glad you picked Babette’s.” She raised her glass.
“It was Jennifer’s suggestion,” Megan said, toying with her crepe, then taking another sip of wine. “She figured an afternoon of chocolate would mellow everyone out.”
Lisa snickered. “I love it. So true.” She finished off her salad.
“Actually, I think Curt and Jayleen’s Sightseeing Express did more to relax your parents than anything,” Jennifer observed, glancing toward the dessert display. “Babette is just finishing the job.” She raised her glass of white wine. “To Curt and Jayleen.”
All of them joined her salute. Megan finished off the entire glass, poured some more, then nibbled her crepe.
Kelly noticed Mimi and Megan’s mother were chatting with Babette’s staff, obviously choosing a dessert. “Hey, guys, while we have a moment to ourselves, I thought I’d spread the good news. I already told Burt this morning.” She glanced around the table and opened her mouth, but . . . Jennifer spoke up first.
“You and Steve? Please tell me yes.”
Kelly grinned. “Yes. Last night. He stayed the whole night. So everyone can relax now.” She leaned back into her chair and sipped her wine while she watched her friends’ reactions.
Jennifer closed her eyes. “Obi Wan is very pleased.”
“Yessss!” Lisa exulted, fist pumping the air.
“Ohhhh, my Gawd!” Megan crowed loudly, throwing her head back, wine sloshing from her glass. “Finally! Now we can really celebrate!”
Kelly simply laughed.
“I’ve gotta text Greg,” Lisa said, digging into her purse.
“Me, too. Pete, not Greg,” Jennifer said, riffling through her purse.
“I’ve gotta tell Marty!” Megan exclaimed, spilling all of her wine this time as she fumbled for her purse.
“Megan, you should finish that crepe,” Kelly said. “It’s not like you to leave food on your plate. And this is Babette’s, remember?”
“Oh, yeah,” Megan said, taking a quick bite and swallowing. “Hey, Babette’s French! This calls for champagne! Babette!” she called, waving toward her mother and sister. “Get some of those chocolate things and ask Babette for a bottle of champagne! We need to celebrate Kelly and Steve, too! They’re back together!”
Mom and sister stared at Megan with a quizzical look, but Mimi nodded with a smile while Babette disappeared into the back room.
Kelly simply relaxed, sipped her wine, and laughed at her friends. She was glad she had been able to add to the merriment. Let the festivities truly begin.
* * *
Kelly slid her knife through Curt Stackhouse’s aged prime beef. Practically no resistance. She speared the rare morsel, dripping with juices, and popped it into her mouth . . . then savored. “Oh . . . my . . . Lord, this is so good,” she said after she’d swallowed.
“You can say that again.”
“Don’t talk while I’m eating.”
“Yummmm . . .”
“Does Curt take in boarders?”
“Somebody take Greg’s plate. He used to be a vegetarian. This isn’t good for him,” Jennifer teased as she sliced another morsel of her steak.
“And kudos to the grill cook,” Pete said, raising his glass to Jayleen, who sat next to Curt at the table.
Jayleen’s entire great room was packed with the Smith-Harrington wedding party and families. A succession of smaller tables had been put end to end and sideways to form a squared-off U shape. Kelly and all her friends filled the bottom of the U and around the corners, which made it easier for them to talk to one another. Always a consideration when the gang got together.
Kelly glanced at Steve beside her. He was tearing into his steak like it was his las
t meal. Wolfing it down. The gang was finally together again, really together. Laughing, talking, savoring good beers and fine wines, eating everything in sight. Could Marty and Greg food jokes be far away?
She looked toward the ends of the U. Marty and Megan anchored both ends, their respective relatives lining each side. Since both families were right across from each other, conversation and laughter bounced back and forth.
“Can anyone tell if Megan’s eating her steak? She barely had any of her lunch,” Kelly asked before she took another scrumptious bite of her own.
“I worry about that, too, Kelly,” Jennifer added. “She’s been tossing down champagne and wine. And chocolate mousse. She had two of those at Babette’s.”
“I think I saw her eating,” Lisa said, peering toward Megan’s end of the table. “It’s hard to tell. She’s never in her chair. She’s constantly moving around talking to people.”
“Good. That means she won’t notice if I steal her steak,” Steve threatened before downing his last bite.
“Dude, don’t even try it. Marty has a steak knife, and he’ll fight to the death to protect anything within six feet of his plate.”
Curt guffawed across the table. “Hell, Steve, there’s bound to be another steak in the kitchen. Lord knows how many Jayleen grilled.”
“I lost count,” Jayleen said with her familiar grin as she sipped her cola.
Steve tipped back his Fat Tire ale and licked his lips. “I’ll take a rain check on that, Curt. Besides, it would be more fun to snitch a slice of Megan’s just to watch Marty’s reaction.”
Greg’s head popped up from staring at his plate. “Genius! Man, have we missed having you around.”
You’re not the only one, Kelly thought to herself with a smile.
“I imagine we’ll be seeing more of you, Steve, now that you’ve got more reason to visit Fort Connor,” Burt teased next to Kelly.
“You imagine right, Burt.” Steve saluted him with his beer before drinking.
“Wait till you boys see those bridesmaid dresses,” Mimi said from beside Burt. “They’re replicas of Megan’s beautiful strapless white wedding gown. But in colors. Kelly’s is royal blue.” Mimi gave Steve one of her Mimi Knows Best smiles.
Cast On, Kill Off (A Knitting Mystery) Page 23
