Silenced in Sequins

by Debra Sennefelder

  “I’m sorry. I know Breena isn’t working today–”

  “It’s okay. Don’t worry. I want you to rest and take care of yourself. Do you hear me?”

  “I do. And I will rest.”

  “Good. Oh, I have a question. Do you know a man named Marvin Childers?” Kelly crossed her fingers Pepper knew him so she could get some information on the guy. Her step-grandfather?

  Pepper coughed again and made a sound, then Kelly heard Pepper drinking.

  “No, the name isn’t familiar. Why are you asking about him?”

  Kelly sighed. “No reason. I came across his name, and I’m curious.”

  “Where did you come across his name?”

  The bell over the door jingled, and when Kelly looked up, her breath caught. Wendy Johnson? What on earth was she doing there?

  “Kelly?”

  “Gotta go. Take care, and call me if you need anything.” Kelly ended the call and set her phone down. She inhaled a fortifying breath and stepped out from around the counter. “Hi, Wendy. I didn’t expect you’d come back here after what happened at the party.”

  The door closed. Wendy stopped and pulled off her aviator sunglasses. She tilted her chin upward with practiced ease. She was used to making an entrance, and even dressed down in athleisure wear and bare of any makeup, she still commanded attention.

  “Tell me about it.” Wendy slipped her sunglasses into her nylon cross-body bag and stepped farther into the boutique.

  “I’ve sold all your dresses. You’ll be receiving your consignment check next week.” Kelly walked toward Wendy and stopped at a circular rack of blouses. Wendy was a lot calmer than the last time Kelly had seen her, but she’d just arrived.

  “Whatever. It’s not like I need the money.” Wendy tilted her chin even higher, giving the impression she was staring down her slender, patrician nose at Kelly, the local shopgirl.

  “Then why are you here?”

  “I’m here because you have to help me.”

  Have to help her? Kelly wasn’t sure how Wendy had come to that conclusion. She was curious to hear what the privileged housewife had to say.

  “What do you need help with?”

  Wendy flipped her hair and cocked her head sideways. “Duh. This whole mess I got caught up in, thanks to you.”

  Duh?

  How old was Wendy? She was old enough to have a better vocabulary, but Kelly wouldn’t take on that topic because there was a bigger one to deal with straight on—Wendy blaming her because she was a murder suspect. Frankie was right last night when he told Kelly she had had no part in what went down between the two reality-show housewives. Their argument Saturday night wasn’t the first one, and they had deeper issues than a dress.

  “I don’t understand why you’re blaming me for what happened.”

  Wendy sighed. “I really need to spell it out for you?”

  “Apparently.”

  “If you hadn’t sold Diana my dress, we wouldn’t have had the argument.”

  “I doubt that. It seems like drama follows you and your castmates around. I’m sure if the two of you hadn’t fought about the dress, you would’ve fought about something else.”

  “Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?” Wendy’s intense, ice-blue eyes narrowed on Kelly.

  “I don’t have time for this. I have a business to run.” Kelly turned to walk away.

  “Just like your uncle’s wife, Summer. She has a Pilates studio to run, and she’d love to expand it.”

  Kelly stopped and looked over her shoulder. “What are you saying?”

  “Being on a national television show like Long Island Ladies would be a boon to her business. I see a franchise of Pilates studios in Summer’s future. But . . .”

  Kelly’s stomach flipflopped as she turned around. “But what?”

  “There are other contenders for the open spot on the show.” Wendy stepped forward. “I’d love to be able to put in a good word for Summer. You know, like endorse her.”

  “Then go ahead.”

  “I won’t be able to if I’m arrested for Diana’s murder. I heard you did a little sleuthing last month when there was another murder. Seems you were instrumental in capturing the killer. I want you to do that again. Help me clear my name.”

  While Kelly might have been interested in the current murder investigation, she wasn’t looking to come face-to-face with another killer.

  “I still don’t see how this is my fault and why I owe it to you to help clear your name.” Nor was it Kelly’s responsibility to help get her aunt onto the reality show.

  Wendy closed the small gap between them. “If you don’t help, I will make sure Summer knows you refused to help me and that’s why she was taken out of the running for the show. How do you think she’ll react? You know how difficult it can be dealing with family members who have their dreams crushed because of your actions or inactions.” She crossed her arms over her chest, jutting out a hip and waited.

  The thought of living with Summer if Wendy followed through on her threat was painful. Summer would never, ever let Kelly forget she caused her to lose out on a chance to be on television. Forget flipflopping, her stomach was churning violently now.

  Wendy snapped her fingers. “I don’t have all day. Are you in or is Summer out?”

  Kelly gritted her teeth. “I guess I’m in. But I don’t know what you’re expecting. I’m not a detective.”

  “But you’re nosy, and you like to dig into people’s lives.”

  Kelly opened her mouth to protest, but Wendy shushed her.

  “There’s also a little something for you in clearing my name, Kelly. Once this matter is all cleaned up, I’ll introduce you to women who can definitely improve the level of inventory in your little shop. You’ll be consigning some of the most exquisite and expensive merchandise on the island.”

  Kelly could definitely use connections to help her get into the to-die-for walk-in closets of Long Island’s wealthy socialites. She hated herself for thinking about business when one woman was dead and another was a prime suspect.

  “Then let’s start. Where did you go after Diana stormed out of my uncle’s house?”

  “I went to the restroom to freshen up and then rejoined the other guests. When I left, about an hour later, I went straight home.”

  “Why did you leave so early?”

  “I wasn’t feeling well. My assistant had a cold, so I thought I was coming down with something.” Wendy unzipped her purse and pulled out a lipstick. After taking off the top, she moved over to one of the full-length mirrors Kelly had added to the sales floor; looking at her reflection, she swiped the color over her lips.

  “What time did you get home?” Kelly followed and stood behind Wendy, looking at their reflection. “Can anyone confirm your story?”

  “You sound like that awful detective, Wilson, Wood, Wolman! My husband was in Boston for business. And, no, I don’t have live-in staff.” Wendy swung around and waved her lipstick. “Any more questions?”

  “Not at the moment.”

  Wendy snapped the lid on her lipstick tight and dropped it back into her purse. “I have to go. We’ll check in. I’ll text you.” She spun around and walked out of the boutique, the bell jingling on her exit.

  Kelly looked back to her reflection. Had she made a deal with the devil? Or a murderer? Just to not suffer Summer’s wrath and help her boutique’s bottom line? Yeah, she probably had sold her soul.

  Kelly returned to the sales counter and grabbed her travel mug. She needed more coffee. Her day wasn’t starting as she’d expected. To be honest, she wasn’t sure what she expected after the past few days. The bell jingled again, and this time a customer entered. Kelly quickly plastered on a smile and greeted the petite brunette. She was looking for an outfit for a tree-trimming party, not an investigator to clear
her of murder.

  * * * *

  Kelly grabbed her key fob and cell phone from the console between the two front seats in her Jeep. Thirty minutes before closing the boutique for the day, she’d gotten a text message from Summer. Her aunt insisted she come over right after work. She considered declining. There was plenty of work to do upstairs in her apartment, but then she’d miss an opportunity to see Juniper.

  The front door opened, and the housekeeper greeted her and then led her to the sunroom, where the lady of the manor was waiting.

  Upon entering the room, Kelly noticed immediately that something looked off. Summer was lounging on the sofa with an arm stretched along the back of the sofa, talking on her cell phone. That wasn’t what seemed odd. It was her exaggerated facial expressions, and the not one but three tosses of her head. Kelly followed Summer’s gaze and found the reason for the weird behavior.

  Standing in the opposite corner was a man with a video camera.

  A cameraman?

  “What’s going on?” Kelly continued farther into the room. Okay, she was confused. According to what Wendy had said earlier, Summer wasn’t on the show . . . yet. So, why was there a cameraman in the sunroom?

  Summer lowered the phone. “Kelly, dear, I’m glad you could come by.” She set the phone on the coffee table, never losing eye contact with the camera.

  “Were you fake-talking on the phone?”

  Summer laughed as she leaned back. “I’m practicing.”

  “You’re practicing to talk on the phone?”

  “I’m practicing being filmed. I hired Philip to follow me around. I’m getting used to being filmed. I think I’m adapting well. Don’t you think so, Philip?”

  Kelly caught Philip grinning, but he soon recovered his professional demeanor. “You’re doing very well, Mrs. Blake.” He gave a thumbs-up.

  Summer ate up the praise. She crossed her legs. “Come, sit, and let’s chat.” She patted the cushion next to her.

  “With Philip filming us?”

  Summer nodded. “He’s following my every move today.” She patted the cushion again.

  Yeah, but did he have to follow Kelly’s every move? Against her better judgment, she joined Summer on the sofa, setting her phone and key fob down next to her. “How does it feel to have a camera follow you around?”

  Summer tucked a lock of her blond hair behind her ear. “Honestly, it was a little odd at the beginning, but after a couple of hours, I forgot Philip was around. He’s very quiet, and I got involved with things. This isn’t only for practice. He will put together an audition reel for me if Hugh asks for one. But I doubt he will. After the party Saturday night, I’m a shoo-in. There was so much drama, and we weren’t even trying!”

  “Speaking of the party, after Diana left, did you see Wendy later?” Since she was there, Kelly might as well find out what Summer remembered from the party. And to make sure Wendy hadn’t lied to her.

  “Let me think.” Summer took a dramatic pause, tapping her chin with a finger. “Yes. She was mingling with the other guests. At some point, she was huddled with Hugh’s wife, Tracy. But since I was the hostess, I was busy all evening with our other guests and didn’t have much time to talk to Wendy. Why are you asking?” She lowered her hand to her lap.

  “Wendy stopped by the boutique this morning. She asked for my help.” Shoot. Summer was right. It was easy to forget you were being filmed. She twisted and looked at Philip. “Do you think you can delete what I just said?”

  “This isn’t about you. Nobody cares what you said.” Summer gave a dismissive wave.

  “Geez, thanks,” Kelly said.

  Philip gave another thumbs-up.

  “I don’t understand why Wendy is asking for your help. You’re the reason she’s in this mess. If you hadn’t sold Diana the dress . . .”

  “I didn’t. I didn’t know she’d come into the boutique until after she left. But I’m pretty sure there’s a lot of footage between the two women to give the police reason to suspect Wendy. Were you and Diana friends?”

  “No, not really. We were members of the same club. She also came into the studio for a few classes. She could’ve used regular classes. Just like you, dear. Your posture is that of a seventy-year-old. A few classes and you’ll not only look taller, but you’ll also feel taller.”

  Another sales pitch for pricey Pilates classes, even with the family discount, wrapped in the guise of concern.

  “Aside from Wendy, could another Long Island Ladies star have had a motive to kill Diana?”

  Summer tossed her hair again, flashed Philip and his camera an ominous look and held it for a beat, then returned her attention to Kelly. A touch overdramatic.

  “You’re being absurd. Nobody on the show killed Diana.”

  “How can you be certain?”

  “Because she was off the show. My guess is her one-on-one with Hugh was to try to get back into his good graces and slink herself back on the show.”

  “What one-on-one?”

  “She had lunch with him last week.” Summer looked over to Philip and shook her head.

  Kelly tamped down her irritation. She was trying to have a discussion with Summer, while her aunt only wanted face time with the camera. Kelly definitely wouldn’t want a camera following her around or to be mic’d up all day. What about privacy? Like right now. She shouldn’t be having a conversation in front of a camera.

  “But, as you know, Hugh is looking for new blood for the show. Someone like me.” Summer’s face lit up. She really did want the job.

  “In the few times you’ve talked with Diana, did she ever mention being threatened or in fear for her life,” Kelly asked.

  “No.” Summer angled her head so she was looking directly at the camera. “She did mention her soon-to-be ex-husband, Aaron. He cheated on her several times, but the last time, the fool went and fell in love with Janine.”

  “She’s on the show?”

  Summer nodded. “She’s the youngest. And apparently one sneaky little girl. She claims Diana’s marriage has been over for a long time. Guess it’s her way of justifying breaking up a marriage.”

  “Do you think she or Aaron Delacourte could have killed Diana?”

  “You know, I really don’t like talking about this morbid stuff. I have to check on Juniper. Want to come with?” Summer stood.

  “Are you talking to me or Philip?”

  “Both.” Summer headed out of the room.

  Kelly snatched up her car key and phone. She flashed the cameraman a smile. “Come on, Philip.”

  He gave his thumbs-up signal and followed.

  In the kitchen, the housekeeper was unloading the dishwasher, while Juniper was seated in her high chair. Kelly took advantage of Summer filming her “confessional” with Philip and played with her cousin.

  Summer later explained the “confessional” was the moment in the show when the cast members talk directly to the camera about their castmates or what was just shown to the audience. Even though Kelly had her reservations about Summer joining LIL, she had to admit that the few times she’d indulged in the guilty pleasure of watching reality shows, she loved the “confessionals.” It was when the ladies backstabbed each other, wiggled their way out of compromising situations by making excuses, and traded some good old-fashioned trash talk.

  Would any of the Long Island Ladies use the “confessional” to admit to murder?

  Chapter Seven

  On Wednesday morning, Kelly hurried downstairs to the boutique. She wanted to get in before Pepper and go through the tasks of opening the boutique for business. But Pepper had already arrived. She’d already opened the cash register, unlocked the front door, and tidied up the snowmen on the sales counter.

  In the middle of wiping the counter, Pepper turned her head as Kelly approached and offered a faint smile. Despite wearing a festive
holiday sweater and trying to brighten her face with makeup, she still looked tired.

  “How are you feeling?” Kelly set her travel mug on the counter.

  “Better. I slept most of yesterday.” Pepper returned to cleaning the workspace. She reached for a spray bottle and gave the countertop a spritz and a wipe. A black headband pulled her shoulder-length blond hair off her face. Kelly figured Pepper had been too tired to fuss with styling her hair, but the simple style seemed to suit her.

  “I’m glad you’re feeling better.” Kelly hugged Pepper.

  The woman was like a mother, and having her ill, even with a little cold, was scary. Pepper was a strong woman, much like Kelly’s grandmother. Martha had been the pillar of strength Kelly leaned on to get through the dark period of Ariel’s accident. Maybe that was why when she got the news her granny had died, she was so blindsided. She never thought her granny would die. She was too strong. But Kelly was wrong, and that was why Pepper’s illness had tangled up her insides so much.

  “I’m not dying.” Pepper pulled back from the hug. “There’s no need to fuss. It’s only a cold. Besides, I’m supposed to worry about you, not the other way around.”

  “You need not worry about me. Things are going well. Wendy’s dresses have sold out. In fact, because I didn’t get the chance yesterday, I have to run out to the post office to mail the packages. We also had a decent number of customers come in, and they bought stuff.”

  Pepper discarded the paper towel in the trash bin under the counter. “Hallelujah! Hopefully, this holiday season will turn things around for the boutique. Since we’re on the topic of the holidays, when are you planning on putting up the decorations?” Pepper reached for a tissue and blew her nose, and then pumped a dollop of sanitizer on her hands.

  “Today?” It was more of a question than commitment. Two boxes of decorations were in the staff room, waiting to be opened and used.

  “Good. Clive will stop by later with some outdoor decorations. We can’t be the only business on Main Street without them.”

  Pepper hadn’t meant to, but the comment stabbed at Kelly’s heart. In years past, her granny had changed out the decorations from autumn-themed to Christmas in every nook and cranny and then some—all in the blink of an eye. Now Kelly was dragging her feet.