Hugh shot her an irritated glance as he straightened up. “What do you think?”
“Let us go. It’ll be easier for you.” Her clothing was soaked through, and her body was chilled to its core. Goose bumps covered her arms, and her vision was blurry. Sometimes it looked like Hugh had a twin.
Hugh barked a laugh. “This is easier for me. You confronted Yvonne about Diana’s murder because you’d uncovered Yvonne’s secret. The two of you got into a struggle. You tried to escape but made the dumb move to run upstairs. Tsk tsk. She cornered you. Another struggle ensued, and you both fell from the widow’s walk. It’s all so tragic.”
“No one will believe that.” Kelly scrambled to her feet, but she kept slipping. She wanted to check on Yvonne. Her body looked lifeless. Was it too late to save her?
“Most of it’s true, isn’t it? It’s a shame. You would have made such a great addition to the show with your spunk and determination. Too bad the only show you’ll be appearing on is the news when they cover your death.”
Kelly gulped. “It’ll be your arrest the news covers.” She finally found her footing and stood. She wrapped her arms around her body and hugged herself. There was no way she was going to die up there. And neither was Yvonne.
Steadying herself on her feet was harder than struggling to stand up. Her body swayed in the blast of wind whipping across the roof. Along with the wind came a pelting of sleet. The frigid pellets of ice assaulted her face, and she winced. She wanted to cry, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. The narrow deck and the murderer standing so close to her had fear pulsating through her veins, yet she also felt a reaffirmed determination to get off the roof alive.
“God, you would’ve killed in the ratings.” His malicious smile had Kelly wanting to vomit as her heart squeezed with fear that she would not be able to escape. He stepped forward as a sweep of frigid wind passed over them, and Kelly cursed. Her hands were stiff from exposure, and she could barely feel them. But Hugh’s hands, covered in black gloves, were all nice and warm. He extended his hands as he continued to close the space between them.
She backed up, slipping on the snow, but she stretched out her arm, and her hand reached the exterior of the house. She pressed her palm to the white clapboard for stability.
“It’s a shame, really. You could’ve been a star.” Hugh lunged and grabbed her by the shoulders. He dragged her to him and spun her around so her back was pressed against his chest.
She flailed her arms and legs and screamed.
“Nobody can hear you,” he whispered. His hot breath on her ears had her skin crawling.
He was right. No one could hear her. Her eyelids started to close. They were heavy. She forced them open.
No.
She would not die there.
He dragged her along to the center of the widow’s walk, and she looked down. Panic surged, and she forced herself to fight, but her limbs were cold, almost numb, and she was exhausted.
Early signs of hypothermia.
From the far recesses of her mind, she recalled an article she’d read about hypothermia that had cemented her decision never to go out cross-country skiing because you never knew what could happen.
Add to the list: never go to a house with a third-floor widow’s walk.
“Too bad it has to end like this.” The cockiness in his voice grated against Kelly.
Her body went rigid as it fought back against the pressure Hugh’s hands asserted across her back to force her over the railing.
“Stubborn . . . girl.” He wrapped his arms around her body, ready to lift her up and toss over the railing, when his body suddenly stiffened, and he yelped in pain and released his hold on her. His body crumpled to the floor.
Kelly grabbed hold of the railing and said a silent “Thank you, God” before looking over her shoulder at Hugh. His eyes were closed, and blood seeped from the back of his head.
What the heck had happened?
Sirens broke the silence, and she looked over the railing. Police cruisers sped into the driveway.
“Are you okay?”
Startled, Kelly looked behind her. Patrice. “I think so.”
“I wasn’t sure if this would knock him out.” Patrice looked at the stone elephant statue in her hands. “It was on the dresser. There wasn’t anything else to use as a weapon. It’s solid and heavy.”
“It looks like it worked.” While Kelly had a bunch of questions for Patrice, she was worried about Yvonne. She moved as fast as she could across the area. “Please don’t be dead; please, please don’t be dead.”
Patrice hurried to join Kelly, and she checked the unconscious woman’s pulse. “She’s alive. I called the police. Sounds like they’re here.” Patrice dashed inside to what looked like a bedroom from where Kelly was. A moment later, Patrice emerged with a throw and draped it over Yvonne’s body.
With Patrice tending to Yvonne, Kelly turned her attention back to the railing. She waved. “Up here! We need medical help!”
An officer tipped his head upward. Gabe. Her heart gave a happy thump.
“He was going to kill you, wasn’t he?” Patrice stood and joined Kelly at the railing.
“He was. You saved my life. Our lives.” Kelly threw her arms around Patrice and pulled her in for a tight hug. She squeezed her eyes shut and said a silent prayer of thanks.
“You didn’t answer my question. Are you okay?”
“Sort of. I’ll be a lot better once I get out of this house.”
Voices drifted from inside the house, and Kelly released her hold on Patrice.
The police and paramedics had arrived on the third floor of the house. Yvonne and Hugh were transported to the local hospital, while Kelly and Patrice gave their statements to Wolman. A paramedic had examined Kelly and wrapped her in a thermal blanket to help raise her body temperature; she’d be going to the emergency room after her interview. Because she’d been assaulted and exposed to the frigid air, Wolman kept her questioning short and told Kelly she’d follow up with her in the emergency room.
Kelly didn’t want to go to the hospital, but with Gabe there, she knew it would be a losing battle to argue. However, she drew the line at being carried out on a gurney. She insisted she could walk on her own. Gabe tried to argue, but she held her ground—well, as much as she could, since she could barely feel her feet. Gabe reluctantly agreed and told her he’d be right by her side. Holding her arm, he led her out of the house to the waiting ambulance.
“I can’t believe you did it again. You almost got yourself killed.”
“But we now know who killed Diana. It wasn’t Wendy. I can’t believe Hugh is such a monster.” Kelly’s teeth were still chattering, and she shivered. Would she ever warm up? She tugged the blanket tighter around her.
Gabe must’ve noticed because he swung his arm around her and pulled her toward him. His body warmth felt good. “You shouldn’t have come here and confronted Yvonne and Hugh.”
“Is Yvonne going to be okay? When I saw her, I really thought she was dead.”
“She’s not dead, but I don’t know the extent of her injuries.”
They reached the ambulance, and a waiting paramedic reached out his hand for Kelly. She didn’t have much energy to resist any longer. Gabe helped steady her, and she climbed up. She lay down on the gurney, where she got strapped in.
“I’ll call my mom and Caroline.” Gabe closed the ambulance doors.
“Oh, boy. Do you think you could take me to a hospital far, far away?” Kelly asked the paramedic.
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Canceled?” Kelly pulled her legs closer to her body and wrapped her arms around them. Liv had settled her on the sofa after she emerged from a hot shower and slipped on her festive pj’s and fuzzy socks. Liv had been mothering her since they arrived home from the hospital earlier in the day. She’d been admitted
for observation overnight because of her head injury and exposure to the cold. Even after a warm shower and being dressed in flannel, she was still chilled.
“According to the network’s website, Long Island Ladies won’t see another season. They’ve wasted no time distancing themselves from the train wreck.” Liv handed Kelly a large mug of hot tea.
“How’s Summer taking it?” Kelly whispered.
Liv rolled her eyes and then looked over her shoulder as Summer entered the living room with a mug of tea. She was dressed in black leather leggings and an oatmeal-colored cashmere tunic, and her blond tresses were casually curled and bouncy. However, she looked far from happy.
“It’s a hasty decision. I’m sure the network will realize their error and bring the show back for another season.” Summer dropped onto the armchair and crossed her legs. Beside the chair, she set her exquisite Fendi Peekaboo purse.
Kelly couldn’t help thinking it would make an awesome get-well gift.
“They have to. I was meant to be on the show.”
“Summer, they were all horrible people. Liars, cheats, and murderers.” Kelly took a drink of her tea.
Before Kelly was discharged from the hospital, Wolman had told her that Hugh was still hospitalized but under arrest for murder and three murder attempts. He was looking at a lot of jail time, which he so rightly deserved.
Summer waved her hand. “I was so close.”
Kelly looked to Liv for help, but none was forthcoming from her friend.
“I’ll get the cookies.”
“You baked? When?” Kelly perked up. She could use a cookie or two or three.
“Last night. Frankie gave me the recipe for your granny’s gingersnaps. I thought you could use a treat after everything you’ve been through.” Liv dashed out of the room and returned with a plate piled high with perfectly round cookies glistening with sugar. She held the plate in front of Kelly.
Kelly’s nose wriggled at the fragrance of ginger and cinnamon. She reached for a cookie. “They look just like Granny’s.” She took a bite. “Hmmm . . . So good. They taste just like Granny’s.” She finished the cookie. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. When you’re feeling up to it, I’ll give you a baking lesson.” Liv took the plate over to Summer, and to Kelly’s surprise, Summer reached for a cookie and ate it.
Kelly and Liv shared a shocked look, and when Liv went to set the plate on the coffee table, Summer reached for another cookie. Kelly was now officially worried about her aunt.
“Summer, you have so much already. Do you think you would have had time for the show?” For some unknown reason, Kelly felt obligated to make Summer feel better. “Juniper needs you, and your Pilates studio is growing. Didn’t you add a couple of classes during the week?”
Summer nodded as she chewed. “I did. I’m also adding barre classes.”
“You don’t need a silly show to expand your business. You just need to continue doing what you’re doing. Right, Kell?” Liv grabbed a cookie and plopped onto the sofa next to Kelly.
Summer tilted her head sideways and stared at both women. “You’re right. I can open new studios without appearing on a reality show. The show probably would have been a time drain, anyway. You’re right. I can do it on my own.” Her lips stretched into a smile, but her eyes widened in horror at the cookie in her hand. She reached forward and dropped it onto the plate as though it was a knock-off Louis Vuitton.
Kelly let out a relieved breath. The Summer she knew and had gotten used to tolerating was back.
“Besides, Ralphie needs a little extra attention these days.” Summer leaned back. “Tracy isn’t moving her production company out here to the island. He got the call yesterday morning before you almost got yourself killed. She’s keeping the business in the city.”
“There’ll be another property for him to develop.” Kelly took another drink of her tea. It was hard for her to muster up sympathy for her uncle. Clearly, Summer saw a whole other side of him that Kelly hadn’t. Which was a good thing because he’d be dealing with another blow in a matter of days, and he’d need some consoling.
Before Kelly was discharged, Caroline had visited the hospital for two things. She continued to lecture Kelly about putting herself in danger yet again. Then she told Kelly their granny and Marvin Childers were never legally married. Caroline had been right when she suggested the marriage hadn’t been officially filed. This meant he and his weasel of a grandson had no claim on the business or the building. They belonged to Kelly. Talk about a weight being lifted off her shoulders.
While the news about her inheritance was a welcome relief and she was thrilled to be alive, she was worried about Yvonne. She was in a coma. Kelly had watched Yvonne take the hard blow from Hugh that sent her body crumpling to the floor. The blow kept flashing in Kelly’s head like a motel’s neon sign.
“Hey, you okay?” Liv patted Kelly on the knee. “You look kinda far away.”
“I’m good.” Kelly twisted around and set her mug on the end table just in time for Howard to stroll into the living room, jump on the sofa, and curl up next to Kelly. Her heart welled up with love, and she stroked the cat’s head.
“You are good,” Liv said.
“I have to get going. Juniper should be getting up from her nap.” Summer lifted her purse and stood.
“Give her a kiss for me,” Kelly said.
Summer nodded. “I will. Kelly, I’m glad you weren’t seriously hurt yesterday.”
Kelly was once again shocked by Summer. Maybe there was hope for a true friendship between them.
“However, I wish you’d find another hobby than tracking down killers. It’s not an appropriate thing to be doing. Our family does have a reputation to maintain.” She spun around and sashayed to the door in her stiletto-heeled ankle boots. She took her faux fur leopard coat off of the coatrack and shrugged it on. She gave a final wave and left.
When the door clicked shut, Kelly and Liv looked at each other and burst into laughter.
“I think my relationship with Summer is improving.” Kelly reached for another cookie. She wanted to be good, but after what she’d been through, a couple of cookies wouldn’t be so bad. Besides, her leggings all had elastic waistbands.
“You should get credit for not getting arrested this time around,” Liv said between laughs.
“Right?”
“Have you heard from Mark?”
Kelly nodded and smiled. “He called earlier.”
“And?”
Kelly giggled.
“Come on, spill.”
“He asked me to be his New Year’s Eve date.”
Liv squealed. “I’m so happy for you!”
“It’s only a date.” However, since he’d asked her, she’d been thinking about what she’d wear. Before she emerged from her bedroom, she’d checked out MineNowYours.com and found a stunning velvet-wrap minidress in a deep purple color. Paired with high-heeled ankle boots and a faux fur vest, it would be perfect for the evening. The more she thought about it, the more she had to order the dress.
“What about Christmas?”
“His parents have a house upstate, and the whole family gets together for the holiday.” She’d hoped to see him at least on Christmas Eve, but he’d be gone by then. Maybe it was for the best to take things slow, especially since his sister wasn’t fond of their fledgling relationship.
Liv glanced at her watch. “I should go too. I told Pepper I’d help in the boutique this afternoon so Breena can finish up the prep for the Holiday Edit.”
“The Edit!” Kelly made a move to get up and jostled Howard, who gave her a disapproving look, but Liv pushed her back. “I have to go downstairs and help.”
“No, you don’t.” Liv propped her hands on her hips. “We have it all under control.”
“But you have to work at the bakery. I
t’s the busiest time of the year.”
“I’ve got it all covered. I worked this morning and made a gazillion sugar cookies. Now I’ll work in the boutique until closing. It’s not a big deal. And Breena is doing a fabulous job. You just rest.” Liv stood. “If you need anything, text me, but do not, under any circumstances, come downstairs. Your job is to make a full recovery so you can be at the Edit. Got it?”
Kelly didn’t like being fussed over or told what to do, but the serious look on her best friend’s face made it clear she wasn’t to challenge the orders. Maybe taking another day to rest was a good idea. Her head still throbbed, and her neck was sore where Hugh had grabbed her. A flash of gasping for air flitted in her mind’s eye, and she shook the image away.
“Got it.” Kelly saluted, and Liv chuckled.
Before leaving, Liv refilled Kelly’s mug and placed the laptop on the coffee table, along with the remote control for the television, before she left to go down to the boutique. Kelly shifted to get comfortable, keeping Howard by her side.
She opened her laptop and checked her e-mails. She found one from the editor of Budget Chic with a new assignment offer. Grateful for the distraction, Kelly immediately replied and got to work on her new article—Ten Budget-Friendly Looks for New Year’s Eve.
* * * *
Kelly adjusted the pair of black and nude spectator pumps on the display cube set in the center of the accessories department, aka the ugly addition. Now the square footage was less unattractive thanks to a discounted visual merchandising website. She had acquired several displays for the space, including a small collection of display cubes at various heights and widths that gave the space visual oomph when customers walked through the doorway.
She’d added a mixed-media Coach shoulder bag to replace a pair of black pumps she’d sold earlier. She set the leather and coated-canvas bag on the cube and draped the leather chain strap over the top of the bag before moving to the pair of nutmeg-colored ankle boots. She glanced at her watch. There were a mere few minutes before she closed for the holiday.
A week had passed since the incident at Yvonne’s house. Referring to it as an incident sounded better than saying “her attempted murder.” Hugh was being held without bail, Yvonne had woken from her coma but was still in critical condition, and Patrice was clearing her name. A few days ago, Wendy stopped by the boutique to thank Kelly, and she said that after the New Year, she’d keep her promise of getting her friends to consign at the boutique. Things had turned out well for everyone except for Diana. Then again, if she hadn’t blackmailed people, maybe she’d be alive.
Silenced in Sequins Page 23
