“Actually, you didn’t answer my question. Where were you when Peaches was killed?”
“I have nothing to hide. I was here finalizing the details for the open house and then I picked my kid up from school. Have a nice day, Hope.” Kent turned and headed to the young couple, greeting them with a big smile.
Hope made her way out of the house, leaving Kent to make his sale. His comments about Peaches’ sudden change in work ethic seemed to coincide with when Peaches found closure about her mother’s death. Hope was certain Peaches had been looking for the person driving the car that hit and killed her mother. Hope needed to find out more about the accident. She was so lost in thought she almost missed Meg Griffin power walking toward her.
“Good morning, Meg.”
Meg came to a stop. She glanced at the Cape Cod house and then back to Hope.
“Looking to move?”
“No. I just stopped by to talk to Kent. I’m glad we ran into each other.” Hope had wanted to find out why Meg abruptly left Audrey’s house just before the book signing. Now seemed like a good opportunity.
“Sorry. I have to keep my heart rate up.” Meg glanced at her fitness band.
“This won’t take long.”
Meg sighed as she rested her hands on her hips. “Make it quick, okay?”
“You left Audrey’s house before the book signing because you couldn’t stand to be in the same house as Peaches. Why?”
“I don’t have to answer your questions. Besides, it’s none of your business.”
“You’re right on both counts. I guess you’ll just have to answer Detective Reid’s questions. Thanks for your time.” Hope took a step back. It was time to go.
“Wait.” Meg reached out. “I was afraid if I stood there, I would do something I would have regretted.”
“And that would be what?”
“I don’t know . . . like . . . slap Peaches. Okay, I wanted to slap her. There I’ve said it.” Meg lifted her hand and pointed her index finger at Hope. “But I did not kill her. I was gone before she was murdered.”
“How are you so certain?”
“Because when you tried to stop me from leaving, I saw Peaches walk out of the living room and down the hall toward the study.”
“You did? Did you see anyone follow her?”
Meg shook her head. “No.”
“How about anyone heading in that direction a few moments earlier?”
“I’m not sure. Everyone was everywhere. I just noticed her.”
“What was going on between you two?”
Meg sighed again. “A couple of weeks ago she tried to strong-arm my Aunt Peggy into listing her house”
“How so?”
“She showed up one afternoon with a sales pitch and a marketing plan. She barged in and told Aunt Peggy it was in her best interest to sell now rather than later. She rattled off all the problems with the house. For goodness sake, the house is over a hundred of years old, so it has problems. My aunt was so upset, she called me crying. She loves her home.”
“I know she does.” Peggy Olson lived a few houses down from Hope, and she admired how well Peggy took care of her Victorian house, even though she was getting older. Hope hadn’t realized just how aggressive Peaches was in her real estate dealings. Maybe she shouldn’t just be looking at agents for possible suspects. “Once I calmed Aunt Peggy down, I called Peaches and told her never to approach my aunt again or she’d be sorry. She was looking for commissions and didn’t care about anybody else.”
Hope raised an eyebrow. Did Detective Reid know Meg had threatened Peaches? “When you left Audrey’s house, where did you go?” While Hope saw Meg leave, she could have easily made her way around the back of the house and entered through the study since she saw Peaches walk in that direction.
“To the gym. I took a kickboxing class. Now, can I continue with my walk?”
“Yes. Thank you, Meg, for being straight with me.”
“Like I had a choice? I prefer to keep my business private and that’s the only reason I’ve told you this. Some of us don’t like our dirty laundry aired in prime time.” Meg strode away, pumping her arms as she reached the end of the street and turned onto Crimson Ridge.
Hope considered what Meg had just told her, and she doubted Meg had a motive for murder, but it wouldn’t hurt to check her alibi. After all, her elderly aunt was bullied by Peaches.
* * *
Driving over to Audrey’s, Hope made a detour that took her to the only fitness center in Jefferson, The Workout Fix. Shiny and new, the fitness center was a big improvement over the previous gym that had occupied the space. Hope pushed open the front door and entered the lobby and was greeted by a perky receptionist wearing a logo T-shirt promoting her employer.
“Good morning.” Hope approached the desk. On the drive over she’d tried to come up with a plan because she doubted anyone would willingly give her any information on a client since she wasn’t a police officer.
“How can I help you today? Are you interesting in joining? We have a new-member package promotion.” The young woman reached for a clipboard loaded with a thick sheath of papers and a pen.
Beyond the reception desk was a juice bar and a small café area with tables and chairs. In the distance, Hope saw rows of exercise equipment and members working out. Classy place. Glancing at the forms, she saw just how much the classy gym cost. Yikes! No wonder there was a food court. She’d stay with her daily runs, thank you very much. “My friend, Meg Griffin, has been raving about this place. In fact, she said she loves the kickboxing class.” Not exactly a lie, but Hope was definitely skirting the truth.
The receptionist’s brown eyes lit up. No doubt she earned a commission on each new-member sign-up. “Oh, yeah, Meg is great, and she does love our aerobic classes.”
“She said she took a kickboxing class two days ago, in the afternoon. She told me the instructor’s name but I can’t remember. I was just wondering how many classes that instructor does.”
“Yeah, Meg was really stressed out when she came in.”
“You saw her?”
The receptionist nodded. “Sure. I’m always here. I love this place. Anyway, she looked like she’d had a rough day, but an hour in Kimberly’s class must have worked out all the stress because she looked so relaxed when she left. Kimberly works you out seriously. There are just a few forms to fill out and then I can give you the grand tour.” The receptionist smiled.
Hope glanced at her watch. “I do need to be somewhere right now, but I’ll think about that new-member promotion. Thank you.” She turned and headed to the front door. She pushed the door open and walked out of the gym. Since Meg was there after she left Audrey’s house, it was doubtful she killed Peaches. Relieved and disappointed at the same time, Hope could at least rule out Meg as a suspect.
“Hope!”
She stopped and turned around. Drew was chasing after her from the gym. He was dressed for a workout in shorts and a long-sleeve shirt finished with his new running shoes that cost three digits and would be replaced within six months. A good pair of shoes was essential in running, but shelling out big bucks for the flavor of the day was extreme. But appearances were important to Drew and other than his wardrobe, he was financially savvy.
“Are you thinking about joining?”
“No, I was just following up on something.”
“That would be what?” He took a swig from his water bottle.
“Meg said she came here for a kickboxing class after she left Audrey’s house abruptly. Turns out she did.”
“Looks like you’ve ruled her out as a suspect. She has an alibi.”
“Yeah, it feels weird.”
A concerned look hovered in Drew’s eyes.
“I’m relieved she has an alibi and she’s not a killer, but that means Reid can still look at Claire for the murders.”
Drew reached out and touched Hope’s arm. “This isn’t going to be pretty. It’s going to be tough.”
“I know.” Hope swallowed. Her pity party was just getting started, but it was feeling old fast. She didn’t want Drew feeling sorry for her, so she needed to snap out of it.
“I do have some news about Vanessa’s murder. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.”
“Just like Peaches.”
Drew nodded. “But unlike Peaches’ murder, the murder weapon wasn’t left near the body.”
“I wonder where it is. Any indication of what the weapon was?”
“No, not yet. But I’ll find out.”
“So, the killer used a rock on Peaches and left it beside the body, but on Vanessa he or she took the murder weapon. I wonder if anything is missing from Vanessa’s house.”
Drew shrugged. “I don’t know if the police could get an inventory of everything since Vanessa lived alone.”
“Or maybe the killer had the weapon with him or her when they arrived.”
“That’s a possibility.”
“Yes, it is. Hope said.
Drew’s eyes widened. “Do you think the killer meant to kill Vanessa the day of the garden tour? She was the intended victim all along? But something went wrong and the killer had to finish the job?”
“I wonder if the police have considered that theory. Because if they haven’t, they should. Claire didn’t have a motive to kill Vanessa.”
“I’ll see what I can find out. I’ve gotta go. Abs need to be worked before I can head to the office.” He patted his midsection. “Call me later.” He broke away and jogged back to the entry of the gym.
Hope looked to her midsection. Hmmm . . . her recipe tasting was taking a toll on her once-firm abs, and running wasn’t helping in that area. Maybe gym membership wouldn’t be such a bad thing. She shook her head. Her abs were the least of her worries at the moment.
Chapter Fifteen
Just before Hope’s index finger pushed the doorbell for a second time, the door swung open. Any doubts she had about what she’d set in motion by asking questions about the murders vanished because she was now hip-deep in her plan to find the killer.
Audrey flung her arms around Hope and embraced her. “I’m so glad to see you.”
“I’ve been so worried about you.” Hope removed herself from Audrey’s embrace and quickly inspected the cake box. No damage done.
“I’ve been so exhausted. Between the police, our lawyer, those damn news vultures, and my publisher. . .” Audrey’s puffy eyelids lowered. Her pale pink sweater and matching knit pants got her halfway put together. But her red and swollen face gave away the truth. She’d been crying a lot.
“Publisher?”
Audrey sighed. “They’re not too pleased by all of this. Come.” She closed the front door and led Hope to the living room.
Hope followed, tight-lipped. She didn’t think Audrey would want to hear that, while her publisher was freaking out about the murder, Hope’s ex-producer was champing at the bit to pitch a reality show about it. If there was ever any doubt reality television had no boundaries, it was gone now.
Hope glanced around the room. Warm hues and a mix of florals and plaids gave the space an easy, elegant feel, while the white mantel topped with two crystal candlestick lamps and a collection of antique porcelain dogs grounded the room. Audrey collapsed onto the deep cushion of an oatmeal-colored linen chair. A contrasting cording fringed the bottom of the chair and added a touch of whimsy.
“And, now poor Vanessa,” Audrey said in a low voice.
Just a few weeks ago, Audrey had looked at ease in the chair when she gathered a few friends for an impromptu meeting to discuss the future of Jefferson. She’d shared with them she considered running for mayor. She’d been upbeat, positive, and hopeful. A very stark contrast to the defeated-looking woman sitting there now.
“You heard?” Hope set the cake box and her purse on the coffee table, then slipped out of her jacket.
“I don’t think there’s one person in Jefferson who hasn’t. Who needs the Gazette?”
Hope knew news, especially sensational news, spread fast anywhere. Her own split from Tim had made a New York City newspaper’s infamous gossip page and, while it stung, it was fleeting, but two murders in a place like Jefferson would linger for decades.
“I baked an apple crumb cake. I know it’s one of your favorites. How about I cut you a slice and pour us some coffee?” Hope scooped up the box.
“Perfect timing. Meg just made a fresh pot of decaf.” Audrey seemed to relax for a moment, and Hope was reminded of how much Audrey looked like her late mother. Both women were tall, well-poised, and elegant.
Hope stopped midstep and cringed. “Meg is here?”
“She’s been such a great help since . . .” Her hand raised to her mouth and she closed her eyes. She took a moment to compose herself. Her eyelids opened, and she inhaled a steadying breath. “I’m so lucky to have such good friends.”
“We’re all here for you.” Sooner or later she’d run into Meg again, but she was kind of hoping for later. Not roughly an hour after she grilled her about an alibi for a murder they’d be having coffee and cake together. “I’ll be right back with the cake and coffee.” Hope walked into the kitchen.
Meg was unloading the dishwasher. Still wearing her yoga pants and hoodie, she must have power walked her way to Audrey’s house. Hope hadn’t seen Meg’s car in the driveway when she arrived.
“Hello, Meg.”
Meg glanced over her shoulder and then straightened. “Isn’t this a surprise? I’m sure Audrey is happy you stopped by.”
“You seem to be taking good care of her.” Hope set the cake box on the counter. With any luck, they’d fall into the social skill that thrived in suburbia—avoidance. They wouldn’t discuss their earlier conversation. In fact, they would pretend it didn’t happen so they could get through their visit with their mutual friend like it never happened.
Meg shrugged. “I’m doing what I can. I see you baked something. Audrey hasn’t been eating much since the incident.” Meg pulled out three dessert plates from the dishwasher.
So far so good.
“I was worried about that.” Hope made a mental note to cook something and bring it over for dinner. Maybe a pot roast with baby red potatoes and a side of roasted carrots.
“She just picks at food.” Meg opened the upper cabinet and took out three cups and saucers.
“Maybe she’ll indulge in an extra-large slice of cake.” Hope removed the cake from the box.
“I can’t see how she could possibly resist.” Meg eyed the decadent cake. “I should be watching my weight, but I think I might have to give in to temptation. After all, I can go to a kickboxing class again.”
Uh-oh. Not good.
“Tell me, did you stop by the gym to check out my alibi?” Meg leaned against the counter, crossed her arms over her chest, and stared at Hope.
Hope lowered her eyelids for a moment and wished really hard she had a different answer. But she didn’t. “Yes. The receptionist remembered you.”
“Ha! I told you.” Meg pushed herself off the counter and reached for the coffeepot. She filled the cups and then set the pot back onto the machine’s base.
“Yes, you did.” Three of the toughest words Hope had to say all week. While she knew she should have been above being petty, admitting Meg was right was hard to do. Their rivalry reached all the way back to elementary school when they were both up for the lead role in the school play. Hope enjoyed the acting classes. She had fun when she was pretending to be someone else, while Meg was a full-on competitor, even at the age of eight. Their first year of competing for the lead role, Hope got chosen and Meg got angry. Looking back, Hope realized Meg was her first introduction to passive-aggressive behavior.
“I’m waiting,” Meg said.
“For what?”
“An apology.”
“Why would I apologize to you?” Hope cut three slices of cake and plated them.
“For insinuating I murdered Peaches.”
“I was just asking your whereabouts.”
“Did you happen to mention your interest in my whereabouts to anyone else? Because if you have, then I might have to look into legal action. I have to protect my good name.”
Hope rolled her eyes. “Seriously? Threatening me with a lawsuit? Aren’t you taking this grade-school rivalry a little too far?”
Meg narrowed her eyes, locking in on Hope. “Me? No.”
Both women stared at each other. They could do that for hours but Audrey needed to eat and Hope had to get to Elaine’s house for her cooking lesson. Someone needed to break the ice.
“Good to know.” Hope closed the cake box then set the plates on a tray. “When was the last time you saw Peaches? I mean before the garden tour?”
“You’re not going to stop this, are you?”
“No.”
Meg sighed. “About a week ago. I’d just finished running a bunch of errands and I was parked in the Village Square and that’s when I saw Peaches. She was talking to a man beside her car. She looked sad.”
“Sad?”
Meg nodded. “He reached out and touched her arm, like he was comforting her. It was odd to see her looking so sad, given she was so serious and being all cutthroat about development.”
“Do you know who the man was?”
“No, I didn’t recognize him.”
“Did Peaches see you?”
“I don’t know. Just then my phone rang, so I didn’t pay much attention to Peaches or the guy. Audrey must be wondering what’s keeping us so long.”
A few minutes later, Hope and Meg entered the living room. They found Audrey rearranging a vase of flowers.
“Here you go.” Hope placed the tray on the coffee table. “Have you eaten anything today?”
“No. I’m not very hungry.” Audrey spun the crystal vase around. She accepted a dessert plate. She broke off a piece of cake and popped it into her mouth. “This is delicious.”
Hope sipped her coffee while she relayed the events of the night before. As she spoke, Audrey’s eyes welled up with tears and her forehead furrowed with anguish.
“I don’t believe this.” With a shaky hand, Audrey set her plate on the coffee table. She stood and paced. “I feel like I’m trapped in a nightmare. Why is this happening? You know, Ethan even told us he could keep us from being here. Our own house. This house has been in my family for three generations. My life is unraveling. I’m glad my mother didn’t live to see this. It would have destroyed her.”
The Uninvited Corpse Page 12
