Beyond Secrets, The Art of Murder: A Madison Hart Mystery (Madison Hart Mysteries Book 1)

by DB Jones

  “She does, and I’m going to trust her on this one, but I want her to keep us posted on every step in this investigation. She’s treading on thin ice with this, and I don’t want our office caught off guard.”

  “I agree. I’ll call the Maitland Police Department now, and talk to this Detective Logan and the Chief.”

  Stratton called and discussed the case with Chief Baker. The chief officially requested the assistance of the FBI and told them Detective Logan would be the lead on this case. The Chief turned the phone over to Logan. Josh welcomed the assistance and remarked to Agent Wells that he was looking forward to working with Agent Hart. He agreed to keep the FBI notified if there were any new changes in the case. “Thank you for your assistance with this one, Agent Wells. Your Agent Hart seems to think there’s more to this case, but we haven’t discussed all the details yet.”

  As soon as Josh got off the phone with Agent Wells, he called Madison. Madison had been on the phone with Jim Tucker, updating him as to what was happening. She told him she planned to go back to the Art Center later that day to talk to the receptionist again. The moment she got off the phone with Jim, Josh called. “We got the okay from your supervisor. It looks like we’ll be working together on this.”

  “I’m getting ready to run down to the coroner’s office. Do you want to come with me?”

  “No. I have a few more leads I want to follow up. I’ll get with you later.”

  “Sure thing.” He suspected she was up to something and was very curious, but knew they could accomplish more if they split up.

  Josh headed down to the coroner’s office to see what else Doc Webb had found while Madison drove over to the Art Center.

  Madison walked into the reception area expecting to see Alice there, but instead, there was someone new in her place. “Good morning. I was here the other day and talked to Alice. Is she around today?”

  “No, she only works on Wednesday. Is there anything I can help you with?”

  “My name is Madison Hart. I was doing a story on the Art Center, and Alice was showing me around the last time I was here. She told me a little about the exhibit, and I wanted to learn more about the artist and his works.” Madison tried not to sound official. She felt the woman might be intimidated if she told her she was with the FBI working on a murder. “I grew up in Maitland and spent a lot of my youth here. I thought it would make a good story, especially since it was added to the National Registry.”

  “Well, let me show you around,” the receptionist said. “Oh, I’m sorry, my name is Kim. I work here a lot and know the artist who is exhibiting very well. I mean I know his work very well.” Kim pointed out a few pieces of art. “Tyler Kincaid is one of our most popular local artists. He paints scenes of well-known landmarks in the central Florida area.”

  “I noticed he always has an attractive, young woman in each of his paintings. Does he use different models, or does he just change their looks a little in each painting?”

  “He doesn’t use the same models. He only uses them once, but many of them would love to model for him again.”

  “Does he pose all his models in a similar manner?”

  Kim tightened her lips. “Well, they’re not the focus of his paintings. It’s the landmark that’s important to him.”

  Madison got the impression that Kim was not impressed with the models, so she changed the subject.

  “How long have you been working here, Kim?”

  “I started about two years ago. I love working here and meeting all the interesting artists that exhibit at the Center.” She pulled back her shoulders with pride as if she was privy to the inner circle of artists.

  “Are you an artist, too?”

  “I am, but Tyler, I mean Mr. Kincaid is helping me improve my talent. He thinks someday I’ll be ready for my own exhibit.”

  “That’s wonderful. I’m sure you will. Kim, do you mind if I walk around a bit? I’d like to get a feel of the place for my story.”

  “No, not at all. If you have any questions, I’ll be up front.” Kim turned and walked back toward the entrance.

  Madison made her way along the same hallways that she visited the other day. She was hoping to find Aspen again, and sure enough, Aspen had her easel up in the exact spot she was in the other day.

  “Good morning, Aspen. I see you’re still at it.”

  “Yes. I find painting to be relaxing; especially, since the weather has been so nice lately, and I can set up outside.”

  Madison walked over to Aspen’s easel and glanced at the canvas. “Is this the same piece you were working on the other day?”

  “Same piece I’ve been working on over a month. I seem to be having difficulty deciding the direction I want to go with this. I’ve changed it several times. Mr. Kincaid said he sometimes does that, too, and I shouldn’t be discouraged. I guess it’s time to take a break. I’m getting hungry. Hey, would you like to join me for lunch? I’m just going to run up to a little diner where they have great cheap lunches.”

  “That would be nice.” Maybe I can find out more about what’s going on around the Center.

  “I have to run to my office for a minute, so can I meet you there in half an hour?”

  “That sounds perfect. It will give me time to put up my painting.”

  Madison started to leave when it dawned on her she didn’t even know the name of the place or where she was supposed to meet Aspen. She walked back into the courtyard just as Aspen was entering one of the studios with her things. Madison started toward Aspen when suddenly she heard a commotion. When she entered the room, Aspen was lying on the floor with blood coming from her head.

  Madison raced to her just as she was getting up grabbing her head. “I can’t believe I tripped over that damn thing. I swear it wasn’t there before. I don’t know how I missed it.”

  Madison wiped the blood away from Aspen’s forehead with a paper towel. “Are you all right?”

  “Yeah, I just feel foolish that I didn’t see that box as I came in. I’m fine. I’m going to run to the house and change. I’ll see you in about half an hour.”

  “The reason I came back, is that I forgot to ask you where the café was and how to get there.”

  “You just head north on Maitland Avenue. There is a strip mall on the right, just before you reach Highway 436. It’s called the Breakfast Club.”

  “Great. I’ll see you soon. Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”

  “Oh yes, but thanks for your concern.”

  Madison looked at the box Aspen tripped over and then moved it out of the way. Why would someone place a box in the middle of the entrance? Anyone who entered that room would have fallen over it.

  Kim was standing in the hallway near the exit as Madison walked across the courtyard. “Is everything okay? I heard a loud noise.”

  “Everything is fine. Aspen was putting away her painting and tripped over a box, but she’s okay.” Kim smiled and then turned back toward the reception area.

  When Madison got back into her car, she checked to see if there were any messages from Josh, but since there weren’t, she headed to meet Aspen. In route, she got a call from Winter. “Hi Maddy, I received all the information you sent me. It looks like Jim may have been onto something after all. Have you found any connection to the murdered woman and the other missing women yet?”

  “No, Win, I haven’t, but I have a feeling Jim’s right. I think the focus of this stems from something going on at the Art Center, and it’s making the hair on the back of my neck stand up every time I walk through the grounds. I’ll tell you something else I found out today, but keep this to yourself until we get to the bottom of this. The body we found was put there after she was killed. It appeared staged to me. I’m working with Detective Logan now since the Maitland Police Department requested the assistance of the FBI.” Madison gritted her teeth. “I kind-of encouraged him to ask so that I wouldn’t be putting my neck out too far, but I’m still working on this case for your story and J
im’s peace of mind. You’re right, though; Jim certainly has a nose for something out of the ordinary. I sense it, too. How are you feeling? I’m going to try and get out there to see you this weekend unless something comes up with this case. Love you, Sis.”

  She was finishing her conversation with Winter as she pulled in the parking lot of The Breakfast Club. She looked around the lot to see if Aspen was there yet, and since the place was getting crowded, she went in and got a table. She was about the third one back in line waiting for a table when she heard, “Hey Madison.” It was Josh. She walked over where he was sitting with a few of the men from the station. He asked if she wanted to join them. “Thank you, but I’m having lunch with one of the students at the Art Center in a few minutes.”

  Josh picked up on her meaning immediately. “Well, I’ll talk to you later.” The waitress called to her and escorted her to her table. “How many today?”

  “Just two.” She was glad the table was on the other side of the room. She didn’t want to be distracted by all the conversations. She hoped to learn more about the people coming and going at the Art Center.

  Aspen stepped into the restaurant and looked around. Madison raised her arm to get her attention. “Over here.” Aspen smiled and made her way to the table. Madison reached up toward Aspen’s forehead. “Wow, you got a whopper going on there. Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Yeah, I guess when I get back I’ll put some ice on it. I didn’t think I hit the ground that hard, but my head is throbbing. I think I’ll just go home after lunch and deal with it. I swear that box wasn’t there earlier, but lately, I’ve been doing a lot of foolish things. I keep forgetting things as well.” She giggled. “Maybe I’m sniffing too many paint fumes.”

  The waitress approached the table. “What happened to your head, Aspen?”

  “Lisa, this is my friend, Madison. Madison, this is the best waitress in town. She’ll never forget your name or what you eat.”

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you, too, Madison. Are you new in town?”

  “I don’t know how new I am. I was raised in Maitland, but have been away for a while. I just recently returned.”

  “Well, I hope you’ll stay. What can I get you two today?” Lisa brushed her thick auburn bangs away from her wide black-rimmed glasses. Lisa was a young, well-endowed woman with a big welcoming grin that elicited a smile in return from even the grumpiest of souls. She seemed to know the names of everyone in the room. Not only does she remember their names, but the names of their family members, pets and what each person’s job or hobby is. She seemed genuinely interested, which was a rare thing in this day and age.

  “What’s the special today?” Aspen asked as Lisa handed them the menus.

  “It’s the swiss burger with caramelized onions, Texas fries, or salad and a Kosher pickle. I haven’t had it, but we’re getting compliments already. We also have the grilled chicken salad with roasted pecans and cranberries, with raspberry vinaigrette. As hot as it is today, I would lean more to the salad and some iced tea,” Lisa stated as she pushed her glasses up on her nose and positioned herself to write the order.

  “I’ll have that salad,” Madison said.

  “I’m so hungry; I’ll have that burger and fries with a diet coke.” Aspen touched the lump on her forehead.

  “Okay, I’ll get that right out for you.”

  Madison leaned across the table. “Aspen, are you in pain?” Her pupils were a little dilated. “You might want to get that checked after lunch.”

  “You’re probably right. It hurts like hell, and I don’t feel right. Now, let’s not talk about this. Are you going to take some classes at the Center? I heard you’ve been back a few times. Let me know who you want to take a class with, and I can tell you if they’re worth it or not.”

  “I don’t know. I’m just interested in the place and would like to know more about the upcoming exhibit with Tyler Kincaid. Have you ever met any of his models? How does he choose them?” Madison wasn’t ready to tell Aspen or anyone from the Art Center what her real motives were.

  “I sure hope you’ll come and see his new pieces. I hear they are outstanding, and there should be a big crowd. He has such a following. I have to admit; I’m a follower,” she said sheepishly. “Most of his models were women that he met at his showings, but I’ve heard rumors they were more than just models if you know what I mean.” She whispered that last statement and looked around the room to make sure no one heard her.

  Madison leaned over the table discretely. “You mean he has affairs with his models?”

  “You didn’t hear it from me, but that’s what I’ve heard, and by the looks of some of them when they’re around him, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

  “Do you know any of them?”

  “I’ve met a few. But after they modeled for Mr. Kincaid, I didn’t see much of them. Come to think of it; I don’t see them anymore at all. Do you suppose he was such a bad lover that they just left? I would hope not, or that would shatter my fantasy of him.”

  “What can you tell me about the women you’ve met?”

  Aspen tilted her head and raised one eyebrow. “You sure are a curious one.”

  “Okay, I am curious, but you can’t tell anyone.” Madison leaned across the table again. “I’m working on a book, but it’s on the hush hush.” Madison held her finger to her lips.

  “That is so exciting. Boy, can I fill you in on some juicy gossip for your book.”

  Just as Aspen was about to tell Madison something else, Lisa arrived with their food. “Here you are, ladies. Hope you enjoy your lunch, and if you need anything else, I’ll be back to check on you soon.” Lisa turned and left the table.

  “I’m starving.” Aspen started right in on her burger.

  Aspen might know more than she realized. Madison hoped later to get more information on the women involved with Mr. Kincaid. One thing she was sure of was she wanted to talk to this artist, and soon.

  They were finishing up their lunch just as Josh and his friends were leaving. Josh passed their table and slightly nodded at Madison so that Aspen wouldn’t notice. He didn’t want to foil what Madison was doing and knew she was probing for information that she would share with him later.

  Madison watched Josh get into his car. As soon as she and Aspen parted, she planned to call him on his cell to find out what he had learned at the coroner’s office. Lisa brought the check to the table, and Madison picked it up. “It’s my treat this time. I’ll let you buy another time.”

  “Thank you.”

  Madison stood up first, but the moment Aspen tried to stand, she collapsed to the ground. She was unconscious on the floor. Madison knelt down to try and get a response from Aspen, but nothing. Her pulse was weak. Lisa dialed 911, and within moments the EMTs arrived and administered CPR and oxygen and rushed her off to the hospital. They started asking Madison questions she couldn’t answer, but Lisa stepped in and volunteered as much information as they needed. It was a good thing it happened at the café, or Madison would have been clueless. The only thing she could tell them was that less than an hour ago Aspen had a nasty fall and hit her head.

  Madison and Lisa stood there at the door watching the EMTs load Aspen into the ambulance and head out with sirens blaring. Madison turned to Lisa. “Lisa, what can you tell me about Aspen? Her last name, friends or family in town, anything?” Lisa was shaken, not only by what just happened to someone she knew but by Madison’s sudden change in tone. Madison’s FBI interrogation persona started to surface. Lisa just sat down at the table and looked up at Madison, “Wait a minute. What’s going on here? Why are you questioning me like this? I thought you were Aspen’s friend.”

  Suddenly, Madison’s tone switched, and she sat down with Lisa. “Lisa, I am Aspen’s friend. However, I’m also working on an investigation of some missing persons, and I think Aspen might be able to help me. So anything you can tell me about her might help.”

  “You don’t thi
nk Aspen has anything to do with the missing persons, do you? Aspen wouldn’t hurt a fly. She’s one of the sweetest people I know.”

  “No, I do not think she has anything to do with it. But she may know something that she’s not even aware she knows. I need to find out what it is before anyone else goes missing or gets hurt.”

  “All I can tell you is that she has a brother in Gainesville, and her mother lives on the other side of Orlando. Best I know is she spends most of her time at the Art Center studying art and painting. She doesn’t have to work because she lives on a large trust fund from her father. I know she does some volunteer work at the Center when they have major exhibits. As a matter of fact, she was telling me how excited she was to be helping out with Tyler Kincaid’s upcoming show.”

  “Do you know if she has ever modeled for Mr. Kincaid?”

  “I’m sure I would have heard about that if she had. No. I don’t think so. Besides, Aspen said Mr. Kincaid prefers petite women for his models.”

  Madison leaned in close to Lisa and whispered. “Thank you so much for your help, Lisa. I’d appreciate if you did not discuss what we talked about with anyone. It may jeopardize our investigation, or could put Aspen in danger.”

  Lisa crossed her heart. “Oh, I won’t say a word. I sure don’t want anything to happen to Aspen on account of me.”

  Lisa couldn’t take her eyes off of Madison as she left the diner. Then she cleared off the table where Madison and Aspen were sitting, and noticed Madison had left a very large tip. She picked it up, stuffed the tip into her apron pocket and waved as Madison drove off.

  Madison called Josh immediately and told him what happened. “Hey Josh, can you meet me in an hour at my office? I want to go over some things with you that may be pertinent to our case.”

  “Yes. I’ll be there. I just returned from the coroner’s and found out some new information, too.”

  She hung up. This is no time to be holding back on information from him. We need to find out who killed Margaret Hill and who is involved with the other missing women.