The Begonia Bribe

by Alyse Carlson

  “And the most attractive female at the conference?” Rob asked, his voice rippled with disgust.

  Barry had the decency not to meet his eyes. “I said, I know I’m a jerk.”

  “Yeah, well, it would help if there was any evidence that you tried not to be,” Rob said. “So how long ago was this . . . training?”

  “About fourteen months.”

  “So she’s not the bimbo you left Mindy for?” Cam asked.

  Barry clenched his jaw. “I didn’t leave Mindy for a bimbo. I never would have left Mindy for any bimbo. Mindy threw me out because I also couldn’t seem to give up the bimbos.”

  Cam distinctly remembered Mindy saying Barry left her, so she chalked this up as proof he was a liar. She rolled her eyes and Rob scoffed. Rob’s feelings on infidelity were at least as strong as Cam’s. His mother had cheated, then left, and he and his sister been raised by his dad through high school.

  “And you accepted the promotion for a fresh start?” Cam asked.

  “I know it sounds bad, but Lynchburg isn’t that big . . . everybody was on Mindy’s side.”

  “So how’d your lady friend turn psycho?” Rob asked.

  “Because the video from Monday night looked like you were getting along just fine,” Cam added.

  It was Rob’s turn to pinch her.

  “Video?” Barry asked.

  “Undressing each other on the way into the Arts Commission? They have cameras.”

  “Why would you watch that?”

  “We have had some vandalism and have been watching for suspicious activity.” Cam felt like a badass talking that way, though it was probably silly. “And then I recognized you. It’s how we were sure you were Evangeline’s stalker.”

  “I wasn’t stalking her,” he said, but Cam ignored him.

  “I suppose that night might have been when things got weird. I mean . . . she was clingy anyway, but since I don’t know anybody here, I didn’t mind. I said something that night about my daughters coming into town with their mother.”

  “Okay,” Cam interrupted. “Explain this. You leave and don’t try to see the girls for nine months, and then tried to get custody, right?”

  “I didn’t want full custody. I guess maybe I wanted Mindy to just make us a family again. I missed my family.”

  “Brilliant, approaching that by suing for custody,” Cam said. “And what did you tell Olivia?”

  “That I missed my daughters . . . and being part of a family.”

  “You idiot. She couldn’t have you get your whole family back or she was out of the picture. This framing was to get Mindy out of the way so she could be the wife and you could have the girls together.”

  “I guess.”

  “So when did this little fantasy of hers start?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe as early as her suggestion I try to get custody—months ago . . . I mean, I agreed because it woke up the family feelings, but she planted the idea. She just didn’t realize how I saw it.”

  Rob slapped the table, causing a lot of stares from the high-class clientele. It also brought the waitress rushing over in alarm. They ordered as if nothing had happened. Cam chose the salmon cakes, wishing the prices were higher—she thought Barry really should be stuck with a bigger bill.

  “So do you think she’d kill these people to frame Mindy?”

  “Kill? No, I don’t think so! I think the case fell in her lap, so she thought of framing. I think if she was going to kill someone, it would be a person more obviously tied to Mindy.”

  Barry clearly didn’t know about the agreement with Mindy that Telly had reneged on. Rob started to say something, but Cam pinched him again.

  “Does Olivia know any of the potential suspects?”

  “I don’t even know who they are, aside from Mindy.”

  “Dylan Markham?” Rob said.

  “Clancy Huggins? Jessica Benchly?” Cam added.

  “Jessica? Jessica and Olivia are friends,” Barry said.

  “Friends? Not rivals?” Cam asked.

  “No. Friends. I’ve met Jessica a few times. She lives in Lynchburg.”

  “Did Olivia know Judith Towers-Stevens?”

  “Not that I know.”

  “But you’re sure Olivia and Jessica are friends?” Cam said.

  Cam was trying to work out what this might mean, but it seemed important in any case.

  “I’ve seen them together—they’re friends. I also know that the handful of times I’ve tried to make plans with Olivia and she wasn’t available, it was because she had plans with Jessica.”

  “So back to Olivia getting strange,” Cam said.

  Barry shrugged.

  “Strange like she feels you don’t take her seriously,” Rob elaborated, an eyebrow raised.

  Cam knew what he was getting at. Barry really was a jerk who probably wouldn’t commit. Any woman wanted evidence she was special, but Olivia thought the relationship was serious, or, at least, she had at one point.

  “And did she know where to find Mindy and the girls?” Cam added.

  “She helped me track them down—traced the GPS on Mindy’s car. I had wondered if the girls would have time to see us.” Barry paused. “. . . and then I changed my mind. That was when I said it wasn’t a good idea—that the girls probably weren’t used to the separation yet and I should see them alone. She acted like it was okay . . . suggested Mindy must be seeing someone, too, by now.”

  “And?” Cam asked.

  “I denied it—told her Mindy would put our daughters first and not rush in . . . I might have sounded jealous.”

  “You basically maximized your mistress’s jealousy. Nice move,” Rob said.

  Barry put his face in his hands.

  “Barry?” Cam said. Something had just occurred to her. “The girls have been staying with you. But Olivia hasn’t, has she?”

  “Of course not.”

  “I think Mindy might be in danger—if Olivia is trying to make some delusional happy family, she might think getting rid of Mindy is the fastest route.”

  “That was why I wanted to talk to you—I’m worried.”

  At least they agreed on that much. Cam agreed to keep an eye out, then she and Rob left Barry with the bill. Cam deadheaded a sticky petunia in the planter on the way out, though, so she felt like she was ahead, as karma went.

  * * *

  Rob and Cam agreed to let Mindy spend the afternoon at Rob’s. Barry had pleaded not to leave her at the hotel. They didn’t think it was safe to put her at Cam’s or Annie’s, as Olivia might think of those, and Cam thought Annie was as likely to wring Mindy’s neck as Olivia was.

  Cam went to her office and called Mindy to make arrangements for Rob to pick her up. She meant to get a little work done but couldn’t concentrate.

  Instead she felt she had a list of follow-up questions for Clancy Huggins. Was Jessica’s baby his? Did he know Olivia Quinn? And what did he have to say about the friendship?

  She dialed his cell but got no answer, so she decided to head to the Hotel Roanoke to see if she could find him in person.

  On her way out, she saw Barry Blankenship and Nell Norton sitting in the Patrick Henry bar. Barry seemed to be a busy boy. He wore his earnest salesman face and Cam wondered what he was up to. She felt she’d only get an honest answer if she asked for it from Nell later, so she headed to the Hotel Roanoke where she thought her chances of finding Clancy were higher.

  * * *

  When Cam finally ran into Clancy, she’d almost forgotten he was the person she’d come to see. He looked a little alarmed to see her, but only briefly. His Southern politeness kicked in and he greeted her warmly.

  “Mr. Huggins, how are you? I had an interesting morning and wondered if I could ask you a few more questions?”

  “I answered questions already, didn’t I? Part of that interesting morning?”

  “Of course you did. Can I buy you a tea?” She gestured toward the bar and he looked momentarily panicked, but nodded.
<
br />   “Jessica will be meeting me shortly,” he said.

  “Oh, good. I have some questions for her, too.”

  “And we’re on a tight schedule . . .” he reminded her.

  “I’m on the same one. I’ll be brief.”

  He finally appeared resigned to having a drink with her, and they went into the bar and sat down.

  Cam ordered a sweet tea for both of them, and Clancy ordered a Scotch as backup for himself.

  “So who is the father of Jessica’s baby?”

  Clancy sputtered and stared, but then answered, “Well, I am, of course.”

  “I thought you weren’t romantically involved.”

  “Well, if I gave you that impression, I’m sure I misspoke.”

  Cam was sure he was lying, though she knew his earlier answers had been intentionally vague. She wasn’t sure, though, how to get him to tell the real story, so she pretended to believe him.

  His phone buzzed.

  “Jessica, darling! I’m sure you’re busy, and I can just meet you later . . . you’re sure . . . yes, well . . . I’m in the bar with Cam Harris, then . . .”

  It was a nice attempt to protect Jessica, but Cam was glad it hadn’t worked. She definitely had some questions for the woman and, thus far, had barely exchanged a greeting with her.

  When Clancy closed his phone, he looked at Cam with pleading eyes. “Please don’t ask her about the pregnancy.”

  “Why not?”

  “She doesn’t want it public.”

  “But I already know. She told my sister.”

  “Your sister?”

  “She was catering Monday—they threw up together behind the bushes.”

  He looked pained and patted his forehead with a handkerchief. The waitress delivered drinks and so laid down an extra napkin and looked at him in concern. He waved her away and took a large swallow of Scotch.

  “I won’t mention it to her, but I think it’s relevant for the murder investigation. I’m not going to keep it from the police.”

  Clancy pursed his mouth and then rushed out. Cam hoped he didn’t plan on a heart attack. She’d feel very guilty if she thought she’d caused one.

  Jessica found her before Clancy returned.

  “Where did Clancy go?”

  “I’m not sure. He didn’t look well.”

  “Oh, dear. But in any case, it’s nice to have a chance to talk to you more formally, Cam. What business do you have with Clancy?”

  Cam swallowed, steeling herself. “With Clancy? He’s a judge in the pageant I’m coordinating. But it turns out I might have some business with you.”

  “Me?”

  “How long have you been friends with Olivia Quinn?”

  “Olivia? Years, why?”

  “She’s trying to frame a friend of mine for murder . . . and she seems to be stalking a man. She just . . . doesn’t seem very stable.”

  “Frame? Stalking? That doesn’t sound like Olivia at all.”

  “Yet the man she’s stalking has met you with her.”

  “Barry? That’s mutual. He wouldn’t accuse her . . .”

  “It seems a relationship that was sort of normal until this week got strange when Barry’s wife and children showed up in town. Olivia appears to want something with Barry that she can’t have, so she tried to frame his wife, I think because she had that relationship at one point.”

  “What do you mean, ‘sort of normal’?”

  “I mean Barry Blankenship is a jerk who has never been faithful, even when he was married with a family. I suggest you let Olivia know what a dog he is and that she’s much better off without him. But if Olivia makes another move against his wife, the ax will fall. Tell her that her job is on the line.”

  “Oh!” Jessica looked surprised. “Well, I only know Olivia casually, but this doesn’t sound like her.”

  “You just said you were friends.”

  “We’ve known each other for years, but only recently began spending time together—maybe a year ago.”

  “And why was that?”

  “We ran into each other. I hadn’t known she’d moved to the area before that—she used to live in Lexington.”

  Cam stood and set some money down for her tea; Jessica looked relieved. Clancy returned then, eyes searching. Cam shook her head and left the two of them to each other.

  CHAPTER 16

  When Cam left, she tracked down Rob so they could pool their information.

  “You get Mindy settled?” she asked.

  He nodded. “You know Jake still thinks the murderer is Dylan?”

  “And as usual, Jake is wrong.”

  “Why do you have to defend this guy? Do you realize what this looks like?”

  Cam rounded on Rob. “Like I’m defending a wrongly accused man?”

  “Cam.” Rob’s tried patience stopped her. “The man has . . . feelings for you.” He paused and Cam thought continuing was painful. “And unless I’m deluded, you have feelings for him.”

  “They aren’t feelings!”

  “Then what are they?”

  “He pushes buttons. Flusters me. That’s all.”

  “So you’re attracted to him?”

  “No! I mean . . . not rationally. Not if I step back. But he sort of . . . pushes the right spots.”

  “And you still want to defend him?”

  “Rob, the . . . so-called feelings have nothing to do with his guilt or innocence. He’s Telly Stevens’s son.”

  “He’s what?” Rob asked.

  “Jake didn’t tell you that?”

  “No. You didn’t, either.” His glare accused Cam, and she had to look away.

  “Oh, geez. It looks to me like he’s being framed because he has the most to gain.”

  “And does he?”

  “There’s some money in the will. But he didn’t know about it until after the death.”

  “I mean you.”

  Cam stared at Rob. This was the last thing she expected. Rob wasn’t a jealous guy.

  “Of course not.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “What are you implying?”

  “The two of you are obviously attracted to each other.”

  “Rob, I’m only interested in you, no matter who I happen to encounter and how much they tweak whatever random attraction thing there is.”

  “So you admit it?”

  Cam growled. “There’s chemistry, yes. Am I tempted? No! That’s a compliment, moron—that I choose you, even when I find another guy hot!”

  Finally Rob seemed appeased. “So you’re not tempted.” It sounded like he just needed to hear it again.

  Cam rolled her eyes.

  “He is not you. Couldn’t hold a candle to you. So no. I’m not interested!” she said.

  Men and their insecurities could be so ridiculous. She let it go, though. It was not worth fighting over.

  “Say, when do you see Jake next?”

  “Soon, I hope. Want to come?” Rob asked.

  “As a matter of fact, I do.”

  Rob texted Jake to see when he’d be free. Cam was relieved it was soon, as she only had about ninety minutes until she had to be back on location coordinating the final night of the pageant.

  “Let’s meet him at Horizon,” Rob said.

  Cam nodded. Horizon was a bar not too far from Elmwood Park, so it was located conveniently for her. She was still a little offended Rob seemed to blame her for Dylan’s attraction, but despite her general disgruntled mood, she was glad to see Jake. She hoped he’d resolve several pertinent questions.

  Cam and Rob both tiptoed carefully over conversation as they waited for Jake. They didn’t want to fight, but the Dylan topic was like a scab, with edges itching to pick, and if they didn’t resist, they might both end up raw and bleeding.

  Jake was more than twenty minutes later than he said he’d be. Cam wished they’d invited Annie, as she could always keep things light. Finally, Jake pushed through the door in full uniform.

  He turne
d a chair around and faced them, leaning on it. “Man, I’ve had a day.”

  “It’s done?” Rob asked.

  “Yup. Perp’s in questioning now. Just need to break him.”

  “It isn’t solved,” Cam said.

  Jake pointed a thumb at Cam and looked to Rob for explanation.

  “Hey, this is her deal. Though I suppose I recorded supporting evidence at that meeting with Barry you skipped.” He set the recorder on the table.

  “It’s not Dylan. Jessica Benchly is pregnant with Telly Stevens’s baby,” Cam blurted. “She has the most to gain with both Telly and Judith dead. And since she found out that Dylan is Telly’s son, with Dylan framed for the murders, that leaves just her to claim what’s left.”

  “You tried to claim Mindy was framed for it, will you make up your mind?”

  “Mindy was framed by Officer Olivia Quinn because she is trying to play family with Barry Blankenship. He wanted to tell you himself earlier. As it turns out, Jessica and Olivia are friends, so maybe she was also covering for her friend. But when Jessica learned about Dylan, Dylan became someone to get out of the way.”

  “Cam, Dylan’s a lifetime con man. He is a much more likely suspect. Besides, his hair—a lot of it—was found at Judith Towers-Stevens’s death scene.”

  “What?”

  “All over the periphery.”

  “Okay, does that make sense to you? One hair, two, maybe. But how would a lot of hair ever happen by delivering poisoned coffee?”

  “Doesn’t matter—it’s proof he was there.”

  Cam narrowed her eyes. “He is event staff—doing the lighting—so there is every possibility he was there helping one of the television people with something while they were setting up. But there is also this: He spent the night with the most likely real murderer the night before and may have left hair on the pillow, so she decided to use it to frame him.”

  “What are you talking about?” Rob asked. He was loud enough that the couple at the next table looked over in alarm.

  “This morning, Dylan brought me pictures of Clancy Huggins in women’s clothing—he’d spent the night with Jessica and saw them on her camera.”

  “Clancy Huggins?” Jake said.

  “It was some charity thing, or so Clancy thought,” Cam said.

  “Dylan came to your house early this morning?” Rob said.