Someone familiar stood framed in the doorway, but the light partially blocked him. A shiver of fear ran up Susan’s spine when he turned and walked toward her.
“Greg! What are you doing here?”
Greg pulled out a chair and sat down. “I could ask you the same question. But, actually, I’m meeting a client for lunch. How about you?”
“Waiting for my sister.” How was she going to get rid of him?
“Can I buy you a drink?” Greg motioned for the waiter.
Susan raised hers. “Already taken care of.”
“I’ll have a scotch on the rocks,” Greg ordered. “Oh, and a yellow rose for the lady.”
Susan cringed. Why would Greg buy her a rose? Lord, she hoped he wasn’t the stalker.
“Yellow roses symbolize friendship,” Greg said as if he read her mind.
Clare came in and sat down before Susan had a chance to reply.
“Clare, my neighbor, Gregory Platt. Greg, my sister, Clare.” Susan made the quick introductions. Why didn’t he leave? She didn’t want his friendship. She didn’t want anything from him, especially not a rose.
Greg looked at his watch and leaned back in his chair. “Seems I have some time before my appointment. What are you drinking?” He looked at Clare.
Clare shrugged. “Strawberry daiquiri, I guess.”
“Okay,” Greg said when the waiter appeared with his drink and the rose for Susan. “This beautiful young lady will have a strawberry daiquiri.”
Susan sipped her drink, ignoring Greg and the rose. It lay on the table next to her, and she could hardly bring herself to look at it or Greg. She didn’t want to encourage him. Besides, the rose rattled her. Unfortunately, Clare babbled on about her job. Susan yawned. She should have known better than to drink alcohol before she ate. If she didn’t get some food in her stomach soon, she was going to either pass out or get sick.
The waiter came back with Clare’s drink. “Can I take your order now?”
“Oh dear,” Clare said. “I haven’t even looked at the menu. Can you give us a minute?”
“Can I interest you in an appetizer while you wait?”
“Yes.” Susan picked up the menu. “I’ll have the Mozzarella Sticks.
“Well, ladies, enjoy your lunch.” Greg looked at his watch and stood. “My appointment should be here any second.” Without waiting for a response, he left.
“So who was he? Another boyfriend?” Clare barely waited until he was out of sight before she asked. At least she kept her voice low so he couldn’t hear.
“Why do you think every male I know is a boyfriend?”
“For one thing, the way he looked at you. And you have to admit, he’s kind of cute. Seems like a nice enough guy.” Clare took a sip of her drink and laughed. “It’s time you found someone and settled down.”
Susan shook her head. “Greg? You’ve got to be kidding. And why is it everyone thinks I need to settle down to be happy?” Susan knew she sounded annoyed, but darn it, she was tired of everyone badgering her about getting married.
The waiter brought her appetizer, and they placed their orders.
“Or is it that misery loves company? How happy are you lately?” Okay, it was a mean thing to say, but it was true. The problems her sister was having in her marriage didn’t set a good example for married life.
“Every marriage goes through problems, Susan, even Mom and Dad’s. It doesn’t mean we aren’t happy.” Clare glared at her. “Anyway, I’m working it out.”
“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just so tired of everyone trying to push me into marriage. What about Kate? Why doesn’t anyone bug her?”
Clare rolled her eyes and laughed. “You honestly think we don’t?”
“Well, I never hear you.” Susan devoured the mozzarella sticks.
Darn, she was hungry. And the alcohol was starting to take effect.
“You could have saved one of those for me.”
“If you wanted some, you should have ordered your own.”
“What’s wrong with you, Susan? Acting mean-spirited doesn’t become you.”
Susan sighed. Clare was right, of course. Mean-spirited didn’t become her. She’d never been mean in her life, not even as a child. “I’m sorry. I think it was Greg and the rose.”
“What do you mean?”
“I told you someone has been leaving roses on my car and in front of my apartment, didn’t I?” Of course she had, but more than likely Clare didn’t remember. She was too wrapped up in her own problems.
“Oh my gosh. Susan, you don’t think Greg is stalking you, do you?”
“That’s just it. I don’t know what to think. I don’t think he is, but why would he buy me a rose?”
“Maybe he was just being nice.” Clare shrugged and took a sip of her drink. “Or maybe he really likes you and is trying to get your attention.”
“Just what I need.”
“Hey, it’s not so bad, you know. In fact, it’s kind of exciting to have someone pay attention to you.”
“You’re not talking about your lover, are you? You told me that was over.”
“Of course it’s over. But yes, I was talking about him. It’s nice to know someone thinks you’re attractive and doesn’t take you for granted.”
Susan shook her head. “Exactly why I don’t want to get married. Everything becomes hum-drum, boring.”
“Only if you let it.”
“Well, obviously you did, or you wouldn’t have been looking for greener pastures.”
“I wasn’t looking. It just happened.”
“What did you see in that guy anyway?”
“Sam’s attractive, but I really don’t know.”
“Then why did you?”
Clare’s eyes filled with tears. “I wish I knew. I don’t know what I’m going to do if Steve divorces me.” Suddenly Clare was sobbing. “What will I do without him?”
It took all of Susan’s effort not to yell at her sister to get a life. Sure, Clare was guilt-ridden, but she wasn’t the first woman who fooled around. At least she had a good job now.
“Maybe I should seek professional help, to deal with all this.” Clare’s hands trembled as she rearranged the salt and pepper shaker for the hundredth time.
Susan wanted to reach out and grab Clare’s hands to still them.
“You know, Clare, that’s probably the best idea I’ve heard yet. I don’t mean to sound nasty. I hate to lay more guilt on you, but think about your kids.”
“I know,” Clare said. “It’s just that it hurts so badly. I loved Steve, and I don’t know if…”
Susan cringed. She was sick of listening to Clare pour her heart out and whine. Okay, maybe she had the right. She’d been through a lot, but darn it, so had her family. Her kids didn’t deserve this sniveling mother. They deserved someone who could take charge, show them some stability. They weren’t used to this side of Clare. She had always doted on her kids.
“That’s enough, Clare!” Susan sat up straight in her seat. “This isn’t just about you. It’s about Johnny and Katie, too.” The shocked look on Clare’s face made her pause, but not for long.
“You have to quit feeling sorry for yourself. If Steve divorces you. His loss. Your loss. More importantly, the kids’ loss. It’s time to put your feelings aside, grow up, and start thinking about them.”
Susan sat back. She hadn’t meant to hurt her sister. She didn’t know what made her blurt out her thoughts. But Clare needed to quit with the self-pity thing and think about the kids.
“You’re right. I’ve been only thinking of myself again.” Clare shook her head. “And listen to me monopolizing the conversation. Tell me about your job.”
Typical Clare, change the subject when it became too uncomfortable. That’s how she dealt with life. No wonder she thought she had a perfect marriage. She had gone along with everything Steve wanted.
Not that Steve wasn’t good to her sister. He was. He worshipped the ground Cl
are walked on. At least he appeared to. But Clare always gave in. It was always what Steve wanted. Clare wanted a colonial style house. Steve wanted the Tudor style. Clare gave in. It added to his prestige, Clare said. It was like that with everything in their marriage. Of course, Clare was given free hand on how to decorate, for the most part. But even then, Steve wouldn’t allow certain things. Like the claw-foot tub in the bathroom. It didn’t fit with their style of house, he said. Had to have the ultra modern bathroom. If the truth were known, the house was probably built with a claw foot tub. Ultra modern didn’t fit the tudor style, but far be it from her to say so.
Susan sipped her drink.
“Hello, are you awake? I asked about your trip to Florida.
“Oh, uh, well, it was enjoyable, and I liked Dave’s family.” Susan smiled. The memory of Dave’s family warmed her. “I’m not sure how to describe them. They tease each other — almost unmercifully. It’s all good-natured. You know what I mean.”
Clare nodded.
“They were so... I don’t know, what’s the word? It’s like they thought Dave and I had a serious relationship, or something. They treated me like I was part of the family. I wish we could have stayed longer, but work... Anyway we’re supposed to get together some time with his brothers and sister.”
“So tell me about Dave. I mean what’s he really like? We had no idea you were spending so much time with him.”
Susan laughed. “Well, we spend a lot of time on this darn case, but I did fix him dinner a couple of times, and he seemed to like it. I mean, I didn’t poison him.”
“Shut up. You’re an excellent cook.” Clare slapped Susan’s hand and laughed.
They talked a little more about Florida and Dave’s family, but mostly about Dave, and Susan’s feelings for him. It was the first time she had discussed him with anyone. It felt good sharing her thoughts with Clare.
“Still, I’m not ready for a relationship. I have to my career.”
“You’re being silly, Susan. Why can’t you have a career and a relationship, too? Millions of women do it. Look at Mom and Dad.”
“I know, but they didn’t have to butt heads to establish themselves. Honest, Clare, if I hadn’t got those phone calls, there’s no way I’d still be on this story.” Susan finished off her drink. “Even with that, Ernie tried to take me off of it.”
“Have you heard from Kate?” Clare changed the subject again.
Obviously, Clare agreed with their mother who didn’t think Susan should pursue her career.
“Not lately, why? Is something going on with her?”
“No, I was just thinking we should have invited her to lunch. How about we do this again soon.”
“Sure, let’s.”
“Maybe she’ll agree to spend the night so neither of you won’t have to drive home at night, or maybe we’ll make it a weekend. We haven’t done that in a long time. I’ll set something up,” Clare promised as they left the restaurant and walked to their cars.
Susan hugged her sister. “I do hope you make an appointment with your shrink real soon. And you know, even if Steve divorces you, you still have a life. You have a great job, terrific kids, you’ll get by.”
Clare got in her car and shook her head. “I know you’re right, it’s just... Oh, I don’t know. I’m so confused. To be honest, part of me likes him being gone.”
“All the more reason to get counseling. Besides, he’s not completely innocent in this. If he hadn’t been gone so much and had paid more attention to you, well...”
“That’s no excuse, Susan. It’s my fault, and I have to deal with it. I have to learn to live with the guilt. Thanks for listening. I’ll make an appointment.” She waved at Susan and pulled out of the parking lot.
Susan stared at the empty space Clare’s car had sat. Maybe she shouldn’t have said that to Clare, but her sister really did need to get on with her life. Shrugging, Susan got into her own car. Before she pulled out of the lot, Greg came out of the restaurant alone. Hoping to avoid him, she threw her car into drive and sped away.
Strange, she thought he left. Was he watching her? Was he the one who left the roses? Worse, was he the killer? He’d been acting rather odd lately, asking her out and all, showing up at Meliti’s Market and not buying anything. Came in to see her, he said.
She shook her head, nah, it couldn’t be Greg. He didn’t strike her as the type. Too outgoing to be a secret admirer or stalker. Of course, he did buy her that damn rose. She hadn’t even taken it with her. She’d seen enough roses to last her a lifetime. If she never saw another, it would suit her just fine.
She turned on the radio and turned up the volume. She didn’t want to think — not about Clare, not even about Dave, and surely not about the roses and the murders. She just wanted to go home.
Chapter Nineteen
Propped in front of her door were two red roses, this time wrapped in floral paper and looking fresh. They couldn’t have been there long. She looked around, unlocked her door, and went inside, holding the flowers carefully with only two fingers. Unsure whether they could get fingerprints off paper, she wasn’t about to smudge them. She sniffed the strong scent of the roses, set them on the counter, pressed the message button on the answering machine, and listened to someone trying to sell her windows.
No other messages. She sighed in relief. Dave had said he’d try to join her for dinner. Knowing she didn’t have anything in the house, she grabbed her jacket and headed to Meliti’s market.
Today, the aroma of Italian sausage greeted her as she opened the door, and she decided to buy some marinara sauce and homemade noodles for dinner. Tony dished up the thick sauce while he teased her about Dave. “You’re sure feeding that detective good. Either you’re under suspicion, or something suspicious is going on.” He winked at her. “Or is he your own personal body guard?” He smiled at his own joke. “Or maybe you’re under surveillance?” With that comment, he let out a big guffaw.
She took his good-natured humor with a smile, surprised at his friendliness and almost off-color remarks. He was a sweet kid. A little fresh, but sweet. If only he knew how close to the truth he came.
At the bakery section, she decided to pick out something for dessert, maybe some Italian pastry and spumoni. Old Mrs. Meliti waited on her. “My Anthony,” she said. “He decides to go to college at night and on Saturdays. I try to tell him is too much — he should just go during the day. No, he say, I help out in the store this way, is better. Ah.” She shrugged. “Whatcha going to do? Kids, they no listen.”
As usual, the old woman didn’t give Susan a chance to reply, and changed the subject.
“My Amanda is engaged.” Mrs. Meliti’s face crinkled into a smile. Her eyes filled with pride. “To such a nice Italian boy. Look it her, finally she smiles, eh.”
Susan glanced at Amanda, and sure enough, the girl’s smile lit up her face while she waited on a customer.
When Susan stepped into the checkout line, she couldn’t help but notice the large princess cut diamond on Amanda’s left hand.
“Hi, Ms Weston.” Amanda’s said. “How are you today?”
“Congratulations, Amanda.” Susan didn’t realize Amanda even knew her name. The girl sure was a beauty, especially now that she smiled and revealed two dimples. Her shiny black hair contrasted with her fair complexion. She definitely could be a cover girl.
“When’s the big day?”
“He only just gave me the ring last night. We haven’t set a date yet, but probably soon. I mean, we’ve known each other since we were kids. But Nick joined the service, and he only just came home. Now he has to find a job.”
This quiet, shy girl had become an overnight chatter box. All of a sudden, she sounded like her grandmother. Susan couldn’t get a word in edgewise. Thankfully, someone stepped in line behind her, and Amanda turned her attention to them.
After Susan put the spumoni in the freezer, she hit the play button on her machine. Clare’s voice came on.
�
�Susan, I’ve been thinking about it, and I called Kate. She’s available to come tomorrow night if you are. Call me back and let me know. I’d like to spend some time with my two favorite sisters. Call me.”
Susan looked at her schedule. After an interview with Bob Jenkins about the Annual Pumpkin Fest, she was free for the next couple of days. It would be fun to stay with her sisters.
She dialed Clare’s number and got her voice mail. “Hey, Clare, count me in, sounds like fun. What time and do you want me to bring anything? Call me.”
She ended the call and heated the sauce and warmed the spaghetti noodles only minutes before Dave arrived. She opened a bottle of wine, and hoped they could settle in for a restful, relaxing evening.
Unbelievably, it was a quiet evening, and when Dave kissed her goodbye at the door, she remembered to tell him she’d be at Clare’s for the night.
“Don’t want you to worry about me.”
He kissed her again. “You have a good time, relax, and enjoy yourself.”
So much for her decision to cool it with him, but she couldn’t help it. She enjoyed his company, his companionship. If it turned into anything else, she’d deal with it then.
The next day, when she pulled into Clare’s, Kate pulled in right behind her and got out of her car.
“Kate, what a surprise,” Susan said. “I didn’t think you‘d be here this early.”
“I came bearing gifts.”
“What’s that?” Clare came outside, hugged Susan and looked at Kate.
Kate handed Clare a large package.
“What, I... Oh,” Clare stammered. “What the heck is this?”
“It’s a quilt. What do you think it is?”
Clare took the package. “Really? For me?”
“No, it’s for Susan. That’s why I gave it to you,” Kate teased. “Of course it’s for you.”
“Hey, where’s mine?” Susan pretended to pout. Not that she wouldn’t have liked one of Kate’s quilts. Kate did beautiful work, especially after she bought her long-arm quilting machine. The quilting designs she turned out were spectacular.
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