“It is a good life, but now I’m on my own, don’t you think it would be nice to spend time with a male friend?”
“I shouldn’t mention this because you won’t let me forget it, Gina, Pete kissed me goodnight when he dropped me off. It’s been years since a man kissed me on the lips, I must admit, I liked it.”
“Mom, that’s wonderful, I knew you two were hitting it off. Samantha and Megan felt it too. I’m happy for you, isn’t it ironic that because of Father, Detective Bellamy is in your life? I’m glad Father did one thing good for you.”
“Gina, your father gave me the best thing I could ask for you were. Oh look, Pete’s car is here; I can feel a flutter in my heart, I’m acting like a teenager.”
Gina laughed at her mother, she was acting like a teenager and it looked good on her. Watching the detective smile as he walked to the car, she could tell Pete Bellamy was feeling like a kid himself.
“It’s good to see you both again,” Pete said while looking into Alexandra’s eyes. “I was hoping to see you before you left for school.”
“School is out for the week, Detective. My mother is free today. Unfortunately, I have a meeting this morning and must leave. I shouldn’t be more than a couple hours; I hope I don’t miss Mr. Lambert; I’d like to pay him for the use of the house and apologize for what happened here yesterday.”
“I talked to him this morning; he sounds like a young guy. He wants to be done with this mess and get moving on the sale of the house. I’ll ask him to wait for you.”
“I’d like to talk to him and ask why he bought this old place. It’s obvious it hasn’t been lived in for a long time. It’s a beautiful, stately manor and should be appreciated. It’s not my preference but I’m sure some people who would love it.”
“Gina, it’s none of your business, I don’t think you should question Mr. Lambert’s motives in buying this place,” said her mother.
“You’re right, Mom, I won’t badger the poor guy. You two have fun this morning and I’ll see you in a couple hours. You’ll still be here, right, Mom?”
“If I’m not in the way, I’d like to wait until the others get here, I had such a nice time with everyone last night.”
“You won’t be in the way at all and you can keep me company,” said Detective Bellamy.
Gina smiled as she drove away, she knew she’d left her mother well cared for. Now, if I could only find someone who made me feel like a teenager again, she sighed.
Megan had her hand outstretched on the table when Samantha and Fletch met Mike and her in the coffee shop.
“Hey, Ms. Always Observant, are you not seeing something new?”
“Megan, your ring! You’re engaged! I can’t believe I didn’t notice”
The friends hugged, and the men shook hands. The entire conversation through breakfast was wedding talk. Samantha wanted to know every word the two of them spoke. Mike told them Megan proposed before he could say the words. Megan said she was afraid he’d given up asking her and decided not to take any chances. Mike was ready with the ring he’d carried in his pocket for months. They hadn’t set a date but didn’t want to wait too long.
“I want her to go from here to Las Vegas but she thinks her mother will never forgive her if she elopes.”
“I’m calling Mom and Dad after breakfast; I’ll tell her we want a simple ceremony and a small reception. My mother is a lot like yours, she will do what she wants. Yours was a lovely wedding even though it was filled with intrigue throughout.”
Megan and Mike planned to spend the day at the pool and relaxing in the California sunshine while Samantha and Fletch returned to Seabrook Shores.
“It’s wonderful news about Megan and Mike,” said Samantha while Fletch entered the freeway on their way to Seabrook Shores. “I thought she was softening on marriage; Jimmy is finally a distant memory for her and she can move on. I don’t know what she saw in that sleaze.”
“I’m sure you are wondering what I saw in Rachel,” Fletch said in a low voice.
“Fletch, Rachel is a beautiful woman, it’s not surprising you were attracted to her. I can’t say I like knowing you loved another woman, but I understand. I saw the charming side of her when she was flirting with Grant Wagner. That poor guy was mesmerized by her attention.”
“He seems like a nice kid; I think he saw a different side of her yesterday. She wasn’t like that when I knew her, at least I didn’t think so.”
Samantha patted his arm. She was secure in their love for each other and Rachel Ross was no threat to her.
“Fletch, something has nagged at me about the study in the mansion. Something was different in the room, I’m anxious to have a look again, maybe it will trigger a memory.”
“Alexandra, I’m happy to see you again,” said Pete Bellamy. I had a wonderful time last night. Maybe it’s inappropriate to be enjoying your company while investigating your husband’s murder.”
“I have been Reggie’s wife in name only for over twenty years. I’m sorry he’s dead but I can’t mourn him. He was a stranger for many years. He only had time for Gina at his convenience. I don’t think he knew how to be a father; I doubt he acknowledged Gina’s existence except to his lawyer all these years. I’m ashamed I married such a self-centered man.”
“Wasn’t there anyone in your life after you and Reggie parted ways?”
“No, my concern was for Gina. I tried to make up for her lack of a real father and that didn’t allow for other men in my life.”
“Do you think you might allow a man in your life now?”
“I already have,” Alexandra smiled when she took Pete’s arm as they walked into the mansion.
They’re back again, he said to himself. I’m glad I stayed up late last night to get everything ready. It was a long walk from the marina parking lot but it was worth it because they will never look for my car there.
He’d hung the dress on a satin hanger in the bedroom, standing back to admire his choice. He didn’t think Pearl saw him when he slipped into the costume storage at the studio. Everyone knew him there and didn’t think it unusual to see him wandering around near the storeroom. He wouldn’t make the same mistake he did with Tiffany. This time, he would make sure he had the girl all to himself. She’d forget about that guy and they would be happy together.
Brad looked out the peephole in the wall. He watched as that detective walked into the study with a woman he hadn’t seen before. He looked away when he saw Pete take Alexandra in arms and kiss her. The sight upset him, it reminded him of seeing Mama in the clutches of that horrible man.
Chapter Thirteen
“Detective Bellamy is here already,” said Samantha, “I’ll bet he came early hoping to see Alexandra before Gina dropped her off to pick up her car.”
“You and your friend, Megan should go into the matchmaking business, you won’t be happy until everyone in the world is hitched,” teased Fletch.
Samantha ignored him and walked to the front door as it opened. Pete and Alexandra stood side by side in the foyer each with sheepish grins on their faces.
“Hello, you two, it looks like you are enjoying your morning so far,” said Samantha.
Alexandra stammered when she said: Gina dropped me off to get my car; she had a meeting this morning and couldn’t stay; “Pete offered to show me around the place, I hope I’m not in the way.”
Samantha smiled and told them she was happy to see them both. Fletch shook Pete’s hand. He would never admit it to Samantha but he was glad these two had found each other.
“Detective Bellamy,” Samantha said using his official title, “I would like to have another look at the study if you don’t mind. I have a feeling I’m missing something and I was hoping seeing the room will jog my memory.”
“I need all the help on can get in this case. I haven’t ruled out the folks who were here yesterday apart from you and Megan.”
“Megan wouldn’t have any reason to want Mr. Crenshaw dead but I had an interested in havin
g this movie made. I don’t think you should rule anyone out, including me,” said Samantha in all seriousness.
“You might have a motive if the movie was made using the latest screenplay but I suspect you were relieved when Reggie called the whole thing off.”
“You’re right, Detective, I am not sorry about that at all.”
Samantha and the others walked into the study. Samantha looked around the room slowly looking at every object on the desk and credenza. Something was missing from the credenza, she tried to picture what it looked like when she first saw the room with Myra Sims.
“I thought seeing the room would help but I’m drawing a blank.”
“Sam will ponder this until she remembers. I trust her instincts she’s a good detective,” Fletch said with pride.
Blake Lambert pulled into the winding driveway. He could feel the resentment building as he came closer to the mansion. Grandmother Jasmine, why did I feel drawn to this place, it’s almost like you wanted me to find it for a reason. Although I can’t imagine what that reason is. It has caused me nothing but headaches since I bought it and now some poor guy has been murdered on the premises.
Samantha expected Mr. Lambert to be an older English gentleman and was surprised to see a handsome young man with only a slight British accent enter the house. His sandy colored hair was tousled from the drive in a rented convertible, he apologized for his appearance. “I like to tell my friends that I drive a convertible in February when I go back home,” he said with a grin.
Samantha liked this Englishman. He was down to earth, unlike the stereotype she’d had in mind. He told the group he’d made a sentimental decision when he purchased the house and he’d regretted it since. He agreed to wait for Gina Crenshaw’s arrival but didn’t feel she owed him an apology.
“It’s unfortunate a death took place here but I don’t blame Mr. Crenshaw, I’m sure he would have preferred not being a victim of a crime himself.”
Gina’s meeting lasted longer than she’d expected and she hoped she hadn’t missed Mr. Lambert. She pulled her car into the driveway and was happy to see her mother’s car hadn’t been moved. Gina knew her mother can have a full life without a man in it but was hoping the sparks were still flying between her mom and Pete Bellamy. She noticed a sporty convertible with the top down. Could that be Mr. Lambert’s car? The old guy must be going through his second childhood driving that. She thought and smiled.
Gina walked into the mansion and was greeted by her mother and Detective Bellamy. She was happy to see Samantha and Fletch in the parlor as well. She wondered where the old English gentleman was and spotted a handsome, young man with beautiful blue eyes. He held out his hand and introduced himself.
Gina felt herself blushing when she said: “Mr. Lambert, I didn’t expect you to be so young. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to blurt that out. I’m happy to meet you.”
“I know we English have a reputation with you Yankees of being formal but I wish you would call me Blake.”
Samantha could see the light shining in Gina’s eyes matched by the look on Blake Lambert’s face. Fletch watched his wife and knew she would make sure the first meeting of these young people would not be their last.
Fletch and Detective Bellamy found a quiet corner where they discussed the suspects in the case. Alexandra excused herself with the promise of returning in the early afternoon to meet Pete for lunch. Blake and Gina walked toward the ocean, anxious to get to know each other better. Samantha wandered into the study again trying to jog her memory.
She was startled when she heard a deep voice say: “Are you looking for this Samantha?”
She turned and saw Brad Taylor standing by the bookcases holding an ornate, antique clock.
“Brad, I didn’t hear you come in,” she said with a slight tremor in her voice. “That’s it, that’s what was missing on the credenza. Where did you find it?” she walked over to him and he grabbed her arm pulling her into a small opening in the bookcase. She heard the door close behind her and fought the feeling of sheer panic.
“What is this place?” she heard herself saying. Her eyes were adjusting to the darkness after being in the study with the bright sunshine beaming through the windows. She saw a fire in a fireplace and candles glowing. A dress hung from the doorway, it was blue and white with puffy sleeves and a billowing skirt with a crinoline petticoat. Little Bo Peep came to mind as she glanced in disbelief at the dress.
“Brad, I don’t know what this is all about but I can’t stay in here with you. Where is the door?”
“My darling little girl, you don’t want to leave, you and I are meant to be together. Now, go into the bedroom and put on this lovely dress I picked out for you.”
“Brad, I won’t put on that stupid dress, let me out of here now. My husband and Detective Bellamy are in the other room. If I scream, they’ll hear me and you will be in big trouble. Let me out and I won’t tell anyone you are here.”
“No one will hear you; this is a secret hideaway, and it’s soundproof. Forget about that guy, you and I will be together forever. Now, be a good little princess and put on the dress.” His voice was becoming harsher and Samantha’s fear was growing. She would put on the dress if it meant she could buy time. Surely Fletch would miss her and wonder where she was. How did Brad get her in this room? She didn’t see a door by the bookcases. In the movies, there was always a button someone pushed to enter a secret room. Could it be this old place had something like that? Samantha was terrified but determined to stay calm. The bedroom was cordoned off by a heavy curtain. She pulled it as tight as she could and slipped into the dress. It smelled like mothballs and the petticoat scratched her legs as she walked out into the room feeling ridiculous in the Bo Peep dress.
“Oh, my dear, you look so lovely but your hair and makeup will never do.” Brad took her hand and walked to the far end of the room where he sat her down at a dressing table. He flipped a switch and bright lights shone all around the mirror. This looks like the dressing room of a movie studio, she thought. This guy is crazy.
Brad picked up a curling iron and curled her hair until she had ringlets covering her head. He then took a cleansing wipe and removed all her makeup. She was thankful she hadn’t put too much on this morning because he was anything but gentle.
“Brad, may I ask why you are doing this? I’m looking like a porcelain doll.”
He ignored her and brought out a box filled with makeup he began with her cheeks and painted bright red circles on both. He put thick bright blue eye shadow on her eyelids and drew exaggerated eyelashes above and below her eyes. He then put ruby-red lipstick on her lips making them look bow-like. When he was finished with the makeup, he put bows in her hair and stood back admiring his work. He held her hand and led her to the sofa placing her in the center. He sat across from her and stared at her until she cried
“Don’t do that!” he shouted. He grabbed her arm and took her back to the dressing table, he picked up the cleansing cloth removing the makeup and began again with starting with her cheeks. Samantha’s face felt chafed and sore, she knew she had to control her tears or he would continue to make her up until her skin was raw. Where are you Fletch? I need you!
“Sir, the suspects have all agreed to come to the station in an hour for further questioning. All except one, we haven’t been able to find Brad Taylor. His housekeeper said his bed hasn’t been slept in and she doesn’t think he came home last night.”
“Maybe he found a diversion and spent the night with her.”
“Maybe, but the housekeeper said she was worried. She told me Mr. Taylor is always home at night. She said he never goes out after dinner and he wasn’t home for dinner either. She thinks he might be in trouble. I got the feeling she has reason to worry, but she didn’t want to say too much.”
“Thanks, Hendricks, keep on it, maybe I’ll visit the housekeeper myself. If she is hiding something, we need to know.”
While Pete was on the phone, Fletch looked for Samantha, he
was walking through each room on the first floor when Pete stopped him.
“Fletch, you look worried, what’s going on?”
“I can’t find Samantha and I have a feeling in my gut she’s in trouble. I’ll check upstairs. She seems to have disappeared.” Fletch ran up to the second floor calling her name. After checking the third floor, he came back down and out to the grounds. Gina and Blake were walking back toward the house.
“Did Samantha come out this way?”
“No, Fletch, we haven’t seen her since we left the house. Have you checked the other floors?”
“I’ve covered every inch of the place, Pete even looked in the basement. He had a call from the station, Brad Taylor’s whereabouts are unknown, he took an unusual interest in Samantha, have you seen him around here today?”
“No one has been here except us, Fletch. What can we do to help find her? Do you think she left the property?”
“I know she wouldn’t do that without telling me. Where would she go? The next house is a quarter mile up the road and I don’t know what reason she would have to go there.”
“Blake,” said Gina, “You look deep in thought, do you know something that could help Fletch.”
“I can’t be sure but I recall my grandmother talking about a secret room. I believed her when I was a kid, but she told so many stories about this old place, I hadn’t thought about that for years. I have a copy of the blueprints at the office, I’ll have my assistant e-mail me a copy.” Blake called his office immediately and told the group they were on the way.
Pete was on the phone demanding to be sent any information his officers could find about Brad Taylor. “I don’t care how insignificant it seems; I want everything!”
Megan called Samantha’s cell phone and was concerned when she didn’t connect with her. She next called Fletch to see if everything was okay.
“Samantha is missing, Megan. I don’t know where her phone is, I tried calling her myself and it went right to voicemail.”
Murder in Seabrook Shores Page 8
