I contributed my single tidbit. “Yes.” Then I ignored the questions that dug for facts like mining equipment for tales of the rift.
"Come on, Katherine, if anyone knows, you do."
"Ask her, or better, try Marcus,” I said.
"I'd rather question a barracuda."
"I hear she received nothing,” one of the women said.
"I can confirm that.” The lawyer's wife took several cookies from the plate. “Bob told me Marcus was livid when he heard about the codicil. Martha had another lawyer draw up the document. Of course, Marcus couldn't fuss too much because of the trusts for his girls. Bob said he laughed when the box she'd willed to his niece was empty."
"I thought Martha kept her diamonds there."
The lawyer's wife smiled smugly. “Seems she removed them months ago. They're missing. Sophie is furious. She was planning to wear part of the collection to the housewarming."
"Pity,” Marie whispered. She began gathering the completed ornaments.
"Last call for coffee and tea,” I said.
But the group was already on the move to the door. As I collected plates, cups and saucers, I noticed several of the women sneaking cookies into their purses. Why they didn't ask, I'll never know. The next time I was in charge of refreshments, I was tempted to bring gooey treats.
Marie joined me for the clean up. While the dishwasher worked, we emptied the urns and gathered napkins. “I wonder where Martha's diamonds are,” Marie said.
I smiled. I had a good idea and I wondered what else the second safe deposit box contained. When would the lawyer return? Soon, I prayed. As my curiosity increased, so did my impatience.
* * * *
On Thursday morning, my prayers were answered. I was in the kitchen making red sauce for dinner this evening across the street at Sarah's. The phone rang and I grabbed the receiver. “Miller residence."
"This is Richard Broadhurst. I found a message to call a Katherine Miller."
I was so excited I nearly dropped the phone. “Speaking."
"And this is in regard to?"
Hadn't the nosy receptionist taken the entire message? “Martha Garner gave me your card and a key."
"Why?"
"She died a week ago and said if anything happened to her, I was to give the key to you."
"I've been out of town for a month. I didn't realize she was ill."
"She wasn't. She fractured her hip, had surgery and was recovering nicely. The nurse said she had a heart attack.” I gasped. Something Martha had said during one of my visits leaped into my thoughts. The nurse said he had a heart attack. I was so engrossed in the memory, I didn't hear what the lawyer said. “Pardon me, I was woolgathering and missed your question."
"Would you have any idea where her granddaughter, Jenna Taylor, lives? I need to locate her."
"Indeed I do. She's my tenant."
He expelled a long breath. “Terrific. Mrs. Garner thought I would have to hire detectives to find the girl. Did Mrs. Garner know where her granddaughter was living?"
"She did and they had a number of visits."
"I'm glad to hear that. Could you give me her phone number?"
I rattled it off. “About the key. Where is your office so I can bring it by?” The sooner I rid myself of the burden, the sooner my promise to Martha would be fulfilled.
"I'm on Main Street above the pharmacy."
"Convenient. I have to pick up a prescription. Will you be there in half an hour?"
"Since I'm buried in paperwork and phone calls, the answer is yes."
After hanging up, I turned off the sauce and checked my shirt for splatters. Once I'd changed, I located the plastic bag. Would the mystery of the missing diamonds be solved this morning? I started downstairs.
Jenna bolted out of her apartment. “Are you going out? Do you have an appointment? Are you in a hurry?"
"Yes, no and no. What's on your mind?"
"Some lawyer, a Mr. Broadhurst, called. He said it was about Gran and he wants me to come by his office as soon as possible."
"Actually, I'm on my way there with something your grandmother asked me to give him. He's been out of town and didn't know she'd died."
"Could you wait while I change? I don't want to go alone."
Since I was curious to see if my guess about the contents of the box was correct, I nodded. “I'll wait on the porch. I also have to stop at the drugstore."
"No problem."
Twenty-five minutes later, after retrieving my prescription, we walked up the narrow stairway to the lawyer's office. The receptionist announced our names.
"Why are you here?” she asked.
"To see Mr. Broadhurst,” I said.
"I know that, but exactly why did you come?"
Jenna stared at her. “Haven't the slightest idea. He called me."
A handsome young man opened one of the office doors. “Ms. Taylor and Mrs. Miller, I'm Richard Broadhurst. Come in.” His dark hair was tousled and his eyes were a startling shade of blue.
Jenna cocked her head. “Didn't I see you at Le Lune last evening?"
His eyes sparkled with recognition. “You were the hostess. The dishes you recommended were fabulous as promised. My parents took me out to welcome me home from a business trip to Europe. They dragged my sister along."
I smiled. He didn't have to tell her that. The way he looked at Jenna stirred my matchmaking gene. I liked the possibilities I saw.
"So what is this about?” Jenna asked. “You were so mysterious over the phone."
He and I glanced at the receptionist. I could swear I saw her ears twitching. Mr. Broadhurst ushered us into the office and closed the door. “I called to speak to you about the codicil to your grandmother's will."
Jenna sank on a chair. “A dozen people including my aunt have let me know how she left me an empty safe deposit box. No one believes I'm not angry."
"Actually she didn't leave you an empty one. If Mrs. Miller will give me the key, I'll explain."
I fished the plastic bag from my purse. “Here you are.” I turned to leave.
Jenna caught my hand. “Stay. I drove you here and I'll drive you home."
"Let's go to the bank.” Richard picked up two envelopes from the desk. “I've invited your uncle to be present and bring his attorney if he wishes. I'd rather he be there than learn about the box through gossip."
Jenna shook her head. “He'll demand whatever Gran left me.” She covered her face with her hands. “I didn't want her to leave me anything."
I was afraid she would cry. My hand rested on her shoulder.
Richard crouched beside the chair. “He can't take what's legally yours. Your grandmother made this decision months ago."
"He'll try."
"Mrs. Garner and I talked for hours about what to do and what was fair. She said she failed your mother and Mark. She couldn't fail you. She wanted to give you some security. She loved you."
"I know she did.” Jenna looked up at me. “Will you come to the bank? I don't want to face his glares alone."
I nodded. “If it's all right with your lawyer."
"No problem. I want Ms. Taylor to be comfortable.” He led us out of the room and paused at the receptionist's desk. “I'll be gone about an hour.” He was on our heels without responding to her spate of questions.
We walked across the street to the bank. Richard Broadhurst spoke to a young woman seated behind a desk in the area beyond the teller windows.
Marcus stomped in. “Broadhurst, what's this about?"
"You knew I drew up the codicil to your mother's will."
"So I understand which was foolish considering she already had a competent man.” He glared at Jenna. “What's she doing here?"
"I was out of the country when Mrs. Garner died or the matter of the safe deposit box would have been settled sooner."
"She left Jenna an empty box. My attorney said there was no need to embarrass my niece."
"He just let his wife spread the tal
e all over town,” I said.
Jenna faced her uncle. “I wouldn't have been embarrassed. I told you and I told Gran I didn't want her money. I loved her for herself, not what she could give me."
Marcus’ mouth slid into a sneer. “Everyone wants money."
Richard took Jenna's arm. “Mrs. Garner wanted to make things right. She wanted her granddaughter to have certain items."
"But...but...” Marcus sputtered.
"She never told me why she took this step or why she set up four trusts.” Richard led us into the vault's anteroom.
I felt like cheering. Martha had her victory. I wish she hadn't had to die to make justice a reality.
When the box rested on the table, Richard used the key. “According to the codicil, the contents belong to Jenna Taylor."
Marcus snorted. “If what's in there is what I suspect, I'll contest."
"Marcus Garner, you're a mean-spirited greedy man,” I said. “What will people think when word of your behavior reaches St. Stephen's and the rest of the community?"
"You wouldn't dare."
"Try me."
Jenna stiffened. “I never asked Gran to do this. I never said she was wasting her inheritance by staying at Hudson House."
"Neither did I,” Marcus said.
Jenna met his gaze. “That's what your daughter Tammy said when she thought I was Gran's hired help. She must have heard someone say that."
Marcus glared. “Not me, but...” He clamped his lips in a firm line.
Had Sophie been the one to complain where her daughter had heard?
Richard opened the box and removed a number of velvet-covered cases. When the lids were opened, even in the dim light, the glitter was blinding. As I had suspected, we'd found Martha's missing diamond collection.
"Those are Sophie's,” Marcus said. “She told me Mother promised them to her. I'll take them."
Richard shook his head. “They belong to Jenna.” He removed a stack of what looked like savings bonds. He handed one of the envelopes he'd carried to Marcus. “She sent this to my office while I was in Europe. It explains the fourth trust."
Marcus slit the envelope and pulled out several papers. Since I couldn't see what they were, I frowned.
As Marcus read, his face turned scarlet. “Damn her. She lied."
Who had lied? Martha, but that made no sense.
Jenna opened the second envelope and read. Then she looked up. “Listen. The diamonds are yours, Jenna. Wear them, sell them or give them away. Use the savings bonds to pay the taxes on what I've given you and to make your future secure. The amount is equivalent to what I gave Hester and Tammy. I love you and I miss you every day. Gran."
Tears flowed down her face. “She didn't have to do this.” She swayed. Richard put his arm around her waist to steady her.
Marcus scowled and waved his letter. “Broadhurst, did you read this?"
Richard shook his head. “Both letters were sealed when they arrived."
"And where did you get the key to this box? It wasn't in my mother's purse or at the house."
Good thing he hadn't removed the house key, I thought. “She gave me the key."
He clenched his fists. “Why do you want to turn Mother's death into a circus?"
"Me! If anyone's to blame, look in the mirror."
Jenna put her hand on my arm. “Uncle Marcus, I loved Gran. If this box had been empty, too, I wouldn't have cared. Years ago, using lies and threats, you drove me away. I won't run now. No matter what your mysterious witness said, they lied. The way Mark was driving, I was too scared to move."
"So you say.” Marcus stormed away.
I handed Jenna a tissue. “Wipe your eyes. What are you going to do with all this?"
She shook her head. “Put it in my box and think.” She looked up. “Wonder what was in his letter."
"We may never know."
Once Jenna made the transfer, we left the bank. I heard Richard ask her to have coffee with him. I hoped she would accept. If I'd been her age, he wouldn't have had to ask twice. His ruggedly handsome features and his smile made this old woman warm. I would have accepted the invitation and anything else he offered. Old doesn't mean dead.
"I can't,” Jenna said. “I have to take Mrs. Miller home."
'I can walk."
"You need to talk to someone about your inheritance, the taxes and you need a good lawyer."
Richard winked. My heart fluttered. This man was a keeper.
"You can give me advice,” Jenna said.
I shook my head. “I know little about legal matters. Why don't you come to the house, Mr. Broadhurst? I've oatmeal cookies full of goodies."
Jenna turned to Richard. “Her cookies are to die for."
He grinned. “I'm a sucker for home-baked anything. Tell me where. I'll let the receptionist know I'll be out of the office for a bit longer."
When Jenna and I reached the house, she paused at her door. “Are you matchmaking."
"Actually, yes."
She laughed. “You get the cookies and your tea. I'll make coffee. The occasion calls for more than instant."
A short time later, Richard parked at the curb. He stopped and appraised the house. “A Victorian. I like it."
"Thanks,” I called.
Robespierre bounded from the bushes and halted in Richard's path. The young lawyer stooped and held out his hand. The cat sniffed and ambled toward the porch. Richard followed. “He's a big one. I take it I've been approved."
"I believe so."
When Richard reached the porch, his gaze focused on the tin of cookies. He took one and sampled. For a long time, he didn't speak. Then he looked up. “Can I move in."
"Not today."
Ten minutes later, Jenna arrived with a carafe of coffee and mugs. She looked at the cookie tin and laughed. “Mr. Broadhurst, you're a fast worker."
"I'm Richard and I'm fast when it's important. You were right. These are the best cookies I've ever had."
We visited for a short time, then I excused myself. I had a kettle of red sauce to finish and a devious nature.
* * * *
Early the next morning, I set out on my walk. Dark clouds filled the sky and I could smell the coming rain. As I headed to the river, Pete trotted down the steps from the porch of his house. “Good idea getting your walk in early."
"I'm always out before eight as you well know."
He grinned. “Must be a crime on the horizon. The river is your usual destination when you're up to your eyebrows in murder."
Was it and was I? Fragments of my suspicions refused to flow into a picture. “Could be."
He halted. “You're kidding, right?"
"Just mulling some suspicions that make no sense."
"So tell me."
I began with Robby's tale of the boy who was glad his grandmother had died. Then I spoke of the incidents Martha had mentioned. “Her death bothers me. She was planning to leave Hudson House in a week or two. Then physically, she fell apart. When I overheard Sophie Garner gloating because Martha had died before changing her will to include Jenna, made me wonder about my friend's death.
"Do you have to see a murder behind every chance remark you hear?"
"No.” I chuckled. “Sophie was wrong. Martha implemented a codicil months before her death and kept it secret until the day before she died."
"There have been no reports of suspicious deaths at Hudson House."
I ignored his comment. “I know there haven't been, but there's a good reason. It's a nursing home. Deaths are expected. Do you think Marcus Garner is capable of murder?"
Pete laughed. “And get his hands dirty. Not in this lifetime. He's a manipulator who won't hesitate to use a lie to gain his ends, but that's all."
"That much I know."
Pete tapped my arm. “He might pay to have murder done."
"I'm afraid that's what has happened."
Pete shook his head. “I don't think so. He's not my favorite person. Hasn't been since Mar
k died and he tried to force me to change the report. Kept saying there was a witness who had seen Jenna driving. I refused. The captain backed me, but told me to keep quiet no matter what I heard."
I met his gaze. “Recently Marcus changed that story. He says his witness saw Jenna grab the wheel. The witness was Sophie."
"Wait a minute. She arrived in a cab a good ten minutes after I came on the scene.” He clasped my hand. “Could you please find a cure for this bug you have?"
"I'll try.” But Martha's death had seemed convenient to Sophie and Marcus. Had there been other deaths at Hudson House that had been strokes of fortune for the families? Was there a way to learn?
* * * *
Over lunch, I had an inspiration. How many people had died at Hudson House during the past six months or even a year? There was one place I might find this data. Since the anticipated rain had begun, I drove to the library and went to the research room. After pulling up the back issues of the newspapers on microfilm, I began scrolling through the obituaries. If I could find a pattern, maybe I could persuade Pauline to let me look at some charts.
Two days later, I had my list. Eighteen deaths in a year, but twelve had occurred in the past three and a half months. I had something to raise my suspicions but no proof they had been anything but normal. I needed more information.
When I reached the house, I saw Richard and Jenna on the porch. They appeared totally involved in each other so I tried to slip past. A large Maine Coon cat had a different agenda. He slithered into my path and I nearly tripped. “Robespierre!"
Richard jumped to his feet and steadied me. “Are you okay?"
"I am, but a cat may not be.” Robespierre didn't seem troubled. He began to groom himself.
"You look troubled,” Jenna said.
"Just mulling a situation."
"Want to tell us?” Richard asked.
"Not yet.” Once I came to a conclusion, I would. Richard might be able to discover the size of the estates the dead had left and the names of the heirs. There was only one problem there. Did I want to involve these young people or let Jenna know I believed her grandmother had been murdered?
* * * *
On Sunday morning, I was surprised when Jenna and Richard slid into the pew where I sat with my family. I managed to make the introductions before the organist began the prelude. At least ten people turned to stare. Sophie was one and she looked furious. She nudged her husband who ignored her. I half expected her to interrupt Edward's call to worship.
Hudson House Murders [Book 4 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] Page 7
