“But Eloise, I promised Richard I would be with him.”
“You can find another young woman for him to escort, he prefers blondes. I suggest you find one and make it snappy.”
And so, it began, the long progression of young women on Richard's arm. Cindy wondered what his wife thought about her husband being seen with another female, but she tried not to think about his wife. She had met Sophia a few times and liked her. Still, hoped to take her place someday soon.
Cindy was content to wait for her someday with Richard and was shocked when he called her in his office a week ago.
“Cindy, I will announce my intention to run for governor of our state in a few short weeks and I will need an executive assistant.”
“Sir, I will be happy to follow you to the capitol.”
“I appreciate that however, I will need someone more suited to the prestigious position of executive assistant to the governor. I'm sure you understand.”
It took every bit of self-control Cindy could muster to smile and walk away. She was heartbroken. The man she loved with all her heart was tossing her aside because she wasn't suitable for the Office of the Governor.
I could kill him, she thought to herself. If I had a knife, I'd go in there and plunge it firmly into his unfeeling heart. Maybe I'll poison his coffee with arsenic, that's how they do it in old movies, it's a painful way to die. Oh, Richard, how could you do this?
Somehow, she made it through the day and the days that followed. All the while, she was plotting a way to make him suffer as she was suffering now.
“Eloise, what do you think of this dress? Too much décolletage for a funeral?” laughed Sophia.
“Not too much, dear, I believe Richard would approve. My, but you are in a good mood this morning.”
“You know how I love dressing for a performance. I can hardly wait to be on stage.”
“Sophia, you realize you are going to Richard's funeral and not a presentation of The Music Man.”
“I'm telling myself it's only a performance, it can't be real because that would mean Richard is dead and I don't want to believe he's gone.”
“Did you have a sleepwalking incident last night?”
“You know I can't remember them. For all I know, I'm asleep now.”
Sophia couldn't bear the look of pity in Eloise's eyes. She wondered if Eloise suspected her. Sophia had known some shady characters in her day. She could think of several who would kill if the monetary reward was worth the risk.
It wasn't long ago she had a dream she was watching from the sidelines when a bullet pierced Richard's head. Was it a dream or reality, she had a hard time lately distinguishing between the two? She knew exactly where Richard would sit the night he was shot. She'd reserved the seat herself.
Jimmy woke up and realized he'd slept all night on the floor. He had a pillow under his head and a blanket covering his upper body. He remembered throwing back a few beers and a couple shots. He reached into his pocket and pulled out several pills. His head was throbbing, and it was all that uptight bitch's fault. Since Megan met Samantha Degan, she's been a real pain. First, she's all over the mayor and yesterday she was cozy with that guy at Degan's apartment.
He forced himself to stand up and walked to the bathroom for something to stop the throbbing in his head. He rarely had more than a couple beers because too much booze made him crave speed. Last night they didn't give him the euphoria he usually experienced and today he was sick as a dog. The more he thought of Samantha Degan, the madder he got. He threw himself on the bed and passed out thinking of ways he could make her pay for ruining his happy life.
Samantha looked through her closet for something subdued to wear to the funeral. Since she met Fletch, her choice of outfits had reflected her joyful mood. She had one dress she hadn't worn since her interview with Professor Stonehill. Her life had changed since that day, she was now a published author with a calendar filled with speaking engagements. Her celebrity had more to do with the subject of her book although she was feeling more comfortable being the center of attention. She was madly in love with the detective who arrested her for Professor Stonehill's murder and he loved her. The only thing that cast a shadow over her, otherwise, total happiness was the death of the mayor. Fletch was frustrated that there were no significant leads in the case. She wished she could help him solve the murder. Maybe she would talk with some people who knew the victim. Someone might unknowingly have information that will be beneficial in solving the crime.
Megan Fairbanks let herself into her new studio apartment. She couldn't believe the turn her life had taken in a few days. She felt a strong sense of relief to know she was free of Jimmy Lee Butler for the last time. She'd been a fool to put up with him for as long as she did. Thanks to Samantha, she finally found the courage to leave him and his control.
It took two trips back and forth to her car, but she was finally unpacked. Her clothes were hung neatly in the closet and the dresser drawers next to the bed were filled. There was a small kitchenette with empty cupboards. She had eaten nothing yet today. She'd left the apartment before Jimmy woke up. Megan wondered if he was still sleeping on the floor but knew he wasn't any longer her concern.
There was a knock on the door. Her heart skipped a beat, could Jimmy have found her already?
“Megan, it's Mike Thompson, we met yesterday at Samantha Degan's place.”
Megan quickly opened the door. Mike was standing there with a tray of coffee and piping hot breakfast sandwiches.
“I thought you might be ready for a break.”
“Mike, you are heaven sent. I haven't had my morning coffee yet. Please come in and sit down.”
Megan took a sip of the warm drink and bit into the sandwich.
“How did you know I was here?”
“I saw the super on the elevator, that guy knows everything that goes on here and he likes to share his knowledge with anyone and everyone.”
“Perhaps I'd better ask him not to share too much with Jimmy Butler.”
“Doesn't he know you're here?”
“No, I left him a note. He was so drunk and out of it last night, he's likely still sleeping it off.”
“I'm sorry you have to go through that, Megan.”
“Thanks, Mike, I'm fine now, I was a fool to fall for his line. It's over now, and I don't regret leaving. Tell me about yourself, Mike. A good-looking guy like you must have all the female companionship you can handle.”
“There are so many, I have to beat them off with a stick,” he laughed. I recently went through a breakup up myself.”
“I'm sorry to hear that.”
“It's not so bad. We had drifted apart for several months before the breakup. There was a time when we talked about marriage. It's a good thing we discovered we weren't right for each other before we tied the knot, I have no regrets. I shouldn't keep you any longer, I have work to do. I wanted to welcome you to the building, neighbor.”
“Thanks, Mike, and thanks for breakfast, once I get to the supermarket, I'll invite you for dinner to reciprocate.”
“It’s unnecessary but I would like that. Would you consider working for me one day a week? I don't have too much clerical work, but it would help me out if you have the time.”
“That would be great. I can sure use the money. I borrowed from my parents to move into this place and I'd like to pay them back as quickly as possible.”
“Good, we'll work your hours around Samantha's schedule.”
Megan closed the door after he left. What a great guy, I wish I'd met someone like him instead of Jimmy. I'm being ridiculous, he's looking for friendship and I'm in no shape for another relationship. I'll be happy to have him as a friend and a boss.
Chapter Ten
The church was filled with mourners and those who were there to see and be seen. Sophia looked around and saw her friends from the theater. She wasn't particularly close to her co-stars although she liked them, and they liked her. She had taken great pains to p
ortray herself as the grieving widow and it was well worth the trouble. She said and did all the right things, she happily posed for photos before and after the ceremony.
Eloise planned a reception in the church community room knowing Sophia would not want a large formal gathering. Her nerves would crumble after a few hours and the poor thing would never stay in control.
Sophia was shocked when Margaret Wakefield approached her and said she had arranged for a reception at the country club.
“A church basement is no place to honor the mayor of Lancashire. I have Richard's staff spreading the word. We will expect you after the burial Sophia, you will be seated at the head table.”
Sophia wasn't sure how long she would could keep up the performance of her life.
Samantha glanced across the aisle of the church and noticed a young woman crying from the moment she sat down.
Turning to Robin she asked, “Do you know who that woman is?”
“Cindy Matthews, Mayor Delaney's executive assistant. I have the feeling she was half in love with him, but a lot of women felt the same way.”
“He was a smooth character.”
“More like a slick charmer, I'd say. A little too slick for my taste. I like an unpretentious guy like Fletch and my Frank,” said Robin
“Mrs. Delaney looks like a movie star. If she's grieving her husband, she's hiding it well,” said Samantha
“She is a beautiful woman. I've only seen pictures of her in the newspaper. I was on duty when the mayor was inaugurated.”
“You were lucky,” whispered Fletch. “It was required that most of the force be there, it was a cold and windy day in January, I didn't think his speech would end. Sofia looked like a Russian princess.”
“I remember pictures of her outfit. Samantha, she wore a snow-white coat with a white fur collar, a matching fur hat, and carried a fur muff. Who carries a muff in this century? Fletch is right, she looked like a Russian princess. Do they have princesses in Russia anymore? I wonder who that lady is with her?”
“That's Eloise Kittredge, someone said she was Richard's campaign manager. She is close to Sophia; I wonder what the story is there?” Samantha's writer's curiosity was getting the best of her. “I see the Acting First Lady is taking over the show. Margaret Wakefield has finally found her calling in life.”
“That's Forrest Wakefield's wife? I expected a mousy little gray-haired woman. Poor Forrest, I don't think he is much of a match for her, she looks like the bossy type.”
“Believe me, she is,” Samantha concurred.
“Are you two having fun?” laughed Frank. “We should separate them, Fletch. Before they get us thrown out of here for gossiping in a church.”
“We aren't gossiping, Frank, we are exchanging information. Samantha's a mystery writer collecting ideas for her new book.”
The sounds of Ave Maria sung by the University of Lancashire Capella Choir signaled the beginning of the funeral service.
After eulogies were given, music played, and prayers said, acting Mayor Wakefield held Sophia's arm as he guided her out of the church. Frank was a few eye blinks away from dozing off when he felt Robin's hand on his arm signaling the service had ended and his torture was over.
The foursome followed the guest up the aisle waiting their turn to offer condolences to Mayor Delaney's widow. When they finally reached the steps of the church, Samantha realized she had left her sweater behind.
“I'll be back in a minute,” she said as she walked back into the sanctuary.
After she retrieved her sweater, she saw a woman's head bowed and could hear muffled sobs. Samantha knew it was none of her business but felt compelled to offer comfort.
Cindy Matthews looked up sensing someone was standing by her.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” asked Samantha.
“No, I wanted to be alone with Richard one last time. I know I'm making a terrible fool of myself,” Cindy said between sobs.
“You aren't a fool at all. I'm sure you were close to your boss, it's natural you are mourning his sudden death.”
“You're Samantha Degan, aren't you? After reading your book about Professor Stonehill, I feel as though I knew him personally. You knew how to capture the essence of the man.”
“Thank you, that's a lovely compliment. Would you like me to leave you alone or would you like to talk about your feelings?”
“I'll be all right, I need to get to the reception before Mrs. Wakefield notices I'm not where I should be. She gave me strict instructions to sit at a designated table with the rest of the worker bees, as she so disdainfully put it.”
“Mrs. Wakefield is a challenge, isn't she?”
“You are being too kind, she's a royal pain in the neck. I feel sorry for the others who must put up with her, I'm glad I won't be a part.”
“Won't you stay on as the mayor's assistant?”
“No, Wanda Anderson has that job, she'd never step aside. I have told no one this, Richard gave me my walking papers before he died. He had plans to run for governor and felt he needed someone more suitable as his executive assistant.”
The tears started again, and Samantha put her arm around Cindy until she calmed down. They walked out of the church together. Cindy was glad to have someone to talk to. Dare she tell her new friend how much she wanted Richard Delaney to pay for breaking her heart?
The reception at the country club was underway. Margaret Wakefield had outdone herself. If only I'd had more time to plan, she thought. Look at the grieving widow, I knew that marriage was doomed. After today, neither the City of Lancashire or I will have to look at that insipid face again.
Sophia looked around the room at the waiters passing out glasses of champagne and fancy appetizers. Richard would have loved this, it's too bad he didn't marry someone like Margaret Wakefield. She knows how to throw a party, although the funeral of my husband is hardly a time for celebration. I despise this kind of thing, with all these people. I'll go on pretending this is a play and I'm performing my part.
“This is an impressive affair; wouldn't you say Samantha?” asked Robin. “I've heard the new First Lady is good at throwing a party, but this bash exceeds my expectations.”
“The new First Lady also knows how to make people feel uncomfortable,” Samantha replied, “I was watching Mrs. Delaney, it looks like her smile is painted on her face. I get the idea she is miserable being here. The former mayor's staff has been relegated to a table by the kitchen. Forrest sits there with his chest puffed out; I think he's enjoying his new status.”
“He's also enjoying his third scotch,” said Fletch.
“I've noticed that too,” replied Frank, “why don't we pass on the champagne and head to the bar? It looks like they're open for business.”
“Good idea, would you girls like something?”
“No thanks, Fletch, I'm enjoying the bubbly,” Samantha winked at him.
“Nothing for me, do you remember my condition?” said Robin pointing to her swollen belly.
As the men walked to the bar, Margaret Wakefield glared at them and at the others who followed their lead. I wish there was a way I could have avoided having all these ruffians here today, she thought, unaware that her husband was being served another scotch.
Wanda Anderson was watching her boss, she knew he often swallowed a shot or two of whiskey before a meeting. It was to fortify him and give him the courage he needed to carry out his duties. Today she was worried, she counted the times he'd been served drinks and could see patches of red on his cheeks. She wanted to go to him and reassure him that everything would be all right but with Mrs. Wakefield in the room, she knew that would not be a good idea. That woman didn't understand the pressure she put on Forrest to be something he wasn't. The man hated the spotlight. When he got a little tipsy in the office one time, he confided in Wanda that he preferred the old days when he was an accountant and had to deal with numbers instead of people.
Eloise Kittredge found her way to Samantha's table
.
“Ms. Degan, I don't know if you remember me, I'm a friend of Sophia Delaney.”
“Yes, Eloise, I remember you, please call me Samantha.”
“Thank you, Samantha, I wonder if I could impose on you to check on Sophia. She went to the ladies room a good ten minutes ago and hasn't returned to her seat. If I walk too far away from my table, I'm afraid Mrs. Wakefield will catch me and assign me a task.”
Samantha didn't understand the hold Margaret Wakefield seemed to have over everyone but said she would be happy to check on Mrs. Delaney.
Sophia sat on a sofa at the rear of the women's lounge area. She stared into space and Samantha was wary approaching her.
“Mrs. Delaney, are you all right?”
Sophia looked into Samantha's eyes and said: “Did he love you too?”
“I beg your pardon?”
Sophia shook her head and blinked her eyes, “Hello, Samantha, did you say something?”
Samantha looked at her questioningly, “I asked if you were all right?”
“Yes, I'm afraid I dozed off for a few minutes. I'm sorry, I know I should have stayed in my seat, but I couldn't bear watching Margaret Wakefield flaunting herself and her new role all over the room. Richard isn't buried yet, and that woman has taken over. I never wanted to be the first lady of Lancashire. Richard would be upset if he could see how Margaret is acting.”
“You make a lovely first lady. Don't let Margaret Wakefield get under your skin.”
“You mean I'm playing my part well. I don't want to be here, I'd rather be home all by myself. I often wonder why Richard married me. I must have played a part back then because we never had anything in common. I know he was a scoundrel, but I loved him.”
“I'm sure he loved you in his way,” said Samantha, although she wasn't sure of that at all. “You are a beautiful and warm woman, Sophia, Mayor Delaney was a lucky man to have you by his side.”
“I like you, Samantha, you don't judge people, do you? I'd like to tell you something...”
Murder in Lancashire Page 5
