by Jaden Skye
Olivia flinched. Was Gallant suggesting that Tyron had been poisoned? Was that why he felt suspicious of Megan? Naturally, she had total access to her husband all the time.
“The other alternative,” Olivia mused out loud, “is that someone came from behind and pushed him out of the wheelchair.”
“That’s the more likely scenario,” Gallant concurred.
“Tyron’s well known in the area, did he have any enemies that you know of?” Olivia continued.
“That’s what law enforcement is exploring right now as we speak,” said Gallant. “He also had complicated business dealings. Tyron made his original money in steel and now funds a lot of organizations. Some are questionable, for sure. We’re getting a forensic accountant to go over everything. Lots of high-profile people could be involved.”
“Good,” said Wayne, pleased by the suggestion.
“But the first consideration always goes to the people who were with him when he died. Right now there are only two that we know of,” Gallant continued.
“Only one, really,” Olivia murmured. “Bella was the one with him at the time.”
“Actually, Bella seems much more upset by Tyron’s death than Megan,” Gallant interrupted. “Did you guys notice how cool and calculating Megan is? She has her eye on every little detail and I haven’t heard her once say a word about her deceased husband.”
“Everyone grieves differently,” Olivia had to say. “Megan hasn’t even had time to realize that Tyron’s gone.”
“It’s interesting that you’re on Megan’s side,” Wayne couldn’t help remark. “I found her to be unsettling as well.”
“I’m not on anyone’s side,” Olivia answered forthrightly. “But I’m not against anyone either.”
“The question isn’t for or against,” Gallant interrupted, “it’s exactly how did Tyron fall? Once we know that, we’ll have a direction to go in. We also have to carefully review security footage both inside and outside of the house to see if there were any other visitors. Megan claims she heard people downstairs talking. She can’t prove it, of course.”
“She was upstairs in her office the entire time, wasn’t she?” asked Olivia.
“That’s right,” said Gallant. “She claims she was working up there. When she finally went downstairs her husband had been dead for quite a while.”
Wayne stood up hastily. “Let’s stick with the facts as we get them,” he said. “Speculation is always counterproductive at this point. The security footage will tell us a great deal.”
Gallant seemed pleased by Wayne’s comment. “Yes, it will,” he added. “And of course, if there were other visitors, we’re into a whole new ballgame, for sure. If not, we put a laser focus on the two women who were at the residence when he died.”
“Right,” agreed Wayne.
“What’s your next move?” Gallant asked. “How can we help you both out?”
“Next step is for us to talk to Bella,” said Wayne. “We heard you let her go.”
“Yes, we did,” said Gallant. “Bella spends six days a week at Tyron’s home and on her day off goes to a small apartment she shares with an elderly older aunt about thirty miles away.”
“Where is Bella now?” asked Olivia quickly.
“She left the station under the condition that she would remain at Tyron’s home until we’ve made more headway in the investigation,” Gallant reported.
“She had no objections to that?” Wayne checked.
“None at all,” said Gallant promptly. “We found Bella to be very cooperative and tremendously upset. She said she would never leave at this time, anyway. She wants to stay close by for the funeral and also to help everyone out.”
“Nice,” said Wayne.
“Loyal,” remarked Olivia.
“We found no reason to doubt her,” Gallant added. “Go talk to her yourself first thing in the morning and see.”
“That’s exactly what we’ll do,” Olivia assured him.
*
Olivia and Wayne left the station tired but also filled with nervous energy. The hotel Wayne had booked for them was about ten minutes away. As the taxi drove through the busy streets they approached a well-designed building that was appealing in every way.
“I’ve booked us large rooms on the same floor,” Wayne commented as the taxi slipped up to the entrance. “We’ll be down the hall from each other so it will be easy to coordinate our activities.”
“Great,” said Olivia as they walked into the hotel, which was filled with people dressed for the evening, milling around. The place was spacious, well furnished, and had a lively atmosphere. It also looked expensive. Fortunately, Megan had suggested they stay there and put it on her tab.
“Nice place,” Wayne commented as they entered. “We may even get time to jump into the pool for a quick swim.”
Olivia smiled. It was nice having Wayne around to share the experience with, and of course to have his expertise as events unfolded.
“Why just the pool?” Olivia quipped. “Hopefully, we’ll even get a chance to run to the beach and jump into the ocean.”
“That would be amazing,” Wayne agreed as they walked to the desk to register.
“We have a long day tomorrow,” Olivia commented, thinking of the activities ahead of them.
“I think we should get up about eight or so,” Wayne agreed. “We’ll grab a quick breakfast downstairs in the hotel and then go over and talk to Bella. I’ll make sure she knows we’re coming.”
This was certainly a change. Olivia was used to eating breakfast alone in her room, planning the day on her own. Things were going to be different now, she suddenly realized. She and Wayne were just starting out. They would have to find a routine and schedule that would suit both of them.
“Breakfast at eight sounds good,” said Olivia.
“Want a quick nightcap now?” Wayne asked quickly, after their hotel registration was complete. “We can take some time at the bar to discuss our strategy.”
Olivia smiled. That was as good an excuse as any, she thought, to take some extra time for a quick drink.
After they received the keys to their separate rooms, they left the lobby and slipped into a sleek bar a few steps away. It was surprisingly crowded, with soft lighting and slow jazz playing in the background.
“Good place to unwind,” said Wayne as they took a couple of seats at a small cocktail table. “I like to unwind before I call it a night. Especially on a case like this. I don’t have to tell you how intense the pressure can get.”
“No, you don’t,” said Olivia. “I like it though.” She realized things could become extremely heated, but it was better than a slow-paced life where she had plenty of time to think of all she’d been through. Working on cases, Olivia had no time to linger on memories of the past. Todd’s horrible murder the night they got engaged, and the death of her first fiancé as well, receded into the background. She could throw herself completely into the problem at hand instead and make a real difference. It took the feeling of helplessness she had away. She was in charge now, no longer a victim. That felt not only good, but necessary.
The waiter came and Wayne ordered drinks and looked over at Olivia. “You don’t seem at all tired,” he mentioned, “even after all we’ve done today.”
“I’m not,” said Olivia. “In fact, I’m looking forward to the morning.”
“To speaking to Bella?”
“Absolutely. There are huge gaps in this story that don’t sit well with me.”
“Like what?” Wayne was interested.
“Like why the cops are so focused on Megan, and Bella has completely slipped through the cracks. After all, Bella was the one there with Tyron. Megan wasn’t.”
“That’s according to Megan,” Wayne quickly replied. “Bella may have a completely different story.”
The drinks came and Olivia took a long sip of hers. It was tangy and delicious. “What do you really have against Megan?” she couldn’t help but ask Wayne.
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For a second he looked put off. “I have nothing against her,” Wayne finally said. “I just don’t like young gals who marry old, rich fellas for their money. It doesn’t sit well with me.”
“You don’t know for sure she married him just for his money,” Olivia replied.
“Oh, come on. Why else?” said Wayne. “My sister was always money hungry too, and she’s also married to a much older guy.”
Olivia was surprised to hear that. “Really?”
“Yeah, they live way across the country, too,” Wayne went on. “Pat used to be close to the family, but he grabbed her and took her to California. Now we barely hear from her anymore.”
“That’s not because he’s older, though,” Olivia commented.
“The entire situation is weird,” said Wayne, “and I never could understand why she did it. I asked her a few times but she just clammed up.”
“Maybe she loves him?” Olivia suggested.
Wayne made a strange face. “Sure, that’s what she said, but that word love covers a host of emotions, doesn’t it?”
“It can,” Olivia agreed.
“It also covers a host of crimes,” Wayne added.
“It’s true,” Olivia had to agree. She couldn’t help thinking about what happened with her second fiancé, Todd. She thought of his profession of love for her when all along he was with someone else. That wasn’t love, though, it was the profession of love. It was easy to get fooled, for sure.
Wayne finished the rest of his drink quickly, while Olivia just sipped hers. Wayne was more complicated than she’d realized. It was fascinating to learn new things about his life and how he’d responded to what had gone on.
“Now can I ask you the same question you asked me?” Wayne finally said. “How come you’re on Megan’s side? I know you and she are about the same age, but that can’t be the reason.”
“I’m not on anyone’s side,” Olivia responded.
“I actually find Megan to be cold to the core,” Wayne added. “And hiring such an aggressive lawyer confirms what I think.”
“I don’t see it that way,” said Olivia. “I think Megan’s tough in her way, but what’s wrong with that? And besides, her husband died suddenly. Cut her a break, for a little while anyway.”
Wayne smiled. “I wish I could,” he replied. “But that’s not what we’re here for. Whether or not she gets a break is not up to us.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Olivia woke up early the next morning, showered, and dressed in a blue, summer-print silk dress. She then went down to the coffee shop of the hotel, where Wayne was already waiting for her.
When she walked in Wayne looked up and smiled, seemingly pleased to see her. “You’re always on time, right to the minute,” he said. “I love that about you.”
“Thanks,” said Olivia brightly, as Wayne got up and pulled out her chair.
“I was actually taking a bet with myself about whether or not you’d be here at eight sharp,” Wayne continued.
“Did you win or lose?” laughed Olivia.
“Looks like I won,” he said. It was good to be greeted so warmly and Olivia sat down feeling pleased. “I’ve ordered a pot of coffee for us for starters,” he went on.
“I’ll get some scrambled eggs and muffins,” said Olivia, “and then we can be on our way.”
“I’ll have some too,” Wayne agreed. As they waited for the waiter to come and take their orders, Wayne reached into his briefcase and pulled out some papers. “Here’s some information I gathered about Bella last night after we went to our rooms,” he said. “It’s always good to be prepared before we actually go and meet someone in person.”
“No question about that,” said Olivia, interested. “What did you find out?”
“For starters, Bella is forty-five years old,” Wayne began. “She’s about fifteen years older than Megan, and she’s been working for Tyron for almost ten years.”
“Ten years?” Olivia was amazed. “That’s a long time. Has he been sick for that long?”
“No,” said Wayne. “It seems that Bella worked as a housekeeper before she became his personal aide.”
“That’s interesting,” said Olivia. “Seems that Tyron knew her well and trusted her. When he got sick, it might have been natural that he wanted her to look after him.”
“I would think that he would have needed a nurse,” Wayne mused.
“Maybe he had a nurse in the beginning and this is just routine care,” said Olivia.
“In any case, Bella knew Tyron before he married Megan,” Wayne commented. “That’s interesting and it’s good to know.”
“Yes, it is,” Olivia agreed.
“Bella also had to know Tyron’s first wife, Alice, and his daughters for quite a while too,” Wayne added. “She must have been around during Tyron’s divorce.”
“Very possible,” Olivia agreed. “This is important information for us. Bella can definitely give us a larger picture of what was going on in Tyron’s life.”
“If she’s so inclined,” Wayne reminded her. “If Bella wants us to know the whole truth.”
The waiter came and they ordered breakfast as they finished their coffee.
“Did you find out what Bella’s life is like outside of her job?” Olivia was curious and wanted to know more about her. “She’s been working for Tyron since she was thirty-five. That’s a long time. Does Bella have a life outside of work, of her own?”
“That’s something we’ll find out shortly,” said Wayne. “It’s a good question.”
Breakfast came and as soon as it was over, Olivia and Wayne got up quickly to make their way over to Tyron’s home. Right now both Bella and Megan were staying there. Olivia wondered if they were talking to each other at all.
*
Tyron’s home was located at the end of a long road that led to a white, sandy beach. Located in the most exclusive part of Naples, the home sprawled grandly along the edge of the sand. The house had three floors, two outdoor patios, and a wooden walkway leading to the large, amber front door.
There was room to park down along the side of the walkway, and as their taxi pulled into it, Olivia felt a wave of anxiety. So much had taken place at this location and all the evidence had been collected by now. Olivia wondered how Megan and Bella were doing in there. Were they here alone? Had friends or family gathered around them?
After Olivia and Wayne got out of the taxi they walked up to the imposing doorway and rang the bell. To Olivia’s surprise, almost as soon as the bell rang out, the front door flung open. A medium-height Latino woman with short hair, big shoulders, and peering eyes looked out at her. She was dressed simply in worn slacks and a loose-fitting shirt.
“Bella?” asked Olivia.
“Yes, of course. Who else?” the woman replied in a nervous tone. “Who else would be the one to open the door?”
“I’m sorry if we’re too early,” Wayne replied immediately.
“I’m used to it. I got up very early for Tyron every morning. How can I sleep anyway?” Bella hastily replied, opening the door further. “Come on in.”
Olivia and Wayne slowly walked into the beautiful home. The main room was large and airy, furnished with a long, ivory sofa strewn with colorful throw cushions. The rugs on the floor looked handmade and plants and paintings perfectly complemented the décor.
“This is a beautiful home,” Olivia mentioned as she looked around.
“Tyron only wanted everything beautiful around him,” Bella replied. “If something was old, or used up, he’d say it was finished. I had to throw it out immediately.”
Olivia cringed. Was that what happened with his first wife? Had she grown old, or used up, in his eyes? Had he begun to see Megan that way as well recently?
“Thank you for seeing us,” Wayne said to her. “We need help from you.”
“Everyone needs help from me.” Bella put her hand up to her forehead. “Who do I go to for help myself?”
“We’re here to help y
ou as well,” Olivia chimed in.
“No, you’re not. I heard you’re working for Megan,” Bella replied.
“Megan hired us,” Olivia went on. “But what we find out will help everybody, won’t it?”
Bella smirked. “You never know, there’s a lot to find out. Different people are going to have different things to say. The phone hasn’t stopped ringing.”
“Are reporters calling too?” asked Wayne.
“Everyone,” Bella replied. “Megan won’t pick up the phone right now. She’s locked up there in her room speaking to no one except her lawyer and her best friend, Nellie.”
“She’s scared,” Wayne breathed.
“That’s putting it mildly.” Bella looked at him quickly from under her heavy eyebrows.
“Are you sure of that?” asked Olivia.
“You can never be sure of anything with her,” Bella snapped.
Olivia and Wayne looked at each other furtively.
“Come in, sit down, let’s talk more.” Bella suddenly let down her guard. Clearly, she’d decided she liked Olivia and Wayne. At least, she didn’t distrust them.
Olivia and Wayne walked into the main room and sat on the couch, while Bella pulled up a chair beside them.
“Go ahead, ask me anything you want,” Bella said then, a strange light in her eyes starting to shine.
“You told the police you were not with Tyron when he fell,” Wayne started.
“I was in the kitchen peeling carrots, getting his dinner ready,” Bella exclaimed. “I always prepared dinner for Tyron at exactly the same time. He always sat out there on the patio and waited.”
“You’ve worked for him for a very long time,” Olivia chimed in. She wanted to know more about Bella’s life and her relationship to Tyron. “You two must have been close?”
Bella’s lip curled at that word. “I don’t know if I’d say we were close, but I definitely worked for him for a long time. Tyron gave me my first job when I came to this country. I’m a very hard worker and he liked that. He knew he could count on me, too. I was working for him when he got sick, so after his nurse left, I was the one he wanted to look after him.”
