by Jaden Skye
There was such commotion inside that nobody noticed Wayne walk in at first. The kitchen workers were talking heatedly about the recent death. Wayne walked right into the middle of it. The place was being scoured by cops, photographers, and forensics, just as the suite had been.
“Okay, tell me what you know,” Wayne started, approaching a large man, Gianni, the main cook.
“Nothing, nothing.” Gianni shrugged his shoulders again and again. “Everything’s perfect here. Clean as a whistle. Nobody else got sick last night, nobody. Everybody loved the food. We got lots and lots of compliments.”
The other workers gathered like flies around Wayne, familiar with him and feeling good around him.
“It has nothing to do with us,” another cook, Ramon, insisted, rubbing his hands on his big apron. “Why are all the cops around?”
“People get sick, it happens,” a third worker piped up. “The guy who died was probably sick long before he got here.”
“They have to check everything, nobody’s accusing you,” Wayne replied. He sensed everyone’s heightened anxiety and wanted to calm them down. Unlike some of the others, Wayne was committed to letting facts on a case unfold naturally, not prying false confessions out of terrified bystanders. This was so important to Wayne he’d recently become involved with the Innocence Project. Of course, this created alarm on the force, especially from Lorna.
“I just want to know if you noticed anything that was different that night?” Wayne asked the kitchen workers now. “Anybody see anything?”
Gianni stepped forward. “The restaurant was packed. All kinds of people came to enjoy themselves. It was a beautiful night. We were proud of ourselves. Nobody did anything wrong.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
After viewing the police investigation in her old room, Olivia suddenly changed her mind about talking to her sister and decided to take a break, go down to the hotel lobby, and get some fresh air. The rest of the family would be arriving soon, and there would be endless questions that she had no idea how to answer. She didn’t want to see her sister quite yet, and also realized that before long, she would have to meet with Todd’s family as well. Spending some time alone on the outdoor patio downstairs right now seemed like the best choice.
Olivia slipped into the elevator, went downstairs, and then walked through the crowded lobby feeling as if she were in the twilight zone. People were milling around in colorful clothing, smiling. Life went on normally, as though a young man in the prime of his life hadn’t just died unexpectedly with nobody having the least idea why.
Olivia looked at the happy vacationers’ faces. She should have been one of them. She’d earned it, deserved it. She’d been through tragedy before and had survived. Or so she thought. She’d also thought a new era was starting, filled with the happiness she’d always longed for. Todd had assured her it was coming. Obviously, both of them had been wrong.
As she walked outside onto the patio, Olivia felt a crushing wave of pain practically knock her over. Todd was gone. She’d never see him again. He’d never stand out here with her, breathing the scented air. The reality of it hit her like a tsunami. The warm beautiful day only made her feel dizzy and she leaned against the side railing, feeling as though she were going to fall to the floor in a heap and stay there forever.
After a few crushing moments, Olivia forced herself to rally. What good would it do to fall apart? There was so much she had to face right now. She rubbed her hands over her face, taking deep breaths slowly. She had to get her bearings and go back upstairs to be ready when everyone arrived.
With a flash of despair Olivia realized she had no desire to be with her family at the moment, with the exception of her father, maybe. She also realized she hadn’t checked any messages she might have received from Allison or others. Everything seemed like too much to handle at the moment. The only one she wanted to talk to was Todd. Could he still see what was going on? Did he miss her as much as she missed him?
Olivia finally straightened up and walked back gingerly into the lobby, the elevator, then up to her suite. She was about to ring the bell when she noticed that the door was half open. Obviously, someone else had arrived. Olivia pushed the door open and saw her mother and sister sitting close together on the small sofa, talking to each other intensely. Olivia stopped a moment and watched them. The two of them always had so much to talk about. But she was never included.
“Thanks for coming.” Olivia finally found her voice and strength and walked over.
Startled, they both turned around at the same time. “Olivia.” Her mother jolted up and rushed over to her, throwing her arms around her. “Mauve has been filling me in on most of the news. I have no idea what to say. I’m truly aghast.”
Olivia wasn’t sure how much Mauve knew, or what she’d been telling her mother.
“Mauve says there’s a criminal investigation going on?” Olivia’s mother could barely get the words out.
“Not exactly,” Olivia demurred. “There’s a routine exploration by law enforcement. It always happens when someone dies suddenly.”
“Especially when the person is young and healthy,” Mauve chimed in.
“Who was this young man you came down here with?” Olivia’s mother couldn’t get past that. “Why hadn’t we met him? And the two of you were engaged?” She shook her head in disbelief.
“Mauve even heard about the engagement on the news,” Olivia’s mother continued. “Due to the other cases of food poisoning at the hotel, they’re making this story public. They want anyone who knows anything to come forward.”
Olivia trembled. Her personal life was being broadcast to the entire world.
“Why hadn’t we met him, Olivia?” her mother persisted.
Olivia barely knew how to answer. She couldn’t say that she and Todd had needed time alone together, without input from anyone else. How could she tell her mother that Todd enjoyed privacy and secrecy, that it made things more exciting for him?
“This seems strange to me, very,” her mother continued, “especially if you chose to get engaged.”
“We were planning to tell both you and Todd’s family today,” Olivia finally managed. “We thought it would be a lovely surprise.”
“A lovely surprise?” Olivia’s mother didn’t know what to make of that. “I would have thought you’d have had enough surprises for a lifetime.”
Olivia knew her mother was referring to the death of Paul. As they continued speaking, the sky seemed to darken.
“Thunderclouds coming,” Olivia said, looking out of the huge windows.
“What has that got to do with anything?” her mother asked. “You have a way of distracting attention from what’s really happening.”
Mauve joined in then. “Olivia’s trying to say that she’s living under a heavy, dark cloud now.”
“Is that true?” Olivia’s mother stared at her.
“Perhaps Olivia is even feeling that she’s been cursed?” Mauve continued.
Both Olivia and her mother flinched at the same time. “That’s a terrible thing to say, Mauve.” Olivia’s mother tried to stop her.
“But it’s true, isn’t it?” Mauve looked out of the large windows as well. “First one fiancé gone and then another. There’s a destiny here.”
Stung to the core, Olivia shivered.
“You mustn’t talk this way,” her mother said to Mauve. “Your father hates it, he’s warned you about it.”
“I just say what I see,” said Mauve softly, as the door to the room suddenly opened again.
Thankfully, Olivia’s father, Blake, walked right in. Tall and still handsome with a full head of ash blond hair, her father always made a powerful impression. He took off his navy sports jacket, tossed it onto the couch, and rushed over to Olivia’s mother.
“Della,” he said as he gave her the usual greeting embrace.
“We’re in trouble, Blake, real trouble,” Della replied.
“One step at a time,” he responded in
his resonant voice. “Olivia’s been in trouble before and we’ve handled it.”
Of course he was referring to the loss of Paul, thought Olivia.
“This is worse, it’s different,” Mauve said in a shadowy tone in the background.
“I’ve heard all about it on the news.” Her father cut Mauve right off. “We’ll all sit here together and decide what to do.”
“There’s nothing to do, Dad.” Olivia walked over to him. “Todd is dead already, he died last night.”
Her father took his arms off her mother’s shoulders and turned straight to Olivia then.
“I have no idea how to respond to this,” he said, looking at her sadly. “First of all, I don’t even know who Todd is.”
“I realize that and I’m sorry,” said Olivia.
“It’s not about your being sorry,” her father spoke in a hushed tone. “What is going on? Please tell me. There’s a great deal to do in the case of a questionable death.”
“The police are on it,” Olivia responded. “They’re checking everything out.”
“The one who saw the victim last alive is always suspect,” Olivia’s father continued quickly, concerned. “Have they questioned you yet?”
“Yes, they have,” said Olivia, surprising everyone. “There was absolutely nothing out of order between Todd and myself. In fact, we became engaged last night.”
Her father took Olivia’s hand and stared at the ring then. “Became engaged without telling us?”
“I’m sorry,” Olivia repeated again.
“Why?” her father asked, confused, still looking at the ring. “Did we do something to hurt you?”
Olivia flinched. “No, not at all. It’s just that Todd and I needed time alone. We didn’t want input from anyone.”
Olivia’s mother came over and grabbed her hand then, staring at the ring as well.
“This is quite a stone. Your young man gave this to you?”
“Yes, of course,” murmured Olivia.
“Before we even met him?” her mother asked, incredulous.
“I knew you would all love him.” Olivia felt as if she would break down in tears in a moment. “And I knew that he would also love you.”
Her father softened. “I believe you, if you say so. I’ve always trusted your judgment.”
“Why believe her, Blake?” her mother intervened. “How did a young man get a rock like this? This is worth a fortune.”
“Todd did well in business,” Olivia replied.
“Venture capital, I heard, is that correct?” asked her father.
“Yes,” Olivia responded, sadly. “He did very well.”
“Too well, perhaps?” her father mused. “Is this really your style? You were never after big money.”
“Our relationship had nothing to do with his money,” Olivia burst out. “I loved him.”
“Easier to love someone with money, though, isn’t it?” Mauve chimed in, in the background.
Olivia gave her sister a cold stare. Mauve herself had never had a decent relationship with a guy. And it was odd, because she was beautiful. When everyone asked her why she was alone, Mauve brushed it off, saying she was waiting for the right one. Given her background, Mauve had no right to make any comments about Olivia’s relationship with Todd. Olivia felt a rush of anger with her.
A light knock on the door sounded then. All stopped talking and turned to see who was there.
Olivia’s father went straight to the door to open it. A police officer stood there, waiting.
“Come in,” said Olivia’s father, promptly.
“Officer Aaron Felds,” the policeman said officially, as he walked into the room.
“How can we help you?” Olivia’s father took over immediately.
“I wanted to stop in and make sure all was in order,” Aaron said. “I also have a few more questions for Olivia.”
“I understand you’ve interviewed my daughter already?” Olivia’s father replied promptly.
“That’s right, there was a preliminary interview down at the station,” said Aaron.
“And she cooperated fully,” Olivia’s father added, trying to take charge.
“Yes, she has,” said Aaron, “and naturally there’s a lot more we need to know. Your daughter was the last person to see the victim alive.”
“I understand that,” Olivia’s father spoke with great authority.
“You two were down here for the weekend, is that correct?” Aaron quickly pivoted to Olivia.
“That’s correct,” she replied.
“And you, personally, have never been down to Key West before?” Aaron repeated. “Todd’s friends and coworkers don’t seem to know you.”
“No, I haven’t been down here,” said Olivia.
“It seems your fiancé hadn’t mentioned you to his friends or colleagues at all!” Aaron gave her a long glance.
“I explained before that we wanted to keep our relationship private,” Olivia answered sharply.
“Why?” Aaron looked at her boldly. “It seems to some as if you had something to hide.”
“Todd didn’t want anyone interfering,” Olivia replied promptly.
At that her mother let out a small gasp. Olivia’s father threw her a sharp glance and she quieted down.
“Todd was a private person,” Olivia went on.
“That’s not exactly the picture of him others have given us,” Aaron replied. “He seems to have had many friends and acquaintances, lived a wide open life.”
“It might seem that way.” Olivia began to feel ill at ease. “But everyone had their own relationship with Todd and their own impressions.”
“Wait a moment now.” Olivia’s father turned to Aaron, also growing anxious. “I understand from the news that a suspect has been taken in for questioning?”
“Yes, that’s true, a person of interest,” Aaron clarified.
“The guy who was in jail for the food poisoning?” Olivia’s father quickly continued.
“Exactly,” said Aaron. “He’s been just taken in for questioning, of course.”
“Seems premature to suspect anyone yet, doesn’t it?” Mauve suddenly interjected. “The medical examiner’s reports aren’t in, are they? You don’t even know the true cause of Todd’s death.”
Mauve’s comments created a strange pall in the room. All eyes turned to her.
“Of course the medical examiner’s reports aren’t in yet,” Aaron replied, trying to normalize the atmosphere. “That will take a little longer, of course. Still, we have to gather all the evidence we can as quickly as possible.”
“Of course you do,” replied Olivia’s father. “And what’s next?” As always, he was on top of everything.
“I actually came to tell you that there will be a vigil held for Todd this evening,” Aaron informed them all. “As I said, he had many friends and acquaintances here in Key West. His family will also be attending. I’m sure you will all want to be there as well.”
“Absolutely,” breathed Olivia.
“Do you know any of these friends and acquaintances, Olivia? Even a few?” Aaron repeated.
“No, I do not,” Olivia answered. “I would have met all of Todd’s friends and family soon,” she defended herself.
“Does it look bad for my sister?” Mauve turned to Aaron directly.
Aaron stared at Mauve. “Why should it?” he asked, intently.
“No reason at all, of course not,” Olivia’s father interrupted.
“I was just thinking about my sister’s former fiancé.” Mauve grimaced.
“What about him?” Aaron seemed fascinated.
“Paul also died,” Mauve said under her breath, as her father came over quickly to block her out.
“Pay no attention to her,” Blake spoke loudly. “Mauve enjoys dwelling upon painful situations, goes over them again and again in her mind.”
Aaron took it all in. “Unfortunate about Olivia’s fiancé Paul,” he commented. “How difficult for her to have to g
o through this again.”
Aaron left shortly after and Olivia’s father turned to her, his face flushed. “This isn’t good, Olivia, not any of it. I didn’t like his questions. I’m concerned. I’m going to get a good lawyer on it immediately.”
Olivia shook her head sadly, glad her father was here. Her father could always think clearly, was able to see the best way to handle difficult situations. When she was younger, they’d been very close and Olivia had depended upon him a great deal. As she grew older, she’d backed away, been rebellious at times, needed to establish her own independence. It had been hard on both of them, but important. Fortunately, her father realized it and had given her space to grow.
“What do you make of all this?” Olivia asked her father now. It wasn’t a question she wanted to ask, but with the shock of all that had happened she felt at loose ends.
“I’d say you’ve got to get out of here as soon as you can,” he answered brusquely. “If they don’t find anything else, it will be too easy for the police to focus on you.”
Horrified, Olivia took a sharp breath. “I can’t go,” she gasped. “I’m not ready. How can I leave Todd here like this, without knowing what happened to him?”
CHAPTER NINE
The vigil for Todd was being held that night on the promenade near the water he’d loved so much. Every night as the sun went down, the sunset ceremony was held there. Many in Key West would gather to honor the beautiful sunset and the day that had passed, give it a fitting send-off. As the light of the day drew to a close, the promenade filled with musicians, singers, stragglers, all kinds of couples, and vendors selling Key Lime pies. Not only Todd, but most in Key West were usually part of the nightly festivities.
This evening, though, the mood was somber, the music softer, and the sunset skewed behind a sudden mist that had drifted in. A group of locals strumming guitars were sending Todd off, singing a heartrending lullaby. Flowers and stuffed animals were strewn along the edges of the walk along with notes of farewell and burning candles. A spontaneous outpouring of love and sorrow was visible everywhere.
