Schooled in Deceit: A Lacamas Village Cozy Mystery, Book 1, page 8
“Make sure my money is back and my cards are fixed today, Rodney, or I’m pressing charges.”
Could I even press charges? I didn’t know, but I felt better saying it.
I clicked off the phone and tossed it on the seat beside me, then leaned my head against the steering wheel, expecting tears that didn’t come. Finally, after a deep breath, I lifted my head.
In all honesty, I didn’t want to get divorced. I liked my pleasant life in Sacramento. For one thing, it was a whole lot warmer than Washington. I didn’t want to have to start my life over. I also knew I couldn’t trust Rodney again, and no amount of couples therapy would change that.
I let out a breath, then sat up and started the car. First things first. Get the ice cream home and in the freezer. Melted ice cream was worth nothing when one wanted to binge eat and cry about life.
Chapter 18
After I got home and put away the groceries, I went immediately to the small stash of cash I had shoved into a suitcase before I left home. Rodney wasn’t great with money. If he knew about it, he spent it. I had taken to putting aside cash every month that he couldn’t get to, in fact, that he didn’t know existed. I wasn’t sure how much I had in my suitcase. Enough to get me by for a little while.
But for now, I took out enough to repay Elijah for my grocery bill. I fussed around the kitchen for a while, then started down to the trailhead. I hoped that gave him enough time to put away his own groceries and be there.
When I pushed open the gate, Elijah stood near the shed with a young couple and their children, giving them a safety talk about kayaks, life vests and the lake. He gave me a wave, so I sat down on the bench, tucking my arm over the side to relax while I waited.
Then I jumped up. This was the bench Samuel Wiggins had died on. I still couldn’t sit on it. I brushed off my pants, inwardly chiding myself. It wasn’t like I was going to get blood on me. As soon as the police tape had been removed, someone had come to clean the bench and remove blood-spattered rocks. I was sure Elijah had hired someone to do that. He was pretty handy around here, but surely he wouldn’t have done that himself.
Elijah helped the family carry the kayaks down to the lake. Then he helped them shove off and watched them as they awkwardly paddled out into the lake, cries of enjoyment emanating from their boats. Turning with a smile, he gave a little chin nod, then hiked back up the hill toward me.
“Hi, Misty, seems like I just saw you,” he said, his blue eyes twinkling. It almost seemed like he was flirting with me.
I smiled back and held out the cash in my hand. “I wanted to pay you back as soon as I could,” I said.
He took it, placing his other hand on his chest. “You didn’t have to do that,” he said, then tucked the money in his back pocket. “But thank you. Did you bring the bags?”
I smacked my forehead with my hand. “I totally forgot the bags. I’ll drop them by later, if that’s okay.”
“Sure, sure,” he said, waving his hand. “Whenever.”
“Thanks again.” I turned to head back to the gate.
“Misty?”
I turned back, a question on my face.
“I was wondering if…” he hesitated.
I recognized the awkwardness of someone about to ask me out.
“If you’d like to…”
And there it was.
“Get some coffee or something sometime?”
“Thank you, Elijah,” I said with a smile. “That’s flattering, but actually, I’m married.”
Confusion took over his face. “I didn’t see a ring, so I assumed…” his voice trailed off.
Surprised, I looked at my left hand. I turned it over and back again, remembering how I set my ring on the coffee table. “Of course,” I said. “We’re having some problems, but I haven’t quite given up yet.”
“Sure, sure, I can respect that,” he said, understanding reflected in his eyes. “A guy can try though, right?”
“Sure.” I nodded, then turned again to make my escape. I really didn’t want to talk about my marital problems with a complete stranger, even if he had paid for my groceries. I made a mental note to put my ring back on, if only to avoid awkward encounters like this one for a while.
Elijah gave a wave, then glanced at the family on the lake. “They’ll be there awhile, so I’m heading home.”
I puffed out a breath as anger toward Rodney welled up all over again – anger that he had put me in this awkward position. Anger at myself that I had let him.
Chapter 19
I sat on the stool in the kitchen, sipping hot chocolate, looking out the window at the lake and mulling over Samuel Wiggins’ suspects.
Wait a minute, what was I doing? I shook my head. I wasn’t a detective. I was barely even a mystery writer, seeing as how I’d only written a thousand words on my book in the past couple of days. Why did I need to worry about suspects? I had my own problems.
No, I needed to do what I came here for. Sleep, relax, and eat better. I mean, I probably wouldn’t actually become a vegan, but I could definitely eat healthier. Plus, I needed to figure out that teeny-tiny problem of my imploding marriage.
No, I definitely did not need to solve a murder or run around Lacamas Village looking for suspects.
I tapped my spoon on the rim of the cup.
Still, this case was perplexing. Everyone had a motive. Everyone seemed to be lying. Maybe it was something in the Lacamas Village water. I smiled at my own joke.
Swirling the hot chocolate in my cup, I took out the spoon and licked it as I stared languidly out the window.
Suddenly the garage door on the Wiggins’ house rose. Lisa’s SUV began to back out. I sat straight up on the stool. Where could she be going at six o’clock? Most of the neighbors stayed home after dark.
I hesitated, spoon in hand. True, I didn’t have to go looking for suspects. But when one dropped into my lap? I could hardly ignore it.
I hopped off the stool, grabbed my keys and purse and ran for the garage. As I backed into the cul-de-sac, I could see Lisa’s lights stopping at the road, then turning to the left. I zipped down the driveway, spun around and headed after her.
I had never tailed any one before. It wasn’t a skill they taught when you signed up to be a teacher. I tried to remember what I had seen on cop shows, but I wasn’t sure how accurate that was. So I just tried to stay far enough away that she wouldn’t recognize my car, even if it was the only late-model Subaru in the neighborhood.
Braking at a stop sign, I nearly turned around and went home. Lisa was probably running to the grocery store or a fast-food outlet. It was dinnertime, after all. Maybe she forgot a necessary ingredient.
But Lisa didn’t turn toward the shopping area. She stayed on the main roads, turning toward Vancouver. I blew out a breath and hit the gas.
I was grateful there were so many other cars on the road that I could mostly hide behind them. We traveled for about twenty minutes when she pulled off into a community college parking lot. I drove past as she parked and found a space the next row over. She got out, grabbed a bag and strode toward the building.
I slipped out of my car and closed the door as quietly as I could. Then I trailed behind her, trying not to look like I was stalking her, which wasn’t easy, because I was stalking her. Fortunately, other students streamed into and out of the building. Apparently, it was time for a switch in classes.
Lisa went through the front doors and turned up some stairs to her right. I sped up and got to the top of the stairs as she stopped at a classroom door a few doors down. She glanced around and started to go into the room when she spotted me. Her eyes narrowed and she backed out, nearly running into a classmate.
She stomped toward me. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.
“I could ask you the same thing?” I said, crossing my arms and trying to look like I meant it instead of bluffing, which is how I really felt.
She looked toward the classroom, then at her watch. “I’m taking a class, that’s all,” she said.
“What kind of class?” I asked.
“Just a class a couple of nights a week.”
“That’s kind of vague. Why don’t you want to tell me?” I leaned away as I remembered how Lisa lied about her alibi. I looked her in the eyes. “That’s where you were when your husband was killed.”
I had just put two and two together and was feeling pretty smart.
She sighed. “Yes, okay? What difference does it make?”
“Why did you lie about it?”
With another glance toward the classroom, she grabbed my arm and dragged me to the side of the hallway, standing with her back to the students passing by.
“Look, I’m taking a business finances class,” she said. “I’m trying to start my own business, but I don’t know anything about the finances part. Samuel taught me some, but even he supported me taking the class.” She made a face and looked away. “Plus, Samuel was getting older, and I wanted to be prepared.”
My brow furrowed in puzzlement. “Those are perfectly understandable reasons to take a class, Lisa. All women should be able to take care of their own money. Why lie about that?”
Lisa rolled her eyes. “You clearly know nothing about our neighborhood. All those old fancy-schmancy wives with their ‘Mrs’ degrees who spend their days volunteering and going to garden parties?”
She sighed in exasperation at my puzzled face. “Plus, you don’t think it looks bad that I’m learning how to handle my finances and suddenly my husband is murdered? That doesn’t raise a big ole red flag?”
I stepped back and thought about that, then made a face. “I can see how that might not look great for you. On the other hand, it’s better than what we thought. We thought you were having an affair.”
“We?” She barked out a laugh, then glanced over her shoulder. The instructor reached to close the door, his eyebrows raised toward Lisa.
She turned toward the classroom, then turned back to me. “I have to go. Look, the police know, but I really don’t want the neighborhood knowing. Will you keep my secret?” she asked, her eyes pleading.
“If I can.”
Lisa slipped into the classroom and her instructor closed the door behind her.
Mulling over what she had told me, I headed back down the stairs and pushed out the front double doors.
If Lisa had been at class that night, the police had probably verified it. For now, I would try to keep her secret to myself. After all, it wasn’t mine to share.
Chapter 20
“I tailed Lisa Wiggins last night.” I lowered my voice as I told Perla late the next morning while I made her a mocha. We had been busy since the store opened, and I hadn’t had a chance to tell her.
“Tailed her where?” she asked, then accepted the mocha I handed her, blowing on it slightly before taking a sip and nodding her approval.
“I told her I wouldn’t say just yet.” I hurried to add when I saw Perla’s expression, “but I don’t think she killed her husband. She wasn’t shopping, but she wasn’t near the park.”
My phone buzzed. I pulled it out and glanced at it. Rodney. Again.
“Husband?” Perla asked. “You know you’ll have to talk to him at some point.”
“I did. It wasn’t helpful.” I leaned on the counter, my head in my hands. Rodney had set the process in motion to fix my cards, but I had to use cash until new cards came in the mail.
“I don’t see how we can go on together, but I’m not ready to not be married yet.”
She gave a little chin nod as Owen Murphy walked through the front door. I cleared my throat as he approached.
“Professor.” I nodded my head in greeting.
“Detective,” he replied. “Accused anyone of murder today?”
“Of course not, but it’s early yet. What can I make you?”
His eyes twinkled and he valiantly fought off a smile, then gave his order. He leaned toward me. “By the way, in case you were wondering, I was at my parents’ house when Samuel was killed. The police even have me on the security video.”
My eyes met his, then I ducked my head to start making the coffee but mostly so he couldn’t see me blush.
Perla raised an eyebrow but stayed mercifully quiet.
My phone buzzed again. I stiffened, then ignored it. I had a hard time putting it out of my mind, though, so I put all my focus on making the professor’s vanilla latte while he and Perla chatted.
“Misty, have you ever been?” Perla asked. My head snapped up.
“Been what?” I asked, realizing I had completely zoned out of their conversation.
“Been kayaking,” she said. “We were just talking about kayaking on Bigleaf Lake. It’s a good starter lake. It makes me want to take a break and go this afternoon. Why don’t you come with me?”
Sure, why not? Rodney and I had kayaked once or twice at Lake Tahoe, which was just a couple of hours from Sacramento.
I handed the latte to the professor and waved away his payment. “This one’s on me,” I said.
“Murder Suspect Special?” he grinned.
“Something like that.”
He lifted his latte in a silent salute, then headed back out the door.
Perla looked at me with a raised eyebrow.
“Stop it,” I ordered. “I’m married.”
She wiggled her open hand back and forth in a seesaw motion. I shooed her away and turned to the next customer.
I was glad to keep busy during the day. By mid-afternoon, I was ready for a break, so I stepped outside, looking around the street for a place to grab a quick bite to eat.
The restaurant across the street didn’t look like a drop-in affair. Just as my eyes moved on, the door flung open and a young woman with long dark hair stepped out in high heels, turning right to head down the street. She pulled open her bag, which from here looked expensive, and fumbled inside, then turned back toward the restaurant.
The door opened again just as she reached it, and Lindell Stevenson stepped onto the sidewalk. I thought they had run into each other, but it was clear that she had stopped him, her hand on his chest with familiarity.
Lindell stepped away from the woman, his eyes darting around the street as she continued to flirt with him. He patted his pockets, then shook his head in answer to her question.
Before he could get away, she took one quick step and landed a kiss on his lips. Then she smiled at him, wiped the lipstick off his lips and turned away, throwing a wave behind her as she left.
I raced across the street before Lindell could get away, calling his name as he wiped his face with his hand.
“Lindell, nice to see you,” I started. “Got a sec?”
He cleared his throat and looked around. “I really have to get back to work.”
I hurried to get to the other side of him, then planted my feet and crossed my arms. “I think you’ll want to talk to me.” I looked around him pointedly toward the young woman quick-stepping away.
Lindell heaved a heavy sigh. “That’s none of your business.”
“It is if she’s your alibi for when Samuel Wiggins was killed,” I said.
Lindell leaned in toward me. “Why don’t we just let the police handle the matter?”
I leaned closer to him. “If I weren’t the chief suspect, I would. But since I am, I won’t. And I know your wife lied for you.”
“How do you know?” Lindell’s eyes grew large.
I bit my lip. “Women’s intuition.”
A laugh escaped him, and he brushed off the sleeve of his jacket. “Women’s intuition won’t hold up in court.”
“Maybe not, but it will show what a horrible human being you are,” I said.
Lindell’s mouth fell open in surprise. “I am not a horrible human being.”
I gestured toward where the young woman had gone. “Exhibit A.”
He looked in the direction, then back at me. “Fine. It doesn’t look good.”
We stared at each other for a long moment.
My eyes dropped first. “My husband cheated on me and had a child with another woman,” I said quietly.
He looked at me in silence, then nodded. “I’m sorry. I could see where that might make you somewhat sensitive to the topic.”
“Why do men do that?” The question escaped my lips before I considered that I was discussing my husband’s affair with a man having an affair before I’d even talked with Perla about it.
He sighed, then shook his head. “I don’t know,” he said, and frankly seemed like he meant it. “I think we stop paying attention to the important things and then … it just gets away from us.”
I peered closely at him. “Do you regret it?”
His eyes met mine. “Every day.”
He patted his pockets again like he was looking for his keys. “I hope you find who killed Samuel Wiggins. I really do. I didn’t get along with Samuel all that well, but I wouldn’t wish him sudden death.”
With that, Lindell Stevenson turned in the opposite direction from the one the young woman had taken. I watched him walk away. My stomach growled. A quick glance at my watch told me I was going to be late getting back to work if I didn’t find food soon.
I had a lot to chew on – and I hadn’t even found a sandwich place yet. I chuckled at my own bad joke and turned away from the direction Lindell had taken, not wanting him to think I was following him.
Chapter 21
I managed to snag a quick sandwich – not vegan, I might add – and make it back to work on time. Perla was busy with customers and then a shipment problem, so I spent the afternoon tidying shelves while I kept an eye on the coffee counter. Around three o’clock, the bell over the door jingled its little dance and, like Perla and Jonathan, I glanced its way.
Yolanda Stevenson strode into the store, a brown satchel in her hand and a woman following close behind. I met them at the coffee counter, slipping behind it just as they arrived and smiling at Yolanda. My eyes turned to the woman behind her, and my mouth fell open. It was the young woman who had been with Lindell Stevenson just a couple of hours earlier. She smirked, like she dared me to say something.
