Secrets to Die For, page 2
“No!” Ellie jerked away. Reaching out with both hands, she gave Nina a hard shove.
“Ellie!” Nina struggled to maintain her balance.
Ellie lumbered past her and continued down the path.
Unperturbed by his mistress’s erratic behavior, Nigel bounced along beside her.
Open-mouthed, Nina stared after the retreating figures. What had possessed Ellie? Whatever, she was strong. Her attack knocked the wind out of Nina. She pressed a hand to her chest and struggled for breath.
Should she catch up? Obviously having one of her spells, Ellie was in no condition to wander around the lake, especially in this miserable weather. Nina should make sure she returned to the building where someone could look after her.
But Nina had a limited amount of time. She needed to go home, shower, dress, and style her hair. She wanted to look her best for Stephen.
What to do? Nina clenched her hands, struggling with a decision. Then she saw Ellie veer onto the cutoff leading to the apartments. She exhaled a sigh of relief. Good. Ellie returned home on her own. Still, she’d thought the woman and her dog had come back earlier, and they hadn’t.
Seeking shelter under a nearby pine tree, Nina dug her cell phone from her shoulder bag. Her fingers were stiff from the cold, but she punched in the home’s main number. Receiving a busy signal, she left a message informing Hilda of the situation, confident she would send the security guard, or, if he wasn’t available, someone else to take care of Ellie and Nigel.
Nina next called her grandmother. The ringing phone went unanswered. She left a message there, too.
Peering down the path Ellie and Nigel had taken, Nina discerned two faint blobs of yellow headed for the building. Although relieved, she had the urge to follow them and make sure they reached their destination safely. She tucked away her cell phone and retraced her steps to the path.
Then she thought about meeting Stephen. She didn’t want to be late. What if he were proposing tonight? She needed to plan her response. Ellie and Nigel would be safe. Someone would spot the two wanderers and take care of them. Still, Nina hesitated, wrestling with her concern for Ellie and her obligation to herself and Stephen.
Finally, telling herself she would check later on the two, she turned her steps toward the south parking lot and her car. Still, guilt niggled her. Would she come to regret her decision?
Chapter Two
“You look great tonight.” Stephen gazed at Nina through the glow of candlelight at Henry’s restaurant.
“Thank you.” Pleased with his compliment, Nina absently smoothed the neckline of her emerald green wool dress. “You’re looking sharp yourself.”
Stephen’s blue dress shirt matched the color of his eyes. The candlelight picked up the hints of silver in his brown hair and emphasized the angular planes of his face. He was not handsome in the classic, film star style, but his looks appealed to Nina. His eyes reflected depth and intelligence, his firm jaw defined masculine strength, and his smile lit up his entire face.
After placing their orders, they sipped Cabernet Savignon and admired the view of Puget Sound. A green-and-white ferry left the dock bound for the Olympic Peninsula. With a boisterous horn blast, the boat glided away like a swan setting off across a pond. On a clear night, lights on the opposite shore were visible, but in tonight’s rain and fog, the ferry sailed into oblivion.
Nina finally tore her gaze from the view and turned to Stephen. Anticipating the special discussion he wanted to have kept her on edge. She waited for him to bring up the subject—whatever the topic was—but he talked instead about a city council meeting he’d attended.
“The proposed downtown mini-mall, Sixth North, dominated the meeting.” Stephen sipped his wine. “The proponents want to build four stories, which would exceed the currently allowed building height restriction. A guy in the audience interrupted whenever someone else had the floor. I’ve seen him around. His name’s Roger Blanton.”
The name alerted Nina, and she straightened. “Jessica mentioned Roger today. What’s his interest in the project?”
“I’m not sure. He calls himself an entrepreneur, which could mean a lot—or nothing. Judging from his performance at the meeting, I’d be inclined to say the latter.” He frowned. “How does Jessica know him?”
“He’s a friend’s nephew.” Nina related seeing Ellie Larkin and Nigel walking in the rain. “Ellie was in one of her confused states. I hope she got home okay.”
“Maybe medication causes her confusion. If she’s taking more than one, they might not mix well.”
Nina raised her eyebrows. “I hadn’t thought of drugs. I’ll mention the possibility to Gran. But I am worried about Ellie. I should have made sure she and Nigel reached home. I’ll call Gran later tonight.”
The server arrived with their meals. Nina inhaled the enticing aroma of her baked halibut with hazelnut sauce, at the same time catching a whiff of Stephen’s barbecued salmon. For several minutes, absorbed in eating, they were silent. Nina thoroughly enjoyed her fish, with its rich sauce and flaky texture. When conversation resumed, the topics skipped from the editorial Stephen planned to write on the downtown building project to Nina’s work on the Marley Manor library.
At last, dinner was over, and their empty plates had been removed. They both declined dessert, and only their refilled coffee cups sat in front of them. Nina took a sip and put down the cup just as Stephen reached for her hand. His touch usually pleased her, but tonight, with their important discussion looming, she kept her fingers rigid.
A few seconds slid by while he held her hand. Outside, rain hammered the windowpane, while inside, the sounds of conversation, like muted music, drifted from nearby tables. Finally, she could no longer bear the suspense. “So, you, ah, wanted to talk about something?”
“I do.” Stephen leaned closer and gazed into her eyes. “You know I love you.”
She nodded and swallowed. “You’ve told me so.”
He squeezed her hand. “And you love me.”
“I do.” I think I do.
“And you know I want a home and family.”
Nina’s heart skipped a beat. Oh, oh, here comes the proposal, and I still don’t know how I will respond.
Stephen let go her hand and reached into his jacket pocket. But, instead of the small, square box she expected, he pulled out a small card. “Before we take the big step, I’d like you to see Becky.”
“Becky?” At the unfamiliar name, Nina wrinkled her brow.
“Yes, Becky Young.” He slid the card to her side of the table.
Recognizing a business card, Nina leaned to read the printing. “Rebecca Young, PhD.” Under the name was the word “Counseling,” and then an address, phone, and fax numbers. She dropped her jaw. “You want me to see a shrink?” Her voice squeaked.
Stephen frowned. “'Shrink’ sounds disrespectful. Becky is a very qualified counselor.”
“You know her personally?”
“I met her and her husband when we all lived in New York. Rich and I belonged to the same health club. He’s an engineer. When he took a job with Boeing, they moved here. But we’re getting off the track. Look, honey, you have some troublesome issues.”
Nina folded her arms. “Issues? What issues?”
“Why, your father abandoning you and your mother when you were so young, for one.”
Irritation tightened her stomach. “I’ve never thought of his leaving as an issue. Abandonment was just something that happened.”
He raised his eyebrows. “What about your nightmares?”
She shifted in her seat. “Sometimes, my dreams are kind of scary, but—”
“Problems get buried inside a person where they fester like an untreated wound.” Stephen laced his fingers together and leaned forward. “I don't want that situation to happen to you. I care about you, Nina. I want you to be happy.”
Nina frowned. “Who says I’m not?”
“All right, happier.” Stephen straightened his shoulders. “I know you’ll like Becky. She’s a very good therapist.”
A response sprang to her lips, but Nina bit back the words. She and Stephen were close to arguing, and she did not want to create a scene in public. However, her pulse quickened, and she felt like a pot on the stove about to boil over. Any second now, the lid would blow. Only one course of action would prevent an explosion. She grabbed her purse, scooted back her chair, and jumped up.
Stephen straightened and stared. “What are you doing?”
“I am leaving.” Nina ground out between clenched teeth. “Don’t make a scene by trying to stop me. Richmond is a small town, and I’m sure people are here tonight who know both of us.”
“You can’t just walk out.” Stephen gestured to the door. “Where are you going?”
“I am going home.”
“I’ll follow you in my car, then. We were to stay at my place this weekend, but we could do yours two in a row—”
She raised a hand. How could he think she still wanted to spend the weekend with him? “I’m going home alone. I need to be by myself.”
Leaving him sitting there with his jaw hanging, she marched to the restaurant’s entrance. Numbly, she took her raincoat from the coat rack, pulled it on, and then stumbled outside. The rain for a change was welcome, and the drops cooled her burning face. She headed for her car. People passed her on their way into the establishment, voices drifting from under bobbing umbrellas—people out for an evening, anticipating a good dinner and the company of companions. Just a short hour ago, Nina had been one of them. How quickly her situation changed.
At her car, she pressed the remote control, yanked open the door, and fell into the driver’s seat. She couldn’t wait to get home. She seethed all the way to her condominium in Viewmont Estates, located on a hillside above the town. However, once inside her apartment, she was at a loss what to do. Finally, she made a cup of tea and took it into the living room. She sat in the dark and sipped the hot brew. The single light from the rooftop outside beamed through the picture window, casting a glow over the room.
Her gaze fell on the fireplace and the empty grate. On any other cold, rainy, Friday night, Stephen would have a fire blazing. They’d be snuggled up in front of the flames, sipping brandy and sharing talk. Talk would lead to kisses and caresses—and lovemaking.
Sick at heart, Nina squeezed shut her eyes, but the images crowded her mind. She stood and took her cup and saucer into the kitchen. She rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. Resolutely, she marched into the bedroom. Sleep was her best escape.
She was proud of herself for not breaking down in front of Stephen. Crying showed weakness. Crying was a waste of time, her mother, Ivy, always said. As a child, Nina had not been allowed to cry, not in the presence of her mother, anyway.
Later, as she lay in bed, she whispered, “Nothing is wrong with me. Nothing is wrong with me.”
****
The following morning, the ringing phone awakened Nina. Stephen. What would she say? She sat up, pushed the hair from her eyes, and reached for the phone.
“Nina,” said her grandmother’s voice, “I’m sorry to disturb you and Stephen, but something terrible has happened.”
“What?” Nina’s heartbeat quickened.
“Ellie Larkin. You remember, we saw her walking in the rain yesterday with her dog, Nigel?”
“Yes, yes—what happened to Ellie?”
“She’s dead!”
“Dead!” Wide-awake now, shock rippled through her. “How? Where? What—”
“Jake Motti, the gardener…you know him, used to work for the city, in public works?”
Nina gripped the telephone. “Yes, I know Jake. Please, Gran, what happened to Ellie?”
“I’m getting to that. He found her floating in the lake this morning. He tried CPR, but she didn’t respond. An ambulance came and took her away.”
Regret filled her. She should have made sure Ellie and Nigel returned to the manor. “How did she die? Did she drown?”
“Apparently. I suppose the police will investigate and let us know.”
“What about Nigel?”
“Jake found him hiding under a bush, all wet and bedraggled. Don’t know what will happen to him now. We’re all in shock here, as you can imagine. But, are you still coming over?”
Nina struggled to focus on Jessica’s change of subject. “I planned to. I have some free time to work on the library.” She glanced at the clock. Eight, already. Time to get up.
“What are you and Stephen doing for the rest of the weekend? Anything special?”
Nina bit her lip. “We, ah, haven’t decided yet.” Her statement was true—in a way.
“I almost forgot to ask, are you engaged?”
“No…we’re not. I’ll tell you about last night when I see you.”
“All right, dear. I’ll look for you.”
Nina hung up. A shiver coursed down her spine, and she hugged her arms. She’d meant to call Jessica last night and check on Ellie, but the scene with Stephen had chased all thoughts of the woman from her mind. What could have happened to cause her death?
****
When Nina arrived at Marley Manor, she spotted Jessica in the reception area talking to her friend, Lily Ciliano. The two women sat on a green brocade sofa underneath a large, gold-framed mirror. Lily’s walker, with its perky, pink wicker basket, stood nearby. Concerned about her grandmother’s reaction to the news of Ellie’s death, Nina hurried to Jessica’s side.
Her eyes tear-shiny, Jessica rose and enveloped Nina in a hug. “Oh, honey, I’m so glad you’re here. What happened to Ellie is so awful.”
Nina returned her hug. “I’m sorry, Gran. You’ve lost a good friend, haven’t you?”
Jessica nodded. “I liked Ellie, even though she was a little crazy sometimes.”
Nina released Jessica and turned to Lily. “You were Ellie’s friend, too, weren’t you, Lily?”
The woman peered at Nina through her thick glasses. “I was. But her death wasn’t an accident! She was murdered!”
Lily often exclaimed her opinions, as though she wanted to be sure her listeners got the point. Nina, too, had thought perhaps Ellie met with foul play, but she wanted to hear more from Lily before voicing her thoughts. “What makes you think someone killed her?” She sank into a wing chair and gave the woman her full attention.
“Jake said the police think Ellie fell off the dock and drowned.” Lily’s eyes widened. “But Ellie wouldn’t walk on the dock. She was afraid of water. She never went boating or fishing with the rest of us. She wouldn’t be on the dock. No, sir.”
“Not even in one of her crazy spells?” Switching into amateur sleuth mode, Nina made a mental note.
Lily pursed her lips. “I hadn’t thought of her spells.”
Nina recalled Ellie’s blank stare and the violent shove she had given her. She turned to Jessica. “What do you think, Gran?”
“I agree with Lily. Ellie hated boats. I wanted her to go fishing once when I went with Ardis Morton.” Jessica patted Lily’s veined hand. “You know her, Lily, lives on four, with the collection of cuckoo clocks that drove her neighbors crazy until she taped all the doors shut?”
Lily nodded. “Those clocks made a racket, all right.”
“Anyway, Ellie wouldn’t fish with us or go near the dock.” Jessica leaned back in her chair. “She’d walk along the lake, but the path was as close to the water as she would get. But, to be honest, I don’t know what she would do in one of her spells. She wasn’t herself then.”
“I may have been the last person to talk to Ellie.” Lily adjusted her eyeglasses. “I saw her yesterday afternoon in the laundry room.”
A wave of guilt rolled over Nina, and she shook her head. “No, I think I was the last.”
“You?” Lily and Jessica said in unison and stared at Nina.
Nina told them about her encounter with Ellie and Nigel when she left Marley Manor the night before.
Jessica nodded. “I got your message. I told Hilda, and she said she’d send Mike, our security guard, to take care of Ellie and Nigel. But I don’t know whether or not she did.”
“I should have made sure they got back okay.” Nina pressed a hand to her queasy stomach. “If I had, maybe Ellie would still be alive.”
Jessica patted Nina’s arm. “What happened to Ellie isn’t your fault, dear. Even if you made sure she returned, she could have wandered out again. The police will investigate and find out what happened.”
Lily harrumphed and shook her forefinger. “Don’t count on the police. They didn’t find Wildeen Bergman's murderer, did they? Nina solved that crime.”
Lily’s comment brought to Nina’s mind the murder last summer of her friend who owned a local bookstore. Another mutual friend convinced her to look into the crime. She had, in fact, been the one to discover the killer’s identity.
“Be a detective again!” Behind her thick glasses, Lily’s eyes shone.
“Oh, no.” Nina leaned back and raised her hands. Although she’d been successful in solving Wildeen’s murder, she’d lost another good friend in the process. No, she’d best leave the mystery of Ellie’s death to the professionals.
“Why? You just said you felt responsible.”
“Yes, but—” Nina wrinkled her brow and glanced at her grandmother.
“I think we're all jumping to conclusions.” Jessica shook her head and folded her arms.
Lily frowned. “By the time the police figure out the mystery, the killer will be long gone.”
“I’d better stay out of their investigation.” Nina shook her head. “Lieutenant Russell didn’t appreciate my involvement, even if I did help to discover Wildeen’s murderer.” Eager to change the subject, she turned to Jessica. “Any luck getting together a committee to help us set up the library?”
Jessica’s eyes sparkled. “I have three volunteers.” She ticked them off on her fingers. “Mabel Whiteside, Selma Ballari, and Lily.” She pointed to her friend. “They’re ready to work this morning.”
“Great.” Nina smiled at Lily. Volunteers would certainly help, especially with unpacking the boxes. Although eager to begin work on her project, Nina couldn’t purge Ellie’s tragic death from her thoughts. “Before we begin, I do need to tell the police what I know about Ellie. Are they still here?” She leaned forward and gazed around the room.
