Secrets to Die For, page 4
When Nina saw Lily’s contribution was a copy of The Eye, the most lurid of all the tabloids, she stilled, her smile fading. Emblazoned on the cover were the huge, staring eye logo and the rather alarming declaration, “The Eye Sees All!” She groped for a polite refusal. “Thank you, Lily, but—”
“I saved this issue ’specially for the library.” Lily’s eyes shone behind her glasses.
“I don’t think we have any copies of this magazine yet.” Forcing a smile, Nina reached for the magazine.
“I’ll donate all my copies. I buy ’em every week at the market.”
“How…generous of you.” Nina choked out the words.
Shortly after Lily left, Mabel stepped away from the table. “Ah better leave, too. My daughter-in-law’s taking me to the mall. Ah need a new dress for the play we’re goin’ to tomorrow night.” She picked up her cashmere shawl and wrapped it around her bony shoulders.
“I must run, too.” Selma scooted to the edge of her chair. “I’m hosting today’s board games in the rec room.”
Nina accompanied them to the door. “Thanks for coming.”
“When do y’all want us to meet again?” Mabel paused with her hand on the doorknob.
“I’ll check my schedule and let Gran know, and she can contact you ladies.”
After they left, Nina placed her hands on her hips and surveyed the room. “Well, we got a few boxes unloaded and sorted, anyway.”
Jessica wrinkled her nose as she picked up The Eye and waved the magazine at Nina. “What will you do with this? Line the wastebasket?”
Nina grinned. “No, as tempting as that solution might be, we’ll put it with the other magazines. Maybe someone will check it out and forget to return it.”
“Good idea.” Jessica added the tabloid to a stack of magazines on the table. “You were going to tell me about your dinner with Stephen.”
Last night’s scene in the restaurant, which had been lurking in the back of her mind, now set Nina’s stomach churning. She sank into a chair. “Instead of proposing, he wants me to see a shrink and work out all my so-called problems. He even has someone picked out, a woman doctor he knew in New York, who lives here now.”
Jessica perched on the chair beside Nina. “What was your response?”
Nina lifted her chin. “I walked out.”
Jessica gave her a long look. “You might give his suggestion some thought.”
Nina stared. She hadn’t expected Jessica to take Stephen’s side. “Why?”
“Your nightmares, for one reason.”
Nina waved a dismissive hand. “Everyone has bad dreams, sometimes.”
“Maybe, but you had a rough time growing up, with your dad walking out when you were so young and your mother wrapped up in her real estate career. I don’t imagine you had much parenting. With Tyler and me clear across the country, we certainly weren’t any help.” She lowered her gaze. “I’ll always regret not being there for you.”
Jessica’s reminder of Nina’s troubled childhood brought a wave of sadness. “You and Mom were estranged in those days, weren’t you?”
Jessica nodded. “Ivy and I didn’t speak for years. Being alienated from your own daughter is hard to excuse, but Ivy was always difficult to get along with. Sometimes, I had trouble believing she was my child. But I should have tried harder. Then I wouldn’t have missed your growing up.”
Hearing the regret in Jessica’s voice, Nina took her hand. “I’m glad you’re here now.”
Jessica squeezed Nina’s fingers. “Me, too, darling. But I hate to see you and Stephen having problems. He’s been such a good companion and friend.”
A sinking sensation invaded Nina’s stomach. “He has, but I just can’t agree with him on this issue.”
****
Nina arrived home at five o’clock. For the first time in six months, she would be alone on a Saturday night. Since last summer, after Wildeen Bergman’s murder was solved, she and Stephen had spent every weekend together, from Friday night to Monday morning.
Well, almost every weekend. A couple of times, he traveled out of town on newspaper business, and once she attended a librarians’ conference. Still, their being together had become a habit.
Nina squared her shoulders. She’d survive. She’d gotten along before he came into her life, and she’d get along now. Tonight, she’d go to a movie. She picked up The Richmond Review, which unfortunately reminded her of Stephen, and turned to the Entertainment page to check the film playing at the local theater. Saying Good-bye was the movie’s title. The caption read, “If you liked An Affair to Remember, you’ll love this movie.”
Oh, great, all she needed was a movie about a broken love affair. She was about to check the listings in The Seattle Times when the doorbell rang. Since the front gate was locked to outsiders, the person must be one of her neighbors.
Nina went to the door and looked through the peephole. A gasp escaped her lips. Stephen stood in the hallway, a bouquet of red roses in one hand and a grocery bag in the other.
Her heartbeat quickened. Did she want to let him in? Yes. No. She wavered back and forth. Finally, she took a deep breath and opened the door. Stephen looked as solemn as she’d ever seen him.
“I came to apologize. I know you’re angry, but you’re too polite to not hear me out.”
Gripping the doorknob, Nina held herself rigid. “Did you think I was polite last night when I left you sitting in the restaurant?”
“You were justifiably upset. I handled the situation badly. Are you inviting me in?” He peered over her shoulder.
Nina chewed her bottom lip. Yet, Stephen was right. If he came to apologize, she would at least hear him. “All right.” She opened the door wider and stood aside.
Stephen strode in, turned and held out the bouquet. “Your favorite flower, if I recall correctly.”
She took the flowers and buried her nose in the cool, silky blooms. The flowers were pretty and, yes, she loved roses. “Thank you.”
“Here’s dinner.” He gestured to the grocery sack.
The bag was from The Ming Tree, her favorite Chinese restaurant. He did know her well.
“I’ll put the food in the fridge until later.” He headed toward the kitchen.
Nina trailed in his wake, still not certain how she wanted to handle this unexpected situation. “You’re awfully sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
He tossed a grin over his shoulder. “You’re a fair person, Nina. You’ll hear my apology.” He opened the refrigerator and placed the grocery bag inside.
She took a clear glass vase from under the sink, filled it with water, and arranged the flowers. She turned from the sink just as he shut the refrigerator door. In the small kitchen, they were only an arm’s length apart. Their gazes met, and the air crackled with electricity. She grabbed the vase and hurried to the living room where she placed the flowers on a black lacquer end table. The red blossoms reflected softly on the ebony surface, and their fragrance filled the air.
Stephen followed her into the room.
Cautioning herself to remain strong, she turned and faced him. “Your apology?”
He took a step closer. “I’m sorry for upsetting you. I wanted only to help.”
She backed up, keeping a distance between them. “Where no help was requested.”
He shrugged. “I’m a problem solver. I see a problem, and I jump in with a solution.”
“Even if you’re the only one who perceives a problem.” Oh oh, not quite true. Jessica also thought Nina needed help.
He spread his hands. “My suggestion to see Becky was only because I’m concerned. I want you to be happy.”
Was this discussion solving their dilemma? Nina gritted her teeth. They both were firm in their opinions. “Can’t you believe me when I say I am?”
Stephen raised an eyebrow. “No, and for the reasons I gave you last night.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re always right?”
“You’re picking a fight.” He raised his hands. “Look, I came here in peace.”
She didn’t want to fight, and yet, she had a right to her opinion, too, didn’t she? Could they possibly find a peaceful solution? “What do you suggest we do about ‘my problem’?”
“I suggest we go on with our lives—together.”
His suggestion intrigued her. “You think your perception of me will change?”
A soft smile crossed his lips. “Or yours might. Time will tell.”
Nina idly fingered one of the rose petals. “We can return to the way we were?”
“Of course.”
She heaved a sigh and met his gaze. “You’re more resilient than I am.”
“I don’t think so.” Holding out his arms, he approached. “Meet me halfway?”
Nina let a couple seconds elapse, still debating. Then, matching his steps, she went to meet him.
Stephen put both arms around her and pulled her close. “I missed you,” he whispered.
His breath was warm against her hair. “I missed you, too.” The twenty-four hours they’d been apart felt more like weeks.
He tipped up her chin and kissed her.
The touch of his lips sent warmth spiraling through her veins. Nina wound her arms around his neck and returned his kiss. Being in his embrace again filled her with joy.
They stood for long moments kissing and murmuring endearments. Then he pulled away and pressed his lips close to her ear. “We need to go where we can get serious.” He walked her backward toward the stairs leading to her bedroom.
Nina stiffened, torn between wanting him and yet knowing their problem hadn’t really been solved. But with another kiss, deeper and more fervent, the last traces of resistance melted away. When he finally drew away and led her to the stairs, she went willingly. What else mattered, other than this moment?
Chapter Five
The following morning, Nina awoke deliciously relaxed and happy. She and Stephen were together again. She slid her hand to the other side of the bed, expecting to connect with his warm body.
Instead, she found the bed empty. A sudden panic jerked her to her senses. Had Stephen left? If so, why hadn’t he awakened her to say good-bye? Maybe he’d decided reconciling was a mistake.
Then she heard the sounds of pans clanging and cupboard doors opening and closing. No, as usual, she’d jumped to conclusions. Stephen hadn’t left. He was in the kitchen making breakfast. She took a deep breath and settled back against the pillows.
Still, anxiety knotted her stomach. They had done nothing, really, to solve the problem between them. Stephen thought she needed professional counseling. She disagreed. Although he had backed off, she knew him well enough to realize he wouldn’t give up his mission.
Stephen appeared carrying a mug of coffee. “Good morning.”
Wearing jeans from the night before and a clean shirt he’d pulled from his stash in her closet, he looked happy and relaxed. “Morning.” Lingering insecurity kept Nina’s lips stiff as she returned his smile.
He handed her the mug. “Want breakfast in bed?”
He always cooked breakfast for them, as well as most other meals, too. He carried recipes in his head the way she harbored Dewey Decimal numbers. Nina sipped the coffee, savoring the rich flavor. “No, I’ll get up. I want to shower.”
“Okay. I’ll fix us an omelet.”
“If you can find enough ingredients. I didn’t shop yesterday. I didn’t think—” She shrugged.
“—I’d be here today.” He grinned. “Well, I am. You can’t get rid of me so easily. I’ll find something to use.”
Stephen made good on his promise. The omelet was delicious, filled with canned crab, mushrooms, grated cheese, and sour cream that miraculously survived a refrigerator stay of undetermined length.
“I heard on my police scanner that a woman died at Marley Manor,” Stephen said after he’d spent a few minutes eating. “What do you know about the incident?”
The reminder of Ellie’s death filled Nina with sadness—and guilt. “She was Ellie Larkin, the woman I told you about at dinner before I—well, never mind that now.” She waved a hand. “The gardener found her body in the lake.”
Stephen touched his napkin to his lips. “Did she drown?”
“I don’t know. Her death is the talk of the manor, though.” She put down her fork. “Some of Jessica’s friends think Ellie was murdered. Lily Ciliano, especially, wants me to investigate. Helping to solve Wildeen’s murder last summer earned me a reputation.”
“Are you getting involved?” Stephen’s brows knit.
Nina rubbed her forehead. “I do feel some responsibility for what happened. If I’d made sure she returned to the building, and that someone took care of her and Nigel from there—”
He shook his head. “You could have done all that and still she might have wandered out later and met with her accident.”
Nina sipped her coffee and put down the cup. “I know, but I can’t shake the feeling that her death is at least partly my fault.”
Stephen studied her. “What do you plan to do?”
“I might snoop a bit…to see what I can find out.” Fearing his disapproval, Nina kept her tone casual.
He put down his fork, sat back, and folded his arms. “Are you sure you want to get involved? If her death was foul play, you might put yourself in danger.”
Nina was about to remind Stephen of his days as an investigative reporter when he’d sometimes been in danger, but just then, the phone rang. Caller ID indicated Jessica on the line. “Checking to see if you and Stephen are coming over today, as usual.”
Nina and Stephen spent most Sunday afternoons with Jessica, joining her and the other Marley residents for the evening meal. But, since Nina had told Jessica of her falling out with Stephen, she was surprised her grandmother assumed he would accompany her. “Why, how’d you know we—”
“—Are back together?” Jessica laughed. “I’m psychic. I was also young once and in love. Love is pretty stubborn, once you fall into it. Anyway, why don’t you come about three? I’ll bake cookies to have with our tea.”
One eyebrow raised, Nina looked at Stephen. “Jessica’s today, as usual?”
He grinned. “You bet.”
She turned again to the phone. “Okay, Gran, we’ll see you this afternoon.”
A few minutes later, as she helped Stephen clean the kitchen, Nina thought about their relationship. They were back together and resuming their established habits, such as today’s visit to Marley Manor. But she knew the problem between them hadn’t been solved and would undoubtedly appear again in the future. What would happen then?
****
When they arrived at Jessica’s apartment, Nina noticed the gray circles rimming her grandmother’s eyes. “Gran, are you okay?” She placed a hand on Jessica’s shoulder.
“I didn’t sleep well last night.” Jessica rubbed her eyes. “I can’t stop thinking about Ellie’s horrible death.”
“Any word from the police?” Stephen hung his and Nina’s coats in the hall closet.
Jessica led them into the living room. “Not that I’ve heard.”
Nina took a moment to experience the comfort she always felt upon visiting her grandmother’s apartment. The cheerful décor brightened even a drab day such as today. The semi-circular, cream-colored sofa displayed cushions in vibrant colors of red, yellow, and orange. Side chairs were covered in harmonizing beige and burnt sienna. A round, glass top coffee table sat in the center.
“Make yourselves comfortable, you two.” Jessica gestured to the sofa. “I’ll get the tea and cookies.”
“I’ll help you.” Nina followed her grandmother into the kitchen. The air was warm from the oven and smelled of recently baked cookies. “I’m worried about you.” She took cups and saucers from a cupboard and placed them on a tray.
Jessica loaded a plate with oatmeal cookies. “Don’t worry, honey. I’ll be okay. But I wish we knew for sure what happened to Ellie.”
“I’ve decided to investigate.” Nina added a pot of fragrant Earl Grey tea to the tray.
Jessica wrinkled her brow. “Your involvement seemed like a good idea yesterday when we were in the library, but, after my sleepless night, I might have changed my mind. Poking into her death might be dangerous.”
“I’ll be careful. I’ll just look around—nothing drastic.”
Carrying the tea tray, Nina followed Jessica into the living room. She smiled at how Stephen had made himself at home, settled in a chair with his feet propped on the matching footstool.
They barely started the refreshments when Jessica’s phone rang. She put down her teacup and picked up the receiver. “Hello? Who? Oh, Roger. So sorry about your aunt… Sure, come on up. Three-twelve, at the opposite end from the elevator.” She hung up and looked from Nina to Stephen. “Roger Blanton, Ellie’s nephew.”
“So I gathered.” Nina nodded. “What does he want to see you about?”
“He didn’t say. But he’s on his way up, so I guess we’ll find out.”
A few minutes later, Jessica led Roger into the living room.
In his fifties, he had close-set, dark eyes, a hooked nose, and thin, down-turned lips. His olive green parka stretched tightly over his barrel chest, and scuffed leather boots peeked from under baggy jeans.
“Roger, you’ve met my granddaughter, Nina Foster.” Jessica gestured toward Nina.
Roger leaned forward and squinted. “Yeah, I remember you.”
“And this is Stephen Kraslow.” Jessica nodded toward Stephen.
Stephen stood, and the two men shook hands. Stephen was the taller of the two, but Nina judged Roger was at least a hundred pounds heavier.
“Your name’s familiar.” Roger studied Stephen.
Stephen nodded. “I’m owner and editor of The Richmond Review.”
Roger planted his thick hands on his hips. “You’re the one wrote the editorial that dumped on the Planning Commission for wanting to develop Sixth North.”
“’Fraid so.” Stephen smiled.
Nina admired Stephen for keeping his good-natured tone despite Roger’s obvious disapproval.
