Dead Women Tell No Lies (33 page)

“I want to walk through again, Rose. Keep up the lookout.”

She slapped her arms against her sides. “Hurry, it’s creepy out in this hall.”

Luke made his way back into A.J.’s and hunted for signs of the man’s timetable. The towels in the bathroom were dry. A clean Formica counter showed no signs of recent use in the kitchen. Above the empty sink, sun poured through the slats of the blinds. He turned to go into the next room and brushed against the wall phone. He dug out a pen from his pocket and pushed the recall. Surprise nipped him as he recognized the number. He finished up by taking pictures. Minutes later, he escorted Rose from the building.

Luke waited until they hit the highway to mention the phone call. “A.J.’s last call on his landline was to you.”

She raised one shoulder in a half shrug. “A.J. called days ago. Remember? Are you sure? I was his last call? He owns a cell phone and talks a lot on it.”

Luke’s hands tightened on the wheel. “Repeat everything A.J. said when you spoke.”

“He’d heard about Cassie’s death from the YouTube video. He apologized for not calling before. He said he was too upset to talk about Dahlia. I asked where he was but Frank showed up and interrupted us. That’s when A.J. hung up.”

“Why would Cassie visit A.J. and not bring up the subject at your lunch?” New suspicions formed in his mind.

Rose shook her head. “I’ve no idea. When I heard that Cassie and Dahlia drove to Rhode Island, I couldn’t have been more surprised if you told me the landlady was Miss America. Cassie never said one word about visiting A.J.”

“She never told you about the boxes in your store either. She was a woman with many secrets.”

Rose was silent for a second. “What if she really wanted to confess that she drove up to visit A.J. and wimped out before she could bring up the truth?”

“Maybe she thought you’d eventually figure out what was happening and save her a confession.” Luke flicked a glance at the vehicle in the passing lane and breaking the speed limit before he answered. “Was it possible A.J. cheated on your sister with Cassie?”

“No, Cassie was Dahlia’s best friend.”

He wasn’t convinced of Cassie’s faithfulness to her friend, but he’d try a different theory. “Possibly Dahlia wanted to get back with A.J. and stalked him when he refused. Cassie might have been assisting your sister. The visit set A.J. off, and he killed your sister and then Cassie because she could lead the police to him.”

Rose pushed herself up straight in the passenger seat. “No one knows better than I that Dahlia could be annoying, but she’d never stalk A.J., or follow him unless he offered encouragement. My sister didn’t dwell long on the past. I bet he contacted her first and then changed his mind.”

“Cassie must have stayed in touch with both of them.”

Rose folded her arms over her chest. “Do you think the day A.J. was out sick was the day Dahlia died?” She bit her lip and her face paled to gray.

“We need to find your almost brother-in-law. He’s the one who can answer our questions.”

Rose cracked the window and tilted her face to the opening. After a few seconds, she seemed recovered from her fear. “I’ll try calling him again to set up a meeting.”

“A meeting is not a good idea, Rose. I’m predicting we’ll be arresting Mr. Edwards soon, and he could be dangerous. At least two women have died in Ledgeview. I’m not aiming for a third. I need his location. I’m the detective, not you.”

“We’ll work it out tomorrow.” She shut the window.

“Not on my watch, Rose. Forget about talking to A.J. I’m not taking risks with your life.”

She stared straight ahead. Her lip jutted out in disagreement.

She wasn’t taking his last order well, but no way was another person who he cared about getting hurt or leaving him.

Hell, what was he thinking? Of course she’d leave. She had another life. He shoved the fact away. He’d concentrate on keeping Rose alive and within his reach. And he was going to arrest A.J. Edwards for murder.

Chapter 25

A chill crawled down Rose’s spine. She tugged up the blanket and turned over on the sofa bed. An icy sensation traveled across her skin.

Rose cracked open an eyelid and lowered her cover.

Dahlia peered down at her in the early morning light. Rose froze.

Dahlia fingered Rose’s butterfly ornament. “He’s here. For you. I can’t stop him.”

“No!” Rose shot upward. Her hand clutched the pendant around her throat. The sound of her uneven breathing filled the empty room. Dahlia was gone, or was she dreaming? Rose forced herself to inhale calming breaths.

She collapsed against the mattress and ran the warning through her mind. The digital alarm clock showed 6:45 am. Rose got up and padded across the cool floors, looking in each room. No one was here.

Relieved, she showered, pulled on jeans and a green jersey and finally settled at the table to drink a mug of coffee. Her nerves calmed. She dug out her journal and was writing her fourth page when someone rapped on the door. Her heartbeat picked up. “Lennox?”

“It’s Tia Drown.”

“Tia?” Disappointed, she hesitated and then slid the chain bolt enough to open the door for a peek.

Tia waved at Rose. “I hope you don’t mind my dropping by early, but I’d like to come inside for a minute?”

Rose swung the door wider. “Is Shauna all right?”

“She’s still recovering” Tia said, walking inside. “We’re doing everything we can to help her forget her terrible ordeal. It’s part of the reason I dropped by before work.”

“How did you get into the building?”

“I helped myself to the emergency set of apartment keys. Please, don’t be mad. If Dean found out, he’d lecture me about privacy rights, but I needed to speak to you today and this was the fastest way.”

“Come in and sit down. Would you like coffee? I always keep a hot pot.”

“No thanks, I’m cutting back.” Tia’s black boots tapped across the floor as she entered.

“Let me take your coat.” Rose held out her hands for the turquoise garment.

“I’ll keep it on. I won’t stay long.” She glanced at Rose’s open journal.

Self-conscious, she swept up the book and put it on the counter. “Take a seat.”

Tia slid into the kitchen chair and rested her black designer purse on the tabletop. She removed one black leather glove. “I can’t forget our disastrous dinner. I wanted you to have a pleasant evening, a break from all the terrible events in your life, and the night turned into a fiasco.” Tia blinked several times, and a tear rolled down her cheek.

Rose twisted her hands together. “You meant well. Don’t worry. I enjoyed seeing your home, and your gift, the dress, was generous. What matters is Shauna’s okay.”

“I added to your troubles.” Tia bent and opened her purse to tug out a tissue.

“You didn’t.” Rose shook her head. “Besides, you couldn’t control the events of the night.”

“No need to be polite.” She waved the hand clutching the hankie. “I want to make it up to you. Remember, my husband plans to run for mayor?”

“Of course I do.”

“Well, we’re having a small dinner at the Audi with a group of Dean’s closest supporters tomorrow night. It would mean a lot to me and my husband if you came and enjoyed yourself for a few hours.”

The idea of going out to celebrate with strangers didn’t sound enjoyable or appealing. “Has Dean announced his candidacy yet?”

“After the attack, we thought we should hold off, but now, we’re going ahead with Buddy and Shauna’s blessings.”

“Tia, I’m not really up for a party. I’m flattered you wanted to include me.”

“I promise the evening will be low key.”

“Where do you hold a dinner at the Audi?”

“A small banquet hall was added off the side a few years ago. In fact, Dean and I led the fundraiser to build the addition. The room’s the perfect place to give an intimate dinner, and you must come. Believe me, sitting at home doesn’t help. I learned the truth when I stayed holed up in my house after my divorce. I felt like a failure and didn’t want to see people. I was foolish. I know that now. And where else can you get a free meal?”

“Food is always enticing—”

“You can leave after the dessert.”

At least she could slip away with a clear conscience. “I suppose I could attend for a couple of hours if you don’t mind that I leave early.”

“Perfect.” Tia stood and tugged on the leather glove. “Cocktails will be at seven. The community party will be held later when Dean makes his public announcement.” She opened her purse, dropped in her tissue and snapped it closed. “Shauna will appreciate your support, too. Tomorrow night will be her first outing since the attack at the parking garage. You can inspire her.”

“Me?” Rose laughed and then sobered when she saw Tia’s serious face. “I’m not the inspirational type.”

“If you attend the event after all your hardships, you’ll be a role model.”

“Shauna and I only met for a few minutes, Tia. I don’t think she’s aware of my activities.”

“She knows what you’re going through because of your sister. You will give her courage. Don’t forget your presence will mean a lot to me and Dean. As I told you, we’re happy to provide one evening where you forget all your problems.” She drew out the black gloves. “Of course, Luke will be there.”

“Lennox?” Tia was matchmaking. “I doubt he has a spare minute since he’s investigating the deaths of two women.”

“Nonsense, he has to eat. He can leave after the meal with you.” She faced Rose in the doorway and hugged her. “He’ll love you in your new dress.”

The woman’s perfume reminded Rose of a strong ocean breeze. No flowery scent for her. Tia released Rose with a smile.

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t suggest to Luke that he bring me to your dinner. I don’t want him to feel obligated.” A small panic rose in her throat. He might think she’d instigated the setup.

“He won’t. I’ve seen him with you.” Her voice held the hint of amusement. “You didn’t believe his story about helping in the kitchen at my dinner party, did you? He came in because he couldn’t stay away from you.”

Rose struggled not to choke over the truth. He was worried he’d miss stopping her inquisition about Buddy was more likely.

Tia turned to leave and then pivoted back. “I almost forgot. Give me your phone number in case any last minute details come up. It will save me from lifting the apartment keys for a chat.” She winked and jingled the keys in her pocket.

Rose recited her number while Tia pushed the digits into her cell.

“I really doubt Lennox will take time off even for a meal. He’s working day and night on the homicides.”

“Don’t worry. If he can’t attend, Buddy and Shauna will escort you. I won’t expect you to drive yourself. No woman should be out alone in this city, I’m sad to say.”

“I don’t want to be a third wheel.”

“Nonsense, you’re a friend. Friends watch out for each other.” The older woman turned and walked through the open door. “Don’t forget to wear the dress,” she tossed over her shoulder.

“I’ll go downstairs with you.” Rose grabbed her keys from the table and escorted Tia to the main entry where the woman hugged her goodbye again. “Luke or I will let you know who to expect as an escort for tomorrow night. Take care.”

Rose ran up the stairs to her apartment. Tia’s matchmaking was obvious. What was Lennox doing today? After following her from Brattleboro yesterday, he’d left without mentioning seeing her again. His silence left her wary, and she found herself analyzing their night together. She needed to accept the fact they’d enjoyed each other, but he had a job to do. She wasn’t a clingy why-aren’t-you-by-my-side type.

Rose spent the day making calls to thank her customers who’d sent her cards and kept the words of the menacing greeting tucked in the back of her mind. Finished with that task, she phoned the store where Dahlia bought her lingerie. There wasn’t time when she and Lennox had stopped to arrange everything. Speaking to the right retail clerk wasn’t easy. Returns of personal belongings were a big no-no in the world of merchandise. Rose worked her way up the management chain until she had an agreement for the store to accept Dahlia’s unopened purchases.

Next on her list was setting up the meeting with A.J, but she couldn’t move forward without Lennox. She should call him. This was legitimate police business and not an excuse, she told herself. She hit his name on the speed dial. His voicemail answered. She left a brief message to call her and clicked off. Now what? Her attention wandered to the bureau where a few of Dahlia’s belongings were stored. It was time to brave it and go through the drawers.

The phone rang. She recognized the number and grabbed it. Lennox.
Stay calm and friendly.
“How’s everything going with the true blues and the men in black?”

“I’m following a couple of leads. I heard you had a visitor and an invitation.”

Tia’s scheme was in motion already. “If you’re too busy, don’t feel obligated to pick me up. I’m afraid Tia was matchmaking. She told me she’s a romantic at heart and the story about meeting Dean on a ski lift and falling in love instantly.” Okay, she was running off at the mouth. Be cool.