Island of Deceit (24 page)

 

At the hospital the next day, Barbara was sitting up in bed eating, but only picking at her food.

“Oh, Harper, I can't believe it. That Elliot was killed. I mean, I was very upset at him for Dorsey's death, but I never expected this.”

“Do you know or have you ever heard of Boyd Xavier?

Barbara frowned. “He's my ex-husband.”

“When was the last time you saw him?”

More than puzzled, she said, “More than a year ago. When I was in Manhattan, and I only saw him in passing then,” Barbara responded. “Why?”

“His fingerprints were on the boat we found on the island the day you were shot.

“Boyd is here? On the island?”

“His fingerprints were also in the cabin at the artist colony where he was staying with another woman—Sonya. We don't have her prints on file. Does he hold a strong enough grudge against you to kill you?”

“Kill me? Why would he want to kill me? He has nothing to gain by my death. He doesn't get one cent if I die. Besides, our marriage was over fifteen years ago. It makes no sense that he would try to kill me now.”

“And this whole case makes sense?” he asked, tongue in cheek.

Barbara shook her head. “I can't imagine why Boyd is here. He was always jealous. But he remarried twice after me. I think he's divorced again, but he and I parted fifteen years ago, Harper. If he wanted to kill me, why not do it soon after we divorced? As far as I know, he's never been involved in criminal activity.”

“So it's just a coincidence his fingerprints showed up on a stolen boat on my island.”

Barbara frowned. “No, but I don't know what his purpose is.”

“Okay. Let's discuss the divorce. Whose idea was it?”

“Mine. Like I've told you, he was cheating and offering nothing to the marriage. I wasn't going to put up with that crap.”

“Did he fight it?”

“I told him if he fought it, I'd use his infidelity as the reason. If he didn't, we could go with irreconcilable differences. It took less time and I didn't ask for alimony.”

“And the apartment?”

“I owned the condo before we married. I had already tossed his stuff into garbage bags and changed the locks on the door. Anyway, I paid the mortgage. And since I owned it before we married, I considered it mine. It was also part of the prenup.”

“How did he feel about that?”

“The prenup was his idea. He wanted to keep his assets in the event of a divorce, and I felt I should, too. There was nothing he could do.”

“How has his career progressed in the last fifteen years?”

“I don't keep up with him. Quite frankly, I didn't care enough. As far as I was concerned, it was over.”

Harper nodded. He slid out of his jacket and draped it on the back of the chair before he dropped into the seat. Fatigue coated his face like paint on a canvas.

There was no hello kiss. No intimate touches.

Her secrecy stood between them. Barbara had never let fear hold her back. The one thing she knew was that she had to face her fears to overcome them. This wasn't going to be easy, but she needed to know if they had a future.

“Harper, I know I should have told you…”

“That conversation's over with. We won't discuss it again.”

Barbara tightened her fist into the blanket. “I think we need to talk about it.”

He gave a tired sigh. “Everything that needs to be said has already been said. So drop it, okay?”

The nurse came in, interrupting the stilted conversation. Barbara wanted to have that talk now. She didn't like not knowing how things stood. Lord knows she never understood the male mind. She knew enough about men to work with them and get what she wanted, but her dates had been sparse since she didn't put up with crap. Most men couldn't handle the truth.

But Harper wasn't like that.

By the time the nurse left, Harper had fallen asleep.

Barbara regarded him slumped in the chair. His legs were spread wide and his hands were resting on his knees. The hands that had given her such pleasure. He looked relaxed in his sleep. More relaxed than she'd seen him since he grew suspicious of her.

For the first time, a man was in her life who didn't want her money, or to pick her brain about a stock, or for any selfish reason. He loved her for her. Overweight and all.

Was it too late? His parents and brother had visited her over the weekend. He wouldn't have told them she was ill if he was planning to break up with her, would he?

Lisa got up early to clean Barbara's house the day before her release from the hospital; then around noon, Alyssa told her Barbara was staying at Harper's place and she had to spend her afternoon cleaning there. It was late before she could make it to the hospital.

“It's all ready for you tomorrow,” she said. Barbara was looking a little better, but she still looked as if she needed to spend a couple more days in the hospital. But they got you out of there in a hurry now. At least Lisa's cousin, Regina, was a nurse and she'd be looking in on Barbara.

“I'll pay you…”

“You're kinfolk. I can't take money from you.”

“Remember your business. You can't…”

“This isn't business. I'll keep things straight until you're on your feet again. After that, it's business.”

People were always underestimating Lisa, but Barbara had always seen another side of her. Trent had told her that Lisa often stopped by the shop to make sure it was properly cleaned, although he cleaned up after himself. Lisa had said she didn't want dust to pile up.

What a huge, giving heart, Barbara thought. She knew Lisa didn't have very much money, and Lisa could make extra money cleaning for someone else rather than clean Barbara's place. Santa was going to have to put a little extra under her Christmas tree.

“Thanks, Lisa.”

“What are cousins for? I'm taking Grandma home with me tonight. Harper is going to check you out tomorrow, and I'll see you when you get to the island.”

Liane had taken the next flight back to Norfolk after Harper called her. After Barbara was out of ICU, she'd left to tie up some things in New York so that she could spend the next couple of weeks with Barbara.

“Thought any more about that cleaning business?” Barbara asked Lisa.

Lisa looked sheepish. “Vanetta's helping me make a business plan. We'll see.”

“Good for you.”

“She's working with Jordan a couple of days a week in the hotel. And that's good.”

“That is improvement,” Barbara said. “I know she feels better doing something constructive. How did you talk her into that?”

“Just kept telling her she should get involved. It's her business, too. She can't depend on others to take care of things for her when she's fully capable.” She glanced up at Barbara. “I can't believe I said that. But I think she likes it.”

“Gives her purpose.”

Lisa started straightening the bedside table and covers. Put water in the flower vases. “You've got enough flowers to start your own shop.”

“People have been so kind. I sent most of them to the children's ward and to some of the seniors.” That was a lot for someone who thought she was virtually alone in the world. She'd gotten flowers from people at her old job, as well as from Liane's family. The Claxtons had sent enough to supply the entire children's ward. What a huge family. There were flowers from her customers as well and cards of well wishes.

But she did not know where she stood with Harper. He'd visited her every day. He was warm and worried. But she didn't know if the offer of marriage still stood. She'd sent the engagement ring home with him. Her fingers swelled in the hospital and she didn't want to keep it there. He hadn't objected.

All his conversations were about her health and the case. They didn't discuss personal issues. Maybe he felt duty bound to stick by her until she was well.

Barbara sighed. Maybe she should have trusted him. Perhaps she should have come clean from the very beginning about the Stones even if she couldn't retrieve the money for the families who so desperately needed it. But hindsight always offered a clearer view.

Barbara shook her head. She couldn't have done it. Those people needed the money, and by the time the lawyers and the court finished with it, it would have whittled down to a pittance. She wasn't dealing with the wealthy, but everyday people who sacrificed to sock away a few dollars at a time.

 

Barbara came home the next day. When Harper headed toward his house, she said, “We're going to my house, right?”

“Liane's already at my house.”

“Harper, I'd be more comfortable at my house.”

He was silent a moment. “Well, you aren't going there. You were shot with the same gun that was used to kill Elliot.”

“So the bullet that hit me was meant for him.”

“I don't know that and I'm not taking chances.”

Barbara glanced out the window. It seemed a lifetime ago when she was last at his place. She wondered if he'd eaten the meal she'd prepared.

“No argument?”

“I'm not crazy. I want to live.”

He shook his head.

“What happened to our dinner?”

“It ended up in the trash. I haven't been in the fridge since you left and Lisa found it in there when she cleaned.”

Barbara nodded. “How is Andrew?”

“Not good.”

“You're going to have to take him in hand,” Barbara said. “At this point, he isn't capable of taking care of himself. But with a little help, I think he can make it.”

“That was done intentionally to get control of his trust fund. But, Barbara, he was part of the conspiracy. He's going to jail along with Minerva.”

“Harper, you know Andrew didn't scam anyone. He's been mentally beat to death by his father his entire life. It was Elliot doing the planning and Minerva worked with him.”

“But he knew.”

“Alyssa said he fainted when you tried to talk to him. Do you think he could stand up to Elliot?”

“Too bad I can't put some of that fear in you,” Harper mumbled.

“In your dreams.”

“Andrew can't get off with nothing after all the scams they pulled.”

“
They
pulled, not Andrew.”

“I can't pick and choose who gets punished. Why have you become his champion suddenly?”

“Because he's just pitiful. They'd eat him alive in jail. That's not the place for him,” Barbara said. “I can't see justice being served by locking him up.”

“At least he's going to have to be put on probation.”

Satisfied, Barbara nodded. “And you can keep an eye on him.”

“Me?” He looked at her as if she'd lost her mind.

“Yes, you.”

“For as much trouble as you're in, you're asking a hell of a lot, woman.”

Her eyes widened. “I haven't done a thing.”

“Right.”

“Besides, he's not going to accept help from me. I broke his arm, remember?”

“You should be happy to know the cast is off. He's getting some therapy. I'm sure he'll forgive you in a year or two,” Harper said.

“His trust fund might be the reason Elliot was killed.”

“I've thought of that,” Harper said, turning into his driveway. “The girlfriend could have killed him, and after the dust settles, she plans to return. She'd have complete control over him.”

“Where is this elusive girlfriend?” Barbara asked.

“That's what I have to find out.”

He drove into the garage and helped Barbara out.

Liane and Scott, the retired deputy, were in the kitchen. Harper and Scott lugged in her things while Liane helped her settle in the bedroom.

“I guess Harper can calm down some now that you're home. He's been a real bear with you away.”

“Thanks for being here, Liane.”

“Where else would I be? Now you go get in bed. Do you need help?”

“No.”

Harper came into the bedroom with her luggage. A huge flower arrangement was on the dresser.

“Oh, Harper. The flowers are beautiful.”

“From Sam and Regina.”

“That's so sweet of them.”

“I want you to keep the curtains closed. I know you'll feel like a prisoner, but until we find this couple, we have to take precautions.”

Barbara nodded. She noticed he'd installed a security system.

“Scott will be with you all day until I get home.”

He helped her settle in before he left.

Harper went to the Claxtons' to talk to Andrew. Minerva had been arrested for collusion in Sarah Rhodes's death.

“How is he?” Harper asked Naomi.

“As well as expected. Doc gave him a light sedative. He's in the living room with Hoyt watching TV.”

Harper peeked through the door. Andrew was sitting in Naomi's recliner. Hoyt had kicked back in his own, sleeping.

“Andrew?” Harper said. He moved into the room, found a chair, and pulled it close.

Andrew glanced at him and sighed deeply.

“I want to contact your girlfriend, Andrew. I'm sure she'll want to be with you at a time like this.”

Looking hopeful, Andrew sat up. “I forgot. She calls once a week.”

“Is there any way I can contact her?”

“I don't know.”

“How does she contact you?”

“She calls me on my cell phone.”

“May I see it?”

Andrew dug into his pocket for it and handed it over.

Harper flipped through the numbers. “Which one is hers?”

Andrew took the phone and toggled, then handed it to Harper. “That one.”

Harper frowned. “Her name's Sonya?”

He nodded.

“Where did you say she was?”

“In the Bahamas.”

“How long has she been there?”

“Couple months.”

“You mind if I keep this for a while?” Harper asked.

Andrew frowned. “I'll miss Sonya's call.”

“I'll make sure she reaches you.”

Harper left wondering how this could get any worse. Andrew's entire world had shifted. Not only was his father dead, but Minerva couldn't give him directions while she was locked up.

At the station, Harper tried Sonya's number several times but was unable to reach her. He didn't believe she ever went to the Bahamas.

An area-wide all-points bulletin had been put out on Sonya Davies and Boyd Xavier.

In the meantime, he had a funeral to attend. Elliot's funeral was held at Naomi's church. Since she did the planning, the turnout was good.

Even Harper and Alyssa were there to see if Sonya and Boyd would show up. Harper had left two retired officers at his house just in case they took it as an opportunity to get to Barbara. But they didn't appear at either place.

 

Barbara had visitors every day. Naomi visited her with information about her family's history, and Barbara was exhausted with a deluge of information.

Harper came in after Naomi left.

“Minerva made bail.”

“How?” she asked.

“She got an attorney from Norfolk and he's saying there's no evidence indicating that she knew Elliot was going to kill Sarah. He ran things without telling her what he was doing.” Flight risk was the main problem with bail.

“I can't believe she could get off with that lame excuse.”

“According to her, unknown to her, Elliot played the scams. The prosecutor has to prove her complicity in court.”

“What about all the money?”

“She claims there's no money.”

It was a week before Christmas and Barbara was restless from being cooped up in the house for two weeks.

Boyd and Sonya were still out there, but Harper had told her to dress for an outing and she was happy to finally leave the house. He'd moved some of her clothes into his closet, and she selected wool pants and a sweater. Liane helped her dress.

It was warm in the car. Barbara thought they'd go to the B&B or drive around to look at the houses and boats decorated with Christmas lights, so when he headed to the ferry, she was surprised.

“Where are we going?”

“To see the decorations on the Boardwalk in Virginia Beach. It's a drive-through,” he said. “They'll give us a CD and it plays music to fit the various scenes as we drive forward. I think you'll like it.”

When they got there, there was a long line of cars moving at a snail's pace on Atlantic Avenue waiting to go on the Boardwalk.

“When is your family arriving?” Barbara asked.

“Wednesday night. They're waiting for the kids to get out of school.”

Finally, they were on the Boardwalk. There were overhangs and sidebars of beach-themed decorations.

They rode under the Little Mermaid display.

“This is so cute. You need to bring your nieces and nephews.”

“I have,” Harper said, smiling. “Last year.”

As the music played, they rode under jumping fish. The Twelve Days of Christmas displays revealed one day's scene at a time as they rode forward. Farther up on the far right, Santa waved from a boat.

“This was nice, Harper. Thanks for taking me out.”

“Now see, in the old days, I would have taken you to an outdoor movie. We would have made out rather than see the movie,” he said, running his hand down her arm and leaning over to kiss her sweetly. “But they're a thing of the past.”

They hadn't made love since before the shooting and Barbara missed his intimate touch. “There's something to say for days past.”

 

“Do you think they're still here?” Barbara asked, referring to Sonya and Boyd. It was Wednesday and they were eating supper. Harper's family wasn't expected until midnight.

“No, I think they're long gone out of the state or maybe they even left the country. If they still haven't found what they're looking for, they're probably stowed away on somebody's boat. Or found a boat belonging to the summer people.”

Harper's cell phone rang. It was Mr. Hughes complaining that someone was coming in to shore near his house.

“I'm going to have to leave, babe,” Harper said, giving her a brief kiss before he left.

It was a perfect opportunity to pick up a small gift for Harper. The stores were open, not that there was much on the island to choose from, but some of the artists were quite good. Perhaps she could get him a sculpture or painting.