Raisin the Dead (21 page)

Late the next morning, I dropped Noelle off at Dottie's after feeding and taking her for a nice walk. I felt guilty not being at the bakery, but Olivia assured me that she and Kendra were doing fine. I made her promise to call me if she needed me.

Janice, David, Anthony, and I were going to see Sean later. I'd offered to drive. I went back upstairs and took a long hot shower. Amazing how such a simple thing perks one up. I still missed him, but having his parents and brother here was comforting; he wouldn't dare die with all of us here. At least that's what I told myself. I couldn't wait to have him home.

Lila was on duty when we arrived in the ICU. When she saw us approaching, she motioned for us to go to the other side of the nurses' station. My heart tripped. Was there bad news about Sean?

“Is everything all right?” asked Janice. “We're Sean Corsino's parents. Did he take a turn for the worse?”

“Nice to meet you. No, not at all. Sean is going to be fine. It's about that woman you told me about, Molly.”

“Felicia Adams?” I asked.

“She's the one. Except she insists she's Sean's wife.”

“What?” The four of us exclaimed as one.

“That's bullsh—excuse me, ladies, ridiculous!” exclaimed Anthony. “Sean's wife is deceased. We're his family, we ought to know.”

Lila shrugged one shoulder. “I'm sorry, but she was here earlier this morning. She came well before visiting hours and asked if anyone else was here to see Sean. She had a marriage license with her and Sean Corsino's name on it. It read Jordan Melanie Adams and Sean Patrick Corsino.”

I was surprised, but I shouldn't have been. Everyone else was just speechless. My brain was scurrying to process what Lila had said. Impersonating her dead sister? I just couldn't believe she'd actually gone through with it. What kind of person does that? A sick one, was all I could think of.

“My son's wife died,” whispered Janice. “This woman is an imposter. My son's wife's name was Jordan. Her twin's name is Felicia. That's the woman who was here.”

Lila touched Janice's arm. “I believe you. I saw the notes that Cathy, one of the other nurses, left. But we don't want to create an issue here. I was watching her. She seemed genuinely concerned about him. He was semi-awake and didn't seem to react badly to her. She was actually very sweet to him. She brought some flowers and sat by his bed and read to him.”

“Isn't he still drugged?” asked David.

Lila nodded. “Yes, he is still on several pain medications. Doctor Tryon inserted two chest tubes. Sean may not have been aware that Felicia or Jordan, whomever she is, was even in the room. He'll be more aware as time goes on. He's also still recovering from his surgery and concussion. Unless Felicia harms him, or causes a scene, there isn't much we can do. She has an ID saying she's Jordan Corsino. If he asks us to bar her, we will.”

“Is he in any shape to do that?” asked David.

“Right now, no.”

“Can't you Google Jordan's obituary?” I asked Lila.

“Sorry, Molly, we don't have access to the internet. You can try to get the internet on your phone as long as you're in an area that doesn't interfere with our medical equipment, but I have to warn you, accessing the internet from anywhere in this building is a gamble.”

“Never mind that then. Do you know when he'll be released?” I hated being this helpless. Of course, I didn't want to do anything to impede Sean's healing and that was the priority here. Nor did I want to cause a big scene about Felicia, because then I'd be the one banned from seeing Sean.

“I'm not sure about that yet. Doctor Tryon can let you know.”

“Can we put someone outside her room, so Felicia doesn't get in?” asked Janice.

“I'd have to clear that before I let you do that,” said Lila. “Like I said, we can't have our patients disturbed. She claims to be Sean's wife, she has proof. It's your word against hers.”

“I guess we'll have to let it go for now,” said David.

“Let me talk to security, and I'll call you. I'm sorry, I have to follow procedure,” explained Lila. “It's not that I don't believe you, but I can't speak for security. I have to get back to work. I just wanted to let you know about Felicia, or whatever her name is. Sean is out of the ICU. He's in room one fifteen now. He's still critical, but you can see him when you're ready.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“Why don't the three of you go on in?” I said. “I'll be in the waiting room.”

Janice hugged me. “You're such a doll. No wonder Sean loves you.”

“I'll wait with you, Molly,” Anthony said.

We set off for the waiting room. I couldn't wait to see how Sean was doing, but I thought his parents deserved time alone with him.

Anthony and I stood by the window. “I can't believe Felicia would do such a thing,” I said.

“Yeah,” he agreed. “Pretty weird. I hope it all works out.”

“Me, too. I never asked Sean. How much older than him are you? You guys look so much alike, it's scary.”

He smiled. “It's always been that way. People think we're twins. I'm a year older.”

“He tells me you aren't a country boy.”

He laughed. “Not at all. I love the city. Brooklyn will always be my home.”

“How's your bistro doing?”

“Fantastic. Tell Sean to bring you down. You can stay for the weekend. I've got an extra bedroom.”

“Thanks. That's really nice of you. He talked about us going to the city.”

“Shall we sit?”

I nodded and followed him to a worn couch.

“I was in Bread and Batter yesterday,” he said. “I met your partner, Olivia. She's great. I really liked her. Your bakery is sweet, pardon the pun. Nice business you two have.”

“Thanks. I love it. So far we're doing well.”

“Whenever I travel, I always check out the local restaurants, bakeries, etcetera. I asked Olivia if you two would you be interested in providing Anthony's on 55th with cupcakes. She thought it was a fantastic idea. I told her I'd talk to you about it.”

“Is that your bistro's name?”

“Yes, it's on 55th Street in Bay Ridge. That's a Brooklyn neighborhood.”

“Chic name, Anthony's on 55th. You really want us to supply your bistro with cupcakes?” I was stunned that he'd asked.

“Definitely. Olivia sold me some white chocolate strawberry frappé cupcakes. They were beyond great. I've tasted a lot of cupcakes, but none like yours. Your bagels are great, too.”

I smiled at his compliments. Take that, Serafina. “I'd love to.” I rummaged in my purse and pulled out a business card. “Here's our card. When you're ready, contact me, or Olivia. Our email and phone number are both on there.”

“Thanks, Molly. The Bread and Batter Bakery name will be on my menus. I'll give you and Olivia full credit for the cupcakes.”

“No, thank
you
. Consider it a done deal.” I impulsively reached out and hugged him.

“He looks so much better,” said Janice a few minutes later as she and David entered the waiting room.

“Was he able to talk?” I asked.

“A little. I think he knew who we were. That's a plus,” said David.

“Go ahead,” I told Anthony.

“I can wait, you go see him. I'm sure he'll be happier to see you than me. Probably do him more good, too.”

“Thank you. I won't be too long.”

Sean's eyes were closed when I entered his room. He was in the bed by the window. So far, he didn't have any company sharing the room. I pulled a chair up to the bed. He still had a couple of IVs running and a tube in his nose.

“Hey there,” I said. I leaned down and kissed him softly on the forehead.

His eyes fluttered open. “Hi, babe. What took you so long?”

I smiled at him. His voice was so hoarse I almost didn't recognize it. “I've been here. You were out of it. They had you on a ventilator.”

“Ready to go home.” His eyes closed.

“I'm sure you are. I'm ready to have you home.”

“My parents.”

“Yes, they were just in here. I love them, sweetie. Your brother Anthony, too.”

“Anthony?”

I nodded. “Yes. He'll be in next. He let me go first.”

“Jordan was here. Did you see her?”

I kept my composure as my stomach plummeted. “It wasn't Jordan. It was Felicia.”

“Jordan. I saw her. She's here.”

I didn't know how to respond. I didn't want to agitate him. I decided it was best to say nothing.

“What . . . happened? Why am I here?”

“You were in an accident.” I wasn't sure how much to tell him.

“I don't remember anything about it.”

“Detective Corsino, how are you feeling today?”

I turned to see Doctor Tryon sweep into the room. She smiled at me.

“Hi, Doctor Tryon. I'm glad he's off the ventilator.”

“He's coming along.”

“Are you a doctor? When can I go home?” Sean murmured.

“Soon.” She turned to me and winked. “That's always a good sign when they ask about going home.”

“He sounds foggy and hoarse; is he going to be okay?” I whispered.

“He's still on medication, and I need to monitor his injuries, especially his concussion. It was a serious one, despite the helmet. He may have confusion, or feel as if he's in a fog for a long time. There may even be amnesia surrounding his accident. He may be confused or forgetful about recent events and conversations.”

“He will be okay, eventually, won't he?”

She smiled. “Yes, eventually he will be.”

I looked down at him. His eyes were still closed. “I'll let Anthony come in.” I kissed him again. “Doctor Tryon, thank you for taking care of him.”

“No thanks needed. He'll be home before you know it. Is there someone who can be with him for the first couple of days?”

I nodded. “Sean and I live in the same house. Our landlady watches our dogs. She'll be over-the-moon happy to look after Sean.”

Doctor Tryon looked relieved. “Great. I have to see my other patients. If you need anything, let one of the nurses know.”

“Thank you, Doctor Tryon,” I went back to the waiting room.

“He still looks banged up,” I reported, “but at least I saw Doctor Tryon. She seems to think he'll make a full recovery, eventually. I hope she's right. I told her Dottie wouldn't mind looking after him when he gets home. When I'm not around, that is.”

“I'm so glad. Thank God he's recovering,” said Janice. “Are you all right, Molly?”

“I'm okay. Sean thinks Felicia is Jordan.”

Janice gasped. “I can't believe she's allowed to see him.”

David frowned. “I don't like that either, Molly, but be strong. He loves you. I know that in my heart. Don't worry, he'll straighten out this whole business with Felicia when he's able.”

“If he doesn't, I'll kick his butt for you,” said Anthony, pulling me into a hug.

“I'm getting your shirt wet.” I wiped at my tears.

“Eh. I have more,” he said.

“I'm so glad all of you are here.” I loved Sean's family. I hoped one day I would be a real part of it. “He's a little out of it, but I told him you're here, Anthony.”

“I won't stay long,” he replied, and took off.

***

“I hate to say this, but we need to head home tomorrow,” said David when we arrived back at the house. We stood in front of Sean's door. “I know Sean is in capable hands. Can I give you our cell numbers? You can call if any issues pop up.”

“Of course. I'll give you mine, too. I'm so glad you came. I'll miss all of you.”

Janice hugged me. “We'll miss you too, honey. I hate leaving, but knowing he has you in his life makes it much easier. Please tell your parents goodbye. I hope we can meet them again in happier circumstances.”

“I will. What time will you be leaving?”

“Early. We'll leave the key to Sean's apartment under your doormat, if that's all right with you,” said David.

“That's fine. Have a safe trip home. Anthony, let me know about the cupcakes, okay?”

“I will. We'll talk soon.” He hugged me. “Thank you, Molly. Thank Olivia for me, too. It was a pleasure meeting both of you.”

I went up to my apartment feeling lonely. I missed Sean like crazy, and I missed the Corsinos already. I was glad I had Noelle and Beau here to cuddle up with me.

I stepped back and surveyed my dining room table. The Destiny Divas would begin arriving any moment. I'd also placed a large white board, borrowed from the library, between my dining room and living room, with all the suspects' names listed in blue. Tonight I was serving Dottie's lemonade and platters of hors d'oeuvres. I wanted our minds on suspects, not on the food. Oh, and avocado pudding for dessert.

“Before I start,” I said when the other divas arrived, “I'd like to ask that what we discuss here stays here. Please don't repeat anything we talk about to anyone else.”

“You can trust us,” said Fiona. “You should know that by now.”

“Absolutely,” said Elizabeth, “I think I speak for everyone, if that's okay.”

“Thank you,” I said as the others agreed. “First, I don't think that Serafina is a suspect. She's your suspect, Laura, so what do you think?”

“I don't, either,” Laura concurred. She looked at Serafina. “I read all about you, Serafina. You're such a success I have to admit I'm envious. I think you've been in every newspaper and magazine there is. Since our little talk, it doesn't make any sense that you would kill your great-uncle. Especially since he willingly gave you the formula for Il Mio Destino. What possible reason would you have to kill the man?”

“None, of course,” replied Serafina. “Is this exercise really going to get us anywhere?”

“It might,” Olivia put in. “I kind of like it.”

“I did, too,” confessed Laura. “I vote Serafina definitely comes off the list.”

“I think you're right,” I told the group. I erased Serafina's name from the board, hoping we weren't wrong. Like Laura said, we were amateur detectives, and that was being generous. What if Serafina had lied about everything and killed him because he'd given the formula to her father after all? I'd ponder that later, if need be. For now, she was off the list.

“What did you find out about Jill, Molly?” asked Fiona. “Anything juicy?”

“Jill seems to think that Philip may have committed suicide. I'm doubtful. There are easier ways to commit suicide than poisoning yourself with antifreeze. Based on my conversation with another party, Philip may have broken their engagement. I've asked Sergeant Jacoby to talk to her about that. She seems legitimately upset about his death. There wasn't much on the internet about her, other than the library program she's had, and speeches she's given about literacy. I have to go by my instincts. She seems to have led an ordinary life. From what my mother says, the library is her life. Or was, before she met Philip. I don't think she's the one.”

“Is that safe, going by instinct? None of us had instincts about Calista's killer, did we?” said Emily.

“That's true,” I admitted. “For now, I'm taking her off the list.”

“Can I go next?” asked Emmaline, waving her hand in the air.

“Put your hand down, we aren't in school,” said Mary Sue, snickering.

“Sure,” I told Emmaline.

“Well, y'all.” Emmaline wiggled in her chair. “I found out Candy lives in Braddock.” She whipped her phone out of her purse. “I even have pictures.”

“You took pictures?” asked Olivia. “How did you manage that?”

“Oh, that was easy. I found out where she lives on the internet and I drove there. God bless the internet. You could find anything or anyone on there. But, I don't think she's the killer. She has a nice little house with flowers in the front and a sign in the grass that reads
Candy Land Daycare
. Isn't that the nicest name? She even has a cute little white picket fence.”

“How did you get pictures without her noticing?” asked Fiona.

“I parked across the street and wore my big dark sunglasses and floppy Easter hat, although sometimes I wear it to the beach, so it could be a beach hat—”

“Can we see?” I cut in. Not that I wasn't interested in her multi-functional hat, but we had an agenda to keep to.

Emmaline handed me her phone. I swiped through several pictures of a short, curvy, happy-looking woman smiling as she tended to children in her front lawn.

“She didn't sound a bit like a killer, either,” said Emmaline.

“You talked to her?” I asked.

“She kept looking over at me. I didn't want her to think I was a kidnapper, or some weirdo. I got out of my car and went over to her. I told her I was looking for a family named Yost. I came up with that because my great-granny was a Yost, but she was from Alabama, so I knew there was little danger that Candy would actually know any Yosts. She was nice as she could be, bless her heart. Candy, that is.

“She had no idea who the Yosts were, but she asked me where I was from because of my accent, you know. Everyone wants to know that. I told her Pea Pie Ridge, Alabama, but that I live in Destiny.”

“How did she react to that?” I asked. “I have to say, Emmaline, I didn't expect you to drive all the way to Braddock. I'm impressed. That's a long way.”

She brushed off my surprise. “Doctor Edwards' office is closed on Mondays, and my husband was working, so I thought, well why not? It was nice, actually, being out for the day, driving with the windows open, singing along to Kenny Chesney. Candy was surprised as all get out when I mentioned Destiny. She told me she was from here, too.

“I threw out some names, some of them made up, and some of Doctor Edwards' patients. When I got to your momma's name, Molly, she got all excited. She told me all about them being best friends in high school and how she lost touch. She said she was going to look her up on Facebook and maybe call her.”

“Did she sound angry or bitter when she spoke of my mother? Did she say anything about cheerleading or my father?” I asked.

Emmaline shook her head. “Not at all. I told her she was the library director in Destiny and that Candy ought to look her up. She thought that was a wonderful idea, so your momma might be getting a call soon.”

“Is Candy married?”

“I didn't ask, but she did have a lovely wedding band and engagement ring on.”

“Great job,” I told her. “Thank you so much. Do we agree that Candy isn't the killer?”

Everyone's head nodded, so I erased her name.

“You're ever so welcome,” said Emmaline. “If you have any other assignments for me, call.”

I smiled at her enthusiasm. “I'll do that.”

“I'll go next,” volunteered Olivia. “Mine was easy. I already know a lot about your mom, Molly. There wasn't really anything to dig up. There were a lot of newspaper articles about the library and the expansion and the groups who oppose it, but I think we can safely assume she's not the killer, either, despite what that waiter overheard. I can't picture the antifreeze thing. If she was going to kill someone, I think she'd use a gun and get it over with.”

“Thank you, Liv. I think.” I removed my mother's name. So far, I had lots of removals and no viable suspects.

“That's another one off the list,” said Mary Sue. “I can understand why your mother was upset with Mr. Baldelli if he was going to withdraw his support, but who hasn't said ‘I'll kill you' and not meant a word of it, right?”

We all agreed.

“Mary Sue,” I said. “You had Peter Delaney of the Destiny Trust for Historic Preservation. Anything stand out for you about him?”

“Not really. He and his wife have seven kids, he sings in the Methodist church choir, and loves animals. He's determined not to let the library expansion take precedence over the Destiny Trust for Historical Preservation. He had some harsh comments about your mother, the library board of directors, and the advisory board. But, I don't know, Moll. Murder's a stretch. It wasn't like he was upset at one person. Why would he choose Philip to kill? Why not your mother, the president of the library board?”

“You make a good point,” I acknowledged. “Thank you.” Another name came off.

“This is going nowhere,” Fiona put in. “I'm sorry, Molly. I think this was a good idea, in theory, but we really aren't investigators. We aren't getting anywhere. I doubt if any one of us is going to come up with something that really solves Baldelli's murder.”

I sighed. “I think you're right. I should've known better. All I'm doing is wasting our reading and discussion time. I'm sorry, girls. Thanks for putting up with my silly notion.”

“No need to apologize,” said Emily. “We were happy to go along with it.”

I heard a snort, but I ignored it.

“We all want the murder solved,” said Nikki. “I'm sorry, Molly, I didn't find out anything exciting about Abigail Smith-Blanton. The Oleandra County Preservation Society seems like a good group overall. Abigail's about seventy. Spends the winters in Florida and summers here. She's not happy at all with the library wanting to horn in on the Yellow Spikey Tree Frogs' habitat, and she's determined not to let them do that, but she was a sweet woman. Plus, she's as skinny as a stick. How would she kill Mr. Baldelli? And if Abigail doesn't want frogs hurt, how is she going to kill someone?”

“Sometimes, people care more about animals then they do other people,” said Olivia.

“I suppose you're right,” replied Nikki.

“I guess that's it, then,” I said.

“Wait a minute. Since we all made the effort, can I offer what I found about Daniel Bixby?” asked Elizabeth.

I turned towards her. “Sorry, Elizabeth. Go ahead.”

“It's nothing special. It's just that he seems to be very vocal against the expansion. I find that odd, given he's a librarian. You would think he would be all for it.” She reached in her purse, withdrew a piece of paper, and handed it to me. “I accessed the library's old newspaper archives. I came up with this and made a copy. I don't know if it helps.”

It was the same article I'd read about Daniel, and others, standing outside the Westley House for several days to maintain a presence against the demolition of the house when the library was awarded a demolition permit, but it was from a different paper. This article had a picture with it of Daniel holding up a protest sign. “Thanks, Elizabeth.” I tucked it away in my own purse. “I'm really sorry about this wasted effort, everyone.”

“No biggie,” said Mary Sue. “I'm sorry nothing came of it.”

“Now that that's over, how about we do what we're supposed to do and discuss a book?” I said. What made me think we'd come up with the murderer? I wanted to put it behind me. The next hour flew by as we debated, argued, and agreed on our book of the month.

“Who do you think murdered my great-uncle now that you've heard what everyone had to say?” Serafina came up behind me after I'd said goodbye to the last diva.

“I know who it wasn't. It wasn't my mother and it wasn't you.”

“That's one way to answer. I wish the police were as sure as you are that it wasn't me. Is there anything you can say to them, so I can get the hell out of here? If your little book club is what passes for entertainment in this town, kill me now.”

“I'll try. I mean, I'll try to say something to the police, not to kill you. I don't have a lot of pull with the police.” To put it another way, I had no pull with the police.

“If you had to guess, who's your suspect?”

“I'd rather not say.”

“Translation, you have no idea.”

“Not at the moment, but I'm hoping something will come to me.”

“Good luck with that. How's your detective?”

“I hope he'll be going home soon.”

“You don't seem too thrilled.”

I looked at her. “I'm very thrilled. It's complicated.”

She gave me a withering look. “Where have I heard that before? Do you want to go grab a cup of coffee and tell me about it?”

“Are you serious?” I couldn't believe she wanted to have coffee with me.

“What else am I going to do? I'm sure the streets in this town have been rolled up and tucked into bed, so I may as well hear your story. Please tell me Destiny has a place that serves decent coffee.”

“Won't it keep you up, drinking it this late?”

“I'll be fine. I'm a big girl. I have work I need to do later anyway, before I go to sleep.”

“Do you mind a diner?”

She wrinkled her nose at me. “I suppose not. No upscale coffee shops I take it?”

“We have one or two. Most of us prefer to patronize establishments owned by one of our own. Bubby's Diner is actually good.”

“I'll take your word for it. Where is this place?”

“Leave your car here. I'll drive you.”

I was kind of hoping she'd offer to chauffeur me in the Rolls, but she seemed content to be seen in a Prius. Ten minutes later, we slid into a booth at Bubby's.

“I'll have a caffè mocha,” Serafina said when a waitress came up to our table.

“A what, honey?” The waitress stared at her as if she'd ordered roasted rattlesnake on a bed of greens.

I stifled the laugh bubbling inside me. “They just have coffee here, Serafina, nothing fancy.”

She let out an extended sigh laden with all kinds of suffering and aggravation. “I'll have a coffee with milk and sugar.” She enunciated every word as if the poor waitress were deaf.

“I'll have an iced tea with lemon, please,” I told her.

“Sure thing, ladies.”

“I talked to Jill.” I said. “She still thinks Philip may have killed himself. He lost money in his investments.”

“He didn't mention that to me. Not that it couldn't be true; she was more knowledgeable about his life than I, obviously.”

“Did he mention Jill at all?”

“No, but remember, I was only there for one thing, the formula to Il Mio Destino. We didn't talk about a lot of personal stuff. If you want to know the truth, it was awkward. We're strangers, really. Sharing the same blood doesn't make people all cozy and close. He was a nice man, and yes, I wouldn't have minded getting to know him, but that didn't happen.”