Sarah Woods Mystery Series (1-6) Boxed Set (58 page)

Chapter 4

I spent the rest of the afternoon searching the Internet for anything I could find on Mariposa Parker. To my surprise, there were dozens of hits: many of them newspaper articles and blogs mentioning her charity efforts. One such blog—written by a famous photographer and attending guest at Friday night’s gala—included dozens of photographs from the event.

As I scanned the photos, I felt a pang of envy. I was never invited to parties like this. The Parkers’ home, decked out lavishly with glittery ornamentation, could have been the backdrop for a movie. The attention to detail in everything from the glassware to the streamers held a classy, yet playful aura. The guests were adorned in Mardi Gras costumes, some more embellished than others. Mari was the center of attention in most of the images, wearing a maroon dress, feather headpiece, and copious amounts of flashy jewelry. To describe Mari Parker as a beautiful woman didn’t do her justice. She was a goddess with long, shiny black hair, olive skin, and searing green eyes. A pin-dot of a mole graced her upper lip. Her high cheekbones, flawless skin, and full lips would certainly give Angelina Jolie a run for her money.

Each of the images included a brief commentary, with the requisite list of names of the people who appeared in them. It quickly became apparent to me … this was the who’s who of Bridgeport’s elite crowd including politicians, doctors, lawyers, CEOs, and even a few B-list celebrities. Kenneth looked dashing in his black and white tux, as he posed with many of the guests, including some gorgeous women that were probably the wives of prominent donors.

I wanted to know more about Mari’s modeling career, but I couldn’t find much information – just a few random photos from a swimsuit shoot that had appeared in a Portuguese magazine from 2007.

I found an article from an obscure online charity magazine I’d never heard of. They wrote a feature on Mari’s life, touching upon her brief modeling career in Portugal before she met the handsome Kenneth Parker, CEO of Capitol Investments. Apparently he’d swept her off her feet when they met at a party in Manhattan. Within three months, they were married, and she moved to the USA. She decided she wanted to do something more with her life, and with the help of her new husband’s resources, started her own charity foundation, raising money for various causes, from rare diseases to natural disasters. She was also an advocate for animal rights.

I’ve often felt that people join causes only because a tragedy has affected them personally. However, I couldn’t find one article that explained a reason for Mari’s philanthropy.

I felt certain that Mari must have some dirty little secrets lurking in her past, but damned if I could even find one. No elicit photos with strange men. No rumors of funneling charity funds to personal accounts. Not even a DUI arrest. She appeared to be squeaky clean.

Kenneth Parker’s reputation was less sterling. There were implications of shady business deals, but nothing that seemed to yield any dire consequences. According to one website, his company was worth over three million.

Kenneth and Mari Parker made a stunning couple. Their talents complimented each other. They were smart and well connected. It all seemed too perfect.

* * *

Max arrived half an hour later, just as I finished setting the dining room table. The apartment smelled tangy with the scents of sweet and sour sauce, fried rice, and teriyaki chicken hanging in the air. Chinese take-out: my idea of a gourmet meal.

Max dropped his duffel bag to the side and joined me in the kitchen. His dark blonde hair was curling up at the ends. He needed a trim, but I actually preferred the longer length. More to run my fingers through. He planted a kiss on my cheek and eyed the take-out bags on the table. “I see you slaved in the kitchen all day.”

“
I hope this is okay. I’ve been busy with research most of the afternoon. Besides, you know what a horrible cook I am.”

“
I’m starving,” he said. “I’d eat anything.”

“
Even my burnt meatloaf?” I asked.

“
I love your meatloaf. Even when it’s charred to a crisp.”

“
Thank God you’re not a fussy eater like my son used to be.”

I handed him a paper plate because doing dishes was also something I tried to avoid at all costs. “So you must have had a busy few days, you didn’t even have time to shave?”

Max glided a hand over his cheek and the stubble. “I wanted to get this job wrapped up so I could get back.” He eyed my computer as I removed it from the table. “So what kind of research were you doing?”

“
Carter and I got a job today.”

Max poured himself a glass of white wine and munched on an egg roll.

“
Great. How is Carter doing these days? Did he ever go on that date with your friend from high school?”

“
Nah. That sort of got pushed to the side. Truth is, I don’t think Carter really wants to date. But then again, who knows. Carter isn’t the kind of guy who wears his heart on his sleeve.”

“
He’s in his fifties. If he hasn’t found a woman by now, maybe he never will. He’s been divorced how many years?”

“
Five or six.”

“
It happened right around the time his daughter overdosed, right? Maybe he’s damaged goods.”

“
Or maybe he hasn’t found the right woman.”

Max nodded. “Hey, we should fix him up with my neighbor, Frieda. She’s in her fifties. I think she’s some kind of attorney. Maybe they’d hit it off.”

“
I hope she’s not insecure. Carter can be sarcastic. Most people don’t get his dry sense of humor.”

“
She’s a lawyer so I doubt she lacks self-confidence.”

“
Is she attractive?” I asked.

“
For a woman in her fifties? I guess so.”

I laughed. “What does that mean?”

He shrugged. “Beauty is subjective.”

“
I guess so.”

Max reached across the table for another egg roll. “So, can you tell me what the new job entails?”

I scooped a helping of noodles onto my plate and reminded myself I shouldn’t divulge too much information. Not that I didn’t trust Max. I just wanted to be professional. But I figured it didn’t hurt to talk in generalities. “The client is worried about her friend. She left town suddenly and no one has heard from her since Saturday morning. Her phone is turned off and she hasn’t used any credit cards. We talked to the missing woman’s husband, but he isn’t alarmed.”

“
Where does he think his wife is?”

“
At a spa. Has no idea which one. All I’m doing is making a few phone calls. I left a message for the woman’s best friend, but haven’t heard back yet. Hey, by the way, I have a little surprise for you.”

Max wiped some duck sauce from his lip and looked up at me. “A surprise?”

“
The new client invited us for dinner tomorrow night.”

“
Why?”

“
Her husband produced horror films back in the fifties. You should see all the cool movie props scattered around her house. I told her about your obsession with horror flicks.”

His eyes grew wide. “What’s her husband’s name?”

“
Henry Rossini. He passed away over ten years ago. You ever heard of him?”

Max slid his cell phone out of his back pocket, typed something, and then smiled at the screen. “No kidding. The guy made over twenty movies during his career. I wonder if I can download any of them?” He set his phone on the table. “So, what’s his wife like, anyway?”

“
Alice is eighty-eight, has white hair, and her voice reminds me of Katharine Hepburn’s.”

“
Maybe she
is
Katharine Hepburn.”

“
No, I’m pretty sure she’s dead. Anyway, Alice has a gorgeous home in Prescott Heights with live-in caretakers.”

“
Caretakers? Is she sick?”

“
I don’t know. She doesn’t get around well on her own and needs help keeping track of her meds. I met Lucy. Her husband Oliver maintains the property, but I didn’t get the chance to meet him yet. Alice seems fond of them both.”

Max finished off the egg rolls and added a few more servings of rice to his plate. “Have you discovered anything about the missing friend?”

I reached over and wiped the sauce from his lip with my thumb. “She’s an ex-model from Portugal who now raises money for charities.”

“
What’s your impression of the ex-model’s husband?”

“
I don’t know. He seems all right. You should see their house. Oh, and I almost forgot. He admitted to having an open relationship with his wife. Like it was the most natural thing in the world. Do you know any couples like that?”

“
Sure,” Max said. “I knew a couple who tried it. They’re divorced now.”

“
Big surprise. Anyway, maybe that’s why Kenneth had to find a woman from Europe. They’re more open minded than us American gals.”

“
What does Carter have to say about all of this?”

“
Not much. He’s letting me run with it. He seemed a little distracted with another case he’s working on.”

“
So, you feel okay about doing this yourself?”

“
If I don’t start making money soon, I’ll have to go back to doing massage.”

“
I can always help out,” he said. “You know it’s an option if you need it.”

“
Thank you, but I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

Max smiled wearily and I noticed something change in his expression. His eyes seemed moist as he looked away.

“
Is everything okay?” I asked.

“
I just realized something.”

“
What?”

“
It’s coming up. The one year anniversary of Beth’s death.”

I drew in a quick breath as I reached across the table and took his hand. His sister used to be my receptionist. She was young, cute, and engaged to be married when her life was taken. The circumstances surrounding her murder still haunted me daily. The vision of her body slumped over her desk, the pale skin and lifeless eyes. There was no way I could ever forget that scene. And yet, it was that fateful event that ultimately brought Max and I together.

He squeezed my hand as he turned back to face me. His voice was lowered to a whisper. “I’ve been waiting for the right time to spread her ashes at the beach. I guess I’ve been putting it off. Maybe we could do that together this weekend.”

“
I’d be honored,” I said. “But you shouldn’t do it until you’re ready. It took me almost two years after my mom died to spread her ashes into the lake where she grew up.”

“
I know.” He smiled again but his lips quivered. “I think I’m ready. Beth wouldn’t want me to keep holding on to the past. She’d want me to move on. I’m just not sure how.”

I recalled the first time I ever saw Max. Two days after is sister’s death, he’d approached me at the restaurant where I was having breakfast. He asked for my help. Would I be willing to help find his sister’s killer? How could I say no to him? His vulnerability touched me. Little did I know a tragedy so painful would spark a romance between us.

“
It’s okay to move on,” I said. “It doesn’t mean you’ll forget.

Chapter 5

Monday, October 28

Sheila Hansen sat behind her large white desk, a tube of lipstick in her hand. She expertly applied it to her lips without the help of a mirror. “Forgive me,” she said. “I was running behind schedule and forgot to put my face on this morning. You mentioned on the phone that Mari left for the weekend? Is she all right?”

“
I’m not sure,” I said, scanning her luxurious office full of modern black and white furnishings. “No one has heard from her in two days.”

“
You said Mrs. Rossini hired you?”

“
Yes, Mari was supposed to spend the day with Alice, but left abruptly the morning after the party. She sent a text to her husband indicating she’d be away at a spa for a few days, but when Kenneth checked their credit card transactions yesterday, Mari hadn’t made any purchases.”

Sheila leaned back, crossed her shapely legs, and twirled a strand of blonde hair between her fingers. “That’s odd, isn’t it? Did she mention which spa?”

“
No. Do you think it’s more likely that she went away with a boyfriend?”

Sheila blinked a few times, patted her hair down, and smiled innocently. “Um, what makes you think she has a boyfriend?”

“
Kenneth mentioned their open relationship policy,” I replied.

The smile faded, but an impish expression remained. “Well, if Mari had a boyfriend, she never told me about him.”

“
You’re her best friend, right?”  

Sheila laughed. “Ah, Mari is a sweet girl, but she can also be … well, she’s a private person. She knows a lot of people, but I don’t think she has many close friends. We spend time together mostly because of work.”

“
How long have you known one another?” I asked.

“
About four years. She hired me to organize her first event to raise money for the Haiti earthquake victims.”

“
Did Mari ever talk about having problems with stalkers?”

“
Ah. You must have heard about the nude photos she got in the mail. We had a good laugh over that one.”

“
Did she show them to you?” I asked.

“
I wish. She said she tossed them in the trash.”

“
In your opinion, was Mari upset by the photos? Did she feel threatened?”

“
Not really. I think she actually felt sorry for the guy and decided not to press charges.”

“
Do Mari and Kenneth have a good relationship?”

Sheila’s laughter filled the room. “I’m the last person to give opinions on relationships. Why? Do you think Mari has left him?”

“
I’m exploring the possibility.” I replied. “Do you think it’s likely?”

“
Hardly. She needs Kenneth and his connections. Honestly, it’s the biggest reason her charities are successful. Plus, once you get used to the lifestyle, I would imagine it’s hard to go back. I mean, Mari is gorgeous, but she’s almost thirty-seven. Past her prime. That’s why her modeling career took a nosedive. She had to latch on to a man before her looks started to fade.”

“
Has Mari ever complained that Kenneth is controlling or violent?”

“
Let me put it this way,” she said. “Mari wouldn’t stand for that. If he ever tried to hurt her, she’d be long gone.”

I let that comment hang in the air for a moment. “I see.”

“
I know what you’re thinking,” Sheila said. “And I’ll agree, Kenneth can be kind of a macho guy, but I just can’t picture him abusing his wife. Honestly, I’m not surprised Mari needed to get away for a few days. She spent weeks tirelessly planning for last Friday’s event. ”

“
But why not call Alice Rossini to let her know?” I said. “That’s the part that doesn’t make sense to me.”

“
I understand your concern, Ms. Woods, I really do. But maybe Mari just needs to be left alone. Maybe you should honor her privacy.”

“
Point taken. Well, I’ll be seeing Alice tonight. I’ll let her know we’ve spoken.”

“
You know, come to think of it, there was something that happened a while back,” Sheila said, tapping her freshly lacquered nails on her cheek.

I sat back down. “Oh?”

“
I really shouldn’t say anything, but Mari did complain about Kenneth once. This was about two or three years ago. I’d almost forgotten about it, in fact. It has to do with Ethan, Kenneth’s son. Have you met him?”

“
Briefly yesterday.”

“
Well, the poor kid. Imagine being a fourteen-year old kid, hormones raging, and having a father who marries a gorgeous model. Long story short, Ethan was caught spying on Mari one night while she was taking her bath. Mari wasn’t that upset, but she made the mistake of telling Kenneth. He wasn’t as understanding.”

“
What happened?”

“
He gave Ethan a beating he’ll never forget. Mari was absolutely horrified. In fact, she threatened to call the police on him if he ever touched Ethan again.”

“
I take it there were no more beatings?” I said.

“
I guess not. At least, Mari hasn’t mentioned any to me. I think Ethan learned his lesson.”

“
How bad were Ethan’s injuries?” I asked.

“
He had a few bruises and needed some stitches. The authorities weren’t involved, but Mari insisted that Kenneth see a therapist for anger management. And he did. I guess it worked.”

“
How many people know about this?” I asked.

“
I have no idea, but you didn’t hear it from me.”

“
Thank you, Sheila. I’m sure you have work to do. Here’s my number, just in case you think of something else. And if you should hear from Mari, please let her know that Alice Rossini is worried sick about her.”

Sheila slipped my number into her purse. “Of course.”