Bodice of Evidence (19 page)

“I imagine your Detective Murphy will be calling as well,” Mom said as she walked me toward their car, her arm around me.

“Poor Vidalia,” I said. “I don't think she has a clue that Anton killed her mother.” I let them tuck me into the backseat of their Buick. “Can you imagine,” I said as my parents settled into the car and buckled their lap belts. “She lost her mother and her husband at the same time.”

“Why did you think that it wasn't Thad?” Mom asked as Dad drove us home.

“It was that third coffee,” I said, and leaned back and closed my eyes.

“You couldn't let go of the idea that Vidalia bought a third coffee,” Detective Murphy said from behind his desk.

I sat in one of the two plastic chairs facing him. Gage and Toby both waited for me in the front reception area.

The EMT had been right. I discovered a great deal of bruising all over my body. The worst part was my black eyes and the telltale finger bruises on my forearms. They were further proof of Anton's desperation. Detective Murphy had called this morning and asked me to come in and give an interview.

I had told him about the bruises and they had me go down to the Urgent Care Clinic where a female officer had shown up to record my injuries and my story. The urgent care doctor took X-rays of my right thumb, which
had swollen up. It turns out it was only badly sprained. There were other unexpected bruises on my hands as well.

“Defensive wounds,” the female officer whose name tag identified her as Officer Daye had said. “Solid proof that you are being honest with me.”

“I am telling the truth,” I said, upset by the idea that anyone would think I lied.

She smiled at me comfortingly. “Remember, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. These bruises substantiate your story. They will help provide a clear picture of what actually happened. It has nothing to do with your character.”

Being a redhead, I was still insulted.

“Pepper?” Detective Murphy drew my attention back into the room. “Are you okay?”

“I'm fine.” I fiddled with the sleeves of the sweater I had worn to cover the bruises. “What were you asking?”

His intelligent gaze went to my arms. “The bruises are a good thing, you know that, right? They show how much force he used when he kidnapped you.”

I took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “That's what Officer Daye said. Why am I so insulted?”

He smiled gently and leaned his elbows on his desk. “You are so much like my daughter. She, too, would bristle whenever I explained that evidence to back up your story is always best. It's not a matter of trusting your integrity, Pepper. This is helping to give us a preponderance of proof. It's what we need to go to trial and put Anton away.”

“Did he confess to killing Eva?”

“He lawyered up,” Detective Murphy said, his mouth creating a flat line.

“I wish I had recorded what he said on my phone. I didn't think of it.”

“Of course, you didn't,” he said. “You were fighting for your life. Now, tell me again how you knew it was Anton who killed Eva.”

“It was the coffee,” I said. “Something didn't feel right about the fact that Eva was killed when Vidalia went to the coffee shop. Whoever killed Eva had to know that she was alone in the shop. Anyone going in through the front risked being seen. So I went to see how easy it was to get to the shop from the alley. Then when Anton stepped out into the alley from the back of his shop, I realized that he could come and go unseen. Literally he could leave his work and go to Vidalia's shop and be back again without anyone knowing.”

“Did you tell him that you knew he was the killer?”

I sat back and chewed on my bottom lip. “I might have, I can't remember. He came out asking me what I was looking for and I saw the fear in his eyes. Then I put it all together. I might have said something, but I think he knew I had figured it out from the look on my face. Being a redhead, every emotion shows. There's no hiding how I feel.”

Detective Murphy nodded. “What happened then?”

“He grabbed me and pulled me into his shop. He sat me in a chair and explained to me that he could not let me ruin his family.”

“Don't feel guilty about that,” Detective Murphy said as his perceptive gaze studied me. “Anton is the one who ruined his family. What did he tell you?”

“He told me that Eva was going to change her will to include Vladimir. Anton believed that Vlad would crush the business Vidalia and Eva had worked so hard to build. He had asked Vidalia to set up a meeting with him and her mother so that they could all three sit together and hash out their concerns. That's why Vidalia bought three coffees.”

“But he didn't wait for them to sit down, did he?”

“No.” I shook my head and clasped my hands together in my lap. “He thought if he scared Eva, she would understand how important it was to Vidalia to keep the shop.”

“That's crazy,” Detective Murphy said.

“I know, right? Who thinks that threatening someone with a knife will ensure they do what you want? I mean, seriously, what did he expect to happen once he threatened her?” I frowned. “If a man threatened my mom, she would not only fight back like Eva, but she would tell me right away and I would call the cops on the guy. It wouldn't matter if we were married or not.”

“He told you he went over to Bridal Dreams to threaten Eva into doing what he wanted?”

“Yes,” I said. “He said things got out of hand. They struggled and Eva ended up dead. He didn't mean to kill her.”

“Right, just threatened her with a knife,” Detective Murphy said, and wrote something down. “Sick, that's what this guy is.”

“Have you talked to Vidalia?” I asked.

“Yes, last night.”

I drew my brows together. “What did she say?”

“She swore Anton would never hurt her mother. She still thinks he loved her mother.”

“Did she know all along?” I said. “She brought him coffee.”

“Vidalia believes that the killer killed her mother before Anton came over for the meeting,” he said. “But we know otherwise.” He sat back and his chair squeaked. “We interviewed Thad. He stated that he saw Anton in the alley right after he stole the goods. In fact, Thad was afraid that Anton would come after him, but instead Anton seemed focused on going into the back of the dress shop.”

“You have an eyewitness,” I said.

“We are collecting evidence,” he said carefully. “Enough to take the case to the grand jury.”

“Wow,” I sat back. “Law is really complicated.”

“It's not easy like you see on television. That said, I believe in the system. It's meant to keep everyone safe. It's why you need to leave solving murder cases to the professionals, Pepper.”

I let my frown deepen. “I wasn't investigating . . . Okay, maybe I was, but only because that coffee bothered me. Vidalia had to have bought the coffee for the killer. I really doubt she bought it for Thad.”

“We were working that angle, Pepper,” Detective Murphy said softly.

“But you arrested Thad.”

“We arrested him for the robbery and questioned him as a person of interest in Eva's murder,” he corrected me. “It was my hope he would remember more of what happened that day if we got serious with him.”

“Wait, it sounds as if Thad didn't suspect that Anton murdered Eva or he would have told you right away, wouldn't he? I mean, didn't he find it odd that Anton was in the alley?”

“Apparently Anton took the alley between shops all the time. Thad never put two and two together.”

I sat back and frowned. “He doesn't seem like the brightest bulb in the bunch. It's why I never suspected that he did it.” I looked at Detective Murphy. “What is Vidalia going to do now?”

“She said she was going to put the shop in both her and Vlad's name. It's what her mother truly wanted.”

“And Anton?”

“Will be tried before a jury of his peers, unless he goes for a plea bargain.”

I drew my brows together. “But he could say I was lying. Couldn't he?”

“We have him on kidnapping and assault charges,” the detective said and leaned back in his chair to mirror me. “His lawyer will convince him to plead guilty and see if he can't get a lesser sentence.”

Relief washed over me. Anton would not get out of jail for a while. Long enough for me to never go back to Bridal Dreams. The picture of Detective Murphy's daughter
caught my eye. “How is your daughter doing? Is she still mad at you?”

He smiled and transformed his hound-dog face into one of pure joy. “She's coming for a weeklong visit for long games of Monopoly and hopefully some heart-to-heart talks. That's the plan anyway.”

“It's a good plan,” I said, as I gathered up my handbag and stood. “Thank you for telling me what is going on with Anton.”

“You're welcome,” he said, and pushed his chair up closer to his desk. “If he goes to trial, you'll be called as a witness.”

“I know,” I said with a small nod. “I can do it.”

“Yes, you can, Pepper,” he said. “You're a smart woman. Now go be with the men pacing outside in the waiting room.”

“Thanks.” I looked at my phone. “I've got to run. There's a proposal I'm planning in an hour.”

“Take care, Pepper, and I mean that.”

“Will do.”

As I stepped into the waiting area, Gage and Toby stood. “Come on, my friends,” I said. “We've got a proposal to see
to.”

The Music Box Theatre was packed with Mary and Joe's family and friends. The costumes were great. Several of the women wore hats that hid their faces. I had them sit closer to the couple's seats. Gage had brought some excellent props.

The huge plastic palm trees looked great next to the curtained screen. A baby grand piano sat in the orchestra pit, ready for the fake Humphrey Bogart to utter the classic line, “Play it again, Sam.”

The costumes in the foyer were top flight. I had changed into a 1938 power suit of a mid-leg hemmed gray wool skirt with a matching gray wool blazer. The shoulder pads were crazy but suited my narrow-shouldered frame. The white cotton blouse that went with the outfit
peeked out from the jacket. I wore seamed silk stockings, black high-heeled pumps, and killer red lipstick.

Gage gave a wolf whistle when he saw me. I blushed, heating my cheeks.

“You look swell,” Gage said, and winked.

I did a little twirl. “They really knew how to cut clothes to create an hourglass figure.”

“What do you think, Toby, my man?” Gage nudged Toby, winked, and made a figure eight shape in the air with his hands. “The broad is built.”

Toby blushed as much as I did and stuck his finger between the stiff collar of his white dress shirt and his neck. “These collars are tight.”

He and Gage both wore pinstriped suits from the time period with double-breasted coats and high-waisted wide-legged pants. “You both look fabulous,” I said. Toby was less rumpled than usual but still looked not quite put together. I fixed a button he had missed on his jacket and patted him on the shoulder.

Gage's blue eyes crinkled. “Now, see, I should have left something unbuttoned.”

“Why?”

He raised an eyebrow. “That way a gorgeous dame would stand real close and fix me.” He winked.

I playfully smacked his arm. “You are incorrigible.”

“Heads up,” came the voice of my lookout up front.

“Places everyone,” I said to the auditorium. Everyone faced forward and went silent. “Well, now, that's
suspicious,” I told the crowd. “Continue to talk as if you have no clue what is happening, but remember not to turn around or Joe might recognize you. Okay?”

“Okay!” said the crowd in unison.

I grabbed the Humphrey Bogart impersonator named Fred. “Come on, kid, you're on. Greet them at the door and encourage them to get into costume.”

“Will do,” Fred said.

I let him go to the lobby area as I headed back to check that the emcee was ready. Gage and Toby were stationed on either side of the stage to help with the details of the show where needed. Gage cut quite a figure in his suit, tall with broad shoulders and lean hips. Toby on the other hand was shorter and thicker, but still looked good.

I was surprised at how interested Toby seemed in the proposal business. I certainly hoped he finally understood what it took to ask someone to marry him and live happily ever after.

The emcee was Paul Douglas. He was dressed like an announcer from the late thirties, his hair slicked back and his plaid suit carefully understated. Well, as understated as plaid could be on a man. “Do you have the ring?”

“Right here.” He patted his inside right breast pocket. “Got the lines memorized. It'll be great.”

I sent him a thumbs-up and caught Cesar's eye. My videographer had even gotten into the act, wearing a full navy suit and pale blue shirt with a red bowtie. “Hey, Cesar, are you missing the entrance?”

“No, I set up cameras that cover everything from the ticket line to the costume racks and the doors. We'll catch every angle.”

“Great.”

“I'm going to head down to the entrance and catch them getting seated by Bogart. That way it looks like it's all part of the act.”

“Perfect.” I watched him go. I had instructed Mary to tell Joe that the theater was filming for a television commercial. It would explain the camera on Bogart and the emcee and the stage.

The lights dimmed. The doors opened and a spotlight popped up. Mary came in on Joe's arm. The spotlighted Bogart showed the way to their seats. Cesar played the part, pretending to shoot mostly the impersonator, but he was actually catching the couple.

The theater grew quiet as they found their seats. Bogart made his way down to the orchestra pit as the piano player started playing his song. The impersonator sat down next to the pianist on the piano seat, listened carefully, and then uttered the famous line.

The audience went wild and Cesar appeared to pan the crowd. “And go!” I said, cueing the emcee to step out.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming out to this evening's
Casablanca
extravaganza. Tonight's event includes not only a visit from Mr. Humphrey Bogart himself”—Paul paused and waved toward the impersonator and the crowd applauded—“but the complete movie with pre-censor scenes. We are showing
the film on projector instead of digital recording so that you can view it in all its original glory. This means that we will have a short intermission while they change reels.”

He walked to the center of the stage. “Never fear, during intermission we will have an interview with Mr. Bogart and take questions from the audience. But for now, sit back, relax, and . . . enjooooy the show.” He did a full theater sweep with his arm and the spotlight went out, the curtains opened, and the show began.

The scent of popcorn filled the air. Concession girls walked up and down the aisle offering popcorn, candy, and drinks out of trays that hung around their necks. Joe bought popcorn and Cracker Jacks. The peanut and caramel corn confection included a prize inside. He and Mary shared a large soda with two straws. A cuter couple I had never seen.

Finally it was intermission time. As the lights went up, the emcee stepped out. “Ladies and gentlemen, before you leave your seats we have a very special event tonight. Oscar, the spotlight.” He pointed at Mary and Joe. The spotlight went straight to my couple. I clasped my hands together, suddenly uncertain that this was going to play out in a good way.

“Would Mary Ketchum and Joe Jones come down to the stage,” Paul said.

Mary pointed at herself, her hand grabbing Joe's for support.

“Yes, you, come on down,” Paul said, and waved them down. “Come on, everyone, it appears they need a little
encouragement.” He started to clap and the entire audience clapped and hollered as the two made their way to the stage. Paul turned Mary and Joe toward the crowd. I knew they couldn't see the audience. I had tested the lighting myself. I saw Joe shade his eyes as he tried to peer out. Paul was quick to turn him away from the audience. “Joe, would you please have a seat, right here.” He steered Joe to a simple chair that the stagehands had brought out. Joe sat, facing the side of the stage.

“Now, Mary,” Paul said, and pulled Mary into place in front of Joe. “I understand that you and Joe have been dating a few years, is that right?”

“Yes,” Mary said, her hands trembling. “We've been dating for three years.”

“And you like movies?”

“We both like movies,” Mary said and looked at Joe. “Black-and-white movies. In fact
Casablanca
is Joe's favorite.”

“Really?” Paul turned to Joe. “Can you do the quote?” He put the microphone in front of Joe.

“Of all the gin joints in all the world, she had to walk into mine,” Joe said into the mic and laughed.

“Can you do it with the accent?” The mic went from Paul back to Joe.

Game for a try, Joe said it again in his best Bogart imitation.

“Now that calls for applause, don't you think everyone?” Paul waved his free hand and had the audience cheering. Then he turned to Mary and took a small box
out of his pocket. “Mary, I think there was a question you wanted to ask Joe, wasn't there?”

“Yes,” Mary said, and took the box, and then she faced Joe and got down on one knee. “I know this is a little unexpected, but there comes a time in a girl's life when she just knows what she wants. Joe, I want you. Will you marry me?” She opened the box to show a silver band with a Celtic knot.

Joe shook his head.

My heart froze for a moment and I held my breath.

Then he grinned. “Yes, of course.”

The entire audience broke out in cheers as Joe stood and pulled Mary to her feet and hugged her tight, then whirled her round until her feet swung out. My eyes filled with tears and I covered my mouth with my clasped hands.

Joe stopped and grabbed the microphone. “I want you all to know that I was going to ask Mary the same question tonight.” He held up the Cracker Jack box and pulled the prize out of the box. In his hand was a sparkling diamond.

The cheers from the audience raised the roof as Mary stood there crying happy tears. Joe turned and put his ring on Mary's left finger and Mary put her ring on his. “Well, there you go, folks. Now that is a sight worth waiting for, isn't it?”

The happy couple kissed. Paul pulled the curtain around them to give them some privacy. The audience was still on its feet cheering. He had to wave them down so that he could speak.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please take fifteen minutes and when we come back we'll interview Mr. Bogart and finish the show. Afterwards, please follow the ushers to the second floor where an engagement banquet awaits.”

The house lights went up and the audience rushed the stage. Mary and Joe were pulled out from behind the curtain for hugs and kisses.

“Perfect,” I said, and looked at Gage on the other side of the curtain. He sent me a big thumbs-up. I smiled and put my thumbs up in response.

“I think I get it,” Toby said beside me.

“You do?” I asked, my voice and eyebrows rising.

“Yes,” he said. “It's that look in their eyes as if they have just been handed the moon and all their dreams have come true.”

“Exactly,” I said, and patted his padded shoulder.

“It's the same look you have when you look at Gage,” he said, his hound-dog expression slightly sad.

“Wait, what?” I shook my head, confused.

“That look the couple has, you have it whenever you look at him.” Toby nodded his head toward Gage.

“Oh,” I said, and the heat of a blush rushed up my neck and over my ears. “Oh, no, we just sort of started dating.” I glanced at Gage, who watched to ensure the crowd didn't trample his palm trees.

“Say what you will.” Toby shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets. “The eyes don't lie.”

“I'm sure I got caught up in the moment, that's all,” I said. “Excuse me. I need to make sure that the engagement
party will be ready to go by the end of the movie. I'm glad you finally get it, Toby. Stay if you want. The food is from Morelli's. It's really good, plus there's an open bar.”

“Don't worry,” he said, his gaze suddenly less sad. “I've decided to stick around a
while.”