Fever Rich: A Mercy Mares Cozy Mystery (10 page)

*

Nathaniel said it again, “Lucilla thought it would be good for him. They should be back by evening.”

I sighed. “Then, why did you have Scooter pick me up this morning? I would have had no problem taking the day off. It would have given me some time to spend with my house guests.”

He waved me off. “Karen is in charge today. She'll find something to keep you occupied today.”

“Karen? Who is that?” I asked.

“My new accountant. I thought you'd been introduced already.” He said.

This place was ridiculous. No one communicated anything to anyone else.

“Just when do you think that would have happened? No one has said more than a few words to me every time I've come here. This isn't the first thing I've been kept in the dark about either.” I shouldn't have said that, but that was the truth. I'd been planted here to care for Cash, but it sure as sugar doesn't feel like it.
I keep him occupied while Nathaniel and Lucilla do what exactly?

His eyes narrowed. “You do what you are paid to do.” He turned on his heel and walked into the library, leaving me dumbfounded in the foyer.

Give me patience. Now!

I walked into the kitchen, hoping that I'd find coffee already brewing.

“Hello.” A handsome woman, wearing a full length robe greeted me.

“Um, hi.” I said. “I'm Mercy, Cash's nurse.”

“Nathaniel told me you'd be here this morning.” She smiled, offering me her hand. “I'm Karen.”

“The accountant?” I asked, eyeing the robe she had on.

“Yes, among other things. Please, excuse the get up. I had the misfortune of arriving at the same time that the sprinklers were set to go on. I don't normally carry a change of clothes with me when I work, so I had to borrow this until my clothes dried.”

Phew!
I breathed a sigh of relief. I wasn't prepared to walk into a morning tryst.

Karen sensed my relief and started laughing. “You didn't think that I... that we...”

“Sorry.” I offered.

She poured a cup of coffee for me and motioned for me to take a seat next to her at the table in the nook.

“I guess I'm supposed to give you something to do today. Apparently, Nathaniel is confused about what my job description is, but that's okay, I'll figure something out for you. I could actually use some help settling in, if you don't mind?” She asked.

I could tell right away that she and I were going to get along just fine. I don't know if it was that she appeared to be about my age or if I liked her because she wasn't one of the harem of women Nathaniel supposedly kept at the ready.

“I'm not much of an accountant. I can barely keep my own finances straight. I'm in the category of those who live paycheck to paycheck.” I felt I should warn her. It was only fair that she knows what she was getting herself into by asking me to assist her.

Karen's laughter rang throughout the eerily quiet manor. “I'll keep that in mind if I'm ever looking for a partner. Right now, I just need someone to help me move some boxes into my new office.”

It was time for me to laugh. I guess, I'd spoken too soon. “Well, in that case, I'm your girl.”

“Good. Let me run and see if my clothes are dry yet. I'll be right back.” I watched her with amusement as she ran out of the room. She was a girl after my own heart. I thought I was the only one who could manage to get themselves into awkward situations. Give me a time, I'm sure at some point, I'll end up soaking wet because of the sprinklers on the property.

Scooter walked in with his coffee mug in hand. “I'm so sorry. I didn't know that Lucilla had taken Cash out for the day. Did you want a ride home?”

“Oh, don't worry about it. The new accountant found something for me to do. I really like her. She seems nice.” I said.

“The new accountant? Already? So soon?” Scooter asked.

“I guess you'll have to put up with me and this robe.” Karen stopped cold when she saw Scooter. “Hey, there, stranger.” She smiled and walked over to give him a hug.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Scooter assessed her outfit. “What is going on here?”

“You two know each other?” I asked.

They both laughed. “This handsome man is my father.” Karen said.

Scooter's eyebrow twitched for a millisecond before he spoke. “Wow, I guess, my daughter works here now.”

I saw a hint of something flash across his face. I thought I could easily guess what was bothering him. I couldn't imagine that he would be pleased that she'd be working for Nathaniel at any time, but especially now, considering what happened here only a few short days ago.

“How fun!” I said not knowing what else to say.

He looked at her and asked, “Why didn't you tell me that this was where you were going to be working?”

“I thought I'd surprise you. Isn't it great?” She squeezed his shoulders.

“Where are your clothes?” He asked, looking confused by the robe she wore.

I chuckled and walked out to give them some privacy. Whatever he wanted to say, he could do without worrying about me witnessing their discussion.

“Oh, hello,” I ran into a man in the hallway. “Sorry, I didn't see you there.”

“Hello, is Mr. Rich available?” He asked.

I looked behind him. If Nathaniel didn't let him in, then, who did? I turned to ask him how he got in, but he was gone.

“Hey, Scooter,” I called out. “There's a man...” The man was standing in the kitchen already speaking to Scooter and Karen. “This guy just walked in here on his own.”

The gentleman turned around and flashed a smile at me. “Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Tanner Crosby.” As soon as he said it, I realized who he was.

“The talk show host? What are you doing here?” I asked. Scooter and Karen looked just as surprised as I was.

“I'm an investigative reporter actually, but yes, I'm Tanner Crosby. Mr. Rich invited me to come down and have a chat with him and the staff that was present the day that his accountant was murdered in cold blood right here where we stand.” He looked around the kitchen, practically envisioning a violent death having taken place there.

“What? It didn't happen in here and it wasn't what you described. In fact, none of us who were here saw or heard a thing.” I corrected him.

Tanner's eyebrows furrowed. “No one witnessed what happened?”

Nathaniel appeared in the doorway. “That's not true. I saw the whole thing with my own eyes.”

What? He did?

Scooter gasped. “That's not what you told the police.”

Tanner rushed to press record on his cell phone video camera. “Tell me what you saw, Mr. Rich.”

“I don't want to talk about it. How are your meetings going?” I watched Charlie as he navigated around my kitchen as if he'd lived here his whole life.

Tina teased, “Don't mind her. She gets testy when she's hungry.”

“She must be hungry all the time,” Charlie added.

I put my hands in the air. “Can we finally stop this love fest? I've had a long day. I just want to sit back, put my feet up, and enjoy a good meal.”

Charlie and Tina stopped talking and gave each other knowing looks before they burst out laughing.

“You know what you are? One big, old stress bucket.” Charlie said. “I told you not to let this stuff get inside your head. What happened wasn't your fault. I'm sure this Rich guy has made himself quite a few enemies over the years. If what you're saying about the women he had clamoring for his attention was true, then I'm not surprised that something like this happened in his home. Love is nothing but trouble, if you ask me.”

His face flushed, causing Tina to giggle.

“Why are you blushing, Sheriff?” Tina teased.

Oh, here we go. So much for rest and relaxation.
I was about to get an earful about how Charlie and I were meant to be together and all that other nonsense. It was time to defend my position. Now or no time in the future do I intend to become involved in another relationship. That was my stance and that's just the way it was going to be.

Charlie looked at me. “I'm not blushing. I'm trying not to cry.”

Wait for it.
Charlie wasn't about to divulge deep, dark secrets. This was a ploy to make me feel sorry for him before he said or did something that would make me throw him right out of my house. It wouldn't sever our friendship. That I was sure of because we'd survived similar incidences in the past.

“Mercy is just being so mean,” he giggled like a schoolboy.

I applauded his Oscar worthy performance before I stuck my tongue out at him. “Are you done now? I'm involved because I was there and the boy I'm supposed to be caring for was there at the time. I couldn't live with myself if I just sat back and did nothing. Besides, now that Nathaniel claims he knows who did it, it isn't like I'll have to go searching for clues or anything.”

“That's what he said? He witnessed what happened?” Charlie's tone was all business now.

“Yes, he told the reporter that he saw the whole thing.” I answered.

Tina asked, “Do the police know?”

The answer to that question was what bothered me the most. If he'd witnessed the murder, why hadn't anyone been arrested?

“I don't know.” I answered.

“You have to tell them,” Tina said.

I looked at Charlie. Although you wouldn't know it by his everyday behavior, he was a good officer. Even if at one time, he thought I was guilty of a crime.

“Don't tell me – the police don't know.” He groaned.

“I don't think so.” I answered.

He handed me his cell phone and said, “Call them.”

I took a deep breath and dialed the police department's non-emergency number.
Don't ask why I had that phone number committed to memory.

When Detective Ortiz came on the line, her tone was warm and friendly. It completely changed after I told her what Nathaniel had told the reporter.

She sighed. “Are you kidding me? He said he witnessed the murder?”

“He did,” I answered.

I could hear some rustling around on her end of the line. After a few seconds, she asked, “Are you at home?”

“Yes,” I answered, wondering what I'd just gotten myself into.

“What's your address?” She asked, anger evident in her voice.

I gulped and looked at Charlie and Tina. “She wants my address.”

“Ms. Mares, who are you talking to? Is Mr. Rich there with you?” Detective Ortiz asked.

“No, sorry. I'm having dinner with friends.” I apologized.

After giving her my address, I couldn't sit still. Charlie assured me that I wouldn't be in any kind of trouble with the police. That wasn't very reassuring, though. I'd still have to face Nathaniel and eventually he'd find out that I outed him.

“It will be fine. He can't get angry because people were going to find out anyway. As soon as that interview airs, the whole country will know. What's with this man? Why would he want to tell the media, but not the police? Does he want to go to prison?” Charlie had the same questions that I had. Things just didn't make sense.

Charlie answered the door when Detective Ortiz arrived. “Welcome. I'm Sheriff Charlie Wagner.” He offered her his hand.

“Hello. Detective Ortiz. Is Mercy available?” She asked, touching her hand to her face nervously as Charlie smiled at her.

Cut it out. She's half your age, cowboy.

I stepped forward and greeted her. “Hi! I'm sorry we were about to sit down to dinner. Charlie is only in town a few days and decided he'd cook here tonight.” I had no idea what possessed me to tell her that, but I couldn't make myself stop talking. “Tina just moved in this week with her little boy, Noah. Isn't he a handsome boy?”

The detective's eyes followed the room, from the furniture to Tina and her son. “This is a really cute place. Did you decorate this yourself?”

I blushed. I was glad she'd noticed. My house was my pride and joy. I loved every inch of it and had chosen each piece of furniture that came into my home with the precision of a NASA scientist.

I wasn't a big spender, but I did appreciate quality. Most of what I owned were vintage pieces that I'd picked up in antique shops when I traveled or acquired at estate sales. I loved the world of old and had no time for space age furniture or modern finishes.

“I did. I love decorating. In a perfect world, I'd spend my days antiquing and my nights cooking up recipes.” I told her.

“Not nursing?” She asked.

“Oh, I'd never stop doing that. I meant in addition to caring for others. Maybe I just wouldn't work so much though. It would be nice to spend some time at home for a change.” I said.

“How many weeks a year are you gone?” She asked.

Was I being interrogated?
I looked to Charlie for guidance. He shrugged.

“It varies. I go where I'm needed. When I first started, I wasn't gone too much because my daughter was still at home and I didn't want to be away from her for extended periods of time.” I explained.

“And, now?” Detective Ortiz asked.

I motioned for her to sit down. “Now, I work a lot more. It keeps me busy. My poor car needs a lot of repairs, so I took this job with Mr. Rich to help pay for those repairs.”

“If your car weren't in need of repairs, what would you be doing to fill your time?” She asked.

“I'd be here tending to neglected projects and probably organizing my ex-husband's nightmare of a wedding.” I answered.

She put her hand on her forehead.
Had I gone too far with my nonsense?

“You're coordinating your ex-husband's wedding?” She asked through her laughter.

Charlie answered for me. “No, mostly she's just whining because she doesn't like the new woman and because it was her who had introduced him to his new bride.”

“Ouch,” Detective Ortiz said. “That sucks!”

“Yep, tell me about it.” I grumbled.

“Not going well, I take it. More power to you. I don't think I'd ever be able to do that, but what do I know? I've never been married.” Detective Ortiz explained.

Charlie sat up straighter in his seat. I shot a glare his way.
She's just a kid, old man.

Tina bit her lip to stifle a giggle. We'd reached a new all time low. I had to corral the troops or this conversation would undoubtedly go south fast.

“If you don't mind my asking, how old are you? To someone like me and the Sheriff here, you look so young.” I thought that would put Charlie in his place.

“I'm twenty-eight-years-old. I know I look young. I get that all the time, but I'm not that young.” She answered.

She wasn't that much older than Diana. Looking at her now, I couldn't get over what a beautiful young woman she was and neither could Charlie. His eyes were still fixated on her. I couldn't blame him, though. She was stunning, but even more importantly, she exuded confidence. I could only imagine how valuable that was in her profession.

“So, am I in trouble for telling you about Nathaniel and the reporter?” I asked.

Detective Ortiz shook her head. “No, you're not. I can't say the same for your employer though. Sometimes I'll never understand what people are thinking when they are dealing with police. I know how stressful this must be for him, but even the most minute detail can have a serious impact on the investigation. That's what I wanted to ask you about. What else did you hear him say?” She asked me.

I looked over at the table of food and asked, “Are you hungry? Would you like to have dinner with us, Detective?”

She looked at the table and waved to Noah, who was eagerly eating his corn on the cob. “I'd love to. I haven't eaten all day. Thank you.”

When we were all situated at the table, she said, “First, I'm going to need everyone to not me call me detective. Call me Zoey, please.”

“Zoey, it is,” Charlie responded. “Now, I hope you like grilled steaks and potatoes.”

“I do.” She answered.

Over the next couple of hours, we exchanged information. She asked in depth questions. Most of which, I didn't have much knowledge of, but that didn't seem to matter too much. She clued us in to Nathaniel's background and into his ex-wives backgrounds.

After the table was cleared, Zoey and I walked outside.

“Thank you for dinner. I have a favor to ask,” She said. “Can you please not let anyone in the Rich household know that we had this conversation? I want to see how this interview thing plays out.”

I agreed not to share the information. “Can I ask you a couple of questions?” I asked.

“Go ahead.” She replied.

“How did Jane die and do you know who did it?” I asked.

She sighed. “She was shot and no, I don't know who did it, but I will find out.”

*

“It's a walk down the block, not the aisle. Mercy, I swear, you get more and more paranoid every single day. I already told you, dating someone like you would give me angina.” Charlie took my arm and looped it through his. “Come on, Barney, let's take your master out for some fresh air before her big, fat head explodes.”

“That's not nice!” I snapped.

“Well, if you would stop acting like everything I say or do is about you, we wouldn't have these squabbles, would we?” Charlie's annoyance at my behavior had reached a new level.

“You're going to make people come outside,” I warned him as the neighbor's doors and windows opened to see what the fuss was about.

“I feel sorry for them. How in the world do they expect you to keep them safe, when you spend so much time worrying about what I'm doing?” Charlie asked.

I moved my arm from his and took hold of Barney's leash. “That's enough. You can go back to your hotel now, Sheriff.”

He smirked. “Nope.”

“Um, what?”
What was he doing? I just asked him to leave.