Gilt by Association (17 page)

“She seems healthy,” Marcus said after looking into Valentine's ears and mouth. “This flea treatment will take care of the ear mites, too.”

He took his stethoscope from his pocket and listened to her heart. When he'd finished, he nodded. “Robust little thing. She only weighs a pound and a half. She couldn't have gotten far with the snow and ice on the ground. My guess is someone dropped her near your house because they didn't want her. I can't believe the cold hearts some people have.”

He glanced at Caprice. “Unlike you. She's lucky you found her. She wouldn't have lasted the night in this weather.”

Valentine meowed several times and Marcus stroked her. “So how is your investigation going?”

“What makes you think I'm investigating anything?”

“Wasn't Louise Downing a friend of your family's?”

“Yes, she was.”

“As soon as I heard she was murdered, I knew you'd be looking into it.”

Marcus's analytical mind had helped her figure out a lead in the last murder she'd solved. “It's complicated.”

“Murder always is.”

The test results they were waiting for took about twenty minutes and Caprice realized Marcus was attempting to distract her. “Louise had a past life in Texas—before she came to Kismet.”

“I see. And you think it had something to do with her murder?”

“Possibly. It was a love-gone-wrong story. Her first husband conned her and took her money. She pressed charges and he went to prison. But he was killed there.”

“And that came back to bite Louise somehow?”

“Not the murder, but the guy's
real
girlfriend.”

“Uh oh. A woman's revenge can be the cruelest.”

“As if you'd know,” Caprice joked.

“I've had my share of love-gone-wrong stories.”

Caprice supposed everyone had.

“So what's your next step?” Marcus asked.

“Do you know Don Rodriguez?”

“The car mechanic who owns the body shop?”

Caprice nodded.

“I've taken my vehicles to him now and then.”

“Do you think he's honest?”

“In business dealings I've found him to be so. Why?”

“Because he's from Austin, where Louise once lived. I've spoken with him once but I think I need to do it again and poke a little more.”

“Don't poke so much that he pokes back.”

“It's hard to know if I'm crossing a line.”

“Take someone with you,” Marcus advised.

“I thought about that but I don't think he'll open up if I do. I took Lady along last time.”

“How did that go?”

“He liked her.”

“What's not to like? She's a sweetie. But that's the thing, Caprice. Lady is
not
a watchdog. If she senses you're in danger, she might try to help you. But I don't believe she'd ever be aggressive. Still, warning you to be careful is like whispering into the wind.”

“I'm careful,” she protested.

He gave her a very long piercing look and she turned her attention to Valentine who'd curled up on the towel on the table and was almost asleep.

With a shake of his head, Marcus checked his watch. “I'll get those results.”

Five minutes later, Marcus was smiling again as he returned to the exam room. “You're all clear. Bring her back in two weeks for rabies and distemper injections, if you don't find her a home until then.”

Caprice would look for a home for Valentine . . . right after she interviewed Don Rodriguez once more.

 

 

Once she was home, Caprice put music on in the bathroom and made sure Valentine was cozy and contented. The flea treatment would take a few days to work. Then she'd have to give her a bath. She fed the kitten again, played with her with a shoelace, and then rubbed her little ears and neck and chin. She fell asleep once more. When Caprice exited the bathroom, Sophia and Lady sat right outside the door.

“She can't come out to play yet. Not for a few days,” Caprice explained. After all, animals understood much more than humans gave them credit for.

Sophia gave a knowing blink. Lady gave a small bark.

She spoke directly to her cat again. “You can sit there and listen for her or take a nap. Lady and I are going to take a little jaunt. We won't be long.”

As Caprice drove to Rodriguez's shop a short while later, she tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. Yeah, she was a little bit nervous because what happened if they got into the sticky questions? Lady would be with her, but would she stand up for her? That was hard to know until it was necessary. She told herself,
Keep cool, keep even, and above all, don't show Rodriguez you're nervous
. With all that in her head, she parked at the body shop, let Lady out of her crate, attached the leash, and guided her to the door where they'd been once before.

When Rodriguez looked up, he was at the desk again. He
was
surprised. Did he look a bit worried, too?

Thoughts began running through Caprice's mind. Maybe Don Rodriguez wanted Louise to leave Chet and be with him. When she wouldn't—he got angry enough to kill her.

Somehow that didn't quite ring true. But she did have to find out what
would
ring true.

“Do you mind talking to me again?” she asked.

“Would it make any difference if I would?”

“No, not this time.”

He gave a resigned sigh. “Do you think you know who did it?”

“I think I'm on the trail of the person who did it. What do you know about Lucy Russell Mathers from Austin?”

“That was a big story a long time ago.” Rodriguez thought about it. “I knew the same thing everybody else did. Some guy from Killeen hornswoggled her. He took her for all her money, but she got revenge like most people don't. He was killed in prison a few weeks after he was sent up there. She received death threats and everyone thought they came from the guy's live-in.” He gave a shrug. “All of it was big news back then, when there wasn't something new every minute like now. There wasn't a twenty-four-hour news cycle. I had heard Lucy had left Austin, and her house was sold.”

“Do you know if Stacy Miller, the man's mistress, was ever heard from again?”

Don leaned back on his stool. “Big Brother wasn't watching then like he is now. Stacy Miller wasn't important enough for anyone to take notice of.”

Caprice wondered if killing Louise was a way for her to make everyone take notice now.

“Did Louise ever mention Lucy?”

He looked genuinely surprised. “We talked about the story once in passing. But I can't remember that Louise showed any particular interest. Why?”

“Because I think Louise was Lucy.”

Now he seemed shocked. “You're kidding.”

“Not even a little bit. Are you saying Louise confided nothing about her past?”

“I really didn't care about her past or how she ended up in Kismet. After all, I landed here, too.”

“How did
you
find the town?”

“Friends took a trip up the East Coast. They visited lots of small towns. They had photos of Kismet. I took a look at the Chamber of Commerce Web site online, then came for a visit myself. I had nothing to keep me in Texas so I started over here.”

“People usually talk about starting-over stories.”

He thought about that, then responded, “Louise never did.”

Because she was hiding heartache? Because she never wanted to think again about a past that could search her out and bite her?

Caprice spent a few more minutes with Don Rodriguez and realized she wasn't going to learn anything else here today.

She had barely stepped outside into the cold February wind when her cell phone played. Fumbling under her outside coat into the pocket of her retro overalls, she pulled her phone out and saw Nana's face.

She suspected what this call was about, and Nana confirmed it when she asked, “So how was the party? Maybe you should take me along sometime. I'd like to meet a rock star.”

Caprice laughed as she walked to her car, and told Nana all about it. She also told her about going home and finding the kitten.

Nana was silent a few moments, then asked, “And what are you going to do with this kitten?”

“I'm not sure. Lady and Sophia keep me busy enough. I'm trying to find out if someone lost Valentine. If no one comes forward, I'll try to find her a good home.”

“Valentine,” Nana said quietly, and Caprice heard something in her voice. She waited.

“That's a special name, don't you think?”

“She's a special kitten.”

Nana laughed. “You think they're all special.”

Again she was quiet for a few seconds, and Caprice stopped at her van with Lady and waited again.

“Do you think I'm too old to have a kitten?” Nana asked.

“No one's ever too old to have a kitten. Not as long as they can stoop over, clean out a litter box, and feed a pet several times a day.”

“I can do all that,” Nana said confidently. “I haven't had a pet since I was a small girl.”

Nana still seemed to be thinking about it, so Caprice asked, “Do you want a constant companion? I think Valentine's the type that will like to be close. It's hard to tell at this stage, but she likes to cuddle.”

“A constant companion. You know, I think I'd like that, too.”

“Do you want to think about it a couple of days? She can't go anywhere until her flea treatment takes effect.”

But Nana wasn't an indecisive woman. Once she made up her mind, she made up her mind. “I don't need a couple of days. I'd like to have a furry friend. They seem to make you happy. What do I have to do to get ready?”

“You don't have to do anything. I'll stop in at Perky Paws and supply you with everything you need. When Valentine's ready for a home, I'll bring her and all of it over. I'll get you set up.”

“In the meantime, I'll crochet a little blanket for her,” Nana decided, obviously eager to do something.

“I'm sure she'll like that. They like to knead afghans and blankets with their claws. It reminds them of their mom. This little one must have been taken from her mom early.”

“I'll make her feel as if she has one again. Thank you, Caprice. Valentine could be just what I need to make this winter not seem quite so long.”

Nana loved to nurture and care for, and now she'd have a little being of her own to do that for. Nana and Valentine would be a perfect fit.

Chapter Seventeen

Lady was always welcome at Perky Paws Pet Shop. That was the fun aspect of this store along with baked treats for canines that looked and smelled fabulous enough for humans to want to eat them. The manager of the store—Gretta Hansen—made some of them herself and imported others from a dog treat maker in York.

As Caprice went inside with Lady, her mind wasn't merely on the list of supplies Nana needed. It was also on everything Don Rodriguez had discussed with her—revenge, untimely death, a crime, and a former husband. That history was a far cry from Chet and his affair, from someone who wanted to rob Louise and the robbery had gone wrong. Was she headed in the right direction now with the Texas connection?

In the front case today, Caprice recognized several types of biscuits, from peanut butter nuggets, gingermen-sized ginger biscuits, pumpkin biscuits, and cheese and bacon biscuits. Colorful dog cookies also decorated the case and were adorned with yogurt icing. Lady noticed them, too, and stood at the case as if she expected one to jump out at her and she could eat it.

On Caprice's way out, she'd purchase a few of them.

After waving to Gretta, she headed for the back of the shop and litter pans and supplies. Once there, however, she almost ran into Danny Flannery! The teenager was painting a mural on the back wall.

“Danny, how are you? I haven't seen you since fall. How's your senior year going?”

Danny had been an almost truant teenager until Caprice had noticed his artistic bent and introduced him to Ace Richland. Ace had hired Danny to paint a dolphin mural on his poolhouse wall as well as a horse mural in his daughter's room. Danny had done such a terrific job on both that Ace had offered to cover his art school training after he graduated.

In the meantime, Ace had helped him set up a Web site from which he sold custom hand-painted T-shirts and sweatshirts.

“I've gotten my grades up,” he announced proudly, crouching down to Lady and offering his hand for a sniff. “Mom framed my first-term honor roll card. She hasn't had one of those since I was a kid.”

Lady sniffed his hand thoroughly. He grinned and petted her. Caprice chuckled. “Good for you on the honor roll. Have you picked out an art school?”

“Ace says I can go anywhere I want. But I don't want to travel too far that I can't get home on weekends. Mom could need me.”

With a mother who'd worked hard for years to keep a roof over their heads, Danny was protective of his mom and had become a suspect in a murder investigation because of it.

Now he went on. “I talked to Ace about art institutes in Philadelphia.”

“My sister Bella went to a fashion institute in Philly.”

“Ace said he'd loan us his chauffeur so we can visit a couple in April. Then Mom doesn't have to worry about her car breaking down.”

Underneath the rock star façade, Ace was a great guy. If only he and his ex-wife could work out their differences. Was that her Pollyanna complex at work again?

Danny rose to his feet once more and Lady sniffed around his sneakers. “Mom's working more hours at the Cupcake House so she could cut back cleaning houses. Now we're even home at the same time some nights.”

“I send my friends to your Web site.”

“Yeah, I noticed. They bought lots of T-shirts for Christmas presents.”

“Everyone needs T-shirts,” she said with a grin.

Suddenly Danny looked uncomfortable. “I don't know if I ever thanked you, Miss De Luca. For getting me that job with Ace. For believing I was more than a troublemaker.”

Caprice patted his shoulder. “I think I related to you. When I was a teenager I felt a lot of defiance and rebelliousness but kept it inside. I learned to channel it in a positive direction and I hoped you could do the same. And you have.”

She could see red start to creep up Danny's neck and she didn't want to embarrass him more. Moving away, she said, “I won't hold you up. I found a kitten and have to buy supplies for my nana who is going to take care of her and keep her if her owner doesn't come forward. In fact, I have a flyer for Gretta to post on her bulletin board.”

“Gretta put out new pamphlets for dog and cat owners if you're interested.”

She could see he was trying to back out of their conversation so she gave him help. “I'll check them out.”

Touring the store, she picked up everything Nana would need for Valentine, from a kitty litter pan to litter, a nourishing kitten food, and a cute pink fleecy bed Nana could fit anywhere she liked. Caprice also chose a pink and black carrier to transfer Valentine to her new home. Nana could use it for veterinarian checkups.

Caprice had almost forgotten about the pamphlets Danny suggested until she settled the carrier on the checkout counter. At a glance, she noticed the heading on the pamphlet—
Plants Harmful to Cats and Dogs
. The list was broken down into two categories.

With spring coming, she'd be trimming and prettying up the yard. She'd never realized azaleas and bleeding hearts were poisonous to animals. She loved to see the azalea under her bay window bloom in the spring. But maybe it was time she dug it out and substituted a plant that was more animal friendly. She knew about lilies being toxic and had long ago cleared her yard of those. Louise had filled her in on their poisonous properties.

Louise.

Caprice's thoughts often returned to Louise, her love of flowers . . . and the awful way she'd died.

 

 

Ten minutes later, Caprice had turned onto her street when her phone dinged that a text had come in. She knew better than to text and drive, so she pulled over, fitting into a parking space between snowbanks, and checked her screen. It was Nikki.

 

 

She texted back.
Will be in five minutes.

 

 

Maybe Nikki wanted to talk about the Sherwood Forest theme, and what she'd serve at the open house on Saturday. Nikki always did her research. It would be interesting to hear what she had in mind.

Another ten minutes later, Caprice was in the kitchen cleaning up after feeding Lady, Sophia, and Valentine.

As soon as Nikki let herself in, she called to the kitchen. “You should be keeping your door
locked
, especially when you're snooping for suspects.”

From the kitchen Caprice called back, “I knew you were coming.”

Appearing in the doorway between the dining room and kitchen, Nikki waved her hand and headed for the coffeepot that was already brewing. “It doesn't matter. Louise's killer could have gotten here before me.”

A chill ran along Caprice's neck because she knew Nikki could be right. She should be more careful about something like that.

Nikki went on. “I hope that coffee is laced with chocolate because I need the endorphins.”

“I might have chocolate chips to offer you,” Caprice joked because she wanted to take her mind away from the idea of some stranger entering her house.

“Even chocolate chips sound good right now. They might melt into the coffee.”

“I could make hot chocolate, too, as a chaser.”

“Sounds good,” Nikki decided, pulling four colorful mugs from the wooden tree on the counter.

Lady, who had been resting on a mat at the back door after her lunch, bounded over to Nikki as if she understood she needed consolation.

Nikki crouched down onto the floor with the cocker. Lady rolled over to have her belly rubbed and Nikki obliged.

“Is Drew the reason you need the chocolate?” Caprice asked, knowing Nikki's mood wasn't a laughing matter. Nikki was the steadfast sister, the one who didn't get ruffled, the one who always had a plan.

“Drew, the idea of a partnership, how a business decision on my part could affect what you and I do. I couldn't sleep last night, and that's not usually a problem.”

Caprice considered Nikki's situation, and thought about the best thing to do. That was easy. “Would you like to meet Valentine?”

Immediately Nikki smiled. “Nana called me and told me all about the kitten you found. Sure, I want to meet her. I think it's a great idea for Nana to take her.”

“She's a cuddle bunny and perfect for Nana. Marcus tested her and she doesn't have FIV or feline leukemia. By the end of the week, I'll take her to Nana.”

Lady followed Caprice and Nikki to the bathroom door. “For now you have to stay out here, and Sophia does, too.” Caprice hoped Lady, as well as her cat, would soon get the message.

“I didn't see Sophia when I came in,” Nikki said.

“I think she went into my office. She's probably on my desk chair.”

She opened the bathroom door and they both slipped inside to the sound of Lady's whine.

Valentine came right over to Caprice and meowed several times. Caprice scooped her up. “I just fed you.”

She positioned Valentine in the crook of her arm and petted her gently. “This is Nikki. You'll be seeing a lot of her, too.”

“Can I hold her?” Nikki asked eagerly.

Some of the worry had left Nikki's face. That's what animals did for humans.

“Sure, hold her close. I think she likes to hear your heartbeat.”

After the transfer, they both sat on the floor. There was scratching at the door.

Caprice sighed.

After another minute or so, it stopped.

Caprice watched Nikki stroking the tiny kitten. Time to get to the issue at hand.

“How did you and Drew leave it after Ace's party? Did you talk?”

“We talked and—” She hesitated. “It doesn't matter what happened. He told me to call him when I made up my mind about the partnership. He's decided simply working for me isn't a good idea. He wants a partnership or nothing.”

Caprice wondered exactly what
had
happened. But she wouldn't push Nikki to tell her now. “A man who deals in ultimatums. How do you feel about that?”

“I know you'd run in the other direction from an ultimatum, but it could be a sign of strength.”

“Or a sign that he's a control freak.”

“That is possible,” Nikki agreed.

A control freak, Caprice thought. Just what her sister didn't need.

 

 

After their discussion in the bathroom, after Valentine had fallen asleep again, Caprice went to the pantry closet for cocoa and chocolate chips.

As she took a saucepan from the bottom cupboard, Nikki went to the mugs she'd pulled from the mug tree earlier.

“I want to get our menus settled for the Sherwood Forest staging,” she said.

She'd dropped her tote bag near the table, and now she pulled out her electronic tablet. As she laid it on the table, she added, “I know what I want to do. I just need to see if you agree.”

“Shoot,” Caprice said, then realized that might be the wrong choice of words as she thought about how Louise Downing had died.

Realizing the same thing, Nikki grimaced, then poured the coffee into two mugs.

“I'd like to start with an English pea soup. It's pretty much a standard pea soup but included in the recipe are crushed mint leaves. I can make it sinfully rich with a bit of cream.”

“I like that idea. Would the soup be the appetizer?”

Nikki spooned sugar and poured milk into Caprice's mug and simply added milk to hers. “Exactly. An appetizer. One of them, anyway. I'd follow that with traditional English dishes. Did you ever hear of Toad in the Hole?”

Caprice laughed. “This is a recipe?”

“Sure is. It's similar to Yorkshire pudding. Instead, you place sausages in the batter before baking it.”

Caprice stirred together cocoa, sugar, and salt. She mixed in water and cooked it until it bubbled. Then she added chocolate chips. “It sounds different, and hearty, and woodsy. I like that idea, too. You're on a roll.”

Ignoring the compliment, Nikki took their mugs to the table. “For another appetizer, I'd add a dish called Angels on Horseback. They were a Victorian after-dinner snack—bacon-wrapped oysters. Supposedly the cooked bacon appears to be angels' wings.”

When the chocolate chips melted, Caprice turned down the heat and stirred in the milk. “They sound unique, classy, and just what we need for this type of open house. What about your main courses?”

“How about roast beef with a white horseradish sauce, steak and kidney pie, and of course fish and chips? All of it very English. I researched a recipe for a dish called Bubble and Squeak—it's English fried potatoes and cabbage. I could also roast a vegetable, maybe Brussels sprouts, and dribble them with cheese sauce. We can serve mulled wine with everything.”

“Mulled wine makes me think of England,” Caprice agreed, adding vanilla to the hot chocolate and stirring it in. “The guests at the open house may not have even tasted some of these dishes, except for maybe the fish and chips. That white horseradish sauce will make the roast beef savory. I take it you have a list for desserts, too?”

“They were easy to come up with—orange marmalade cake, gingerbread cookies, plum crumble, bread pudding, and something called Eton Mess.”