Murder of a Bookstore Babe

EPILOGUE

Wind in the Willows

“I’m so glad you were able to come with me.” Skye leaned her head against the seat of the Thunderbird as Wally drove them from the police station to Tales and Treats, where Skye’s family was gathering per Vince’s instructions. “I was afraid you’d be tied up all night processing Chase.”

“There isn’t much more for me to do until the Stanley County state’s attorney gets back tomorrow from his vacation.” Wally pulled out of the PD’s parking lot. “The ME confirmed Kayla had a recent miscarriage, the crime techs are matching the stroller to the blue plastic pieces found in her hair, and Xenia provided us with the voice mail proving he lied about what time he started calling her, so we have physical evidence.”

“Not to mention the confession.” Skye was proud of how she had maneuvered Chase into admitting his crime. “It’s hard to believe he watched the store all night so he could pretend to arrive and act surprised when Kayla’s body was discovered.”

“Yep. One minute he’s crying and moaning about losing the love of his life and the next he’s planning his alibi.” Wally parked the car a block away. “Good thing this was such a good bust, because he’ll definitely try and play on the jury’s sympathy.”

“Is Quirk bringing Chase to the county jail?”

“As we speak.” Wally opened Skye’s door. “Except for testifying at the trial, my part is pretty much done.”

“Thank goodness for small favors.” Skye snuggled up to him. “I wish I knew what Vince is up to. I have a feeling whatever it is, he’ll end up smelling like a rose and I’ll be the one shoveling the fertilizer.”

“No doubt.” Wally squeezed Skye’s hand. “But it will be good practice for you. You said you’re trying to stand up to your mom more.”

“True.” Skye gestured to the parked vehicles. “I see Hugo still hasn’t moved his inventory.”

“No.” Wally grinned. “But did you notice what’s on the windshields?”

Skye squinted, then snickered when she saw the telltale neon yellow rectangles tucked under the wiper blades. “Uncle Dante will have a fit when Hugo comes crying to him about all these parking tickets.”

“Maybe.” Wally paused at the bookstore’s entrance, allowing Skye to go in first. “But I pointed out to the mayor that if he wants to encourage new businesses in Scumble River, the town has to have a reputation for cooperating with them and making sure their needs are met.”

“I hope you’re right.” Skye couldn’t see her uncle taking sides against his only son.

As soon as they walked into the store, Risé rushed up to them and hugged Skye. “Thank you for calling this afternoon to let me know that Kayla’s killer is under arrest.”

“You’re welcome.” Skye patted the older woman’s shoulder. “I phoned as soon as Wally gave me the go-ahead. I wanted you to know you were safe.”

“It was a relief to hear that no one is gunning for me,” Risé admitted. “It’s such a shame that Kayla’s young man thought he could change her into what he wanted, instead of loving her for who she was.”

“Yes, it is,” Skye said. “What he didn’t realize is that any relationship is under the control of the person who cares the least, not the most.”

Wally arched a brow at Skye, then said, “It’s ten after six. We’d better find out what Vince has up his sleeve before your folks get here.”

The first thing Skye saw as she walked through the café’s door was a small wedding cake. Next to it was an envelope with her name scrawled in Vince’s distinctive half-printing, half-cursive handwriting. She hurried over, snatched the long white rectangle from the table, and tore it open.Sis,Sorry to do this to you, but it was the only way. Loretta and I eloped last Monday—we’ve been in Las Vegas this past week on our honeymoon. I needed to keep you in the dark so you could be the red herring for Mom. Remember our agreement. When she and Dad get here, you need to break the news to them. We’ll be here at six forty-five, so make it quick.Love,V

Skye handed the paper to Wally, who turned pale. “Maybe I am needed at the station after all.”

“No way.” Skye grabbed his arm. “You want me for better or worse, remember?”

Before Wally could respond, Skye’s parents arrived. As usual, May was in the lead, with Jed trailing a few steps behind her.

May stopped, stared at the wedding cake, then at Skye and Wally, and screamed, “No!” Sinking into the nearest chair, she moaned, “Tell me you didn’t elope!”

“Not me, Mom.” Skye hadn’t realized her mother might think she was the bride.

“Then what is that all about?” May demanded. “You scared ten years off my life.”

“Maybe you should have a drink first.” Skye walked toward the bottle of champagne that was chilling in a silver bucket.

“For heaven’s sake, just tell me.” May threw up her hands in exasperation.

Skye moved a couple steps farther from her mother, then said, “Vince and Loretta got married last Monday in Las Vegas.”

May howled, “My baby!” She popped up from her seat and threw herself against her husband’s chest. “My baby boy got married without me.”

Jed awkwardly patted his wife’s shoulder, and said, “No importance.”

May stiffened, drew back, and slapped him. “It is too important, Jed Denison!” May sobbed.

Skye gasped. She had never once seen either parent lift a hand to the other. Before Skye could process what she had witnessed, the café door opened and Vince and Loretta burst into the room. May’s tears disappeared faster than an ice cube in a deep fryer, and she flung herself into her son’s arms.

Vince drew Loretta into the circle, and the three of them spoke in low tones for several minutes. Skye heard the words “grandchildren” and “house in Scumble River,” then saw May embrace Loretta and smile.

Since all seemed forgiven, Skye popped the cork on the champagne and started pouring. After they toasted the new couple’s happiness, everyone hugged, and Vince and Loretta cut the cake while Wally took pictures using his cell phone.

Once they were all settled around a table to eat, Skye asked, “Vince, why did you have us meet at Tales and Treats? A bookstore isn’t your usual style.”

“Exactly.” Vince grinned. “I knew it would throw Mom off the trail.” May whapped him on the arm, and he continued, “Besides, when Orlando came into the shop a couple of weeks ago for a haircut, he told me all about his baking, so when we decided to do this, I called him to see if he’d let me have a private function at the café after closing time.”

“Why didn’t you ask Maggie to do the cake?” May frowned. Maggie was one of her best friends and the cake maker for Scumble River special occasions.

“Because she would have told you.” Vince laughed. “Same reason we didn’t have this shindig at the Feed Bag. Tomi would have spilled the beans, too.”

“Yeah.” May’s chest puffed out. “I guess I do cast a pretty wide net.”

“Have you told your folks yet, Loretta?” Skye asked.

“No.” The bride’s expression was hard to read. “We’re driving into the city later tonight to share our news with them.”

They chatted for a half hour or so; then Vince said, “We’ve got to get going. We told Loretta’s family we’d be there at nine, and even if traffic isn’t bad, it’ll take us at least ninety minutes.”

They all followed the newlyweds out of the café, and once Skye and Wally were in his car, he suggested to her, “How about stopping at the Brown Bag for a drink? I hear they have a good fifties band playing tonight.”

“Sure.” Skye shook her head. “I could use something stronger than that champagne.”

The Brown Bag, one of Scumble River’s nicer bars, was packed. There were no free tables and only one spot at the bar. Skye took the open stool, and Wally stood behind her. While they waited for the bartender to notice them, she looked around.

Ay-yi-yi! Sitting a couple places down, with a row of martini glasses lined up in front of him, was Simon. Skye was startled. What was he doing there, and why was he getting wasted? That wasn’t like him at all.

Just as she was considering telling Wally she had a headache and wanted to leave, Simon saw them.

He rose unsteadily and staggered toward them. “Well, if it isn’t Dudley Do-Right.”

“Reid.” Wally’s expression was glacial.

“I hope you’re happy.” Simon poked Wally in the chest. “Xavier quit.”

Skye bit her lip. That wasn’t good. Xavier needed a steady income. On the other hand, burying the dead was a recession-proof industry, and he’d have no problem finding a job at any of the neighboring funeral homes.

Simon interrupted her thoughts by adding, “He said he couldn’t face me every day after lying to me.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Wally’s tone was neutral. “Maybe once things settle down, you can change his mind.”

“Like you give a shit,” Simon said in a harsh, raw voice. “You want to see me lose everyone I care about.”

Wally’s jaw tightened. “I couldn’t care less one way or the other.”

“I’m not giving up on Skye.” Simon straightened and seemed to sober up all of a sudden. “I hear you’re having trouble getting your annulment, Boyd.” His smile was predatory. “Just remember, it isn’t over until the fat lady sings.”

“If that’s the case, Reid”—Wally arched a brow—“she’s clearing her throat right now, because I’ve located Darleen.”