“I do.”
“Could you check it against Charlene Smith’s blood?”
There was a long silence. “And why exactly would you think Charlene had been at Abby’s house?”
“Natasha and I met her mother yesterday. I’m surprised that no one notified her that Charlene was in the hospital.”
“It’s not my case, Sophie. I don’t know what to tell you about that.”
“It turns out that Abby and Charlene were friends.”
“That’s not exactly overwhelming evidence that Charlene was at Abby’s house that night. What are you getting at? You think Abby tried to murder Charlene, too?”
“That hadn’t occurred to me. But Wolf, I think I saw Fred Conway coming out of Abby’s gate.”
“You think you saw him or you’re sure it was him?”
“It was dark.”
“Sophie, call me when you have facts. I have an investigation to pursue.”
He hung up.
Mars snickered. “You’re lucky he let you ramble as long as you did.”
“Okay, smarty-pants. Let’s take your scenario and substitute Fred Conway for Wesley. Charlene breaks up with Fred and flees to Abby’s house. Fred follows Charlene and tries to murder her. Abby witnesses the murder and is in hiding from Fred.”
“That actually makes sense,” said Mars. “Except for one major oversight. You forgot about Mia being there.”
I sagged against the back of the sofa.
“Let’s put motive aside. What if, according to your scenario, Fred arrived at Abby’s house. For some reason, three women couldn’t prevent him from murder and mayhem and he’s at fault for everything. Then what is Wesley so worried about?” asked Mars.
“An excellent question.” He was correct. Nothing fit together. I had been premature in suggesting Wolf check the blood against Charlene’s. “You’re in a better position than I am to know what Wesley’s problem is. I overheard Wesley and Stu speaking today. They definitely mentioned something that Wesley is afraid will be made public. Stu told him not to worry, but Wesley was angry.”
Mars looked at me with wonder. “Are you certain?”
“Absolutely. I’m sorry to tell you this, but they’re going to put the blame on you.”
“Blame for what? I haven’t done anything.”
“My best guess is that your date with Abby put you in the right place for something. If it’s any consolation, Wesley feels pretty bad about it.”
“They’re covering up. It’s a classic deflection move. They’re going to blame me for Mia’s death in order to move attention away from something else. Oh ho!” Mars finally smiled. “You can be my spy.”
“Oh no. I would make a lousy spy.”
“There’s nothing to it. You’re over there every day. Just see what else you can pick up. Mind if I use the computer in your office?”
“Of course not. What are you up to?”
“I’m not sure yet. But there must be something in Wesley’s past that everyone missed. Everyone except Stu. If he could find it, so can I.”
Chapter 24
Dear Sophie,
I usually cook for my husband and myself, so I rarely use an entire package of bacon. I hate to waste it. What’s the best way to use it up?
Baconista in Bacon, Missouri
Dear Baconista,
Go ahead and cook the entire package of bacon. Crumble up the leftovers and freeze them. Now you can pop them into any dish without having to cook more bacon!
Sophie
Mars spent the night at my home to avoid the press that camped out in front of Bernie’s house. Saturday morning I found Mars bleary-eyed, still looking at the computer screen in my home office.
“Good morning. Did you get any sleep at all last night?” I asked.
“Not much. I conked out on the sofa for a while, but then I thought of something and got back to work.”
“Can I make you some coffee?”
“Yes, please!”
I retreated to the kitchen and put the kettle on. After the water boiled and sat for a moment, I poured it over coffee grounds in the French press.
Before letting Daisy out in the yard, I peeked outside to be sure the gate was closed and that no reporters lurked around. I could see a couple of diehards at Bernie’s house, but my yard was peaceful and safe for Daisy.
At that moment a car pulled up in front of Francie’s home. She stepped out and waved at me before opening the passenger side. Eunice squabbled with Francie about needing her help. I left Daisy inside the fence and hurried over.
“Good morning, ladies!”
“Will you tell Francie that I don’t need her help getting out of a car?” Eunice grumbled.
I figured she didn’t want my assistance, either. “Could I carry something for you?”
Francie left Eunice to her own devices and popped open the trunk. “That suitcase is pretty heavy. And then there are the cats.”
“Cats?”
“In the back seat.”
I peered into the car. Sure enough, Eunice’s cats looked back at me from their carriers. I took them into Francie’s house two at a time. When they were all safely in the house, I lifted the suitcase that weighed next to nothing and a laptop computer.
“Don’t drop that!” Eunice shouted.
“What’s going on?” I asked Francie.
“We’re doing what you suggested. There’s a contractor at Eunice’s house right now putting in a main floor bathroom and converting the dining room to a bedroom. He’s also installing an elevator!”
“Ouch. That must be expensive.”
Francie waved her hand as though it was nothing. “Not as much as going to an old folks home. He’s also putting in wheelchair ramps, just in case. Smart guy. He thinks ahead.”
“Eunice is staying with you for the time being?”
“If we don’t kill each other,” Francie quipped.
Eunice had managed to step out of the car. She stood erect with her cane in her hand. “Sophie, I love Briley and Schuyler! They’ve been by to visit every single day.”
“They’re coming to my house this afternoon,” added Francie. “Such a shame that sweet Schuyler lost her mom at a tender age. Eunice and I are trying to help her work through this terrible time.”
I swelled with joy. Who’d have thought that would happen?
“Can I bring over some breakfast?” I asked.
“Nope.” Francie held up a bag from Big Daddy’s Bakery. “We already picked it up. But you can carry that heavy bag into my downstairs bedroom.”
“Don’t drop that computer,” cautioned Eunice again.
“What’s with all the TV crews?” asked Francie.
“They’re after Mars because he was the last person known to see Abby.”
“So?” asked Francie.
“I guess they’re hoping there will be a development and they don’t want to miss it.” I carried the suitcase to the guest bedroom in the back of Francie’s house. Duke, the golden retriever, accompanied me.