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I had barely seen Zack and Kylie since they were hustling to get attendees served lunch with only two other servers. Considering how overwhelmed they probably were today, I didn’t expect they had much new to report but I needed to find out if there were midnight staff on duty Thursday night through Friday early morning. They might have heard or seen somebody. Surely Johan would have asked already, but I wanted to check...because I’m thorough.
The rest of lunchtime didn’t produce any information from my tablemates and I half listened to their banter. The dishes had been cleared and a small dessert was being distributed.
“More coffee with your dessert ma’am?” I looked up to see Kylie.
“Yes please.” She moved closer to pour and indicated with a tilt of her head toward the exit doors to hotel proper. I nodded I understood and watched as she topped off a few more cups around my table and the next until the carafe was empty. She walked to the back of the room and placed the empty coffee carafe on a table then exited through the doors.
“I’m going to go freshen up before our afternoon sessions,” I said to the table in general and casually followed her. I caught up to Kylie in a side hallway leading to guest rooms.
“I wasn’t sure you’d have anything to share, you’ve been so busy.”
“I won’t deny that, we’ve been overwhelmed with this conference and less staff to cover than usual with the weather situation ‘cause folks can’t get here on the roads for their shifts. I have something, just don’t know if it’s any help.” She took a breath and I nodded to encourage her.
“Well, I heard some people talking and they’re discussing how Kara was talking with some woman and they were having a whispered argument. That’s how they put it, clearly upset and disagreeing with finger jabbing at each other, but in hushed voices. You know?” She was getting excited.
“Was it Debra Graham?” I dared to think this might be a break.
“That’s just it. It’s a Leona Dolman. She’s here by herself and hasn’t had any contact, as far as I can tell, with any of the other people you had me listening for. But if they argued, it may be important.” She looked at me with anxious eyes and I realized it was likely even outside the resort’s rules to even divulge the little she had, but she recognized it could be critical.
“You’re right, this is completely new and may just help to reveal more. When was the argument?”
“Earlier in the day before Kara’s brazen dinner performance you witnessed.”
“Is there any way you can perhaps point this woman out to me?”
We walked over to the grand staircase that led downstairs with a view of the lobby if you stood on the landing between floors. She scanned the hubbub of people checking the activity board, going to and from the three restaurants, going to the pool or spa, milling around in the lobby, or migrating to an activity.
“I don’t see her anywhere. But she tends to eat dinner in Maximilian’s at 5:30 to 6:30 like clockwork. I could meet you outside tonight and point her out to you.” She seemed concerned this woman was important, and I couldn’t help but think she may be onto something.
“Okay, I’ll be there.” Then I remembered what I needed to ask her, “By the way, was there a front desk person on the night shift the night of the murder? Because that person may have seen something.”
“Yes, of course there was. I don’t know who that might have been, but I’ll try and find out.”
“It would be good to know all those who worked overnight and somehow get them to share if they saw any guests about or anything unusual.”
She nodded and trotted downstairs. I returned to the luncheon just as it was disbanding and everyone scrambling for the afternoon workshops. I grabbed my things from the table and fought the throngs to get to my desired workshop. I settled into my seat at the class on privacy issues as resort management.
I sent a quick text to Porsche inquiring if she expected to see Johan today since I had some news. She replied he might make it by late afternoon or evening. The workshop was about to start so I quickly texted “Add Leona Dolman to our suspect list and find out what you can about her please.”
I knew she had said she was going to attend a paint and wine event this afternoon, so that might offer some excellent gossip and valuable information. I was glad she was staying busy. This isn’t the vacation she had expected, and I felt a tad guilty about that. I had wanted to attend the paint and wine as well and was terribly tempted to skip some of my conference. Reason took over and I recommitted myself to sitting through the fire hose of information from each session.
I was anxious to hear back from Porsche, so naturally time crept slower than molasses in winter. I was in my second workshop of the afternoon, a lively look at the luxury bistro hotel trend and its impact on larger hotels and resorts. I was on the precipice of either snoring or my head hitting the table when my phone gave a soft ding indicating I had a text.
Porsche was short and to the point, “Leona was in the Paint and Sip event. Johan coming by for a quick dinner.” My breath caught when I read it and several people glanced my way. Oh please, the lady unwrapping her peppermint made more noise.
Her message only made it harder to sit through my next session on exceeding guest expectations. Rather than risk the peril of snoring, or perhaps worse drooling, I added notes in the back of my notebook on the additional information from Kylie and conversations during lunch. I tried to see if any obvious evil mastermind emerged. No such luck.
I even managed to take some notes on the session. When we were dismissed I waded through the stream of attendees again. I began to empathize with a spawning salmon’s furious fight upstream. I saw Tammy and elbowed my way over to her side.
“I have a name to add to your list, Leona Dolman,” I whispered in her ear so nobody could overhear. The press of the crowd still jostled and propelled us forward.
Tammy asked in return with a tinge of excitement, “A new development?” She was as interested in our information gathering endeavor as Porsche and I. I whispered the new tidbit about the argument in her ear and her eyes danced. Had I created a sleuthing addict?
What did that say about me? I had to face the fact that I had begun picking up the gossip the moment I heard of the murder. I was just fortunate Detective Larson chose to consider my efforts as an informant’s role.
If I were asked why, I could say I like to solve puzzles or some such. But in all honesty, I didn’t see it as unusual to want to understand what happened and why the situation ended in murder. I just couldn’t ignore there were probably people around who knew pieces or parts of the full picture simply needed the opportunity outside of an interrogation to share.
I answered Tammy with the basics, “Leona had an argument with Kara, no idea what it was about. Just a good idea to keep an ear open for anything about her. I don’t even know who she is yet.” She nodded.
“I’ll go to another activity tonight and see what I can pick up on the grapevine. Bingo was fruitful, maybe I’ll do that again. Besides, I won a hundred bucks last night.” She winked at me.
I didn’t bother checking the activity board but headed for my room immediately. I had my night planned. I was meeting Kylie who would point Leona out, then dining at Maximilian’s for my surveillance duty. Since it is the most upscale of the on-sight restaurants I’d get an opportunity to wear the nice dress I packed. After that, I was finally going to swim and hang at the Jacuzzi like I’d been planning since we arrived.
I checked on the raccoons, still huddled there. Each time I passed the flowers and got a nose full of their perfume, I felt a twinge of some emotion. It was either regret or sadness.
I dutifully called for a reservation at five-thirty and they managed to squeeze me in, especially since I agreed to one of their smaller tables. I did request a good view of the dining room in hopes I’d be in a good position to watch the other diners. This was my big splurge since the meal would be the most expensive part of this conference.
I spent some time actually applying a touch of makeup, put on the flowing jersey dress in a rich plum shade with black lace around the scoop neck and the black strap heels. I had to walk back and forth in the room to practice since I hardly, like never, wear high heels. I did stumble a few times.
Porsche burst into the room and stopped when she spotted me. She let out a long whistle.
“Ummm, whatcha doing?”
“I’m having dinner at Maximilian’s tonight while you and your new boy toy have your time. Why?”
“You look beautiful and a girl usually dresses up this nice for a guy. One she has, or she’s hoping to acquire.” She put a hand on her hip.
“Don’t you give me that attitude. None of your lip young lady.” I shot back, but it didn’t seem to faze her. “I haven’t gotten to dress up and be taken out and wined and dined by Mason. Are you really going to ruin giving myself a treat?” I could give a guilt trip as good as anybody else.
“Additionally...” that’s always a sign to surrender, “I don’t require a guy to dress up and feel good,” I said. So there, and take that.
She raised her hands. “Okay, uncle already.” She rolled her eyes just like when we were in high school.
“So, this Leona gal was in your painting class? What’s she like?” I looked at her then behind her, “Hey, where’s your painting?”
“I left it for them to use as an example. I didn’t want to bring it home.” She remained standing as she talked.
“Leona Dolman is either incredibly shy or very closed and cautious. I think it is the latter. After your text, I made a point of trying to chat with her. She barely said ten words to me. I don’t think it is a stuck-up thing, either. She’s lovely, not beautiful, and not just pretty. Poised too.” She began changing out of her jeans and getting ready for her date.
“Is Johan coming up or are you meeting him? I can tell you the details of the second, or I guess it’s third-hand news by now, that we’ve gathered on Leona.” I figured they would like to focus on the little time they got together considering the interruptions of his duties rather than my relaying information.
“Don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing. But I’d like to have him to myself as much as possible. Thanks.” She was flipping through her dresses she had hung in the closet.
So I shared what Kylie had told me and that it occurred early on the day we arrived, even before Kara’s loud display over dinner and the subsequent argument with realtor Preston in the lobby. I looked at my watch, I had a few short minutes before meeting Kylie.
I handed my phone to barefoot Porsche to take my picture. “I had hoped to get a photo of us throwing snowballs or in front of the hotel, but this will have to do.”
“Give me a seductive look and you can send it to Mason. Let him eat his heart out.” She had a wicked smile.
“I don’t know if I should. I haven’t really heard much from him since the flowers. To be honest, at this point I’m not sure we’re going to be together much longer so why give a false impression.” Just saying it made my heart squeeze.
If she felt a little sorry for me, I’d take it. I mean seriously. Once we talked on the phone there was little more from him, as if the flowers and a hurried text or two just smoothed everything over and he could let me dangle. He had to have a few minutes before he fell asleep to call at the least. I was done with the short text messages.
“Suit yourself. But maybe he needs a reminder of what he left dangling here at home. A reminder you’re here around some wealthy men and looking mighty good while he’s in sunny California.” Her eyebrows danced.
“Okay, take the picture. But no guarantees I’ll send it.” Which was easier said than done. Putting on a dab of makeup is one thing, walking in high heels took practice, but trying to look sexy or seductive wasn’t easy for me. Porsche coached me into poses and how to look at the camera, all of which she deleted.
Finally, she told me to close my eyes and picture the best kiss I’d had from Mason. I relived the heart-pounding kiss after the first self-defense instruction he gave me. Then she whispered for me to look at the camera as if it were Mason.
“Perfect. That worked. Must’ve been a smoking hot kiss.” She smirked. I blushed down to my toes. It had been a great kiss. If only that beginning hadn’t been the closest we’d been thus far... well, no use going there.
I grabbed my phone and walked to the restaurant to meet Kylie, careful to not trip or stumble. I took the elevator because I could envision the disaster of me in high heels on the grand stairway in everyone’s view. The elevator doors opened and I swiftly looked around the lobby. Justin at two o’clock. Crap.
I stepped out of the elevator and behind a fake plant to the side. It seemed he might have been looking around for a while already. I think he discovered when the conference dismissed for the day and had staked out the restaurants and the activity board to catch me. Resourceful. After what seemed like an hour standing in heels, but more likely was about ten minutes, he left in the direction of the game room.
I skittered across the lobby towards the restaurant, much more than a shuffle was too dangerous. I waited a few minutes before Kylie jogged up next to me. Without a word she led me to the entryway of Maximilian’s, she looked around and then pointed from behind a menu to one corner.
“Okay, the dishwater blonde gal in the red sweater with a navy skirt over there. That’s Leona.”
“Great, I’ll be dining here tonight to see if anything transpires. Porsche will tell the detective about her and I have a feeling Miss Dolman may get interviewed tonight before he leaves.”
“I have to run, I’m assisting an activity. I’m dead on my feet and want a hard drink and relax as soon as I’m off shift. I hope my paycheck is worth all this.” With that she left, obviously walking slower than I had seen her before.
I checked in for my reservation and asked if I could have a seat with a good view to people watch. Yes, I used those words. The maitre d’ smirked ever so slightly.
I was led through an elegant room of linen covered tables adorned with candles ringed with flowers, and muted sounds glasses and silverware clinking. I was soothed by soft strains of smooth jazz. My small table was tucked along a rich wood paneled wall with a great view of most of the main seating area, and direct line-of-sight to Leona Dolman.
To my right sat realtor Preston Pinder and his wife in the middle of their dinner. He wore a suit and tie and she was in a nice dress. They appeared bored, both scrolling or texting on their cell phones and ignoring one another. Leona seemed to pay them a passing interest.
I got serious with my menu figuring Leona was still looking at her menu as well so I had time to order, eat, and watch. The menu had sticker shock value, with some meal prices not listed. I hope I didn’t yelp out loud.
I opted not to have an appetizer since I wanted to be finished and ready to follow Leona whenever she left, plus it was cheaper. I hadn’t planned on that course of action, but sitting here I knew I would follow her no matter what I told myself. I decided on butternut squash soup and Chilean sea bass. I was pleased to see a note that they use the greenhouse to grow most of the vegetables. I even indulged in the recommended Riesling wine to go with the sea bass.
The wine arrived with my soup and I settled in and relaxed with the subdued surrounding conversations lulling me. I let my mind wander over the puzzle that was this case. Very little evidence left behind but green yarn and a couple of green buttons. So far nobody had seen a person on her floor even during the hours of interest. But plenty of suspects who had grudges or issues with Kara Caine, realtor extraordinaire.
I was in a reverie when Wade Lochran and his wife were seated in my view. I glanced at Leona and she looked over at the couple too. She stared for a while, but just when I would have thought it was getting suspicious, she began looking at another table and took a sip of her red wine. She stroked a beautiful pendant necklace around her neck as she gazed around.
My dinner was delicious, and the wine was a perfect pairing to highlight the flavors. I noticed a few glances my way and I realized Leona and I were the only solo patrons in the restaurant, and most of the tables were couples. I felt very alone suddenly. I told myself that others were here alone, like Tammy.
I realized Leona declined dessert, and therefore I did as well. She finished signing her bill and walked out while I was signing for dinner to go towards my room charges. I hurried to catch up with her and noticed she took the grand stairs up to the second floor. I followed behind at a slight distance.
She had just used her key card towards the end of the guest hallway when I turned the corner. I slowly walked past and ducked into the exit stairwell with the door cracked so I could watch. I was making this up as I went, but there was no way I could stay here on stakeout in these shoes. The relaxed and contented feeling from dinner fled to be replaced with tension. What was I thinking? What would I witness standing here?
Clearly, I hadn’t thought I would actually stake out a hotel room. I was surprised by it myself. It was ten minutes later when Detective Johan Larson knocked on Leona Dolman’s door. Ha, I knew he was going to interrogate her tonight. I mean “interview” her. Hope he and Porsche had a nice dinner between work duties.
They were standing in the doorway as he asked her questions. Johan had just gotten to the third question when Wade Lochran and his wife returned from dinner and strolled up the hall and entered their room further down the hall from my hiding spot. They both took a slight interest, like when cars slow to drive past a wreck. I stood very still, not daring to breathe, willing myself to be invisible. Wade and his wife closed their door with a thud. I was softly shifted from side to side to relieve my sore feet. Finally, the interview was over and Johan left down the hall.